Odita Sunday 
Umahi Parades Federal Projects in Ebonyi, Says Southeast Ready to Back Tinubu
By Odita Sunday
Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has showcased ongoing federal infrastructure projects across Ebonyi State as evidence of what he described as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s expanding development footprint in the Southeast, declaring that the region is prepared to publicly demonstrate its appreciation to the President.
Leading a Federal Government delegation on Saturday alongside Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on an inspection of key road projects in Ebonyi State, Umahi said the scale of infrastructure intervention under the current administration reflects a new era of inclusion, fairness and economic transformation for the region.
During the inspection of project sites, the Minister pointed to strategic developments including the Calabar–Abuja corridor and the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, describing them as projects capable of reshaping trade, mobility and economic growth across Nigeria.
Speaking at one of the inspection points, Umahi explained the importance of a major flyover under construction along the Trans-Sahara route, noting that it would eliminate traffic conflicts and improve connectivity.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had already made budgetary provision in the 2026 fiscal year to extend the corridor directly into Ebonyi State’s capital city.
According to him, the proposed connection covering about 18 kilometres would strengthen access to the state capital and improve movement within the region.
Despite concerns over delayed payments to contractors, Umahi assured that work would continue uninterrupted.
He said contractors handling federal projects remained protected by government’s credibility and pledged that outstanding obligations would be settled, expressing optimism that the project, valued at ₦25 billion, could be commissioned by December.
The Minister described the developments as only an early phase of broader infrastructure investments planned for the Southeast.
He said criticism of the administration’s performance in the region ignored visible evidence of ongoing projects and insisted that residents had taken notice of the interventions.
Umahi further declared that Ebonyi State, under the leadership of its governor, would demonstrate support and appreciation for President Tinubu on Monday through a political endorsement.
He also made a strong political statement on the future direction of the state, insisting that previous voting patterns in Ebonyi would not define future outcomes.
Providing updates on the Trans-Sahara Super Highway, Umahi revealed that the project had already attracted a contract value of ₦668 billion and had reached about 28 per cent completion despite the rainy season.
He credited continued progress to the administration’s road delivery approach and the adoption of concrete pavement technology.
Tracing the project’s origins, the Minister said the corridor had existed as a concept since the colonial era but had remained unrealised until the current administration embraced and advanced the proposal.
According to him, the highway is expected to serve as a major economic corridor linking Nigeria to neighbouring countries while supporting agricultural production and industrial expansion.
Umahi said President Tinubu’s four signature legacy infrastructure projects should be viewed as long-term economic investments rather than conventional road construction.
Drawing comparisons with global economic practices, he argued that infrastructure spending has historically been used by governments to stimulate growth and expand opportunities across multiple sectors.
The Minister also highlighted completed and ongoing infrastructure interventions across Ebonyi and neighbouring states, including bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and the Dangote Tax Credit Road Project.
Reaffirming support for the President, Umahi maintained that the Southeast now has visible evidence of federal inclusion through infrastructure allocation and execution.
He further suggested that representation within the Ministry of Works had contributed to greater attention to regional needs.
Giving additional updates, Umahi disclosed that the 51-kilometre Okposi–Ohaozara–Ukawu–Cross River road project valued at ₦53 billion was approaching completion, with one section already above 90 per cent completion and another progressing at roughly 60 per cent.
He added that the extension of the road to Akam, location of the newly approved South-East Army Depot, had been captured in the 2026 budget.
According to the Minister, more contractors are currently active along the Enugu axis, while a new flyover planned for Okposi is expected to improve traffic movement and strengthen connectivity.
Umahi ended the inspection tour with an endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure, warning contractors to maintain standards and adhere to approved specifications.
The statement was signed by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), June 14, 2026.
About the Author
