The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Saturday, June 13, 2026 led a Federal Government delegation headed by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on an inspection of ongoing federal road projects across Ebonyi State, using the occasion to highlight what he described as the unprecedented infrastructure transformation taking place under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during the inspection, Umahi showcased several strategic federal projects across the state and the Southeast, explaining that the region remains deeply grateful to President Tinubu for the tangible evidence of inclusion, fairness and development.
At the Calabar – Abuja project sites, the Minister explained the strategic importance of a major flyover under construction along the Trans-Sahara Super Highway corridor.
“Let me say that this is the point where the Trans-Sahara Route takes a bend. The essence of this flyover is to resolve the conflict at this point,” he said.
According to him, the Federal Government has already made provision in the 2026 budget to connect the corridor directly to the Ebonyi State capital.
“The road going to the capital city, which is 18km from this point, is included in the 2026 budget, and the Federal Government will undertake the connection to the city centre.”
Umahi stressed that despite funding challenges, work would continue uninterrupted across project sites.
“Of course, the contractor has not been paid, but we are creditworthy. All contractors being owed will be paid. There should be no stoppage of work because we want to see if we can commission this project by December. The cost is ₦25 billion.”
The Minister described the projects as only a glimpse of what President Tinubu is delivering in the Southeast.
“This is just the beginning. You will see remarkable projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East. When we talk about the gains of the South-East under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some people who do not understand what we are talking about will continue to criticize us.”
He declared that the people of the Southeast have taken notice of the President’s interventions and are prepared to openly express their appreciation.
“The people of the South-East are very appreciative of what the President is doing. By Monday, under the leadership of the Governor of Ebonyi State, we will demonstrate this appreciation when we adopt the President as our sole candidate and, of course, the Governor.”
Umahi was emphatic about the region’s political direction.
“Let it be known that Ebonyi State is not obedient because we want to catch up with the rest of the country, and we will never be obedient. What happened before was an accident of history. It will not repeat itself.”
The Minister also provided updates on the flagship Trans-Sahara Super Highway, revealing that a ₦668 billion contract has already been awarded and construction is progressing steadily despite the rainy season.
“The project is about 28% completed. We are not stopping because of the rains. Work continues, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s concrete road technology.”
Tracing the history of the corridor, Umahi said the project was originally conceived during the colonial era but remained unrealized for decades.
“We presented the concept to the President, a man divinely called to do the impossible. What was once a colonial dream is now being realized more than sixty years later.”
He described the highway as a critical economic route that will connect Nigeria to neighbouring countries while unlocking agricultural and industrial opportunities across the country.
“The President is fulfilling that vision, and I am very happy because this is a major trade corridor. It connects us to Cameroon and serves as a transport route for rice-producing areas in Cross River, Benue, and Ebonyi States.”
Highlighting the broader economic vision behind the President’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi said the four legacy projects of the Tinubu administration are far more than roads.
“As I have always said, the four legacy projects of Mr. President are not merely road construction projects; they are investments.”
Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, he explained that infrastructure investment remains one of the most effective tools for stimulating economic growth.
“Infrastructure investment is critical. In countries such as the United States, whenever there is an economic downturn, governments invest heavily in roads and bridges because such investments stimulate growth across other sectors of the economy. That is exactly what the President is doing.”
He further pointed to visible projects already completed or nearing completion across Ebonyi and neighbouring states, including major bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and the Dangote Tax Credit Road Project.
“We are grateful to the President and pleased with the work being done by our Governor.”
Reaffirming the Southeast’s support for President Tinubu, Umahi said the region now sees clear evidence of inclusion in federal infrastructure investments.
“The South-East has been included. Inclusiveness, fairness and equity are what we have always sought, and today we can point to tangible evidence of that inclusion.”
The Minister also noted that having a Minister of Works from the Southeast has helped ensure the region’s needs receive the attention they deserve.
“Without a Minister of Works from the South-East, we might not have secured all that has been achieved.”