The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has urged Nigerians to inspect government projects firsthand, rather than relying solely on public commentary. He made this statement during an engagement with student leaders and civil society organisations who had inspected selected Federal Government projects, including roads along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Umahi commended the initiative, saying direct inspection would enable Nigerians to better understand the scale and potential impact of infrastructure investments.
Umahi defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, citing its significance beyond road construction due to its potential economic benefits to communities across the Niger Delta. A substantial section of the highway runs through the Niger Delta, a region that contributes significantly to the Nigerian economy through oil production and requires major infrastructure investment. He also highlighted the project's potential to address longstanding challenges in the Ogoni area.
The students, who approached the Ministry of Works to facilitate access to project sites, conducted the exercise independently, declining logistical assistance. Moremi Ojidu, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Community Engagement, South-West, said the students inspected communities along the Lagos-Calabar route, including the Atan Road from Agbara through Atan and parts of Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
During the inspection, the students engaged traditional rulers and residents, observing the potential impact of improved road connectivity on local economic activities. A traditional ruler expressed support for the project, citing its potential to improve agricultural activities in the area. Yewa South is an important food-producing area, and better roads would facilitate the movement of farm produce to markets.
Obinta Juliet, an APC youth mobiliser, urged young people in the South-East to assess government interventions directly, citing infrastructure projects as developments that should be considered when evaluating the Federal Government's presence in the region. She commended Umahi for responding to infrastructure concerns raised by residents of the region.
President of the National Association of Colleges of Education Students (NANCES), Comr. Isaac Ishaku, said the students had personally inspected several projects, particularly those connected to educational institutions, and assessed developments across parts of the North-East and North-West. He expressed satisfaction with the work of President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi's call for Nigerians to inspect government projects reflects a broader effort to promote transparency and accountability in infrastructure development. By encouraging citizens to assess projects firsthand, the Minister aims to foster a more informed understanding of the Federal Government's infrastructure programme and its impact on communities.
Key points
- Umahi urges Nigerians to inspect government projects to assess their impact on communities.
- The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has significant economic benefits for communities across the Niger Delta.
- Student leaders and civil society organisations have inspected selected Federal Government projects, including roads along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
