Networks Of Roads Under Tinubu Tackling Insecurity, Boosting Economy, Strengthening Re-election — Umahi

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The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has said that the extensive network of roads being constructed by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is helping to address insecurity, stimulate economic activities and strengthen the bid for the President’s re-election in 2027.

Umahi made the remarks during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects in Ebonyi State at the weekend.

According to Umahi, improved road infrastructure has enhanced security by opening up previously inaccessible areas that were vulnerable to criminal activities.

He said locations that once enabled bandits to operate and escape easily had been opened to heavy traffic, making them safer for commuters and businesses.

He said the Tinubu administration had made unprecedented investments in road infrastructure across the South-East and urged the region to support the President’s second-term bid to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.

According to the minister, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its meeting of June 29, 2026, approved road projects worth over N248 billion for Ebonyi State, describing the approvals as further evidence of the President’s commitment to the development of the South-East.

The approved projects include the 18-kilometre concrete dualisation of the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road from EBSU Gate through Spera-In-Deo to Margaret Umahi International Market, valued at about N84 billion; the 21-kilometre dualisation from Onueke towards Ezza South and Ezza North at about N118 billion; and N46 billion for retaining walls, drainage and shoulder works along the Okposi-Amasiri Road.

Umahi said work on the newly approved projects would commence before the middle of August.

“We are standing on projects that speak for themselves. These approvals are a big plus for Ebonyi State, the South-East and indeed every user of these roads. The President is talking less but doing so much for our people,” he said.

The minister also commended contractors handling the projects, particularly those executing the Onueke Flyover and the Legacy Road Project, for sustaining construction despite delays in government payments.

According to him, more than 60 per cent of the Onueke Flyover has been completed because contractors remain confident in the Tinubu administration.

“They have not even been fully paid, yet they have continued to work because they believe in President Tinubu’s administration. I want to assure them that they will be paid,” Umahi said.

He added that the 125-kilometre Legacy Road Project from Ndibe Beach through Ebonyi to the Benue boundary was progressing steadily, while an additional two-kilometre dualisation had been approved to ease traffic congestion.

Umahi further disclosed that another federal highway contract had been awarded from the Benue-Ebonyi boundary through Benue and Kogi states to Nasarawa, noting that the project would strengthen connectivity between the South-East and the North-Central region.

The minister maintained that no previous administration had invested in the South-East as extensively as the Tinubu government.

“This President has done what no other President has done for the South-East in terms of road infrastructure. The quality of the projects, the fairness in their distribution and the level of commitment are unprecedented,” he said.

He argued that the ongoing projects had substantially addressed longstanding concerns over marginalisation in the region.

“There is no part of the South-East today where federal road projects are not ongoing. From Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Aba-Port Harcourt, Owerri-Onitsha, Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja, the Legacy Project, Ndibe Beach Bridge, Oferekpe Bridge and several flyovers, the evidence is there for everyone to see,” he added.

The minister also dismissed insinuations that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, was being targeted ahead of the 2027 general election, describing such claims as unfounded.

Speaking on the 2027 presidential election, Umahi urged the South-East to support Tinubu’s re-election, arguing that it would guarantee the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.

He added, “Nobody is after Peter Obi. We want him on the ballot because the people will decide. The South-East will massively vote for President Tinubu because they can already see the dividends of his administration.”

Umahi further stated, “If he attacks Tinubu, I will respond because I am on the ballot for the South-East to ensure these projects are completed. We are looking for leadership with proven capacity and visible achievements, not empty promises.”

The minister described allegations of a conspiracy against Obi ahead of the 2027 election as “AI politics” and “cheap sentiments,” insisting that the Tinubu administration’s performance, particularly in infrastructure delivery, remained its strongest response to opposition criticism.