Key Takeaways
- Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, urged Nigerians, especially South-Easterners, to acknowledge President Bola Tinubu's infrastructure strides.
- Umahi highlighted key projects in the South-East, including the Enugu-Onitsha and Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressways, and crucial access roads to the Second Niger Bridge.
- He emphasized that the Tinubu administration has shown unprecedented inclusion of the South-East through strategic appointments.
- The Minister announced plans to install CCTV and control points on the First Niger Bridge to combat vandalism.
- Umahi received an Award of Excellence in Public Service and Infrastructural Transformation from De Pinnacle Club International.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a compelling call to Nigerians, particularly those residing in the South-Eastern region, to acknowledge and appreciate the significant infrastructure advancements being spearheaded under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. Speaking at the 10th Anniversary of De Pinnacle Club International, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, Umahi stressed that political affiliations should not overshadow tangible developmental progress.
“We shouldn't live in denial. We have to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; even God Almighty appreciates gratitude. It doesn't stop us from asking for more,” Umahi stated, underscoring the importance of recognizing efforts while still advocating for further development. His remarks came as he was honored with an Award of Excellence in Public Service and Infrastructural Transformation, an accolade he dedicated to President Tinubu and the dedicated engineers and contractors working nationwide.
Transformative Projects Across the South-East
Umahi provided concrete examples of projects in the South-East that have transitioned from years of neglect to active construction or substantial completion under the current administration. He specifically listed critical arteries such as the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, the Eke-Obinagu Flyover, the New Artisan Bridge, and the Enugu-Abakaliki Road. These projects are vital for regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and improving the ease of movement for millions of citizens.
A significant focus was placed on the access roads to the Second Niger Bridge. While the bridge itself was completed before President Tinubu assumed office, Umahi noted that its full economic potential remained untapped due to the poor state of its connecting roads. “We had the Second Niger Bridge fully completed before President Tinubu came into office, but the means of fully utilising the bridge, which is the access roads, was bad. So we are now building the access roads,” he explained. He reported that the Anambra section of these access roads is approximately 40 per cent complete, with the Asaba axis at 35 per cent, promising to unlock the bridge's immense value for commerce and travel between the South-South and South-East regions.
Beyond the South-East, the Minister also cited the Lagos-Shagamu Road as another critical link, serving millions who travel from Lagos through Ogun and Edo states to Asaba and beyond. These infrastructure investments are central to the 'Renewed Hope Agenda,' aiming to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national integration.
Strategic Inclusion and National Unity
Umahi highlighted what he described as the Tinubu administration's unprecedented inclusion of the South-East in key national appointments. He pointed to the appointment of an Igbo as the Chief of Air Staff and, for the first time in Nigeria's history, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Works hailing from the zone. These appointments, he argued, demonstrate a commitment to national unity and equitable representation, fostering a sense of belonging among all Nigerians.
Safeguarding National Assets: The First Niger Bridge
Addressing a pressing concern, Umahi spoke about the recent vandalism of the First Niger Bridge, where scrap scavengers were reportedly removing bolts and expansion metals. He confirmed that intervention has commenced, and the bridge will be fitted with advanced security measures, including CCTV cameras and control points, similar to those on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos. This initiative aims to deter vandalism, enhance safety, and prevent accidents, ensuring the longevity and integrity of this crucial national asset.
The anniversary event, themed “A Decade of Excellence, Legacy and Impact,” saw the attendance of prominent figures including Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, Bianca Ojukwu, businessman Obi Cubana, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, and Amb. Elijah Onyeagba, among others. De Pinnacle Club International recognized Umahi's adoption of concrete road technology, his commitment to stronger accountability, and the accelerated execution of federal highway projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Why This Matters
The Minister's call for recognition of infrastructure development underscores the critical role of physical infrastructure in national progress and economic stability. By highlighting tangible projects and strategic appointments, the administration seeks to build trust and demonstrate its commitment to inclusive development across all regions. Addressing issues like vandalism and ensuring the completion of vital access roads are crucial steps towards maximizing the economic and social benefits of these significant investments for all Nigerians.