THE Minister of Works, David Umahi, has refuted claims that the South-East region has been excluded from the Federal Government’s road infrastructure agenda. He described the allegations as false, misleading, and politically motivated.
The minister was reacting to a publication titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East Missing from the Map?”, which he called deceptive.
In a statement issued today by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, Umahi demanded an immediate retraction of the report.
He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has treated all regions fairly, including the South-East, citing the revival of over 90% of abandoned road projects—some dating back as far as 2013—as well as the initiation of new projects across the country without bias.
Umahi highlighted one of the four newly approved Legacy Projects that runs from Cross River through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa to Abuja, covering 231.64 kilometers in the South-East, with a contract sum of ₦445.8 billion.
He also pointed to ongoing projects in the region, including: Second Niger Bridge access roads (Section 2A in Delta – ₦146bn, Section 2B in Anambra – ₦176bn), Enugu-Onitsha Road (208 km), partly funded through MTN Tax Credit (₦202bn) and additional sections awarded at ₦150bn, Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, Enugu-Abakaliki, Afikpo-Abia-Imo, Onitsha-Owerri-Aba, Aba-Ikot Ekpene, and Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene corridors.
Umahi accused the author of the controversial publication, Anagboso, of misrepresenting facts by falsely portraying the Cross River-Abuja route as an Oyo-Benue project.
He urged residents of the South-East to support President Tinubu, asserting that the region has benefited from his administration’s inclusive development policies.
He also commended South-East governors for their collaboration with the Federal Government and encouraged citizens to back them as they seek second terms in office.
While expressing hope for the region to produce a future president, Umahi stated clearly, “not in 2027.” He reaffirmed his commitment to countering misinformation and ensuring public clarity on infrastructure developments.