The Federal Government has shifted the completion date for the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State from May 2026 to December 2026, citing the need to incorporate additional features and ensure durable construction.
Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection tour of ongoing road projects, including key segments of the East-West Road. He explained that the revised timeline would allow for the installation of solar-powered street lights, tree planting, retaining walls, and other improvements aimed at enhancing the quality and longevity of the project.
The Eleme axis of the road project, which commenced in September 2023, has now witnessed its completion deadline extended for the third time. The initial target was May 2025, later revised to December 2025, and subsequently May 2026, before the latest shift to December 2026.
Umahi noted that the pace of work may appear slow due to the technical demands of the construction, which involves deep excavation, reinforcement of the foundation with sandstone, and the laying of concrete pavement designed to withstand heavy traffic.
Speaking on the Onne section of the project, the minister stated that the contractor remains fully mobilised to site and that the Federal Government has met its financial obligations to the company. He added that while the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by August 2026, other components, including flyovers and bridges, are projected for completion before the end of the year.
Also commenting, the Federal Controller of Works in Rivers State, Mrs. Tarilade Enwerema, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far. According to her, the Eket-bound carriageway has been completed, while work is ongoing on the Port Harcourt-bound lane. She further disclosed that the Onne Flyover remains on schedule for completion by May 2026.
The East-West Road is a major transport corridor linking several states in the Niger Delta and is considered critical to economic activities, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
