The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise infrastructure development over accumulating financial reserves, saying investments in roads and other critical projects are key to driving economic growth.
Umahi spoke on Monday while inspecting ongoing construction work on the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway at the Ebonyi-Benue boundary.
The minister argued that no responsible government would focus on saving money while critical infrastructure remains inadequate and citizens continue to face economic difficulties.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is focused on transforming the economy through massive investments in road construction and rehabilitation projects across the country.
“Infrastructure development is a catalyst for economic growth and increased GDP. That is exactly what President Tinubu is doing,” Umahi said.
He explained that the administration inherited a poor road network but had commenced an aggressive programme aimed at restoring and expanding federal highways nationwide.
Umahi added that ongoing projects across the country had helped reduce public concerns over the state of federal roads, noting that visible construction activities demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure.
Speaking on the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway, the minister said work was progressing simultaneously across various sections of the corridor to ensure early completion.
The highway, which links Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states to Abuja, is expected to boost economic activities and improve connectivity between the South-South, South-East and the Federal Capital Territory.
Umahi said the project would drastically reduce travel time, allowing commuters from the South-South region to reach Abuja in about six hours, while travellers from Ebonyi and other South-East states could access the capital within roughly three hours.
He further stated that the construction of bypasses and bridges along the route would help reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety and promote interstate trade and commerce.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.