Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims that the Federal Government is giving the South-East undue preference in the distribution of road projects across Nigeria.
Umahi said federal road projects under his supervision are being implemented nationwide based on approvals granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that he does not independently determine where major federal infrastructure projects are located.
The Minister made the clarification while inspecting the ongoing Trans-Sahara Highway project, a major road development linking Afikpo in Ebonyi State with communities across parts of Benue, Enugu and Kogi states before connecting to the Federal Capital Territory through the Owete Bridge.
Addressing criticisms circulating on social media, Umahi explained that the Works Ministry operates within the framework of approvals and directives from the Federal Government. He noted that President Tinubu remains his superior and that information on ongoing federal road projects is available for public scrutiny.
Umahi also acknowledged the importance of infrastructure development in the South-East, but rejected the suggestion that the region is receiving preferential treatment at the expense of other parts of the country.
According to him, the South-East deserves substantial investment in roads and other infrastructure, just as other regions of Nigeria are entitled to federal development projects.
The Trans-Sahara Highway inspection also provided an opportunity for the minister to push for faster execution of the project. Umahi directed the contractor handling the road to commence construction activities simultaneously on three sections.
The directive is intended to increase the pace of work and reduce the time required to complete the strategic highway.
The project cuts across several states and is expected to improve transportation links between communities while supporting movement, trade and economic activities along its route.
Umahi’s comments come amid continuing public discussions over the geographical distribution of federal infrastructure projects. His position is that the presence of major road projects in the South-East should not be interpreted as evidence that the region is being favoured over other parts of Nigeria.
As work progresses on the Trans-Sahara Highway, the focus will now be on the pace of construction and the ability of the contractor to deliver the various sections within the expected timeframe.
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The Federal Government’s broader road development programme remains aimed at improving connectivity across different parts of the country, with major highways serving as important links for transportation, commerce and regional economic development.
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