President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to accelerate the delivery of ongoing federal road and bridge projects across the country, describing the former Ebonyi State governor as one of the strongest performers in his cabinet.
The President gave the charge in a goodwill message marking Umahi’s birthday, where he combined personal commendation with a renewed call for faster infrastructure delivery under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Establishing that improved road infrastructure is central to his administration’s economic programme, Tinubu urged the minister to sustain the pace of construction and rehabilitation works to improve transportation, stimulate commercial activities and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.
According to the statement, the President said Umahi’s approach to public service distinguishes him from many public office holders because he regularly visits project sites instead of relying solely on reports submitted by officials.
Tinubu said, “Engineer Umahi has been one of my outstanding, hardworking ministers, passionate about the job and delivering durable roads and bridges that will last for about a century.”
He added that the minister is actively involved in supervising projects nationwide to ensure contractors complied with approved specifications and standards.
The President said, “As a minister, he does not just sit in his office or rely on reports from subordinates; he is constantly on the road, personally monitoring construction work nationwide to ensure compliance with specifications and approvals.”
The remarks come as the Federal Government continues work on several major highway projects across the country, many of which have been presented as critical to reducing transportation costs, improving interstate connectivity and supporting economic growth.
Since assuming office, Umahi has repeatedly defended the administration’s emphasis on concrete pavement technology for selected federal highways, affirmative of the fact that the method offers greater durability and lower maintenance costs over time.
Before joining the Federal Executive Council, Umahi represented Ebonyi South Senatorial District in the Senate after completing two terms as governor of Ebonyi State between May 2015 and May 2023. His administration was widely associated with extensive road construction and other infrastructure projects in the state.
The President’s latest remarks suggest that infrastructure delivery will remain one of the administration’s defining priorities as it enters another phase of its tenure.
Beyond celebrating the minister’s birthday, the statement underscores the Presidency’s expectation that the Ministry of Works should sustain momentum on ongoing projects despite economic pressures and rising construction costs.
Tinubu also congratulated Umahi and his family on the occasion of his birthday and wished him good health, while expressing confidence in the minister’s continued contribution to the administration’s infrastructure agenda.
The statement did not identify any new road projects or announce additional funding but reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s transport network through accelerated execution of existing federal works.
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