From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Works, Engineer Nweze Dave Umahi has said that some Nigerian roads have remained unbuilt for up to 50 years.
He made the statement while receiving the award for Minister of the Year at the annual Silverbird Awards Night.
The minister stated that apart from undertaking numerous inherited projects nationwide, the current administration is embarking on four legacy road projects cutting across all six geopolitical zones of the country: Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway – 700 kilometers; Sokoto (Ilelah) – Badagry (Lagos) – 1,068 kilometers; Abakaliki (Ebonyi State) – Abuja (FCT) with a spur to Calabar (Cross River State) – 474 kilometers and Akwanga (Nasarawa State) – Jos (Plateau State) – Bauchi – Gombe – 420 kilometers.
He added that projects I and ii are already ongoing, while project iii has been awarded, and project iv is currently undergoing procurement process and will soon be awarded
But under the president’s leadership, new regulations for road construction have significantly advanced various abandoned and legacy projects
In a statement, Umahi’s leadership style is characterised by a commitment to legacy-building, reliability, and patriotism in service to the Nigerian people. This positions him as a compassionate and decisive figure in the ongoing development of the nation’s infrastructure. He has successfully aligned the ministry’s mandates with those of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which, among others, aims to enhance infrastructure and transportation as drivers of growth.
He dedicated the award to his family, the Minister of State for Works, the management and staff of the ministry for their unalloyed support, and all Nigerians, who voted for him for the prestigious award.
ENDS