The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that insecurity in some parts of the country has not slowed down construction on federal highways.
Umahi made the remarks on Saturday in Enugu during an inspection tour of the Enugu–Onitsha highway, the Eke Obinagu mega flyover and other ongoing projects along the route.
According to him, work has continued without interruption following directives from President Bola Tinubu mandating security agencies to ensure the safety of contractors handling federal road projects.
“The President directed the National Security Adviser, service chiefs and related authorities to support us with adequate security on project sites.
“There are no security issues at various project sites as most security agents stay inside bushes and are not seen.
“Work is therefore going on at various sites in accordance with the President’s directives,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing efforts, the minister disclosed that concrete works are being carried out at night in several locations, particularly in northern states where daytime temperatures are extremely high.
“The weather in the northern part of the country is presently above 45 degrees Celsius and you cannot apply concrete under such conditions.
“Applying concrete at night shows there is adequate security on our sites and anyone who tries anything funny will have himself to blame,” he said.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work observed, noting significant progress on key projects in the South-East.
“The Eke Obinagu flyover has attained 99 per cent completion, while sections of the Enugu–Onitsha road are nearing completion.
He said: “They will all be inaugurated by the President in May.
“This is the time for Igbos to appreciate President Tinubu and we will secure over 80 per cent of votes for him from the zone.
“It will take someone like myself from the South-East to replicate President Tinubu’s unprecedented strides in the zone’s annals.”
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), Mrs Chioma Nweze, commended the President for prioritising road development in the region.
“From the Enugu–Onitsha highway to the Enugu–Umuahia–Aba–Port Harcourt and Onitsha–Owerri roads, the President has opened avenues for social and economic growth.
“Farm produce can now be conveyed to markets and students can exchange ideas across states, among other benefits of improved road infrastructure,” she said.
Contractors and project supervisors on site reaffirmed their commitment to meeting agreed deadlines and acknowledged the Federal Government’s backing for the ongoing works.
