Tinubu’s Road Infrastructure Drive: Umahi Defends Projects, Tackles Critics
By Akin Alade
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has pushed back against mounting criticism of the Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme, insisting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making determined efforts to tackle Nigeria’s longstanding road challenges and improve transportation, economic activities and connectivity across the country.
Since the current administration assumed office in May 2023, road construction, rehabilitation and expansion have remained prominent components of its infrastructure agenda. While Nigerians continue to debate the cost, priorities and execution of some projects, the government maintains that massive investment in roads is necessary to address decades of infrastructure deficits and position the economy for sustainable growth.
Umahi, during an inspection of the Federal Government’s Trans-Sahara Highway project at Ndiagu Ishieke on the Benue-Ebonyi border, defended the ministry’s handling of major projects and urged critics and media practitioners to properly investigate the engineering, contractual and legal issues involved before drawing conclusions.
From Criticism to Infrastructure Delivery
For an administration undertaking road projects across different parts of the federation, one might ordinarily expect widespread commendation. Instead, several projects have attracted criticism from opposition figures, civil society organisations and concerned Nigerians, particularly over costs, procurement, funding priorities and transparency.
Such concerns deserve answers because public infrastructure is financed with public resources. However, criticism should also recognise the potential economic benefits of completing strategic highways that have remained abandoned, neglected or overstretched for years.
Even recent commentary critical of transparency surrounding some projects has acknowledged the visible pace of construction on corridors such as the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha highway and noted the broader intensity of road construction under the Tinubu administration.
The government therefore faces a dual responsibility: deliver quality roads at a reasonable cost while maintaining sufficient transparency to convince Nigerians that they are receiving value for money.
Umahi Highlights Economic Benefits of Trans-Sahara Highway
One of the major projects receiving attention is the Trans-Sahara Highway. According to Umahi, Section One covers approximately 123 kilometres from the Ebonyi axis to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary, while Section Two stretches about 173.4 kilometres through parts of Benue, Enugu and Kogi states towards the Benue River and Nasarawa boundary.
Together, the two sections cover roughly 300 kilometres. The minister said the corridor is expected to reduce travel time while strengthening connections among communities and economic centres.
Beyond transportation, the highway could become an important economic corridor for the South-East, North-Central and South-South by improving agricultural supply chains, facilitating movement of goods and stimulating commercial activities.
For farmers in particular, improved roads could mean easier movement of agricultural produce to major markets, reduced transportation costs and potentially lower post-harvest losses.
Better Roads Can Strengthen Security and Commerce
Nigeria’s poor road network has consequences beyond uncomfortable journeys. Bad highways can increase transportation costs, damage vehicles, discourage investment and make movement between communities more difficult.
Umahi also argues that improved highways can contribute to security by allowing security agencies to move personnel more efficiently and by reconnecting communities that have historically suffered from poor accessibility.
This makes road development more than simply laying asphalt or concrete. When properly planned and executed, infrastructure can become an instrument for commerce, agriculture, employment, security and regional integration.
Government Must Also Listen to Genuine Concerns
However, defending road projects should not mean dismissing every criticism.
Nigerians have legitimate rights to ask how much projects cost, how contractors were selected, when projects will be completed and whether taxpayers are receiving value for money.
The Ministry of Works must therefore continue to make project information accessible and ensure contractors meet agreed standards and timelines. Transparency will ultimately strengthen public confidence in the infrastructure programme.
Umahi has previously said the ministry’s operations and books are open to scrutiny and that anti-corruption agencies can examine projects executed under his leadership.
The administration also faces significant funding challenges. Umahi has disclosed that President Tinubu inherited more than 2,000 ongoing road projects valued at about ₦13 trillion as of May 2023, excluding certain NNPCL tax-credit projects.
This enormous backlog means the government must carefully prioritise projects while ensuring that new flagship developments do not lead to the abandonment of existing federal highways desperately requiring rehabilitation.
Nigerians Should Ultimately Judge by Results
Political criticism is inevitable in every democracy, particularly as the country moves closer to another general election. But infrastructure should ultimately be assessed through measurable results.
Are the roads being completed? Are they durable? Are journey times falling? Are businesses benefiting? Are communities becoming better connected? And importantly, are Nigerians receiving value for every naira spent?
If the ongoing projects are completed according to specification and within reasonable financial limits, the benefits will extend beyond the lifespan of the present administration.
Umahi says the Federal Government remains committed to completing the Trans-Sahara Highway despite financial constraints and has directed contractors to minimise unnecessary demolition of homes and properties while compensation obligations are addressed where applicable.
For President Tinubu and his Works Minister, therefore, the strongest response to criticism will not come from political arguments or press conferences. It will come from completed, durable and economically productive roads that Nigerians can see, travel on and benefit from.
