The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has confirmed legislative and political support for the establishment of Anioma State.

Akpabio made this known on Wednesday at the All Progressives conference’s (APC) south-south zonal conference in Asaba, Delta state.

The Senate President stated that the President Bola Tinubu administration remains dedicated to the effort.

Akpabio said that if Anioma is established, Warri will serve as the capital of the new Delta state.

He said Warri already has key infrastructure, including an airport, government offices, major oil companies, a seaport, and a stadium.

Akpabio described the agitation for Anioma state as historically justified, noting that the proposal reflects a long-standing aspiration rooted in equity, administrative efficiency, and balanced development.

The senate president said the initiative, championed by Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta north, has continued to receive legislative attention.

Akpabio added that the proposal ranks among the priorities of the 10th senate, adding that the creation of Anioma state would come with socio-economic and administrative benefits.

The ex-Akwa Ibom governor said the restructuring would split Delta state into two viable entities and promote decentralisation.

“Anioma state will be created, with Asaba as its capital.

The senate fully supports the initiative spearheaded by Senator Ned Nwoko,” he said.

The federal government directed that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be reopened for public use on or before March 31.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declared during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover.

Umahi said :

“I have given the controller the authority. By the 31st or before, he should call the press to open this road.

Call the people of South-East, let them know that this road is open for travel, and that will be our Easter celebration.”

Umahi expressed confidence that the era of frequent fatal accidents, endless traffic, and public frustration along the expressway is coming to an end.

“I’m going around the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29 by the president. There are mega projects that the president will be available for before May 29, and we mean it,” he said.

Once regarded as one of the region’s most dangerous highways, the Enugu–Onitsha Road had long been plagued by tanker explosions, fatal accidents, and economic disruptions. Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced a strategic partnership with the Government of Japan to change the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The move, aimed at aligning the city’s growth with modern realities through the year 2050, was the highlight of a courtesy visit by a high-level Japanese delegation to the FCT Ministry on Tuesday.

The delegation was led by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Suzuki Hideo, and the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nigeria, Mr. Ishigame Keiji.

During the meeting, Barrister Wike expressed profound appreciation for Japan’s historical and technical contributions to Nigeria.

He emphasised that the original blueprint of the FCT owes much to Japanese expertise.

“On behalf of the FCT Administration, I appreciate the relationship between Nigeria and Japan,” Wike said.

“I am fully aware of the projects through JICA. It is very key for us because I know the design of Abuja was done by Japan, and now they need to look at it again in order to carry out further structural development.”