Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has called on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to join other prominent Southeast leaders in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that unity is crucial for the region’s continued development.
Speaking during a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary to commemorate President Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi declared that all Southeast governors, regardless of political affiliation, are working closely with the President.
“I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us in supporting the President. Leadership is not about self; it is about the people. If someone is already delivering for your people, then support that effort,” he said.
According to the minister, the region is currently witnessing an unprecedented level of federal engagement, particularly in infrastructure projects, which is helping to shift the narrative of marginalisation that has long dominated public discourse in the Southeast.
“All the governors in the Southeast, irrespective of party lines, are cooperating with President Tinubu. The region is experiencing a new wave of inclusion and federal investment,” Umahi said.
Highlighting ongoing developments in his home state of Ebonyi, the minister noted that four major federal projects are currently in progress, a sharp contrast to previous years when the absence of federal presence was a key concern.
“The Igbo are a highly enterprising people who seek equity and fairness. President Tinubu is addressing those expectations. As Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi, one of our greatest challenges was the lack of federal projects. Today, that is no longer the case,” he said.
Umahi listed other federal initiatives in the region, including the rehabilitation and expansion of Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri roads, as well as work on the Second Niger Bridge.
He revealed that 30 per cent of the cost of the bridge has already been paid by the current administration.
Looking ahead, Umahi said plans are underway to convene a Southeast leadership summit where regional leaders may formally endorse President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, citing the need for continuity to ensure the completion of ongoing projects.
Turning to national infrastructure, Umahi provided updates on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He said over 80 per cent of Section 1—spanning 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction—has been completed. Work is also progressing on Section 2, which covers 55 kilometres from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.
He announced that tolling on Section 1 will commence by December.
“This project is more than a road—it is a major economic corridor. It features concrete pavement, solar-powered street lighting, CCTV surveillance, and offers opportunities for carbon credit. We are targeting a 10-year return on investment,” the Minister said.
He added that Sections 3 and 3B—totalling 65 kilometres across Cross River and Akwa Ibom States—have recently been flagged off and were enthusiastically welcomed by host communities.
Commenting on other national projects, Umahi cited the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, which he said was first envisioned during the Shehu Shagari era but is now being actualised under President Tinubu. He also mentioned the revival of the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and the planned Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor as part of efforts to deepen national integration and boost economic productivity.
“President Tinubu conceived the idea of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago. Today, that vision is becoming reality. These projects are a testament to his unwavering dedication to national development,” Umahi stated.
He further emphasised that the administration’s infrastructure agenda is designed not only to be economically strategic but also environmentally sustainable, and crucial for Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.
