Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has assured citizens that every region in the country is included in President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious infrastructure revolution. Speaking in Abuja after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting led by President Tinubu, Senator Umahi committed to releasing a detailed list of infrastructure projects exceeding N10 billion, stating, “I’m going to publish all the projects across the entire country next week.”
Umahi highlighted significant achievements in urban and rural infrastructure, praising the president’s substantial commitment to national development. He detailed that a 118-kilometer road project in Abuja has cost N286 billion, with N75 billion already disbursed, accounting for 30% of the total project cost. He noted that more than half of the work is completed.
In discussing further projects, the minister indicated that the second phase of roadwork, covering 164 kilometers, is budgeted at N502 billion, with an initial N150 billion already released. The Abuja–Kano road, spanning 72 kilometers and costing N450 billion, has also benefited from N135 billion disbursed to the contractor.
Umahi provided insights into the Abuja County application project, valued at $22 billion, which has received 30% of its funding for ongoing work. He emphasized that recent funding allocations were also made for the four sections of the Bauchi–Gombe road, with projects in Gombe funded through Sukuk bonds now underway.
In a noteworthy mention, the Nembe Bridge project has received 30% of its N156 billion allocation, with promises that it will significantly reduce transportation costs to oil rigs. “When a road is not connected, you can’t move from one state to another. It’s tantamount to being in prison because your movement is restricted,” Umahi asserted. He underscored the broader economic impact, stating that infrastructure projects help reduce costs and enhance the gross domestic product (GDP) of states.
Umahi also provided updates on ongoing projects, including the 85% completion of the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway, which he noted positively influences Lagos’s GDP. He mentioned the extension of the Adamawa project from 45 kilometers to 61.76 kilometers for the Biu–Newman road, as well as additional funding received for the Lagos–Shagamu–Ijebu Ode–Ore project.
The minister noted necessary adjustments in the Niger State road project and updated on the Sokoto–Badagry corridor’s second section, awarded for 228 kilometers at a cost of N961 billion, with an additional 120 kilometers already completed in Sokoto.
Addressing the recent tragic incident at the Keffi Flyover, Umahi expressed his condolences for the three lives lost, confirming that the government has settled claims with the affected families and that reconstruction efforts are underway.
Reiterating the administration’s dedication to transparency and accountability, Umahi welcomed constructive discussions about ongoing infrastructure initiatives. “Anytime, any day, I would like to have a debate with anybody that wants more knowledge in terms of our ongoing infrastructure,” he stated, promising that more details will be available next week to showcase the progress made under President Tinubu’s leadership.