Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said the Federal Government may not refund the state for funds spent on constructing the Amawbia–Nise–Agulu–Ekwulobia–Uga federal road.
The governor disclosed this on Wednesday during a statewide broadcast to mark the 34th anniversary of the state’s creation, held at the Light House, Awka.
Soludo explained that although the Federal Government has indicated it would not reimburse the state, what matters most is that the infrastructure is serving Anambra people.
“That road should have been done 60 years ago. Whether they refund us or not, the road is for our people,” he said.
The governor noted that his administration is planning for the state’s long-term future, projecting a population of about 35 million residents by 2070. According to him, this informed the decision to dualize most roads in the state to address future mobility challenges.
“Our planning is for the next 100 to 200 years,” Soludo said. “We are intentional because Anambra has the smallest land mass in the country, second only to Lagos State.”
Reflecting on the state’s journey since its creation, Soludo praised successive administrations for sustaining development. He listed former governors Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Chris Ngige, Peter Obi, and Willie Obiano as having contributed to Anambra’s progress.
The governor also defended his administration’s approach to governance, which he described as prioritizing investment and opportunities over “transient consumption.”
“Our model of stomach infrastructure is different. Free education and free antenatal services are ways of putting money back in people’s pockets, rather than sharing cash to a few individuals,” he said.
Soludo maintained that his government’s focus is on creating value and long-term benefits for millions of Anambra residents.
