Dr. Kenneth Ugbala, the board member representing the South East zone in the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has stated that President Bola Tinubu has directed the agency to ensure the maintenance of all roads across the country.
Dr. Ugbala dismissed claims that roads in the South East were being neglected in favor of those in the Northern region. He emphasized that under President Tinubu, roads in the South East have been receiving significant attention.
Speaking in his hometown of Okoffia, Ezza South Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Ugbala said, “The President has given us a clear mandate to ensure that all roads nationwide are properly maintained. We are focused on addressing this responsibility with urgency.”
He pointed out ongoing road maintenance projects in the South East, such as the Abakaliki to Enugu route, and debunked the claim that the region was being neglected in road construction. He further highlighted the construction of the Enugu-Onitsha road, as well as the 9th Mile/Gboko/Makurdi road, along with other regional projects benefiting from the Tinubu administration’s coastal road initiatives.
Ugbala also noted that the President had included many South East roads in this year’s budget, underscoring the government’s commitment to the region’s infrastructure.
“The nation is like a basket, with everyone competing for a share,” he remarked. “Although this may have been the case in the past, the South East is now receiving ample attention, including from the coastal and ring roads. Projects like the Enugu-Onitsha and Gboko-Makurdi roads are currently under construction. I don’t believe the current administration is neglecting the South East.”
He called for patience from the people, stating, “We are confident that with the support of the President and the Minister for Works, the South East will continue to benefit from this administration’s efforts.”
Ugbala, a former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government (SSG), also advocated for a stronger maintenance culture in road management. “It’s not just about building roads, but maintaining them for durability. Without maintenance, we risk losing all that we have invested in,” he said.
He mentioned ongoing maintenance work from Abakaliki to Afikpo, and stressed that urgent attention is needed in various parts of the South East, including areas in Abia, Enugu, and Anambra States.
“Our goal this year is to enhance our efforts. Many roads have been included in the budget, but while resources may be limited, we are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in our work,” Ugbala concluded. “We are focused on getting value for money and working diligently with contractors to meet our goals.”
