The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has stated that the South-East region of Nigeria is receiving greater federal attention under President Bola Tinubu compared to previous administrations. This assertion was made during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, where Umahi highlighted the various ongoing infrastructure projects across the region. According to him, the increased investment in the region is a result of Tinubu's deliberate development agenda.
Umahi emphasized that his appointment as Minister of Works is significant, as no person from the South-East had previously served in this position. He noted that this appointment is a testament to the President's intention to develop the South-East region. Umahi listed some of the key ongoing projects in the zone, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Enugu-Abakaliki Road, sections of the Trans-Saharan Highway traversing Ebonyi, and major bridge interventions in Anambra and Imo states.
The Minister of Works also revealed that President Tinubu had directed that all inherited but critical South-East road projects be prioritized and completed, rather than abandoned. This directive, according to Umahi, is a clear indication of the President's commitment to developing the region's infrastructure. The Minister warned contractors handling federal road projects across the country to deliver according to specifications and timelines or risk prosecution.
Umahi stated that the ministry will no longer tolerate contractors who collect mobilization funds and abandon sites or deliver substandard jobs. He noted that any contractor that fails to deliver after collecting money will be referred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution. The Minister emphasized that the ministry has introduced stricter supervision, including concrete pavement technology and independent quality assurance, to ensure durability and value for money on all projects.
Furthermore, Umahi announced that a comprehensive compendium of completed and ongoing projects under the Tinubu administration would soon be published on the ministry's website. This publication, according to him, will provide transparency and accountability in the management of federal road projects. The Minister expressed his commitment to ensuring that all projects are completed to the highest standards and within the specified timelines.
The increased investment in the South-East region has been attributed to the President's development agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development. Umahi noted that the region has benefited from a range of projects, including road construction and rehabilitation, bridge construction, and other critical infrastructure. The Minister expressed his gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the development of the region.
In conclusion, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured that the South-East region will continue to receive greater federal attention under President Bola Tinubu. With several ongoing infrastructure projects and a commitment to completing all critical projects, the region is set to experience significant development in the coming years. The Minister's efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of federal road projects have also been commended.
Key points
- The South-East region of Nigeria is receiving greater federal attention under President Bola Tinubu, with several ongoing infrastructure projects.
- The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has warned contractors to deliver according to specifications and timelines or risk prosecution.
- A comprehensive compendium of completed and ongoing projects under the Tinubu administration will soon be published on the ministry's website.
