Nigeria's Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration has demonstrated a greater commitment to the development of the South-East region than previous governments. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Umahi highlighted the Federal Government's ongoing infrastructure interventions across the country. He noted that although the South-East might not rank among the regions with the highest volume of Federal Government projects, the region was no longer being excluded from major national infrastructure initiatives.
Umahi, a former party chairman, deputy governor, and governor, recalled that previous administrations had failed to provide significant Federal Government projects in the South-East region. He cited his experience, stating that no single project of the Federal Government came to the South-East during his tenure. However, under the Tinubu administration, the region is currently benefiting from a barrage of Federal Government projects. Umahi emphasized that the development was significant, as the South-East was now being integrated into the broader national infrastructure development agenda of the Federal Government.
The minister disclosed that Tinubu had approved two major projects in the region, including the Obanewi-Okiwe axis linking parts of Imo and another road connecting Otuocha in Anambra to Ibaji in Kogi. He also cited the Second Niger Bridge and its associated bypass projects as major evidence of the Federal Government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in the South-East. These projects, according to Umahi, demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing the nation's infrastructure deficit and improving connectivity among communities and regions.
Umahi urged people of the South-East to reciprocate the Federal Government's infrastructure interventions by embracing greater political cooperation with other regions of the country. He stressed the need for Nigerians to move beyond regional politics and work towards a stronger national political system that would promote mutual support and development across the country. Umahi restated his commitment to national rather than sectional political interests, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and cooperation.
The minister dismissed reports of serious divisions within the All Progressives Congress, particularly speculation surrounding his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Umahi described Wike as a progressive and said both ministers remained members of the same political family despite perceived political differences. He emphasized that the differences between them had been exaggerated by their political opponents.
Umahi also provided updates on various infrastructure projects across the country, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road. He defended the procurement process for the coastal highway, explaining that the law recognised open competitive tendering, selective tendering, and special procurement as valid procurement methods. The minister also disclosed that the external financing component of the project was oversubscribed by international financiers by more than $100m.
The minister concluded by stating that there was no part of the country that was not a construction site under President Bola Tinubu. He highlighted the administration's commitment to addressing the nation's infrastructure deficit and improving connectivity among communities and regions. With various projects underway, Umahi expressed optimism that the country would experience significant development in the years to come.
Key points
- Umahi denies APC divisions, citing collaboration with Wike.
- The minister highlights the Federal Government's commitment to the South-East region.
- Umahi provides updates on various infrastructure projects across the country.
