The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s decision to prioritise infrastructure spending over saving public funds, arguing that strategic investments are necessary to drive economic growth and improve the lives of Nigerians.
Umahi made the remarks on Monday while inspecting ongoing work on the Calabar Abuja Super Highway at the Ebonyi–Benue boundary.
According to the minister, no serious government would focus on building financial reserves while critical infrastructure remains underdeveloped and citizens continue to face economic challenges.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to repositioning the nation’s economy through massive investments in road construction and rehabilitation projects across the country.
“Infrastructure development is a catalyst for economic growth and increased GDP. That is exactly what President Tinubu is doing,” Umahi said.
The minister noted that the administration inherited a deteriorated road network but has since embarked on an aggressive programme aimed at restoring and expanding federal road infrastructure nationwide.
He added that visible progress on major road projects has reduced public criticism of the condition of federal roads, citing ongoing construction activities in various parts of the country as evidence of the government’s commitment.
Providing updates on the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway, the minister disclosed that construction is progressing simultaneously across different sections of the corridor to ensure timely completion.
He explained that the highway, which connects Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa to Abuja, is expected to strengthen economic activities and improve connectivity between the South-South, South-East and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Umahi, the project will significantly reduce travel time, enabling commuters from the South-South to reach Abuja in about six hours, while travellers from Ebonyi and other South-East states could arrive in the capital within approximately three hours.
He added that the inclusion of bypasses and bridges along the route would ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and enhance interstate commerce.