Umahi Urges Southeast to Appreciate Tinubu’s Infrastructure Investments
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has urged Nigerians, particularly residents of the Southeast, to recognise the infrastructure investments of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the President has changed the development narrative in the region.
Umahi made the statement on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, when Bishops and Archbishops of the Methodist Church from the Southeast paid him a courtesy visit at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja.
The Minister acknowledged concerns over past marginalisation of the Southeast but said such concerns should not prevent the people from appreciating ongoing Federal Government infrastructure projects across the region.
“Yes, I agree that in the past there was so much marginalisation of the Igbo everywhere, not just the Southeast, but President Bola Tinubu has changed the narrative,” Umahi said.
He said the Federal Government was executing infrastructure projects across the country because of the President’s commitment to development, adding that his appointment as Minister of Works had provided an opportunity to accelerate projects in the Southeast.
“We are working everywhere in Nigeria because of who the President is,” he said.
Umahi urged residents of the Southeast to continue demanding additional development while recognising projects already being executed.
“We can be looking for more. I agree. We can demand more so that we can meet up with the past marginalisation, but it shouldn’t make us not be appreciative,” he said.
The Minister cited several major projects in the region, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, Enugu-Onitsha Road, Enugu-Abakaliki Road, Eke-Obinagu Flyover in Enugu and the Second Niger Bridge.
He said the reconstruction of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road would significantly improve travel along the corridor, noting that motorists had previously spent several hours travelling between the two cities.
Umahi also disclosed that rehabilitation work on the First Niger Bridge was ongoing following concerns over its condition, adding that the bridge was expected to be commissioned with solar lighting and CCTV surveillance.
The Minister further highlighted the proposed highway corridor linking Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue and Enugu towards Abuja, saying the first two sections, covering about 330 kilometres, had been awarded and paid for by the Federal Government.
According to him, the completion of the corridor would significantly reduce travel time between parts of the Southeast and Abuja.
He said the infrastructure projects would not only improve transportation but also create employment, boost commercial activities, enhance security and stimulate economic growth.
“We are borrowing to put in infrastructure, and this infrastructure, it is an investment,” Umahi said.
He added that the Federal Government’s objective was to develop economic corridors around major road projects.
“When we finish, then we will now build infrastructure along the corridor. Nigeria will never be the same again,” he said.
Umahi also called on church leaders and other stakeholders to help educate Nigerians, particularly young people, about ongoing infrastructure projects and their potential economic benefits.
The Minister said he intended to tour the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to sensitise Nigerians about the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme.
He also appealed for greater political participation by the Southeast at the Federal level, arguing that being part of the central government was important for influencing major development decisions.
Umahi said his comments were not motivated by personal opposition to former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, whom he described as a close friend.
“I am not against Peter Obi. He is my very close friend,” he said.
The Minister argued that government resources should be deployed productively to address infrastructure needs, create jobs and expand economic opportunities, rather than simply being kept unused.
He called on the people of the Southeast to continue engaging the Federal Government on their development needs while recognising projects already underway.
Earlier, the Methodist delegation, led by the Archbishop of the Methodist Church, Anambra State, Most Rev. Dr. Vincent C. E. Onoh, commended President Tinubu and Umahi over infrastructure development in the Southeast and across Nigeria.
Onoh said the delegation visited the Minister to appreciate the work being undertaken by the Federal Government, particularly in the Southeast.
“Sometimes people wouldn’t even know where we start when we want to talk about you, but we have just come as a church to appreciate you for the work you are doing, not only in entire Nigeria, but particularly in the Southeast,” he said.
The Archbishop specifically commended the progress of work on the Niger Bridge, saying the project was about 90 per cent completed.
He also praised Umahi for his infrastructure record as governor of Ebonyi State and said the Methodist Church had come to honour him for his contributions to development.
Onoh said the church would also embark on a prayer and sensitisation programme beginning in Awka and extending to Enugu, Ebonyi and Imo states.
He said the initiative was aimed at encouraging people to return to God and strengthening the spiritual foundation of society.
The Archbishop prayed for continued wisdom, strength and guidance for Umahi in the discharge of his responsibilities.
“We have just come as a church to say thank you for what you have done, thank you for what you are doing, and let’s thank you for what we are yet to do,” Onoh said.
