Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said the South-East geopolitical zone is now receiving greater recognition and participation in national affairs under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Umahi made the remark during a weekend inspection of ongoing Federal Government infrastructure projects across Ebonyi State, stating that the current administration has taken deliberate steps to address concerns of marginalisation previously expressed by stakeholders in the region.
According to the minister, the Tinubu-led government has prioritised inclusive development by extending major road and bridge projects to the South-East, thereby strengthening economic connectivity with other parts of the country.
He explained that the projects being implemented across the region demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the South-East occupies what he described as its rightful place in Nigeria’s development agenda.
Umahi spoke while assessing the progress of several major projects in Ebonyi State that are designed to link communities within the state to neighbouring states such as Cross River and Benue.
Among the projects inspected was the first section of the 465-kilometre Trans-Sahara Super Highway located in Onueke. The project includes the construction of a 25-span bridge stretching about 700 metres, which is expected to significantly improve transportation and trade along the corridor.
The minister also visited the Onueke–Afikpo Highway, which forms part of a strategic road network aimed at improving mobility between communities and boosting economic activities in the region.
Other projects inspected include the Afikpo–Ndibe Beach Road, the Ebonyi–Cross River Beach Bridge and the Amasiri–Okigwe Highway, all of which are expected to enhance connectivity between the South-East and other geopolitical zones of the country.
Umahi said the projects will not only improve transportation but will also create economic opportunities by opening up rural communities, facilitating trade and encouraging investments.
He emphasised that the Federal Government is determined to ensure the timely completion of the projects, noting that improved infrastructure remains a key component of the administration’s strategy for national development.
The minister added that once completed, the road networks would strengthen regional integration and support economic growth by easing the movement of goods and people across state boundaries.
He further commended contractors handling the projects for the progress recorded so far and urged them to maintain quality standards and adhere strictly to project timelines.
Umahi reiterated that the administration of President Tinubu remains committed to equitable distribution of development projects across all parts of the country.
According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives reflect the government’s resolve to promote national unity by ensuring that no region is left behind in Nigeria’s development process.
Residents and stakeholders in the communities visited expressed optimism that the projects would transform transportation in the region and improve access to markets, tourism locations and agricultural hubs.
Observers say the continued expansion of federal infrastructure projects in the South-East could play a significant role in boosting economic activities and strengthening integration between the region and the rest of the country.
