…Unveils drive for local engineering capacity
…debunks London trip claim
The Federal Government has invested over N2.2 trillion in critical infrastructure projects with 260 palliative road projects already completed nationwide, David Umahi, Minister of Works has said.
Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing on Friday in Abuja, Umahi said the projects form part of a larger vision of President Bola Tinubu to strengthen national connectivity and revitalise the economy.
According to Umahi, a total of 440 road projects are currently ongoing across the country, all approved at the directive of the Tinubu.
“In just two years, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has completed 260 palliative road projects nationwide, costing N208 billion.
“Beyond this, 29 major infrastructure projects totaling over N2 trillion have been undertaken, demonstrating an unparalleled dedication to revitalizing our national infrastructure”, the minister said.
Highlighting key milestones, the minister revealed that four major “Legacy Projects” are underway, with some scheduled to be commissioned by Tinubu in May 2025 as part of activities marking his second year in office.
“These projects will have transformative impacts across the nation. The sheer number of ongoing projects is a testament to Tinubu’s vision and his unwavering resolve to connect our communities and boost economic activities.
“With two years under its belt, this administration is positioning infrastructure as a backbone for national development with ongoing projects spanning rural roads, federal highways, and legacy projects expected to improve trade, mobility, and local job creation”, Umahi stated.
In another major announcement, Umahi revealed that the Ministry of Works is taking steps to reduce reliance on foreign contractors in the country’s road construction projects.
This, he said, aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes local content and capacity building.
“Mr. President has directed that we must grow local contractors and engineers. Through our New Tool Programme, five unemployed civil engineers in every state are being deployed to work on the country’s major projects. This is how to build capacity for the future”, he said.
He also pointed out that the government’s adoption of concrete pavement technology is facing resistance from some contractors who prefer asphalt due to the ease of cutting corners with it.
“You can’t cheat with concrete the way you can with asphalt. That’s why some contractors are fighting me.
“But we’re committed to quality. A failed concrete job fails immediately. A bad asphalt road can hide for a year before falling apart”, Umahi noted.
He reiterated the ministry’s focus on long-term sustainability and transparency, pledging that the government would no longer compromise on standards.
Umahi also used the occasion to refute viral claims that he was among top government officials scheduled to participate in an international media briefing in London aimed at promoting the administration’s achievements.
He dismissed the report as “baseless social media propaganda,” clarifying that he has not travelled to the United Kingdom in the past two years.
“I have not been to London in the past two years, and I never discussed going to London with anybody.
“I have too much work to do here. Let me also state clearly: for any minister to travel out of the country, they must get written approval from the President”, Umahi said.
The viral reports, attributed to a statement by Bode Adeyemi, Project Internal Coordinator of the Tinubu Midterm Legacy Projects Review Committee, had listed Umahi alongside other top officials including Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, among others.
The publication sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the rationale behind holding such an event abroad amid domestic economic challenges.
But Umahi maintained that neither he nor any of his colleagues received any invitation to participate in the alleged briefing.
