Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation Ohanaeze Ndigbo has declared the Owerri–Aba Federal Highway a national emergency, describing its deplorable condition as an unacceptable national eyesore and a serious threat to human lives, economic activities and regional connectivity.
The organisation has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to urgently intervene, commence immediate emergency palliative works and prioritise the comprehensive reconstruction and dualisation of the highway.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo expressed deep disappointment over the failure of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum, to demonstrate the necessary leadership and political coordination required to draw sustained federal attention to the critical infrastructure.
The organisation maintains that unhealthy political rivalry, misplaced priorities and the absence of effective regional collaboration must not be allowed to undermine the development and economic survival of Ndigbo.
Speaking truth to power, Ohanaeze stated that it poses fundamental questions to Governor Uzodimma: What tangible benefits has the South-East derived from his leadership of the Governors’ Forum? What measurable dividends of democracy have accrued to Ndigbo through his position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum? Beyond political prominence and personal political interests, where are the concrete achievements that ordinary people across the South-East can identify and appreciate?
The organisation further questions how Governor Uzodimma expects the people of Imo and Abia States to maintain confidence in the political leadership of the region when a strategic Federal Highway connecting their communities remains in such a deplorable condition.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by Ohanaeze's factional Deputy President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Professor Chibuikeya Achoakawa, Acting Secretary-General, and made available to journalists.
The Pan-Igbo organisation said that political leadership must be measured by tangible achievements, infrastructure delivery and the protection of human lives, not merely by political titles and party affiliations.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo warned that the Owerri–Aba Highway has become a dangerous route, with motorists and commuters exposed to avoidable accidents, prolonged journeys, economic losses and preventable fatalities.
It stated that the continued deterioration of the Owerri/Aba federal road has inflicted enormous hardship on businesses, traders, transport operators and ordinary citizens, adding that the economic consequences extend beyond Imo and Abia States, affecting commercial activities and the movement of goods across the South-East.
The organisation identified the Nekede Polytechnic Junction–Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Junction corridor as one of the worst sections of the highway, saying that another severely deteriorated stretch is the Ngo-Okpala–Owerrinta corridor around the Imo–Abia boundary.
"These sections require urgent federal intervention rather than further administrative delays or political explanations.
Ohanaeze therefore appealed directly to President Tinubu and Senator David Umahi to listen to the growing complaints and suffering of Ndigbo, maintaining that the Federal Government must not allow the critical economic corridor to deteriorate further.
"Emergency palliative intervention must commence immediately, while a comprehensive reconstruction and dualisation programme should be established to provide a lasting solution.
"With the festive season approaching, the organisation considers any further delay unacceptable. Thousands of people will travel through the highway, and the Federal Government must demonstrate that the safety and welfare of citizens remain a priority. Governor Uzodimma must also rise above political considerations, engage the relevant federal authorities and take responsibility for mobilising the necessary intervention.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo further cautioned that the continued neglect of the Owerri–Aba Federal Highway could have serious political consequences in 2027, adding that President Tinubu should recognise that public confidence is strengthened by visible development and responsible leadership.
"The Federal Government must not allow the people of Imo and Abia States to associate its administration with the continued abandonment of critical infrastructure.
"Our position is unequivocal; the Owerri–Aba Federal Highway must be fixed, reconstructed and dualised. Ndigbo deserve safe roads, functional infrastructure and responsible political leadership. The lives of our people must never become casualties of political rivalry, administrative negligence or government inaction.
Owerri/Aba Federal Highway needs national emergency - Ohanaeze Ndigbo