The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on the people of the South-East to appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to improving infrastructure in the region.
Umahi made this appeal during a meeting with a delegation from the Enugu and Anambra State caucus of the 10th National Assembly at his office in Abuja. The lawmakers visited to seek federal intervention in completing the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, a crucial road project currently handled by RCC Ltd and funded by MTN under the Tax Credit Scheme.
The minister noted that President Tinubu is determined to ensure no part of the country, including the South-East, is left behind in terms of infrastructure development.
“We want National Assembly members and South-East stakeholders to commend the President because this is beyond politics. No other leader has demonstrated such commitment to the region,” Umahi said.
He also pointed out Tinubu’s efforts in resolving farmer-herder conflicts in the region and tackling Nigeria’s overall infrastructure challenges despite economic difficulties.
According to Umahi, the current administration inherited 2,064 projects worth N13 trillion, which have now increased to over N20 trillion due to economic factors such as the floating of the Naira and fuel subsidy removal. Despite these hurdles, Umahi noted that Tinubu remains focused on improving the country’s infrastructure.
Addressing concerns over the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Umahi expressed sympathy for lives lost on the uncompleted sections, particularly the recent tanker explosion at Ugwu Onyema. He reassured stakeholders that the federal government is committed to completing the project as soon as possible.
He further urged the South-East to recognize Tinubu’s efforts in addressing long-standing issues of marginalization and prioritizing critical road projects in the region.
In response, Senator Osita Ngwu, the Senate Minority Whip, acknowledged Umahi’s efforts in road construction across the country but raised concerns about inadequate funding for projects in the South-East.
“Some sections of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway have become death traps. We appreciate the President’s efforts, but without proper funding, these projects seem like a mere gesture,” Ngwu said.
Similarly, Senator Victor Umeh of Anambra Central commended Tinubu for appointing Umahi as Minister of Works and acknowledged the administration’s ongoing infrastructure projects.
“Through oversight functions, we’ve seen the ambitious road and railway projects transforming Nigeria’s transportation system. However, we urge accelerated attention to the South-East to address its infrastructure deficit,” Umeh said.
