The Minister also provided updates on the flagship Trans-Sahara Super Highway, revealing that a ₦668 billion contract has already been awarded and construction is progressing steadily despite the rainy season.
“The project is about 28% completed. We are not stopping because of the rains. Work continues, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s concrete road technology.”
Tracing the history of the corridor, Umahi said the project was originally conceived during the colonial era but remained unrealized for decades.
“We presented the concept to the President, a man divinely called to do the impossible. What was once a colonial dream is now being realized more than sixty years later.”
He described the highway as a critical economic route that will connect Nigeria to neighbouring countries while unlocking agricultural and industrial opportunities across the country.
“The President is fulfilling that vision, and I am very happy because this is a major trade corridor. It connects us to Cameroon and serves as a transport route for rice-producing areas in Cross River, Benue, and Ebonyi States.”
Highlighting the broader economic vision behind the President’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi said the four legacy projects of the Tinubu administration are far more than roads.
“As I have always said, the four legacy projects of Mr. President are not merely road construction projects; they are investments.”
Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, he explained that infrastructure investment remains one of the most effective tools for stimulating economic growth.
“Infrastructure investment is critical. In countries such as the United States, whenever there is an economic downturn, governments invest heavily in roads and bridges because such investments stimulate growth across other sectors of the economy. That is exactly what the President is doing.”
He further pointed to visible projects already completed or nearing completion across Ebonyi and neighbouring states, including major bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and the Dangote Tax Credit Road Project.
“We are grateful to the President and pleased with the work being done by our Governor.”
Reaffirming the Southeast’s support for President Tinubu, Umahi said the region now sees clear evidence of inclusion in federal infrastructure investments.
“The South-East has been included. Inclusiveness, fairness and equity are what we have always sought, and today we can point to tangible evidence of that inclusion.”
The Minister also noted that having a Minister of Works from the Southeast has helped ensure the region’s needs receive the attention they deserve.
“Without a Minister of Works from the South-East, we might not have secured all that has been achieved.”
He added:
“We can proudly say that while we may not be the first beneficiaries of federal road investments, we are certainly no longer the last.”
Providing updates on President Tinubu’s four signature legacy projects, Umahi highlighted progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Corridor and other strategic national routes.
According to him, the administration’s infrastructure programme is designed to create jobs, support agriculture, expand regional trade, attract industries and unlock new economic opportunities nationwide.
“The four legacy projects are investments designed to transform the Nigerian economy.”
He explained that plans along the corridors include dams, irrigation systems, power infrastructure, agricultural settlements, housing developments, factories, hotels and renewable energy facilities.
“The benefits are extensive and include both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.”
The Minister ended with a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, God brought you. God will continue to guide and preserve you. We stand with you for the years ahead.”