Even before the formal commissioning of the newly reconstructed Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Abia State, excited traders and residents have begun relocating to the area, drawn by the transformation of the once-dilapidated route.

Along the newly completed stretch, especially near the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, petty traders in their shops expressed renewed enthusiasm for the area, attributing their return to the extensive facelift the road has received. A commercial tricyclist (Keke rider) was heard telling his colleagues, “Let them come and commission the road and let us work towards the next target area to develop this city.”

The road reconstruction was flagged off by Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, who initiated work on the perennially neglected 6.7-kilometre federal road. The contract, valued at N30 billion, was awarded to leading engineering construction company Julius Berger, with an 18-month completion timeline.

The scope of the project included not just reconstructing the road but also implementing a flood control mechanism, a critical feature for the flood-prone Uratta, Ohabiam, and Ndiegoro axis.

Before the flag-off, Port Harcourt Road had become a ghost corridor, deserted by both residents and traders due to its poor condition. Once a vital commercial artery linking Abia and Rivers States, the road had lost its reputation for housing artisan and commercial activities.

During the flag-off, Governor Otti stated that the project was a major fulfilment of his campaign promise to break the jinx of Port Harcourt Road and revive the economic lifeline of the area.

Completed ahead of schedule in April, one month before the planned May commissioning, the road is now buzzing with commercial activity. Traders and residents previously displaced by the construction have started returning, turning the route into a thriving hub once again.

Residents last week expressed excitement over the transformation. An Okada rider, Innocent Okwe, who also goes by the nickname “Fuji Kpokirikpo Nwaaba,” praised the governor for contracting Julius Berger to handle the reconstruction.

He said, “Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, is our number one citizen in this country. For over 28 years, we have been patrolling around this area, and none of the past governors bothered to make this road look like this. Now, within a few months, our governor has done this for us.

“You see this Port Harcourt Road before, it was like the River Niger on one side and River Benue on the other. Now, our governor has transformed the road, and everywhere looks like an express road. Take a look at the roundabout that has been put here.”

He added: “We are really enjoying it now; no more suffering, no more rain boots, no more using rubber slippers to go out, only leather shoes. But now, we are enjoying it.”

Another resident, Mmadu Ogbe, a motor engine oil dealer, hailed the performance of Julius Berger, describing it as the number one construction company in Nigeria.

“They do a very nice job and everyone can see that. Whoever knows a good thing will recognise the good work the company is doing. If you go around the roads in Aba and see what other construction companies are doing, for example at Obohia Road and other places, the standard is poor and not as perfect as what Julius Berger is doing here. So, we give Berger the number one spot, especially for making the road smooth,” he said.