The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has linked the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Federal Government’s aggressive investment in road infrastructure, saying the administration is using strategic highway projects to stimulate economic growth, improve security and reconnect communities across the country.
According to an official statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister (Media), Francis Nwaze, Umahi made the remarks during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna (Mando)–Birnin Gwari Road at the Afaka Mando Arena in Kaduna State.
The Minister said road infrastructure has become a key driver of the Tinubu administration’s economic agenda, describing it as a catalyst for development capable of boosting commerce, expanding agricultural activities, reducing insecurity and creating new economic opportunities.
He explained that the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road project is one of President Tinubu’s fulfilled promises and will significantly improve connectivity by providing the shortest route linking Northern Nigeria with Lagos through Niger, Kwara, Osun and Oyo states.
Umahi said the Federal Government is leveraging infrastructure development to address inherited economic and security challenges while correcting long-standing disparities in the distribution of federal projects across the country.
He also dismissed claims that the administration was abandoning existing roads in favour of new projects, pointing to ongoing rehabilitation works on major federal highways, including the Sokoto–Zamfara–Funtua–Zaria corridor, the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, the Makurdi–9th Mile Road, the Bodo–Bonny Road and the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway.
According to the Minister, every investment in road infrastructure generates broader economic benefits by facilitating trade, improving access to education and healthcare, encouraging agricultural production and enhancing national security.
Umahi further stated that the reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna Road had already improved safety along the corridor, reversing the security concerns that once made travel on the route difficult.
The Minister also congratulated the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, on securing presidential approval for a 50-kilometre internal light rail project valued at 868 million dollars, describing it as another landmark infrastructure initiative for the state.
He urged Nigerians to embrace constructive criticism that would help government improve service delivery and strengthen democratic governance.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the event by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who said the commencement of the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road project fulfilled a promise the President made to the people of Birnin Gwari before assuming office.
Governor Sani said President Tinubu had consistently demonstrated commitment to the development of Northern Nigeria through strategic infrastructure projects and security interventions, adding that the reconstruction of the road would further boost economic activities and improve the livelihoods of residents.
Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, commended President Tinubu and the governors of the affected states for the significant improvements in security, noting that many farmers had returned to their farms following sustained efforts to restore peace in the area.
