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Tinubu’s admin inherited almost no projects in South-East – Umahi
Tinubu's leadership reminds me of Lee Kuan Yew - Akume
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration inherited “almost no projects” in Nigeria’s South-East region when they took office.
However, significant interventions have since commenced to address the infrastructure gap.
Umahi stated this on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit in Abuja.
“In the South-East, we inherited almost no project, but today, we have the Owerri to Onitsha road ongoing, the Enugu to Onitsha project is ongoing, and so is the Enugu to Abakaliki road.
”The Second Niger Bridge, serving both Delta and Anambra states, is also progressing steadily, ” Umahi said.
Umahi commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure as a means to grow the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He said, “Mr President, we may have challenges, but I must commend you very highly because you understand that it is the works sector that grows the GDP of a nation, upon which other sectors build.
”I feel privileged to work under you. You are a great man.”
The minister described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a transformative investment-driven project.
According to him, the 750km highway is not just a road but a strategic economic artery.
“Let me start with the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and say that these four legacy projects are not just road projects, they are investment-driven projects.
”When completed, many of our existing roads across states will interconnect with this project,” he said.
Umahi provided updates on the highway’s progress, saying Section 1 is about 80 per cent completed, and Section 2 is ongoing.
He assured that 10km of Section 2 would be fully completed before the end of June 2025.
The minister explained the economic and environmental benefits embedded in the project, including the use of reinforced concrete with low emissions and solar power energy.
“We are using reinforced concrete with low emissions, and solar power energy will support parts of the project.
”The Apapa Wharf has a shallow draft, but with this road and connection to the deep seaport, we are now going to be transloading our goods. In addition, we will be earning carbon credits,” Umahi stated.
Umahi praised President Tinubu for reviving the long-abandoned Sokoto-Badagry Highway initially envisioned by the Shehu Shagari administration.
“Mr President, the Shagari administration dreamt about the Badagry to Sokoto highway, but you came in and turned that dream into reality, from Sokoto to Badagry.
”That road stretches over 1,068km, and you insisted it be constructed in concrete pavement. We have already procured 258km (by two lanes) in Kebbi State,” he said.
Umahi noted that President Tinubu inherited 2,604 ongoing projects in the works sector at a total value of N13 trillion. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, 260 new projects worth N208 billion were scoped and have now been fully completed
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, also praised President Tinubu’s leadership, likening it to that of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.
Akume commended the president’s “reform-driven governance” and decisions made since assuming office in 2023.
“In just two years, we have witnessed impactful decisions, strategic reforms, and commitment to national development.
”Mr President’s leadership reminds us of the legendary Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, the man whose foresight, discipline, and tenacity transformed a small nation into a global model of prosperity and order.
”This is the quality of leadership Nigeria is privileged to have today in President Bola Tinubu,” Akume said.
Akume addressed the growth of the APC, saying that Nigerians were joining the party due to visible results and renewed purpose.
“People are joining our party, the APC, not because of mere promises but because they are experiencing concrete results.
”They see purpose, they see mission and meaning, and they see the bright future ahead. And to those still watching from afar, I say our doors are wide open,” he said.
Akume attributed recent defections from opposition parties to the APC’s achievements and inclusive ideology.
He called on party members to begin early mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The APC is a movement of progress and inclusiveness because nation-building is not the job of a few, it is a collective task.
”Everyone has a role to play, and we welcome more Nigerians who believe in our ideas and our inspirations,” he said.
Akume urged party members to double down on their efforts, showcasing the achievements of the APC under President Tinubu’s leadership.
“As we look ahead to 2027, now is the time to double down on our efforts.
‘:We are beginning now not just to campaign but to mobilise by showcasing the achievements of the APC under the leadership of Mr President, by amplifying his integrity, foresight, and compassion, and by being ambassadors of peace, discipline, and national unity,” he said.
Akume also urged cooperation within the party to ensure national progress.
“As party members, let us embrace collaboration and cooperation, ensure peace and unity, and sustain Nigeria on the path of greatness.
” The APC is not just a party but a vision and with your continued support, that vision will endure and triumph abundantly,” he said.
