Claim:
President Bola Tinubu, through a statement issued on May 31, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the commissioning of several road projects across the country — including the dualisation of East-West Road Section II (Sub Section I) from Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt to Ahoada, Rivers State.
Verification:
THE Guardian conducted an on-the-ground investigation to verify the state of the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road, which remains a vital infrastructure route connecting critical oil and gas assets including the Port Harcourt Refinery, Indorama Petrochemical Limited, and the Onne Oil & Gas Free Zone.
Findings reveal that the road, although undergoing construction by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), remains incomplete:
Only partial progress has been made on the right carriageway from Eleme Junction, which is still under construction. Work on the second carriageway has yet to begin. There were no signs of completion or readiness for public use at the time of the so-called commissioning.
The virtual commissioning, reportedly done without any local fanfare, deviated from usual practices where local stakeholders gather at the site, suggesting the rush to meet an artificial deadline.
Following a May 21 visit by Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, where he declared the road would be ready in “10 days,” the contractors reportedly rushed the construction process — potentially compromising on quality and long-term durability.
Context and Concerns:
THE commissioning of an unfinished road raises significant concerns, especially given its national importance and the expected lifespan of 50–100 years under standard construction practices. There are also fears that other critical segments of the project may now be neglected.
Verdict:
THE claim that the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road was completed and was ready for commissioning is false and misleading. Major portions remain under construction or untouched. The decision to commission the road in its current state is premature and raises questions about accountability and transparency.
Recommendation:
THE Office of the President must ensure due diligence in project verification to maintain public trust. Misleading the public on infrastructure status undermines confidence and development efforts.
