Residents of Obizi in Imo State and Umunwanwa in Abia State have urged Federal Government to reinstate Sukuk funding for Achingali–Obizi–Udo–Umunwanwa–Obakala federal road project.
The communities said the project, to link the two states, has reached a crucial stage but cannot progress due to the contractor’s delisting from Sukuk funding.
Initiated in 2021 under Federal Government’s Sukuk bond programme, the 21-kilometre road has seen 14.3 kilometres completed and motorable. But the outstanding 6.7 kilometres, particularly the section from Udo at the Imo–Abia border through Umunwanwa, remains degraded, with parts of the road eroded and impassable.
In Umunwanwa, portions of the road have been washed away by gully erosion, cutting off communities, disrupting trade, and posing a safety risk. Eze Stephen Ihuoma of Umunwanwa underscored its importance to the economy.
“This road is vital to our livelihood and economy. When it is in good condition, travel time to Owerri is reduced to one hour, but now people spend up to three hours through longer routes. We thank government for starting the work, but we appeal for its completion,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Okebugwu, president general, described the project as a beacon of hope for them. He said the exposed oil pipelines in the eroded areas is a danger to life and property.
“Our community believes with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this road can be completed. We appeal to the administration to restore Sukuk funding and empower the contractors to continue their work,” he urged.
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Community leader, Chief Emeka Inyama, also called on the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to intervene. “This is not just about a road; it is about saving our people from years of isolation and ensuring government presence is felt here,” he stressed. Meanwhile, the contractor has clarified that the project has not been abandoned. Engr. Jude Ogbuenyi, the project manager, Boliv Limited explained that work has continued on sections not requiring heavy funding but progress on the erosion-ravaged areas has stalled due to lack of access to funds. “This project is ongoing. We have not abandoned it. What has stalled progress is our delisting from the Sukuk funding programme, which means we cannot access the required resources to tackle the most critical areas, especially at Umunwanwa where major engineering interventions are needed. We are appealing to the Federal Government to reinstate us under the Sukuk scheme so we can mobilize fully and deliver this road,” Engr. Ogbuenyi said. For now, commuters and traders navigating the treacherous terrain continue to face long, risky journeys, while the rainy season worsens erosion. The communities’ call remains consistent: government support is urgently needed to ensure the promise of this vital road project is fulfilled.
Ongoing SUKUK-funded construction works on the Achingali–Obizi–Udo–Umunwanwa–Obakala Federal Road, linking Imo and Abia States, project by Boliv Ltd in Udo community, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State.