The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has restated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to accelerating socio-economic development in Ebonyi State and the entire South-East region.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that speaking in Abakaliki on Friday at a Citizens’ Engagement Forum organised by his ministry, Idris said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is on track to fulfil his campaign promises to the region, made during his visit in November 2022.
Idris described the Citizens’ Engagement Forum as a direct platform for presenting the government’s scorecard, giving account of stewardship, and gathering feedback from citizens. He said the Tinubu administration’s bold reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, have doubled allocations to states and local governments, spurring an unprecedented wave of infrastructure projects nationwide. Key projects in the region include the completed Port Harcourt–Aba railway, the Federal Executive Council’s approval of $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, and $508 million for upgrading Eastern Port facilities. The 118.85km Ebonyi section of the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway has also been inaugurated.
On healthcare, the Minister highlighted the April 2025 commissioning of the Cancer Centre of Excellence at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, and the establishment of a world-class Oncology Centre at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka. For small businesses, Idris noted that the Bank of Industry has injected about N200 billion into nano, micro, and small enterprises, benefiting over 900,000 business owners. He added that the newly established South-East Development Commission aims to build a $200 billion economy for the region by 2035, supported by the South-East Investment Corporation with a capital base of N150 billion.
On security, Idris assured residents that the Federal Government is winning the fight against insurgents and secessionist elements, noting that sit-at-home orders have been rendered ineffective in the South-East. He commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for his collaboration with the Federal Government in delivering impactful projects, saying the governor’s achievements demonstrate what is possible when both tiers of government work together.
Reiterating President Tinubu’s vision, Idris said the administration remains focused on building a $1 trillion economy, bridging infrastructure gaps, promoting food security, improving living standards, and securing a prosperous future for coming generations. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars,” he affirmed.