Engr. David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, has commended telecommunications giant- MTN Nigeria for the reconstruction of the 110km Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, a critical link in South-East Nigeria.
The telco had in 2021 expressed interest in the project as part of the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) Scheme, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) introduced by the then President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. It was aimed at providing financial resources for the comprehensive reconstruction and rehabilitation of strategic roads, in exchange for tax credit, as part of the unwavering commitment by MTN to sustainable development and the welfare of the communities it serves.
During this celebration, Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, emphasized the pivotal role of road construction in promoting tourism, facilitating trade, stimulating economic growth, and fostering social development.

During a tour of the road project, Umahi lauded the group- for providing the funds for the reconstruction of the road.
“We are happy with the quality of work and the supervision of the contractors MTN”, he added.
Toriola also paid a courtesy visit to Umahi in Abuja, where he assured the minister of MTN’s commitment to the completion of the road, even as the Minister used the opportunity to appeal to MTN to take on more road projects, one of which would be the Ife-Ondo Road.
“I am appealing that you take on three more projects, and one project that is very key to our people is Ife-Ondo Road. We will be having a powerful engagement with you on how we can start this”, he said.
Speaking on the progress of the road and reinstating the organization’s commitment to the well-being of the communities it serves, Toriola said “Without your tremendous support, we would not have gotten this far, we will be satisfactory to you and there will be no financial delay.”
This collaborative effort between the government and private sector, the group said, exemplifies a promising approach to addressing critical infrastructure needs in Nigeria, ultimately enhancing connectivity, commerce, and the overall well-being of the populace.