Road projects in north account for 52%, says Umahi

As the controversy over the neglect of northern road projects in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration heightens, Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi has emphasised that the northern zones account for 52 per cent of the projects.

He made the statement during an inspection of a segment of the 258-kilometre, three-lane carriageway (Section 2, Phase 2A: CH 120+000-CH 378+000) in Gulumbe, Kebbi State, which represents a significant portion of the 1,068-kilometre Super Highway.

Addressing a negative narrative circulating on social media, which he referred to as ‘darkening counsel without knowledge’ the minister reaffirmed that the four legacy road projects initiated by the president encompass all six geopolitical zones of the country.

“This is a true reflection of Mr. President’s stance that every region of this country matters, and no region should be left behind or shortchanged” he said

According to him, the idea for the coastal highway project, which runs from Lagos to Calabar, originated with the president during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, nearly 25 years ago, describing it as a dream come true for him.

In his address, the Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Nasir Idris expressed his gratitude to the president for his support and the numerous projects being executed in the state. He emphasised that the inspection underscores the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and transportation as vital enablers of growth, as outlined in the eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo stated that the project ‘is a promise kept by the president and that the road must be completed’

“The president is passionate about the welfare of every Nigerian, regardless of their origin” he said

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, and former Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, remarked:
“As we all know, the world is no longer building infrastructure solely through government funding but exploring innovative financing models. The president, having invested in relationships, both in Nigeria and abroad, finds it easier to engage individuals and partners willing to contribute to funding these massive endeavours.”

In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engineer Olufunsho Adebiyi, welcomed dignitaries to the project site and promised:
“By the time you are here again, you will see it at a different level.”

Also present during the inspection tour was a former Governor of Kebbi State, Usman Dakingari; Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Mohammed Usman Ankwai; Senior Special Assistant (SSA-P) on Community Engagement for the North West Zone, Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) of Kebbi State, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engineer Abdullahi Umar Farouk; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Hitech Africa Construction Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, and many others.ENDS