The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, led a Federal Government delegation on an inspection tour of ongoing federal road projects across Ebonyi State, describing the developments as evidence of what he called an unprecedented infrastructure transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to an official signed statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works (Media), Francis Nwaze, the delegation included the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking during the inspection visits, Umahi showcased several strategic federal road projects in Ebonyi State and the wider Southeast, stressing that the region remains appreciative of the administration’s infrastructure drive, which he said reflects inclusion, fairness and development.
At one of the Calabar–Abuja corridor project sites, Umahi highlighted the strategic importance of a flyover currently under construction along the Trans-Sahara Super Highway axis, noting that it is designed to resolve traffic conflict points along the route.
He disclosed that the Federal Government has made provisions in the 2026 budget to extend the corridor directly into Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, describing it as a major step in regional connectivity.
“The road going to the capital city, which is 18km from this point, is included in the 2026 budget, and the Federal Government will undertake the connection to the city centre,” he said.
The Minister assured that ongoing works would continue without interruption despite funding challenges, adding that contractors would be paid and that efforts were underway to ensure timely delivery of key projects.
“Of course, the contractor has not been paid, but we are creditworthy. All contractors being owed will be paid. There should be no stoppage of work because we want to see if we can commission this project by December. The cost is ₦25 billion,” he stated.
Umahi further described the ongoing infrastructure development in the Southeast as part of a broader national transformation agenda, adding that more projects would soon become visible across the region.
“This is just the beginning. You will see remarkable projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East,” he said.
He also stated that the people of the Southeast had recognised the Federal Government’s interventions and were preparing to publicly express their appreciation under the leadership of the Ebonyi State Government.
According to him, “The people of the South-East are very appreciative of what the President is doing. By Monday, under the leadership of the Governor of Ebonyi State, we will demonstrate this appreciation…”
Umahi also confirmed that a ₦668 billion contract for the Trans-Sahara Super Highway has been awarded, with construction currently about 28 per cent completed, adding that work continues despite the rainy season, supported by concrete road technology.
He noted that the project, originally conceptualised during the colonial era, was now being realised under the current administration, describing it as a major trade corridor expected to boost economic activity across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The Minister linked the infrastructure drive to the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda, including the four legacy projects of the Tinubu administration, which he said go beyond road construction to long-term national investments aimed at stimulating growth.
“Infrastructure investment is critical… That is exactly what the President is doing,” he said.
Umahi also highlighted ongoing and completed projects across Ebonyi and adjoining states, including bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and major federal road corridors, expressing optimism that the Southeast is now firmly included in national infrastructure planning.
He further emphasised that having a Minister of Works from the region had helped ensure better attention to Southeast infrastructure needs.
“Without a Minister of Works from the South-East, we might not have secured all that has been achieved,” he said.
Reaffirming the region’s position, he added, “We can proudly say that while we may not be the first beneficiaries of federal road investments, we are certainly no longer the last.”
Umahi also provided updates on other key federal projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, and other strategic corridors designed to enhance trade, agriculture, industrial growth and employment creation.
He noted that the projects include plans for supporting infrastructure such as dams, irrigation systems, housing, energy projects and industrial clusters aimed at expanding economic opportunities nationwide.
Addressing contractors handling federal projects, the Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to quality and durability, warning that substandard execution would not be tolerated.
He disclosed that the 51-kilometre Okposi–Ohaozara–Ukawu–Cross River road project, valued at ₦53 billion, is nearing completion, while extensions and additional works have been included in the 2026 budget.
The Minister also expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, describing his administration as divinely guided and focused on national transformation.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, God brought you. God will continue to guide and preserve you. We stand with you for the years ahead,” he said.
