The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has devolved the supervision of road projects nationwide to the Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen.
Umahi explained the initiative aims to enhance timely and thorough oversight of contractors to ensure compliance with project specifications and timelines.
The collaboration will empower the State Chairmen to visit construction sites, monitor project progress and report their observations to him for appropriate action based on their recommendations.
This development followed a courtesy visit by the APC Chairmen to the Minister at his Abuja office where he emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to inclusive national development, adding that the President’s economic reforms are beginning to yield significant results.
The delegation, led by the Secretary of the Forum and APC Chairman of Cross River State, Alphonsus Eba, representing the Forum Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, was commended by the Minister for its foresight and commitment to promoting good governance in the country.
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While appreciating the Party leaders for their dedicated efforts in strengthening and expanding the APC at the subnational level, the Minister noted that their visit came at a “critical time.”
He said: “I thank you for recognizing the President’s ongoing efforts and for supporting reconciliation with opposition groups. Your work has helped create an atmosphere that encourages return and reintegration.
“Taking my own state as an example, we’ve seen progress due to the combined efforts of the State governor and party leadership. This is true in many other States, including Delta, where dedicated efforts have brought in members from other political groups.”
To underscore the quality and anticipated economic impact of the country’s extensive road infrastructure expansion, and in contrast to criticisms from the opposition, Umahi highlighted the positive assessments the projects have received from international stakeholders.
“At both local and international levels, we’ve defended the scope and value of several national infrastructure projects. We’ve also received commendations from foreign leaders, including in the U.S., acknowledging the administration’s performance.
“The President inherited a struggling economy. Under his leadership, stability has returned, and foreign reserves have grown.
“Various infrastructure projects have been launched or expanded across all regions of the country and are progressing steadily.
“In the North West, key developments include the 1,068km Sokoto road, of which 258km runs through Kebbi, as well as ongoing works in Zamfara and Katsina, with several sections nearing completion.
“In the North Central region, notable projects include the Abuja–Lokoja road, the Shendam Bridge in Plateau State, and multiple segments of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria expressway.
“The South West is seeing significant investment, with construction advancing on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sagamu–Ore road, and the Badagry expressway.
“In the South South, critical routes such as the Warri–Benin road, the Ughoton bridge projects, and reinforced concrete highways in Bayelsa are underway.
“The South East has recorded major milestones, including the completion of the second Niger Bridge, work on the Enugu–Onitsha expressway, and improvements on roads linking Enugu to Ebonyi and Abakaliki.
“Meanwhile, in the North East, projects such as the Numan–Cham road and bridge and the recently awarded Maiduguri–Monguno route are enhancing connectivity and regional integration.
“Some of these projects have been re-awarded after delays or contractor issues. The government is also developing monitoring systems,” Umahi said.
He emphasised that despite inheriting a difficult economic landscape, Tinubu’s administration has remained bold and consistent in implementing transformative fiscal reforms.
“He pointed out that the opposition has yet to offer viable alternatives to the President’s efforts to revive the comatose economy.
“The removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira were difficult decisions, but they have opened the space for long-term stability, self-reliance, and economic discipline,”.the Minister said.
Umahi noted that contrary to initial concerns, the nation is already witnessing positive signs of recovery, highlighting the drop in food inflation as one of the emerging benefits of the ongoing reforms.
“Our agricultural interventions and policies are beginning to stabilize prices in key markets, and this is just the beginning,” he added.
He acknowledged and accepted the offer of supervisory collaboration on federal road projects across the States.
To underline his commitment, he initiated a dedicated communication and interaction platform with the Chairmen to facilitate local oversight of ongoing works.
He encouraged party members to regularly visit project sites, assess the quality of work, and promptly report any issues.