Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has firmly rejected a recent report that accused the Federal Government of marginalising the South East in its ongoing road infrastructure projects. He described the publication as “misleading and mischievous,” emphasizing that the current administration has shown fairness and equity in the allocation of road projects across all six geo-political zones.
The statement was issued on Monday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, who conveyed the Minister’s reaction to the publication titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East Missing from the Map?”
Umahi criticized the report for attempting to manipulate public opinion and distort the factual progress of federal infrastructure efforts. “That publication is deceptive and does not reflect the true position of things,” he said.
According to the Minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized nationwide development and inclusivity since assuming office. He stated that nearly 90 per cent of previously abandoned federal road projects, many of which had been left incomplete since 2013, have now been revived under the current administration.
“The President has been fair to all regions of the country, including the South East,” Umahi affirmed, noting that new projects are also being initiated across various states, with no geo-political zone left behind.
He highlighted the approval of four major Legacy Projects, designed to traverse and connect multiple regions in the country. One of the most notable of these projects, he said, runs from Cross River through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa to Abuja—a stretch that includes approximately 231.64 kilometers within the South East alone.
This extensive corridor, according to Umahi, was awarded at a contract value of N445.8 billion, a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructural inclusivity. At the most recent Federal Executive Council meeting, the corridor’s coverage was revalidated at 231.64 km with the contract sum remaining unchanged.
The Minister further alleged that the report’s author, identified as Anagboso, had intentionally misrepresented the project as being part of an Oyo-Benue corridor in order to deceive the public and paint a false narrative of regional neglect.
Umahi went on to provide a list of major infrastructure projects currently ongoing in the South East region, aimed at debunking any claims of marginalisation. These include:
Second Niger Bridge Access Roads: Section 2A in Delta State is valued at N146 billion, while Section 2B in Anambra State carries a contract sum of N176 billion.
Enugu-Onitsha Expressway: Spanning 208 kilometres, the project is partly funded through MTN’s Tax Credit initiative at a value of N202 billion, while the remaining sections are being handled by CBC Construction at N150 billion.
Enugu–Port Harcourt Highway: Ongoing work is being executed in four separate sections to ensure quality and progress.
Other important roads linking South Eastern states such as Enugu–Abakaliki, Afikpo–Abia–Imo, Onitsha–Owerri–Aba, Aba–Ikot Ekpene, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene have also been awarded and are in active stages of development.
Minister Umahi stressed that the federal projects are not based on regional preference but rather on technical, economic, and social importance to national development.
He called on the people of the South East to remain supportive of the Federal Government, assuring them that the Tinubu-led administration remains committed to equitable development across Nigeria.
In his words, “One day, the South East will produce the President of Nigeria, but not in 2027.” This remark, though controversial, underlined his belief in gradual political inclusivity for the region.
Umahi concluded by urging Nigerians to disregard misinformation and pledged to continually address any claims intended to deceive the populace.
He also praised the South East Governors for their cooperation and alignment with federal policies. He encouraged citizens of the region to stand firmly behind their leaders, especially as many seek re-election, stating that the unity between federal and state governments is essential for long-term regional development.