By Ali Elias, Published 5/26/2023
The Chief Corporate Services Officer, Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo, has, in his article, Building connections: the value of our transport networks, reassured Nigerians that the reconstruction of Enugu-Onitsha Express road is on course and would be ready for use within 18 months.
This is a cheering given the troubling news on the social media platforms that the work is experiencing hitches presently due to the skirmishes over who should be in charge of paying the contactors handling the project. According to the social media news, “After approving the takeover of the construction work on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by MTN Nigeria at about N202.8 billion Naira, under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) scheme, the same government and their cohorts are trying to frustrate the project
“Work has stopped on the Enugu – Onitsha Expressway. It didn’t stop because of lack of fund, but because of the greed and corruption within the government circle
“The politicians in the National Assembly and their counterparts in the Ministry of Works under the leadership of Babatunde Fashola on one hand and MTN on the other hand are at loggerhead on who should be in charge of funds and disbursing of same to the contractor-RCC (Reynold Construction Company)”.
It further urged those who are in Enugu and Anambra, the most directly affected areas to help escalate the issue so that those concerned in the National Assembly would hear it.
The CCSO writes, “MTN will invest N202.8 billion in the rehabilitation of the road, receiving tax credits of the equivalent value that it can use to offset future tax liabilities. Work has already commenced on the road with a delivery schedule that anticipates that people will be able to use it within 18 months. We fully understand the strategic importance of the Enugu-Onitsha road to the eastern economy and Nigeria at large. For us, the completion of the rehabilitation of the expressway is more than fixing a road. It is more than a road; it is connecting people and opening an economy. It is about creating memories for people to appreciate the beauty of our land”.
He further share his enthusiasm about the RITC scheme, “I am incredibly excited at t he potential of this partnership to embed a culture of collaboration between the public and private sector in Nigeria. It is not just MTN that recognises this opportunity. The strong design of the RITC is evidenced in the range of other private sector partners that are joining the programme. By working together, we can accelerate progress towards national development goals, make life easier for Nigerians and improve the prospects for all businesses, large and small
“Personally, I look forward to driving on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, to re-ignite my passion for road trips, and seeing the vibrant beauty that is Nigeria. It is not just about fixing a road; it is about accelerating connectedness and building lasting partnerships” he states. For the interest of all parties concerned Rareview News Report will attempt to seek further clarification with MTN and Ministry on the allegation.