The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has called on Nigerians, particularly residents of the South-East, to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure projects across the region.
Umahi made the appeal on Sunday in Abakaliki during an inspection of a section of the Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, one of the Federal Government’s flagship legacy road projects.
The minister praised the pace and quality of construction, expressing confidence that the completed highway would transform transportation, improve connectivity and strengthen economic ties across multiple geopolitical zones.
According to him, the highway will significantly reduce travel time between the South-South, South-East and the Federal Capital Territory, with motorists expected to complete the journey to Abuja in about six hours.
He said the improved road network would stimulate commerce, attract investment and deepen regional integration.
Describing President Tinubu as a leader committed to balanced national development, Umahi urged Nigerians to support the administration’s infrastructure renewal agenda and ensure the continuity of ongoing projects.
“I want all of us to win together with President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election,” he said.
The minister also expressed satisfaction with the contractors’ performance, noting that the speed and quality of work reflected the administration’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
“I am happy with the ongoing projects and what the contractors are doing,” Umahi added.
Commenting on the administration’s infrastructure achievements, Umahi referenced former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, saying he had challenged him to publicly assess the projects.
“That is why I asked my brother, Mr Peter Obi, to debate with me on what I am doing,” he said.
According to Umahi, Obi declined the invitation, saying he was not a presidential candidate. However, the minister maintained that Nigerians should objectively evaluate the government’s infrastructure projects.
“I told Peter Obi that I am on the ballot because when President Tinubu is on the ballot, I am also on the ballot,” he stated.
Umahi stressed that continuity in governance was essential to ensure the successful completion of strategic infrastructure projects across the country.
“I do not want these projects to stop. I want them to be completed. Therefore, I urge all Nigerians to support the President,” he said.
Earlier, the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Ebonyi State, Maxwell Oko, said the inspected section of the superhighway would link Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.
Oko explained that the inspection covered Kilometre 118 of Section One of the project, while Section Two begins immediately after the inspected point and extends for approximately 260 kilometres.
“This is not the end of the project. Section Two begins immediately after this point and stretches for about 260 kilometres,” he said.
He commended the Tinubu administration for expanding Nigeria’s road infrastructure, describing the investment as critical to economic growth, improved mobility and national development.
“I commend the Federal Government under the administration of President Bola Tinubu for expanding Nigeria’s road infrastructure for the benefit of the nation,” Oko said.
