The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has assured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has ensured an even distribution of road infrastructure projects across all six geo-political zones, including the South East.
Umahi made this statement in response to a viral social media post by one Mr. Linus Anagboso (also known as D-Big Pen), titled “The Politics of Asphalt: Why is the South East missing from the map?”
In a statement released Monday in Abuja, the minister dismissed the post as misleading and politically motivated.
“I understand that politics is in the air, and some individuals are choosing to mislead the public, pretending to fight for the people while ignoring the major infrastructure strides President Tinubu is making nationwide,” Umahi said.
He added that he has instructed regional directors of the Federal Ministry of Works to compile a comprehensive list of both inherited and new projects in all regions to help the public better appreciate the administration’s efforts.
Highlighting the president’s inclusive approach, Umahi noted that Tinubu’s four legacy projects span all six zones, with the South East prominently featured in one major corridor. Specifically, the Cross River–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja road project includes 231.64 km of dual and single carriageway within the South East, valued at ₦445.8 billion, with ₦108 billion already disbursed.
Umahi criticized Anagboso for misrepresenting this project as an “Oyo–Benue border road,” calling it a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. “I demand an immediate correction of this false information,” he stated.
He further cited several ongoing road works in the South East, including:
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2nd Niger Bridge access roads: ₦146 billion in Delta State and ₦176 billion in Anambra State
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Enugu–Onitsha Road: 208km under MTN Tax Credit (₦202 billion), plus ₦150 billion by CBC, with ₦45 billion released recently
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Enugu–Port Harcourt Road (four sections)
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Enugu–Abakaliki Road
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Afikpo–Abia–Imo Road
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Onitsha–Owerri–Aba Road
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Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road
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Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road
He appealed to the South East to support President Tinubu, whom he praised for reviving 90% of previously abandoned projects, including many dating back to 2013.
“We must not allow misinformation and sentiment to divide us. President Tinubu has shown love and fairness to the South East. We must support him and our governors for their second terms. If we want to lead the nation one day, we must first support others,” Umahi said.
He emphasized that leadership for the region will not come in 2027 but believes that with unity and continued support, the South East will achieve national leadership in due course.
