Tinubu's Legacy Road Projects Will Connect Nigeria, Boost Economic Growth – Umahi
Works Minister flags off Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe highway, defends concrete road technology, lists ongoing multi-trillion-naira infrastructure projects nationwide
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has flagged off Section One of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Fourth Legacy Road Project, declaring that the administration's ambitious highway programme will permanently transform Nigeria's transportation network by connecting all six geopolitical zones.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, Umahi said the 700-kilometre highway, stretching from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Southern Yobe and Maiduguri, forms part of President Tinubu's nationwide legacy infrastructure programme aimed at enhancing economic integration and national development.
The minister explained that the administration's four flagship highway projects include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Nasarawa-Abuja corridor, noting that the projects are strategically interconnected to promote seamless movement of people and goods across the country.
According to him, several sections of the projects are already under construction, while others have received Federal Executive Council approval, describing the initiative as the most comprehensive road infrastructure programme ever undertaken by any administration in Nigeria.
Umahi praised President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development, saying the ongoing projects demonstrate fairness by cutting across all geopolitical zones and fostering balanced national development.
The minister also defended the Federal Government's decision to adopt reinforced concrete pavement technology, arguing that it offers greater durability and value for money than asphalt, especially on highways carrying heavy traffic.
He disclosed that some recently completed asphalt roads had already deteriorated due to heavy usage, prompting the government to reconstruct them using reinforced concrete technology to ensure longer service life.
Responding to criticisms from opposition figures over the cost and quality of the projects, Umahi maintained that he remains ready to publicly defend the government's infrastructure policies and provide detailed explanations on project costs and engineering standards.
He stressed that governance requires collective responsibility, insisting that ministers should be held accountable for assignments entrusted to them rather than shifting blame to the President.
The minister further commended governors across the North-Central zone, particularly Abdullahi Sule, for supporting the Federal Government's infrastructure agenda and facilitating the successful execution of road projects within their states.
Umahi also applauded Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for sustaining unity within the ruling APC, while urging state governments to publicise the achievements of the Tinubu administration and communicate the benefits of ongoing projects to citizens.
He revealed that additional road projects across Plateau, Borno, Kaduna, Niger and other states would soon be flagged off as part of the administration's sustained investment in critical infrastructure.
The minister called on Nigerians, particularly residents of the North-Central region, to continue supporting President Tinubu's administration, describing infrastructure as the foundation for economic growth, improved connectivity and national prosperity.
