The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s economic policies, saying the Tinubu administration is prioritising infrastructure investment over fiscal savings to stimulate economic growth and improve the country’s long-term prospects.
Speaking with journalists during an inspection of the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway at the Ebonyi–Benue boundary, Umahi argued that no responsible government or economist would choose to save money while critical infrastructure remains neglected and citizens continue to face economic challenges.
According to him, the administration is focused on repositioning the economy through strategic investments that will deliver sustainable development rather than short-term financial reserves.
“Infrastructure development is a catalyst for economic growth and increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP). That is exactly what President Bola Tinubu is doing,” he said.
Umahi stated that the current administration inherited a severely deteriorated road network but has since embarked on an ambitious nationwide programme of road rehabilitation and construction.
He said the progress recorded on major federal road projects across the country demonstrates the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, adding that public criticism over the condition of federal roads has declined as work continues on key projects.
The minister also commended President Tinubu’s leadership style, describing him as a detribalised leader committed to equitable development across the country.
“His type comes once in a generation. Every part of Nigeria is treated as if it were his hometown. A leader who is tribalistic can never succeed,” Umahi said.
Providing updates on the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway, the minister disclosed that construction is progressing simultaneously on multiple sections to speed up completion.
He explained that the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Super Highway is designed to serve as a major economic corridor linking the South-South, South-East and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Umahi, the project will significantly reduce travel time when completed, enabling commuters from the South-South to reach Abuja in about six hours, while travellers from the South-East, particularly Ebonyi State, will be able to access the capital in approximately three hours.
He added that new bypasses and bridges along the corridor would ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and enhance the movement of goods and people across state boundaries.
“The infrastructure is positioned to stimulate regional markets and support community development for generations,” he said.
Umahi urged communities along the project corridor to continue supporting the construction, stressing that the administration’s investments in infrastructure are intended to deliver lasting economic benefits, improve connectivity and drive regional development.
