Umahi defends Tinubu's infrastructure focus, says economic growth through roads

Minister of Works Senator David Umahi defended President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, arguing that strategic infrastructure investment—not fiscal saving—is key to unlocking Nigeria's potential. He spoke during an inspection of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway at the Ebonyi-Benue boundary.

Umahi emphasized that no responsible government would prioritize saving money while critical infrastructure remains undeveloped. He noted the federal road network was severely degraded when the administration took office and credited visible progress for reduced public criticism nationwide.

Progress continues on multiple highway sections simultaneously, with the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja corridor designed to connect South-South and South-East regions directly to the FCT. Travel time from South-South to Abuja will drop to approximately six hours, while Ebonyi State residents can reach the capital in about three hours. New bypasses and bridges aim to ease congestion and boost interstate commerce.

Umahi described Tinubu as "de-tribalised" and urged host communities to sustain cooperation, noting these investments are designed for lasting economic relief and regional transformation.

Infrastructure development as economic strategy: Will improved connectivity change your business or travel patterns, or do you prefer immediate fiscal relief over long-term road projects?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/07/13/why-fg-is-spending-not-saving-umahi/