Banditry Not Hindering Federal Road Projects, Says Umahi

Works Minister David Umahi has said banditry in parts of the country has not disrupted work on federal roads.

Mr Umahi spoke on Saturday in Enugu while inspecting the Enugu–Onitsha highway and the Eke Obinagu mega flyover, among other projects along the corridor.

He said projects remained unhindered because President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to provide adequate protection for contractors handling federal road works.

“The president directed the national security adviser, service chiefs, and related authorities to support us with adequate security on project sites.

“There are no security issues at various project sites, as most security agents stay inside bushes and are not seen. Work is therefore going on at various sites in accordance with the president’s directives,” he said.

Mr Umahi said concrete was being applied on many roads at night, especially in northern states experiencing extreme heat.

“The weather in the northern part of the country is presently above 45 degrees Celsius, and you cannot apply concrete under such conditions.

“Applying concrete at night shows there is adequate security on our sites, and anyone who tries anything funny will have himself to blame,” he said.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, urging the South-East to appreciate the president’s infrastructural drive in the zone.

“The Eke Obinagu flyover has attained 99 per cent completion, while sections of the Enugu–Onitsha road are nearing completion. They will all be inaugurated by the president in May.

“This is the time for Igbos to appreciate President Tinubu, and we will secure over 80 per cent of votes for him from the zone.

“It will take someone like myself from the South-East to replicate President Tinubu’s unprecedented strides in the zone’s annals,” the minister said.

Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), thanked the president for the projects, saying the region owed him gratitude.

“From the Enugu–Onitsha highway to the Enugu–Umuahia–Aba–Port Harcourt and Onitsha–Owerri roads, the president has opened avenues for social and economic growth.

“Farm produce can now be conveyed to markets, and students can exchange ideas across states, among other benefits of improved road infrastructure,” she said.

Contractors and supervisors pledged to deliver the projects within agreed timelines, commending the federal government’s support.

(NAN)