The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited “almost no projects” in Nigeria’s South-East region upon assuming office, highlighting that significant interventions have since commenced to address the infrastructure gap.
He spoke on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja, where the Federal Government presented its two-year scorecard in the works sector under President Tinubu.
Umahi said, “In the South-East, we inherited almost no project, but today, we have the Owerri to Onitsha road ongoing, the Enugu to Onitsha project is ongoing, and so is the Enugu to Abakaliki road.
“The Second Niger Bridge, serving both Delta and Anambra states, is also progressing steadily.”
Commending the president for prioritising infrastructure as a means to grow the nation’s GDP, Umahi said, “Mr President, we may have challenges, but I must commend you very highly because you understand that it is the works sector that grows the GDP of a nation, upon which other sectors build. I feel privileged to work under you. You are a great man.”
He also acknowledged the positive feedback being received across social platforms. “I am very happy with what is happening on social media. People are commending you highly for the quality of work going on,” he added.
Investment Drive
Highlighting the Federal Government’s vision, Umahi described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative investment-driven project.
According to him, the 750km highway is not just a road but a strategic economic artery.
“Let me start with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and say that these four legacy projects are not just road projects — they are investment-driven projects. When completed, many of our existing roads across states will interconnect with this project,” he said.
He added that Section 1 of the highway — covering 47.47km by two lanes — has been fully procured and is currently about 80 percent completed. Section 2, which stretches 55km from Elepe Junction to the Ogun border, is ongoing. Umahi assured that 10km of that section would be fully completed before the end of June 2025.
The works minister further explained the economic and environmental benefits embedded in the project.
“We are using reinforced concrete with low emissions, and solar power energy will support parts of the project. The Apapa Wharf has a shallow draft, but with this road and connection to the deep seaport, we are now going to be transloading our goods. In addition, we will be earning carbon credits,” Umahi stated.
‘Shagari’s Highway Dream’
The minister praised President Tinubu for reviving the long-abandoned Sokoto-Badagry Highway initially envisioned by the Shehu Shagari administration.
“Mr President, the Shagari administration dreamt about the Badagry to Sokoto highway, but you came in and turned that dream into reality — from Sokoto to Badagry. That road stretches over 1,068km, and you insisted it be constructed in concrete pavement. We have already procured 258km (by two lanes) in Kebbi State,” he said.
Umahi also noted that President Tinubu inherited 2,604 ongoing projects in the works sector at a total value of ₦13 trillion. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, 260 new projects worth ₦208 billion were scoped and have now been fully completed.
The party’s summit event was attended by President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, APC governors, and other party stalwarts.
