Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has declared that all governors in the South-East region are fully aligned with President Bola Tinubu, regardless of political affiliations. He also called on opposition leader and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, to join forces with the President for the progress of the region.
Speaking in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary, Umahi emphasized the growing federal attention and infrastructure development being experienced in the South-East under the current administration.
“The Igbo man is enterprising and wise. What Ndi Igbo want is fairness, a Nigeria that treats every zone equally. President Tinubu is doing just that,” Umahi said.
South-East Gaining Federal Presence Under Tinubu
Umahi highlighted the transformation happening in Ebonyi State, where he previously served as governor, noting that under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are currently underway in the state.
“Previously, the absence of federal presence was a major concern. Today, no one talks about that anymore,” he stated.
He also pointed to the appointment of an Igbo Minister of Works for the first time and ongoing projects such as:
- Port Harcourt–Enugu Road
- Enugu–Abakaliki Road
- Enugu–Onitsha Expressway
- Onitsha–Owerri Road
- The Second Niger Bridge, with 30% of the cost already paid
2027 Endorsement, Call for South-East Unity
Umahi revealed that plans are underway for a regional summit of South-East leaders to formally endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 elections.
“We want all our projects completed and Nigeria’s unity strengthened. We’re working toward full integration of Ndi Igbo,” he added.
He appealed to Peter Obi to join the movement:
“Leadership is about the people. If someone is already doing what you would have done, support him. I urge my brother, Peter Obi, to be part of this summit and support the President.”
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Update: Tolling Starts in December
Providing a detailed progress report on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi said:
- Section 1 (47.47km from Ahmadu Bello Way to Lekki Deep Sea Port) is 80% complete
- Section 2 (55km to the Lagos-Ogun border) is underway
- Tolling on Section 1 will begin in December 2025
- Features include solar-powered lights, CCTV, and carbon credit potential
“It’s more than a road—it’s an economic corridor,” he said, adding that the six-lane, concrete-paved highway is projected to offer a 10-year return on investment.
Recently flagged off were:
- Section 3 (38km in Cross River State)
- Section 3B (27km in Akwa Ibom)
Other Major Infrastructure Projects
Senator Umahi also mentioned three other major road projects:
- Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway (originally proposed under Shehu Shagari)
- Trans-Saharan Trade Route (revived from colonial-era planning)
- Ogun–Ondo–Niger Corridor (soon to be procured)
“President Tinubu is bringing long-forgotten visions to life. These projects are transformative, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable,” he said.
Umahi concluded by commending President Tinubu’s foresight:
“Seven years ago, God gave him the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Today, he is delivering it.”
