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Tag: David Umahi

  • Southeast receiving unprecedented federal attention under Tinubu, says Umahi

    Southeast receiving unprecedented federal attention under Tinubu, says Umahi

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the Southeast is receiving more federal attention under the administration of President Bola Tinubu than at any time since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

    According to him, the region is witnessing significant progress, particularly in infrastructure development and other critical sectors.

    Umahi spoke at his residence in Abakaliki while receiving people from the old Ezeagu zone, led by Senator Julius Ucha, who paid him a thank-you visit.

    He said the current administration had created opportunities for greater inclusion of the Southeast in national development and urged the region to focus on progress.

    The minister encouraged residents of the region to support the president, expressing confidence that Tinubu would secure a second term in office.

    He added that although the Southeast might not yet be leading in infrastructure development, it had recorded notable improvement compared to previous years.

    “The share we are getting from the administration of President Tinubu is huge, we may not be the first but we are not the last, in the past, we were the last, we were forgotten, we were nothing, we had nothing.”

    Umahi emphasized that supporting both the President and South-East governors aligns with the region’s long-term interests.

    He noted that the President assumed office at a challenging time and has remained focused on stabilizing and growing the nation.

    Highlighting the broader economic outlook, the Minister said Nigeria is gaining global recognition for economic growth, with international institutions like the World Bank pointing to the country as an example of rapid development.

    He also spoke against the sit-at-home actions in parts of the South-East, stating that they negatively affect the people of the South East.

    He commended the approach taken by Prof. Charles Soludo in Anambra State to fight twb exercise.

    “The Biafra we are looking for is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because the issue was marginalization, all those things we did not get before, and we are getting it now.”

    Umahi further said meaningful development, rather than agitation, remains the pathway to integration and progress for the region.

    On governance and infrastructure, the Minister praised the President’s commitment to continuity, noting that ongoing projects inherited from previous administrations have been sustained.

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    “No president has ever inherited and continued all the projects safe from this president.”

    He also described his working relationship with the President as transparent and shared that he enjoyed working with the president.

    “He has never asked me to give a contract to anybody or to put any money for anybody. Never.”

    Earlier, Senator Julius Ucha thanked the Minister for facilitating key road projects that are already impacting his community and others.

    “It’s a difficult thing to construct roads, but we are eternally grateful to you for your love for us.”

    Ucha recalled requesting the construction of the Ezillo–Ezeagu Road during the campaign period when the Minister was Governor and now, the project has been awarded and speedily progressing.

    He said the project received further backing from the Ebonyi State Government led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, who confirmed it as one of the administration’s early priorities.

    The senator also mentioned the Enugu–Ozara–Nkanu–Agbani–Nkomoru–Isu Road via Ojiegbe, which he said has equally been awarded.

    “We are eternally grateful to you for these consecutive roads… without those two roads, it will be difficult for us to move.”

    According to Ucha, road construction remains one of the most demanding responsibilities of the government, and we do not take the projects for granted. 

  • Tinubu has ended southeast roads nightmare – Umahi

    Tinubu has ended southeast roads nightmare – Umahi

    Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu has broken the long-running cycle of failed road contracts in the Southeast, unveiling tougher engineering standards, strict deadlines, and new technology to secure highways across the region.

    He stated this at the weekend during a press briefing in Enugu, after an extensive inspection tour of major federal road and bridge projects across the South-East and South-South regions.

    The Minister said the federal government has placed a nationwide ban on all forms of mining activities within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges, as part of measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance safety on federal highways.

    Umahi said the directive followed an approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), stressing that enforcement mechanisms, including water patrols, would be deployed to ensure compliance, particularly around major bridges.

    “In line with the Federal Executive Council directive, there will be no mining of any sort within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges nationwide.

    “We are deploying patrol boats, just like we have done at the Third Mainland Bridge, to monitor compliance,” he said.

    The minister also announced a comprehensive rollout of CCTV surveillance systems and solar-powered street lights on federal highways, beginning with completed and critical corridors.

    According to him, the initiative—already implemented on the Second Niger Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge—is aimed at improving road safety, preventing criminal activities, and ensuring rapid emergency response.

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    “Our commitment to deploying CCTV and solar lighting is not limited to bridges alone. Any completed federal highway will have CCTV, solar lights, and dedicated security vehicles. Our response time to incidents will not exceed five minutes,” Umahi stated.

    He noted that two operational vehicles have been procured for the police, with a monthly maintenance support of ₦3 million provided by the ministry to patrol the Second Niger Bridge.

    Umahi expressed satisfaction with the progress of the 17.5-kilometre eastern bypass of the Second Niger Bridge, being executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) at a cost of about ₦179 billion.

    He said about 30 percent of the project funding had been released, with plans to increase it to 50 percent, adding that part of the project is expected to be commissioned by April 20.

    The bypass includes two bridges and two flyovers, which the minister described as “impressive and well executed.”

    On the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Umahi described the project as a major intervention driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the South-East.

    The 107-kilometre dual carriageway project, initially awarded to MTN under a tax credit scheme, had suffered years of delay.

    Umahi said the scope was recently reviewed due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuations.

    “This is a road previous governments abandoned for decades. It is the audacity and determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that is ending this nightmare,” he said.

    He disclosed that 15km and 18km sections of the road are being reconstructed with reinforced concrete, while other, less-damaged sections will be handled with asphalt.

    He added that the first 15km carriageway is expected to be completed within two weeks, alongside the installation of solar lights.

    The minister further announced a new policy prohibiting the removal of existing asphalt from federal roads.

    “No place in the country should remove asphalt from our roads again. We now have different treatments for different roads,” he said.

    He explained that future designs will feature concrete shoulders on both sides, while carriageways will be strengthened using stone base, cement stabilization, and improved asphalt layers.

    Umahi also provided updates on the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, confirming that 61km on the Enugu-bound lane and 3km on the Port Harcourt-bound lane have been fully completed. He assured that the entire corridor would be fixed before 2026.

    On the Enugu–Ebonyi road, the minister said the Federal Government is reconstructing the stretch beyond the section already dualised by the Enugu State Government.

    The ₦180 billion project, he said, would be executed in phases, with the first phase to be completed within the year.

    Umahi issued a stern warning to underperforming contractors, particularly CGC, handling parts of the Second Niger Bridge bypasses.

    He said the company would be given 60 days to improve performance or risk contract termination and possible recovery of funds through performance guarantees.

    The minister concluded by reaffirming the Federal Government’s resolve to deliver durable, safe, and modern road infrastructure across the South-East and the country at large.

  • How Umahi is delivering legacy road projects that align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

    How Umahi is delivering legacy road projects that align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda

    • By Precious Ine

    In the evolving story of Nigeria’s democratic journey, only a few leaders distinguish themselves with the rare combination of vision, courage, competence, and commitment to nation-building. Senator David Umahi, former two-term governor of Ebonyi State and minister of Works, stands among this class.

    At a time Nigeria is undergoing one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations in its history, Umahi has emerged as the defining force setting a new national standard. As someone who observes performance across zones in my role as Southeast zonal coordinator of PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, I can assert that the minister’s work ethic and accomplishments are a source of regional pride and national admiration.

    Intervention in Ebonyi

    Davild Umahi’s political journey did not begin at the national stage, it was built from the ground up, forged through a determination to transform his people. As governor of Ebonyi State, he inherited one of the least developed states in the federation. Yet, in eight years, he turned Ebonyi into a model of modern governance and infrastructure delivery.

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    He transformed the state capital, Abakaliki, into a thriving urban centre with world-class roads, flyovers, medical facilities, and landmark projects. Ebonyi Ring Road project, Margaret Umahi International Market, Virology Centre, King David University of Medical Sciences, and his network of concrete roads are enduring testaments to his innovative leadership.

    It takes more than political power to achieve such a transformation, it takes intelligence, courage, and vision.

    Master engineer as minister

    President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Umahi as minister of Works is regarded as one of the most strategic choices of this administration. Under this portfolio, he has become the face of Nigeria’s new infrastructure revolution, and he has approached this responsibility with unmatched expertise.

    Today, from Lagos to Sokoto, from Kano to Port Harcourt, and from Abuja to the remotest corners of the country, Umahi’s impact is visible. The reconstruction of Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja–Keffi–Lafia Road, Benin–Warri–East-West Road, and other federal road rehabilitation projects have placed Nigeria on a path of modernisation.

    Unlike many in public service, he does not manage infrastructure on paper; he is physically on site, inspecting projects at all hours, ensuring accountability, quality, and speed. His trademark concrete road technology, previously a signature of his work in Ebonyi, has become a standard for federal projects due to its durability and low maintenance cost.

    This is not just public service; this is patriotic engineering.

    Respected across regions

    Beyond politics, Umahi is a unifying figure. His loyalty to national interest, his respect for the President, and his humility have endeared him to citizens. As minister, he has shown that leadership is not rhetoric but deliverables.

    Even in Southeast where political tensions sometimes shape public perception, Umahi remains a respected symbol of competence and pride. He represents what the zone can contribute to national development when excellence is placed above sentiment.

    Support for Renewed Hope

    In my capacity as Southeast zonal coordinator of PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, I have observed firsthand the transformational impact of the Tinubu administration, especially through Ministry of Works. Umahi’s execution of key projects is a major backbone of Renewed Hope Agenda.

    His performance has strengthened confidence in the administration and demonstrated that Tinubu appoints individuals on merit, capacity, and proven record, not political convenience.

    The minister Nigeria needs

    Great nations are built by great men, and  David Umahi is one such man. His brilliance in engineering, his discipline in governance, and his clarity of purpose continue to shape Nigeria’s infrastructural destiny.

    Nigeria needs men like Umahi, who think beyond today’s politics, men who understand the science of development, and men who put results before applause. To the younger generation, his journey is a powerful lesson that competence can never be hidden. Excellence speaks for itself, and when it does, it announces the leader before the title.

    Builder worth celebrating

     David Umahi is more than a minister, he is a national builder, a transformational leader, and one of the most accomplished engineers ever to serve in government. His legacy in Ebonyi remains indelible, and his achievements in the Federal Ministry of Works will define an era.

    As an admirer of quality leadership and as a patriotic Nigerian committed to President Tinubu’s success, I celebrate Umahi not just for what he has done, but for what he continues to represent for this nation: excellence, innovation, and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. Nigeria needs more of his kind.

    • Ine is Southeast zonal coordinator of PBAT Door-to-Door Movement

  • Umahi mourns ‘man of immovable faith’ Ukpai

    Umahi mourns ‘man of immovable faith’ Ukpai

    Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned preacher and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, on October 6, 2025, at 80.

    In a condolence message, Umahi described the late evangelist as “A man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion.”

    Expressing a deep sense of loss at the news of the passing of Ukpai, Umahi extolled the late Ukpai’s lifelong dedication to evangelism and spiritual mentorship, noting that his insightful sermons had shaped the faith of countless Christians worldwide.

    “Late Uma Ukpai was a renowned preacher and teacher of the gospel whose insightful sermons helped in shaping the spiritual journey of many Christians worldwide. 

    “He was a man of immovable faith who preached the gospel of Christ with decades of unwavering devotion. He shall be remembered for his untiring commitment towards promoting the flourishing of the word of God. 

    “He continued to preach the gospel of Christ until his last day on earth when he was ushered into the glorious presence of his heavenly Father,” Umahi noted.

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    He expressed solidarity with the Christian community and the bereaved family, urging them to find comfort in the enduring legacy of Rev. Ukpai’s ministry.

    “With the Christian faithful around the globe, we join our hearts in solidarity and empathy to the bereaved family at this solemn moment as we offer our prayers for the repose of his soul. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, Amen,” the Minister said.

    Umahi further conveyed the sympathies of his family, management, and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works to the late cleric’s family, praying that God grants them strength and comfort during their time of grief.

    “Please accept the heartfelt condolences and compassion of my family, the management, and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works,” he added.

  • Shambolic highways

    Shambolic highways

    • FERMA needs to be strengthened to cope with workload

    Works Minister David Umahi and Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo recently put the state of federal roads across Nigeria in graphic context. They lamented the appalling condition of the infrastructure in Edo State, describing the plight of motorists as both tragic and unacceptable.

    According to them, the situation resulted from years of neglect by successive administrations that could no longer be allowed to continue, considering the hardships faced daily by commuters.

    Speaking following an inspection of the Benin-Warri dual carriageway bypass, Umahi acknowledged that motorists could not travel 100-kilometre stretch on federal roads nationwide without encountering major challenges. He, however, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention and commitment to reversing decades of infrastructural decay.

    He noted that the President inherited a massive backlog of failed road and bridge projects from past administrations, but he has demonstrated courage, commitment and determination to reverse the situation.

    “President Tinubu met an overwhelming situation in terms of roads and bridges. You can’t travel 100 kilometres on federal roads without encountering serious difficulties. But the President is showing resolve, and Nigerians are already commending his efforts,” he stated.

    The minister illustrated the kind of collaboration that could quickly ameliorate the situation with the role being played by Governor Okpebholo. He praised the governor for promptly intervening in critically failed portions of the Benin-Warri highway after the termination of a contract earlier awarded to a construction firm under the NNPC tax credit scheme.

    “The contract was terminated after months of delay and poor work. We appealed to Governor Okpebholo to take over the first 23 kilometres, which he promptly awarded to another firm. The quality of their work is commendable,” he said.

    Okpebholo, for his part, recalled that on personal inspection of the Benin-Warri highway recently, he was disturbed by the sight of multiple accidents and stranded motorists. “I almost wept when I saw the number of vehicles, including trailers, that had broken down or fallen on this road. The situation demands urgent action, and I am glad the minister has joined us to push for solutions,” he said.

    The governor stressed that quality road infrastructure is not only essential for people’s welfare but also critical for the ruling party’s credibility.

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    The situation identified with Edo road infrastructure is replicated across the country, with surfaces of many highways scarred with potholes and gullies. Long stretches are hardly passable in many places, and there are portions where erosion has eaten away entire lanes.

    It is no hyperbole to describe the roads as death traps. Federal roads are major highways linking states in the country and are expectedly busy fares plied by all kinds of motorists. But travellers often found themselves stuck for hours on these roads that are in many cases difficult to navigate owing to pothole-ridden, and in other parts completely failed sections, rendering them impassable, especially during rainy seasons.

    A recent feature report by ‘Vanguard’ newspaper detailed harsh experiences of travellers in sore spots across the country. The report specified problematic highways to include Lagos-Ota Road, and sections I & II of Lagos-Sagamu-Ibadan dual carriageway among others in Lagos axis. In the South-west, they include the Akure to Ado-Ekiti highway, Ado-Ekiti-Ijan-Road in Ekiti State, Ife-Ilesa and Ikirun-Otan Ayegbaju-Ila-Oke Ila roads in Osun State.

    In Oyo, there are the Ibadan–Ogbomoso highway, Ibadan–Ife road (especially the Oyo State axis), and the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode as well as Ibadan–Abeokuta roads that have all but collapsed.

    In the South-south and South-east zones, the report identified the Itu-Calabar federal highway, dislocated sections of the East-West Road that is the artery linking the six states of the oil-rich region, and the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja road that is impassable except for portions partially rehabilitated by the Edo State Government between Benin and Iruekpen and from Agbede to Auchi, among others.

    In the North, there are sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway over which there are issues with the contractor and completion timeline.

    The Tinubu administration has a strong record in road development, with one of its most ambitious projects being the 750-kilometer Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Many roads are receiving government attention nationwide, but more needs to be done.

    Like Umahi and Okpebholo explained, state governments must step up to collaborate with and complement the Federal Government, because the roads are located within their direct jurisdictions and plied by their people. In other words, states cannot idly wait for federal authorities if there will be rapid rehabilitation of road infrastructure across the country.   

    One thing needful at the federal level, however, is to strengthen the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to fulfill its mandate. This agency, with hundreds of engineers on its staff roll, should be empowered with an enabling law and budgetary provisions to rehabilitate and maintain federal roads on an ongoing basis.

  • Why Fed. Govt stopped NNPCL’s tax credit, by Umahi

    Why Fed. Govt stopped NNPCL’s tax credit, by Umahi

    • 100km Coastal Road to pass through Edo

    The incentives awarded to companies under the NNPCL’s Tax Credit Scheme for road construction were terminated due to delays and poor delivery, Works Minister David Umahi said yesterday.

    The minister said this while inspecting the Benin-Warri dual carriageway bypass in Edo State.

    Umahi, who was accompanied by Governor Monday Okpebholo, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the continuation of all road projects under the scheme, despite the stoppage.

    Acknowledging funding challenges following the termination, the minister recounted how Okpebholo was contacted to take over the first 23 kilometres of the road.

    “The contract was terminated after months of delay and poor work. We appealed to Governor Okpebholo to take over the first 23 kilometres, which he promptly awarded to CBC. The quality of their work is commendable,” Umahi said.

    The minister urged the governor to extend his intervention to an additional nine kilometres, applauding his willingness to collaborate with the Federal Government.

    In 2021, the NNPCL launched the first phase of funding road projects with N621.24 billion for 21 roads across the six geopolitical zones.

    The affected roads included Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa/Bokani Junction Road (sections I and II) in Kwara and Niger states; the Suleja-Minna Road, and emergency repairs on the Mokwa-Makera-Tegina toward the Kaduna state boundary.

    The Nation recalls that in 2023, the NNPCL got approval to invest N1.9 trillion in the reconstruction of 44 federal roads, including the East-West Road, the Port Harcourt-Onne Junction upgrade, the Eket bypass, and the construction of the Nembe-Brass Road in Bayelsa State.

    Commenting on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, Umahi said President Tinubu had approved that 100-kilometre stretch of the highway should pass through Edo State.

    The minister said Edo was not originally included in the highway’s alignment.

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    Other states benefiting from the project include Lagos (100 km), Ogun and Ondo (82 km), Akwa Ibom (65 km), and Cross River (27 km).

    He said: “Mr. President has directed that 100 kilometres by two lanes of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway must now pass through Edo. This is a special gift to the people of Edo.

    “The President, impressed by your governor’s commitment to infrastructure, insisted that the state must benefit…”

    Umahi said the President was focused on delivering durable roads designed with reinforced concrete technology to last between 50 and 100 years, despite criticism from some quarters.

    The minister decried the appalling condition of federal roads in Edo State inherited by the Tinubu administration, describing them as tragic and unacceptable.

    He hailed President Tinubu for his swift intervention and commitment to reversing decades of infrastructural decay across the country.

    According to him, no motorist could travel 100 kilometres on federal roads nationwide without encountering major challenges.

    “President Tinubu met an overwhelming situation in terms of roads and bridges. You can’t travel 100 kilometres on federal roads without encountering serious difficulties. But the President is showing resolve, and Nigerians are already commending his efforts,” said Umahi.

    Okpebholo said he intervened because he was disturbed by the sight of multiple accidents and stranded motorists.

    “I almost wept when I saw the number of vehicles, including trailers, that had broken down or fallen on this road. The situation demands urgent action, and I am glad the Minister has joined us to push for solutions.

    “We are determined to fix this road. If I do my part and the Federal Government does its part, nobody will criticise the President. For our people to trust us, we must act. With more contractors on site, this project can be delivered on schedule,” he said.

  • Tinubu government recommits to N761 billion Abuja–Kano road project

    Tinubu government recommits to N761 billion Abuja–Kano road project

    The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the timely completion of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano expressway, describing it as a legacy infrastructure project that will serve future generations.

    Speaking during a site inspection on Saturday, the Minister of Works, David Umahi also assured that the 14-month completion period of the project remains achievable.

    According to him, Sections 1 and 3 of the project, covering a combined 118 kilometers, were awarded for N252 billion, with the President already approving a 30 percent payment of about N60 billion.

    Section 2, he explained, covers 72 kilometers by two lanes, with 15 kilometers designed as flexible asphalt pavement and the rest reinforced concrete.

    The total cost for Section 2 is ₦507 billion, of which 30 percent (over N150 billion) has been disbursed, he revealed, noting, “When combined, the project up to Kano amounts to about N761 billion, which is highly courageous.

    “I commend the President for his interest in building these roads,” the Minister said.

    He added that the initiative has been tagged ‘Rebuilding Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road by President Bola Tinubu‘, noting that the President has made its completion a funding priority.

    The Minister emphasized that the current construction, unlike earlier works that dragged on for years, is designed to last for more than a century.

    “We are very happy and assured that the roads being built by the present administration will last for over a hundred years. It is a legacy we will leave for incoming generations, as there will be no need to rebuild them again,” he affirmed, urging contractors to deliver quality work.

    He further revealed that President Tinubu has directed that the standard of road infrastructure in the South-West, with all accompanying facilities, should be replicated in the North.

    “We want to commend the contractors, but we also frown seriously because my integrity is at stake if we don’t complete the project in 14 months,” he warned.

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    The Minister urged young Nigerian engineers to embrace modern innovations in road construction, while also highlighting the President’s directive that all NNPC-funded projects must not be abandoned.

    “We are going to prioritize them, and contractors will work based on milestones, not just certificates,” he explained.

    Umahi emphasized the importance of monitoring and evaluation in road projects, stressing that on-the-ground supervision is essential to the success of any engineering project.

    “We can’t stay in the office and know what is going on in the field. Site inspection and sharing ideas are key to the success of any engineering project,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, commended the contractors for the progress made so far and urged them to intensify efforts to meet deadlines, especially after delays caused by the rainy season.

    “People are anxious for the timely completion of this project,” Goronyo said, stressing that durable roads and bridges remain critical drivers of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product growth.

  • Orji celebrates Umahi at 62

    Orji celebrates Umahi at 62

    Orji Uchenna Orji, an aide to the Works Minister, Engr. David Umahi, yesterday,  joined other Nigerians to celebrate the minister, who clocked 62 years yesterday.

    Orji, who is the Works Minister’s Special Adviser (Media), in a statement, said he was proud to celebrate the hallmarks of community values the minister represents and to share the testimonies of his love for humanity and the virtues that mark the minister’s outstanding leadership.

    He stated further that the echoes of the minister’s legacies as State Party Chairman, Deputy Governor, Governor of Ebonyi, Deputy Majority Leader of the 10th Senate and Minister of Works would continue to reverberate in the hall of fame of leadership role models in the continent of Africa.” Your values of passion and excellence in service delivery, selflessness, and patriotism in nation-building will continue to resonate in the nation’s leadership discourse,” Orji said.

    The media aide described Umahi as a man highly skilled in construction engineering and highly equipped with the three E’s of leadership: education, experience, and exposure.

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    “As we celebrate your 62nd birthday, we remember with praise to God Almighty the great accomplishments of your age. In your time as governor, you turned Ebonyi State into a paradise of opportunities in infrastructural investments and human resources development. The formidable road and bridge network that you fixed across the State, the commercial and tourism hubs that you created, the classic educational and healthcare facilities that you established, the numerous agricultural and human empowerment initiatives that you introduced, and above all, the leadership mentorship platforms that you bequeathed for the future of the young generation are marks of the rewarding accomplishments of your age.

    “As the Honourable Minister of Works, you have transformed the road sector and brought innovations that guarantee quality,  speed and value for money in project delivery in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of our dear President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Today, all the economic corridors in the works sector have been turned to construction sites courtesy of the Renewed Hope administration,” Orji said.

    On behalf of himself and the family, Orji therefore wished the minister a resounding success in all his endeavours.

  • Umahi orders urgent repairs on damaged Keffi Flyover after truck collision

    Umahi orders urgent repairs on damaged Keffi Flyover after truck collision

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered immediate intervention on the damaged Keffi flyover following an on-the-spot inspection on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

    The damage was caused by a heavy-duty truck carrying an excavator that struck the structure, dislodging one beam completely and damaging two others.

    This followed the Minister’s on-site inspection of the damaged Keffi flyover in Nasarawa State following a collision involving a truck carrying an excavator.

    During the inspection on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Umahi was accompanied by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed; Deputy Director of Design and Bridges, Engr. Musa Seidu, Federal Controller of Works for the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, as well as other senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Works.

    In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, speaking at the site, the Minister said, “This is a very unfortunate situation. A truck carrying an excavator hit this flyover and completely dislodged one of the beams. Two others were affected but remain structurally intact.”

    He disclosed that immediately after the incident occurred on Thursday, July 17, he directed the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, to lead a team of engineers to conduct a preliminary assessment.

    “They visited the site the same day and confirmed visible cracks and structural stress on the bridge due to the impact,” he stated.

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    Based on their findings, the Minister ordered the immediate closure of the affected carriageway to ensure public safety and prevent further damage.

    “We had to close the overpass section of the bridge. The underpass is now clear, but we are not taking chances with the overpass until we have done a full rehabilitation,” Umahi said.

    He noted that the damaged beam also destroyed part of the walkway and the parapet. “While one beam collapsed entirely, the engineers have confirmed that the other two, though affected, still retain their integrity,” he said.

    To fast-track repairs, the Ministry has requested the services of CGC Nigeria Limited, a construction company currently engaged in Federal Capital Territory projects. “We have asked CGC to immediately begin the redesign and moulding of a new replacement beam,” the Minister explained. “They will also work to salvage and reinforce the two partially damaged beams.”

    According to him, the rehabilitation process is expected to take around 30 days. “The casting, curing, and load testing of the new beam will be completed within a month. After that, we will reinstall it.

    “Only when we are satisfied with the structural integrity of the entire flyover will we reopen it to traffic.”

    On the funding mechanism, Umahi said, “These emergency repairs will be covered through an intervention window while we await budgetary releases.”

    He also confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is aware of the incident and has given the directive for swift remedial action. “Mr. President has been fully briefed and has asked us to take immediate steps to restore the facility,” he noted.

    The Minister extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and offered prayers for the injured. “We sympathise with the victims and their families. It is truly regrettable,” he said.

    Umahi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the Keffi flyover is restored safely and efficiently. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our contractors to ensure a quick and safe reconstruction,” he said.

    He also assured the public that the Ministry is prioritising quality and safety in the repair process.

  • Firm’s chief rejects Umahi’s claim

    Firm’s chief rejects Umahi’s claim

    Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services, Stella Okengwu, has  rejected Works Minister, David Umahi’s defamatory claims against her company.

    Okengwu dismissed Umahi’s claims that the company owned undeveloped ‘bare land’ and was not tax-compliant.

    ‘These are lies. We have invested $250million in that estate and we pay  our taxes in full, says Okengwu.

    In a video circulating on social media, he claims that the Ministry of Works illegally demolished the N250 million estate in Okun Ajah, Lagos, despite having necessary documentation.

    “We have invested over N250 million in that estate, and we pay our taxes in full. What the minister is doing is not just illegal,  it is criminal,” Okengwu said.

    Okengwu gave her support to the coastal highway but accused Umahi of weaponising state power to demolish their property.

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    He alleged that ministry officials diverted the road alignment to favour politically connected landowners.

    “They cleared the debris — to erase evidence. This wasn’t just demolition. It was a coordinated cover-up,” she alleged.

    Okengwu appealed to President Bola Tinubu to  act on this.

    The Lagos-Calabar Highway project has sparked criticism from legal experts, diaspora stakeholders, and human rights groups.

    The project’s completion is expected to take eight years, covering a 700km stretch.

    Umahi during the recent inauguration of the Lekki-Epe Deep Seaport road, demanded that the CEO show proof that the investment was actually made.