“Enugu-Onitsha Expressway Should Be Ready Within 18 Months” – MTN

In a recently published article, the Chief Corporate Services Officer (CCSO) of MTN Nigeria, Tobechukwu Okigbo, shared his thoughts about the impact of transportation networks on the overall wellbeing of Nigerians and the economy. In the piece titled, Building Connections: The Value of our Transport Networks, Okigbo outlined the necessity of projects like the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit (RITC) for the transforming of Nigeria through better transit systems and expressed his excitement over MTN Nigeria’s successful bid to reconstruct 110km dual carriage Enugu-Onitsha expressway. 

MTN Nigeria will invest N202.8 billion in the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway which makes them eligible to receive the tax credits of the equivalent value which can be used to offset future tax liabilities. Concerning progress about the construction, Tobechukwu said, “Work has already commenced on the road with a delivery schedule that anticipates people will be able to use it within 18 months.” 

He also said, “We fully understand the strategic importance of the Enugu-Onitsha road to the eastern economy and Nigeria at large. For us, the completion of the rehabilitation of the expressway is more than fixing a road. It is more than a road; it is connecting people and opening an economy. It is about creating memories for people to appreciate the beauty of our land.”  

Speaking on this fruitful partnership, Tobechukwu said, “There is no better way of demonstrating the strength of the partnership between MTN and Nigeria, than by directly contributing to a project that benefits the government, business and the people by improving people’s ability to connect. It is a tangible manifestation of our belief that “We’re good together” and an extension of our purpose to enable the benefits of a modern connected life to everyone.” 

Tobechukwu Okigbo shared his excitement for the impact of various government-business partnerships on the development of Nigeria. He said, “It is not just MTN that recognises this opportunity. The strong design of the RITC is evidenced in the range of other private sector partners that are joining the programme. By working together, we can accelerate progress towards national development goals, make life easier for Nigerians and improve the prospects for all businesses, large and small.” 

This piece emphasises that the partnership is not just about fixing a road, but also about accelerating connectedness and building lasting partnerships.