The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the socio-economic transformation of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East, declaring that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is delivering on his development promises to the region.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Friday night during a Citizens’ Engagement Forum held in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
This was disclosed in a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant, Media to the Minister, and made available to journalists after the event.
According to the Minister, President Tinubu’s administration is firmly focused on uplifting the South-East through bold reforms, massive infrastructure investments, and strategic policy actions.
“The commitment of Mr. President to the socio-economic development of Ebonyi State and the entire South-East is unwavering. He is right on track to transform and move the region forward, as promised when he came here to campaign in November 2022,” Idris said.
He noted that the Citizens’ Engagement Forum is a direct platform for government to present its scorecard, give account of stewardship, and collect feedback from the people. “This is consistent with the mission of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to reenact trust in public communication by deepening the social contract between government and citizens,” he added.
Highlighting key achievements of the administration, Idris said the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms have significantly boosted allocations to states and local governments, fueling “an unprecedented explosion of infrastructure projects across most states.”
He revealed that the Port Harcourt–Aba railway line has been completed and is now operational, while the Federal Executive Council has approved $3 billion for the full completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line. “This is projected to unlock N50 billion annually in trade for the region,” he stated.
Additionally, $508 million has been earmarked for the modernization of Eastern Port infrastructure, and 118.85km of the Ebonyi segment of the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway has been inaugurated.
On healthcare, the Minister said the Federal Government launched the Cancer Centre of Excellence at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Uburu, in April 2025, and has also commissioned a world-class oncology facility at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka.
In support of small-scale enterprises, he disclosed that the Bank of Industry had injected N200 billion into nano, micro, and small businesses, positively impacting over 900,000 business owners.
Idris also announced that the South-East Development Commission had commenced operations, targeting the creation of a $200 billion regional economy by 2035. Alongside this, the South-East Investment Corporation, with a capital base of N150 billion, is positioned to accelerate industrialization and inclusive growth.
Speaking on security, the Minister assured citizens that the Federal Government had made major strides in stabilizing the region. “We have recorded great success in making the South-East safe and rendering the sit-at-home orders by secessionists ineffective,” he declared.
Idris praised Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for fostering synergy with the Federal Government and for his impactful developmental efforts across sectors.
“His success across all sectors of the state is a testament to what is possible when state and federal governments work in synergy to deliver dividends of democracy to the people,” the Minister said.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s overarching vision to build a $1 trillion economy, bridge the infrastructure gap, secure food systems, and uplift Nigerians. “Indeed, we are not resting on our oars,” Idris concluded.
