By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the temporary reopening of the East–West Road, a critical transport corridor linking several states in the oil-rich Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Wike described the move as a significant relief for commuters, businesses and host communities that have endured prolonged disruption due to the road’s deterioration and ongoing rehabilitation works.
The East–West Road, which connects Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states, has long been plagued by severe damage, causing traffic gridlock, economic losses and safety concerns. Its partial reopening is expected to ease the movement of people and goods, particularly during the peak travel period.
Wike praised President Tinubu for what he called decisive leadership in prioritising key infrastructure across the country, while also lauding Umahi for pushing ahead with urgent interventions on the troubled highway.
He urged road users to exercise patience and comply with traffic regulations as repair works continue, noting that the temporary opening does not mark the completion of the project.
The federal government has repeatedly pledged to fully rehabilitate the East–West Road, one of Nigeria’s most strategic but challenging infrastructure projects, citing its importance to national economic activity and regional integration.
