Infrastructure development in Imo State is gathering pace through increased collaboration between the Federal Government and the state government, with several major projects underway under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During a media tour of ongoing projects, journalists inspected key infrastructure initiatives being executed through partnerships between the Tinubu administration and the Imo State Government. The projects include the expansion of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, rehabilitation of major federal roads and the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a university.
One of the projects highlighted was the reconstruction of the Owerri–Mbaise–Umuahia Road, a federal highway being rehabilitated by the Imo State Government under a reimbursement arrangement with the Federal Government. According to the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, the upgraded dual carriageway, fitted with solar-powered streetlights, has improved connectivity for several communities and is expected to boost economic activities.
The Owerri–Okigwe Road has also been rehabilitated, significantly reducing travel time and improving the movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and passengers across the state. Emelumba attributed the pace of development to improved state finances following increased federal allocations after the removal of fuel subsidy.
The expansion of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport is another flagship project. Airport Manager, Dr. Ann Nkechi Ihekwaba, said the runway is being extended from 2,700 metres to 3,200 metres, enabling the facility to accommodate wide-bodied international cargo aircraft once completed and certified. Cargo terminals, warehouses and customs facilities are also nearing completion.
According to Emelumba, Afreximbank is supporting the establishment of a quality assurance centre to certify export products before shipment. The airport is expected to reduce logistics costs for businesses in the South-East, encourage investment, create jobs and strengthen the region’s export capacity. The facility has already begun handling international pilgrimage flights for Muslim and Christian pilgrims.
The media tour also featured Alvan Ikoku University of Education, formerly Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, which was recently upgraded to university status. State officials said the development is expected to expand academic programmes, improve research opportunities and create additional employment within the education sector.
Speaking after the inspection, presidential adviser Tunde Rahman said the projects demonstrate the benefits of cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments. He noted that the initiatives align with the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda and highlighted interventions such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as part of broader efforts to improve access to higher education.
Rahman also defended the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal policy, acknowledging its initial economic impact but arguing that the reform has increased states’ financial capacity to invest in infrastructure and public services.
Officials said the projects reflect a broader strategy of leveraging federal-state partnerships to improve transportation, education and economic development, positioning Imo State for long-term growth and enhanced regional connectivity.
