The Anambra State Government has approved the release of ₦15.96 billion for the dualisation of the long-neglected Onitsha–Aguleri Road in the Anambra North Senatorial Zone, Newday Reporters has reliably confirmed.
The approval was granted during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held at the Government House, Awka.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, explained that the construction of the new dual carriageway is designed to significantly ease traffic congestion along the busy Onitsha–Nkwelle–Aguleri axis while stimulating economic growth and infrastructural development within the corridor.
Dr. Mefor noted that the project is in line with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s broader infrastructure vision, which prioritises the dualisation of all Trunk ‘A’ roads, whether they fall under state or federal jurisdiction, in order to open up the state, improve connectivity, and reduce traffic gridlock, particularly within Onitsha and its surrounding communities.
In addition to the major road project, the State Executive Council also approved several other critical infrastructure and environmental interventions across different parts of the state. According to the Commissioner, the sum of ₦56.39 million was approved for the supply and installation of a 500 kVA, 33/0.415 kV electricity transformer at Irueyim Community in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, to improve power supply and support local economic activities.
Similarly, ₦159.59 million was approved for the supply and installation of solar-powered street lights along Oye Market Road in Isuofia, Aguata Local Government Area, a move aimed at enhancing security, promoting nighttime commercial activities, and improving the overall aesthetics of the area.
The council also approved ₦497 million for the reclamation, re-channelisation, and remediation of a severe gully erosion site at Umugama-Ire Village in Abba, Njikoka Local Government Area, as part of the government’s sustained efforts to tackle environmental degradation and protect lives, farmlands, and critical infrastructure.
Beyond financial approvals, the State Executive Council resolved to set up a committee tasked with determining the most effective strategy for further beautifying Nnewi, in line with the Soludo administration’s urban regeneration and renewal policy. Plans were also unveiled to undertake a comprehensive facelift of Nnobi town in Idemili South Local Government Area.
Furthermore, the council directed the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade), to begin strict enforcement of approved road setback standards on all newly constructed dual carriageways across the state.
Dr. Mefor explained that the setback standards have been fixed at 1.5 metres in built-up areas and three metres in non-built-up areas, measured from the drainage lines. He added that the policy applies to both motorised and non-motorised road users and is in line with global best practices, including the provision of safe and accessible pedestrian walkways.
According to him, the enforcement of these standards underscores the Soludo administration’s commitment to sustainable urban planning, environmental orderliness, and the creation of people-friendly road infrastructure across Anambra State.
