By IDNN News Desk
Published: May 9, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to address longstanding infrastructure challenges in Anambra State and the wider Southeast region, including the revival of a long-abandoned gas plant, inclusion in the National Rail Master Plan, and urgent intervention in erosion control.
Tinubu made the pledges on Thursday while speaking at a civic reception in Awka, the state capital, during his visit to commission projects completed by Governor Charles Soludo’s administration.
Standing before a large crowd at Alex Ekwueme Square, the President committed to ending the historical neglect of Anambra and other southeastern states in federal development planning.
“Abandoned federal road projects that link Anambra to Kogi can become the fastest gateway between Abuja and Anambra and the South-South. I agree, and we will act,” Tinubu said.
Soludo’s Bold Requests
During the reception, Governor Charles Soludo made a passionate appeal to the President, listing key infrastructure gaps undermining the state’s development.
He lamented that one-third of Anambra’s land mass is under persistent threat of gully erosion, warning that the scale of the ecological disaster far exceeds the capacity of any state government.
“We are already spending tens of billions of naira, but a lot more is urgently needed. The federal government must come in decisively,” Soludo urged.
The governor also expressed frustration over the exclusion of Anambra from both the National Gas and Rail Master Plans, despite the state’s abundant natural gas reserves and its strategic location as a transport hub.
Soludo highlighted the Onitsha River Port, commissioned over four decades ago by President Shehu Shagari, as a symbol of federal neglect.
“It remains a proposal because the federal government has not dredged the river,” he said, calling for dredging and revitalisation of the port.
He also pressed for the resumption of work on the abandoned federal highway linking Anambra and Kogi, which he argued could reduce travel time to Abuja from nine hours to just three.
Tinubu’s Commitments
In his response, President Tinubu reassured Anambra citizens of his administration’s readiness to partner with the state to deliver meaningful development.
He confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Transportation will review and revise the National Rail Master Plan to accommodate southeastern states like Anambra.
“The Ministry of Transportation is aware. We will give it attention,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.
Tinubu also pledged federal support for ecological investments to fight erosion, saying the region’s challenges require urgent and collective action.
Furthermore, he promised that Anambra would be included in the National Gas Master Plan, acknowledging the economic potential of the state’s gas reserves.
“With our progressive ideological alliance, we will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity in Anambra and across Nigeria,” the President declared.
Insecurity in Focus
Tinubu also addressed growing insecurity in the South-east, particularly in Anambra, where violent attacks and sit-at-home orders have disrupted life and economic activities.
He praised Governor Soludo’s security efforts and pledged greater federal collaboration to restore peace.
“I wish to assure you that the federal government will continue to partner with Anambra and the South-east to secure our people and their future,” Tinubu said.
Projects Commissioned
During the visit, Tinubu commissioned several projects spearheaded by the Soludo administration, including:
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The Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
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Solution Fun City, comprising the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, Water Park, and Amusement Park
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The newly completed Anambra State Government House, the Anambra Tour of Light, and the Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard