Tinubu’s reforms delivering results through road infrastructure, says Umahi

By Onu Okorie

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu are producing tangible results across Nigeria, with strategic road infrastructure serving as a catalyst for economic growth, improved security, increased agricultural activities and stronger regional connectivity.

Umahi made the remarks on Tuesday during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, describing the project as another fulfilled campaign promise by President Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the minister, the Federal Government is using road construction as a tool to tackle insecurity, stimulate economic activities, reduce hunger and bridge infrastructure gaps across states that previously lacked major federal projects.

“We are using road infrastructure to fix the economic problems we met on ground, fight insecurity, reduce hunger and address injustices where some states had no federal projects,” Umahi said.

He described the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road as a strategic corridor that would significantly shorten travel time between Northern Nigeria and Lagos by providing a direct route through Niger, Kwara, Osun and Oyo states, thereby boosting trade and opening new economic opportunities.

Umahi also noted that ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna Road had transformed security along the corridor, recalling that the highway was once notorious for frequent attacks but had become considerably safer since rehabilitation work commenced.

Responding to criticism that the Federal Government was prioritising new roads while neglecting existing ones, the minister rejected the claim, pointing to several major rehabilitation projects currently underway, including the Sokoto–Zamfara–Funtua–Zaria Road, Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Makurdi–9th Mile Road, Bodo–Bonny Road and the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Highway.

He stressed that road infrastructure remains the foundation for national development, arguing that improved roads stimulate commerce, agriculture, education and overall economic productivity.

“When a road is built it is a catalyst. It grows the economy, reduces insecurity, supports agriculture and increases commerce and education,” he said.

Umahi also congratulated Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for securing presidential approval for a 50-kilometre internal light rail project valued at $868 million, describing it as a landmark development for the state.

He urged Nigerians to embrace constructive criticism, saying the Tinubu administration remains open to useful suggestions that would improve governance and service delivery.

Representing President Tinubu at the event, Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed the President’s commitment to Birnin Gwari and recalled that Tinubu had visited the area before assuming office despite its security challenges, promising to reconstruct the road and restore peace.

Sani said the commencement of the project demonstrated that the President honours his promises, adding that no previous administration had shown the same level of commitment to Northern Nigeria.

He praised Tinubu for what he described as his dedication to the region’s development, security and economic progress.

Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, Alhaji Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, commended President Tinubu and the governors of the affected states for the progress made in tackling insecurity, noting that improved security had enabled farmers to return to their farmlands after years of displacement and fear.