A former federal lawmaker, Sam Onuigbo, has called on NNPCL to release more funds to complete the Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene road, which links Abia and Akwa Ibom.

Mr Onuigbo, who represents the South-East on the North-East Development Commission’s governing board, called on Monday in Umuahia while briefing journalists after inspecting the ongoing road project in Abia.

He recalled that the federal government awarded the contract for the road reconstruction to Hartland Nigeria Limited and Raycon & Company Nigeria Limited, but it stalled due to inadequate funding.

Mr Onuigbo said the project was later approved for funding by NNPCL through the Road Tax Credit Scheme following his concerted efforts.

“Though the target of the total reconstruction of the 51-kilometre road is yet to be fully achieved, the current rehabilitation work along the road is traceable to the funds released by the NNPCL.

“Luckily, through concerted efforts made via visits to the appropriate quarters, precisely on February 3, 2025, the Federal Executive Council again approved an augmentation of over N14.37 billion on that road,” he said.

He urged stakeholders, especially serving political officeholders from Abia, to facilitate the release of the required funds for the project.

Mr Onuigbo facilitated the project approval in 2016 while representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South federal constituency of Abia.

He cautioned against the proposal to return the project to the normal ministry funding, saying that it would not only be counterproductive but would also lead to unpleasant consequences.

According to him, it can lead to more suffering by motorists and commuters.

He commended NNPCL for its good job, saying it could be hastened by adding more pressure through strategic visits and lobbying by all stakeholders.

Mr Onuigbo also thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the commencement of the construction of a federal secretariat in Abia and his push for the completion of the Achingali-Udo-na-Obizi-Umunwanwa-Ubakala federal road.

(NAN)