The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that 52 per cent of the ongoing road construction projects initiated by the current administration are concentrated in northern Nigeria.
Umahi also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the necessary funding, as well as providing leadership for the construction of the 1068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.
He made this known during an inspection of a segment of the 258-kilometre, 3-lane Carriageway (Section 2, Phase 2A: CH 120+000-CH 378+000) in Gulumbe, Kebbi State, which represents a significant portion of the 1,068-kilometre Super Highway.
He explained that the focus on the northern region aligns with the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure across the country.
A statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Wednesday, said the minister revealed that the four legacy road projects initiated by Tinubu encompass all six geopolitical zones of the country.
The statement read, “When aggregated, the Northern zones account for 52 per cent of the road projects currently ongoing across the country. The president is working everywhere in the country.
“This is a true reflection of Mr President’s stance that every region of this country matters, and no region should be left behind or shortchanged.”
He also pointed out that the concept for the ambitious Coastal Highway project, which stretches from Lagos to Calabar, was first envisioned by the President during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State almost twenty-five years ago, describing its realisation as the fulfilment of a long-held dream that has now become a reality under his leadership.
In his address, the governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, expressed his gratitude to the President for his support and the numerous projects being executed in the state.
Idris emphasised that the inspection underscores the Administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and transportation as vital enablers of growth, as outlined in the eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, stated that the project “is a promise kept by the President and that the road must be completed.”
“Mr President is passionate about the welfare of every Nigerian, regardless of their origin,” Goronyo added.
Also at the event, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu stated, “As we all know, the world is no longer building infrastructure solely through government funding but exploring innovative financing models. Mr. President, having invested in relationships, both in Nigeria and abroad, finds it easier to engage individuals and partners willing to contribute to funding these massive endeavours.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Olufunsho Adebiyi, welcomed dignitaries to the project site, promising that, “By the time you are here again, you will see it at a different level.”
Also present during the inspection tour was a former Governor of Kebbi State, H.E. (Sen.) Usman Dakingari; Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Usman Ankwai; SSA-P on Community Engagement for the North West Zone, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai; SSG of Kebbi State, Alh. Yakubu Bala Tafida; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdullahi Umar Farouk; MD/CEO of Hitech Africa Construction Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, and many others.
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