Minister of Works David Umahi has said that no previous Nigerian president has undertaken the level of infrastructure development currently being pursued by President Bola Tinubu in the South-East.

Umahi made the statement while highlighting the Federal Government’s ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the region and defending the Tinubu administration’s record of investment in the South-East.

According to the minister, the projects being implemented under the current administration represent a deliberate effort to improve the region’s connectivity and strengthen its integration with the rest of Nigeria.

Umahi Highlights Tinubu’s South-East Infrastructure Programme

Umahi said the projects currently being executed in the region demonstrate that the South-East is receiving greater attention from the Federal Government.

“This is just the beginning. You will see remarkable projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East. When we talk about the gains of the South-East under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some people who do not understand what we are talking about will continue to criticize us.”

The minister said the people of the region had recognised the Federal Government’s infrastructure interventions and expressed confidence that they would acknowledge the projects publicly.

“The people of the South-East are very appreciative of what the President is doing. By Monday, under the leadership of the Governor of Ebonyi State, we will demonstrate this appreciation when we adopt the President as our sole candidate and, of course, the Governor.”

Umahi also spoke about the political position of Ebonyi State, saying the state would continue to support the President.

“Let it be known that Ebonyi State is not obedient because we want to catch up with the rest of the country, and we will never be obedient. What happened before was an accident of history. It will not repeat itself.”

Trans-Sahara Highway Construction Underway

The minister also provided an update on the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, saying the Federal Government had awarded a contract worth ₦668 billion for the project.

He said construction had reached about 28 per cent and was continuing despite the rainy season.

“The project is about 28% completed. We are not stopping because of the rains. Work continues, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s concrete road technology.”

Umahi said the highway had been conceived many years ago but had remained unrealised until the current administration moved to implement it.

“We presented the concept to the President, a man divinely called to do the impossible. What was once a colonial dream is now being realized more than sixty years later.”

He described the project as an important trade corridor that would connect Nigeria with neighbouring countries and create opportunities for agriculture, commerce and other economic activities.

“The President is fulfilling that vision, and I am very happy because this is a major trade corridor. It connects us to Cameroon and serves as a transport route for rice-producing areas in Cross River, Benue, and Ebonyi States.”

Minister Defends Tinubu’s Infrastructure Investments

Umahi said the Federal Government’s major infrastructure projects should not be viewed simply as road construction initiatives but as investments intended to stimulate economic activity.

“As I have always said, the four legacy projects of Mr. President are not merely road construction projects; they are investments.”

He compared the approach with infrastructure spending in other major economies, arguing that investment in roads and bridges can support economic activity during periods of economic difficulty.

“Infrastructure investment is critical. In countries such as the United States, whenever there is an economic downturn, governments invest heavily in roads and bridges because such investments stimulate growth across other sectors of the economy. That is exactly what the President is doing.”

According to Umahi, the infrastructure programme is expected to generate employment while supporting agriculture, manufacturing, trade and other areas of the economy.

“The four legacy projects are investments designed to transform the Nigerian economy.”

He added that the projects would incorporate other forms of infrastructure, including dams, irrigation systems, electricity facilities, agricultural settlements, housing, factories, hotels and renewable energy projects.

“The benefits are extensive and include both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.”

South-East Connectivity Projects

The minister cited several major road projects as evidence of the Federal Government’s infrastructure intervention in the South-East.

Among them are the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, which he said were part of the wider effort to improve transportation links in the region.

Umahi also referred to the Lokoja-Benin-Warri corridor, saying President Tinubu had approved the re-scoping and reconstruction of the 401-kilometre route.

He said the projects were intended to improve movement between communities and economic centres while supporting trade and regional development.

The minister also highlighted infrastructure projects already completed or nearing completion in Ebonyi State and surrounding areas, including bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and projects being financed under the Dangote Tax Credit scheme.

“We are grateful to the President and pleased with the work being done by our Governor.”

Umahi Says South-East Is Receiving Greater Attention

Umahi said the South-East had become part of the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure development programme.

“The South-East has been included. Inclusiveness, fairness and equity are what we have always sought, and today we can point to tangible evidence of that inclusion.”

He further said the presence of a minister from the region had helped draw attention to some of its infrastructure needs.

“Without a Minister of Works from the South-East, we might not have secured all that has been achieved.”

The minister added:

“We can proudly say that while we may not be the first beneficiaries of federal road investments, we are certainly no longer the last.”

Umahi said the Federal Government’s major projects were being designed to connect communities, improve trade routes and create opportunities for businesses and residents.

Umahi Calls for Support for Tinubu

The minister also used the occasion to call on Nigerians, particularly young people, to assess the administration’s policies and infrastructure projects and take a position on the issues affecting the country.

He specifically urged those who believe the government’s policies are producing results to support Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

“I want you to take a side. If you say you are on the list of a coalition and you say that what we are doing is good, then we have to take a stand to vote for the President in the coming election.”

Umahi said citizens should also hold government officials responsible for the sectors under their direct supervision rather than attributing every issue to the President.

“I am here because the President gave me the responsibility to be in charge of roads and bridges. If I do not do it, I should be the one to be blamed, not the President. I am not the President. The President has divided himself into a number of his appointees. These appointees should be the ones to answer and take responsibility.”

He also encouraged young Nigerians to play an active role in protecting public infrastructure and contributing to national development.

“See something, say something. Together, we can take back our country because it belongs to us.”

Umahi Defends Government’s Economic Reforms

The minister acknowledged that Nigeria’s macroeconomic situation was still recovering but urged citizens to assess the government’s reforms against the conditions that existed before Tinubu assumed office.

“You may say that the macroeconomy is just beginning to recover. What was it like before the President took over? Everybody agrees that the macroeconomy is being fixed. It is up to you to dissect the ongoing reforms and take a position.”

He also pointed to developments in the education sector, claiming that the stability of the academic calendar under the current administration represented a significant development.

“For the first time, students never went on strike. Never. Look at the stability of Nigeria. That has never happened throughout the history of this country.”

On the question of where savings from fuel subsidy removal were being deployed, Umahi pointed to major infrastructure projects being undertaken across the country.

He cited the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, which covers 375 kilometres and represents 750 kilometres when the dual carriageway is considered. He said more than ₦200 billion had already been spent on the project, with substantial sections completed.

“For the first time, we have been able to complete 118 kilometres of concrete pavement within 30 months. That has never happened,” he said.

Umahi also defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway against criticism and said the project would be completed.

“I do not know why people are attacking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. After all, this is coming from the Niger Delta, where the oil is coming from. Why is nobody attacking the other three Legacy Projects, but this one is being attacked? That is unfair and unrealistic. That project will be completed. In fact, over 50 percent of the entire stretch is already under construction.”

Minister Says Infrastructure Will Drive Economic Growth

Umahi said the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme was intended to have effects beyond transportation.

According to him, better roads and highways would improve access to markets, facilitate agricultural production, support industries and create employment.

He said the administration’s four major legacy projects were therefore part of a wider economic strategy rather than isolated construction programmes.

The minister also disclosed that the 51-kilometre Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River road project, valued at ₦53 billion, was nearing completion, with one section reportedly above 90 per cent completion and another at approximately 60 per cent.

He further stressed that contractors must adhere to required engineering standards and deliver projects according to agreed specifications.

Umahi concluded by expressing support for Tinubu and his administration.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, God brought you. God will continue to guide and preserve you. We stand with you for the years ahead.”