Mathew Amaechi
Minister of Works David Umahi has publicly refuted claims that he was slated to travel to London for an international media briefing to highlight President Bola Tinubu’s achievements, stressing that neither he nor any fellow minister received such an invitation, and emphasizing the strict approval process for overseas travel by cabinet members.
Umahi also outlined a new directive to prioritise local contractors and engineers in Nigeria’s road construction projects under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister Umahi clarified during the 2025 ministerial sectoral update at the National Press Centre in Abuja that he has not travelled to the United Kingdom in the past two years and has never discussed any London trip with colleagues or advisers.
He described the viral social media reports as “baseless social media propaganda with no grounding in fact,” affirming that no invitation was extended to him or any other minister to attend a press event in London.
Earlier reports, originating from the Project Internal Coordinator of the President Bola Tinubu Midterm Legacy Projects Review Committee, Bode Adeyemi, had named several senior officials—including the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and FIRS Chairman Zacch Adedeji—as scheduled speakers in London.
The news sparked widespread outrage, with critics questioning why Nigeria’s leadership would hold such an event abroad amid mounting economic challenges at home
Umahi unveils that any overseas trip by a minister requires written approval from the President, a procedure he has always followed both as a minister and formerly as governor.
He recounted that, during his tenure as Ebonyi State governor, he sought permission from the State House of Assembly before travelling abroad, reinforcing his commitment to due process and the rule of law
Beyond the London controversy, Umahi announced a key directive from President Tinubu to reduce reliance on foreign contractors in national road projects in favour of local firms and professionals.
The Ministry of Works has launched the “New Tool Initiative,” aimed at deploying five unemployed Nigerian civil engineers in each state to work on flagship and legacy road projects, thereby fostering hands-on experience and capacity building.
Umahi argued that overdependence on foreign contractors stifles domestic growth, noting that while poorly executed asphalt jobs may temporarily hold up, the superior durability of concrete pavements demands genuine technical competence and quality.
He admitted that this push has faced resistance from established contractors accustomed to cutting corners, but insisted that quality and sustainability must guide Nigeria’s infrastructure developmen