Kehinde Fajobi
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to critical road infrastructure, stating that ongoing investments will significantly boost the economy and reshape Nigeria’s transportation system.
Umahi made this statement on Tuesday during the signing of a road construction contract with Infiouest International Limited at the Ministry of Works headquarters in Abuja.
The contract covers Section I of the third Renewed Hope Legacy Road project, part of the Enugu/Abakaliki/Ogoja Highway, which spans multiple states, including Cross River, Benue, and Kogi, before terminating in Abuja.
Highlighting the project’s impact, Umahi said it would employ a Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) to ensure durability.
He detailed that the 118.85km section traverses various towns in Ebonyi State, such as Ndibe Beach, Eke Market, and Onueke, before ending at Mbeke.
“Mr. President has engaged in four critical investments, which we call the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects,” Umahi stated.
He listed ongoing projects, including the Lagos-Calabar road, spanning 750 kilometres, and emphasised the importance of these initiatives despite opposition.
“Despite all the envy and jealousy by people that even took us to court, this project is a must. We’re supporting Mr. President to have it accomplished. It’s not just a project; it is an investment,” he added.
Umahi also referenced other significant projects, such as the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway (1,068km) and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road (439km), explaining that President Tinubu has prioritised redesigning and funding inherited projects to ensure nationwide development.
“The President has not stopped any of the inherited projects,” he stated, noting that the redesign of the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road using reinforced concrete will begin in 2025 with counterpart funding from the Federal Government.
Speaking on behalf of Infiouest International Limited, the company awarded the contract, Managing Director Joseph Abou Jaounde pledged to deliver quality work.
“Honourable Minister, I want to say thank you for the trust. We will prove that this trust is in the right place,” he assured.
Umahi concluded by expressing gratitude for President Tinubu’s leadership, which he believes will leave a lasting legacy through transformative infrastructure development across Nigeria.