South East Should Be Grateful To Tinubu – Umahi

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has described President Bola Tinubu’s infrastructural interventions in the South-East as the true fulfillment of the region's long-standing aspirations. Speaking during a press briefing in Enugu following an extensive inspection of federal road projects, Umahi characterized the President as a "blessing" to the region. He noted that the scale of ongoing work represents a significant departure from years of neglect, effectively addressing challenges that have plagued the South-East for decades.

In a bold rhetorical move, the Minister equated the President’s developmental strides with the symbolic "Biafra" that many in the region have been agitating for. According to Umahi, the tangible improvements in road connectivity and safety are what the people truly desire from governance. He emphasized that even those who might refuse to acknowledge the progress would "feel" it due to the high quality of the paved roads, asserting that the "nightmares" experienced by commuters are rapidly coming to an end.

Beyond road construction, the Minister announced a new federal mandate banning all mining activities within bridge corridors nationwide to safeguard critical infrastructure. Umahi revealed that the Federal Government would deploy patrol boats to enforce this ban and protect the structural integrity of bridges. This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure that heavy investments in infrastructure are not undermined by unregulated industrial activities that cause soil erosion and structural damage.

​To further bolster security and maintenance on federal highways, the Minister disclosed that the government is partnering closely with law enforcement. He announced the provision of two security vehicles to the police for highway monitoring, supported by a monthly maintenance fund of N3 million from the Ministry of Works. This initiative is designed to create a consistent security presence on newly rehabilitated routes, ensuring that the roads remain safe for travelers and free from criminal elements.

Looking ahead, Umahi reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the highway experience through the integration of technology. He noted that the installation of CCTV cameras and solar-powered lighting, which has already begun on major bridges, will be extended to cover federal highways across the entire country. These measures, according to the Minister, are intended to provide 24-hour visibility and safety, marking a new era of infrastructure management under the current administration.