The Naze–Nekede–Ihiagwa–Obinze Road in Imo State has come under renewed scrutiny after ₦6.24 billion was reportedly released for its construction, yet significant portions of the strategic road remain in deplorable condition.
The development has raised questions among residents and commuters over the execution of the project and the utilisation of funds released by the state government.
The 2025 Imo State Budget allocated ₦6.8 billion for the construction of the Naze (Poly Junction)–Nekede–Ihiagwa–Obinze Road.
Available budget figures indicate that ₦2.24 billion had been released by the second quarter of 2025, while another ₦4 billion was released by the third quarter, bringing the reported total releases to ₦6.24 billion.
Despite the substantial funding, residents say the condition of several sections of the road remains unacceptable.
Some rehabilitation work was carried out last year along the Naze (Poly Junction)–Nekede axis. However, residents say the level of work on other stretches has fallen far short of expectations.
From Muruako Junction towards Umuchima by Lafarge Junction, only stone-base concrete was reportedly applied, while the stretch from Umuchima towards Obinze, after the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) Main Gate, was left largely covered with red mud.
The condition has reportedly worsened during periods of rainfall, leaving motorists and other road users to contend with difficult driving conditions.
Even sections of the road around Nekede where construction work had been undertaken are reportedly deteriorating, with large potholes emerging along some portions.
For residents and commuters who depend on the route daily, the situation has become a major source of frustration.
The Naze–Nekede–Ihiagwa–Obinze corridor is an important route linking residential communities, businesses and the FUTO axis, making the state of the road particularly significant to thousands of road users.
Residents are therefore demanding greater transparency from the Imo State Government over the project.
They are calling on Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State Government and the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to publicly provide details of the work executed, payments made to contractors and how the ₦6.24 billion reportedly released for the project has been utilised.
The central question now confronting the authorities is simple: if ₦6.24 billion has been released against a ₦6.8 billion budget provision, why do major portions of the Naze–Nekede–Ihiagwa–Obinze Road remain in such poor condition?
As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State government has not issued a statement to address the matter.
Residents say they deserve clear answers — and a road that reflects the level of public funds committed to it.
