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Tag: Dave Umahi

  • Umahi warned not to use Nnamdi Kanu for politics

    Umahi warned not to use Nnamdi Kanu for politics

    Public Affairs Commentator and Advocate for Justice, Chijioke Nwachukwu, has fired shots at and warned the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, against using Nnamdi Kanu as a political bargaining chip.

    Nwachukwu gave the warning in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday following comments made by the Works Minister, described as “deeply offensive and politically misguided”.

    “It has come to our attention through various news outlets, particularly a report published by Daily Post Nigeria on 5th July 2025, that the Minister of Works, Mr. Dave Umahi, has made a deeply offensive and politically misguided statement to the effect that the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu should not be tied to political support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

    “Let it be stated in unequivocal terms: Dave Umahi does not speak for Ndigbo. He speaks only for himself and the selfish collection of political opportunists that have, for decades, traded the blood, dignity, and future of their own people for personal advancement and crumbs from Aso Rock,” the statement reads.

    Nwachukwu went on to say, the issue of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued illegal detention is not a matter for political negotiations or electoral permutations.

    “It is a matter of justice, law, and fundamental human rights. The Court of Appeal of Nigeria, in October 2022, clearly discharged and acquitted Kanu of all charges and declared his extraordinary rendition from Kenya as unlawful.

    “The Kenyan High Court, in a landmark judgment on 24th June 2025, affirmed that Kanu’s abduction, torture, and illegal transfer to Nigeria violated international law and the African Charter. A Federal High Court of Nigeria held same.

    “That a Nigerian minister would still speak as though Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s fate is negotiable is not only a disgrace—it is a betrayal,” he stated.

    Nwachukwu added: “For Dave Umahi to suggest that the political support of Ndigbo in 2027 is in any way conditional on Kanu’s release reveals either an unforgivable ignorance of public sentiment in the South East or a wilful attempt to whitewash the grave injustice done to the Igbo people.

    “Tinubu and APC will face the consequences of the lengthy detention of Kanu without trial and for ignoring court orders that mandated his release”.

    Continuing, he stated: “Let it be known: Dave Umahi cannot convene a genuine gathering of Igbo sons and daughters without facing total rejection. If he believes otherwise, let him dare to organize a town hall in Enugu, Aba, or Onitsha and see how many people show up voluntarily.

    “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu commands a following rooted in the deep-seated grievance of a people marginalized, violated, and silenced by a dishonest federation. To compare or reduce him to a political bargaining chip is an insult to the collective pain and resilience of Ndigbo and Biafrans all over the world. Dave Umahi and his ilk are inconsequential Abuja rent boys and they will be shocked come 2027.

    “The likes of Dave Umahi, who change allegiance depending on who occupies Aso Rock, are not leaders. They are errand boys. If Satan were to assume the presidency tomorrow, these men would be the first to praise him so long as it secures them a ministerial portfolio.

    “This moment calls for courage, not cowardice; honour, not servility. Kanu’s release is not a gift to be given in exchange for votes. It is a legal, moral, and constitutional obligation.

    “The sooner people like Dave Umahi realize that the Igbo nation is no longer beholden to the politics of crumbs, the better for their own fading relevance. Ndigbo are watching. The world is watching. And history will not be kind to traitors”.

  • 2027: South East will work for Tinubu – Umahi

    2027: South East will work for Tinubu – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has praised President Bola Tinubu for achievements so far, saying the South East Geo-political Zone is fully in support of him and will work for his re-election.

    Umahi spoke to journalists on Friday night in Lagos, where he dismissed claims that the South East was giving conditions, such as the release of Nnamdi Kanu, to support the President.

    “Somebody asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his matter is not a condition for the South East to support the President.

    “We are willing to negotiate his release, but no one should make it a condition because the President did not put him there,” he said.

    The minister described Tinubu as a listening leader, and expressed faith that Kanu’s release would come through divine grace and dialogue, not  through pressure or politics.

    He said: “President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right.

    “Look at where he picked up the economy from. The international community has confidence in his reforms. That is why we are getting support for our projects.”

    Umahi highlighted key infrastructure projects being delivered by the current administration in South East, including  rehabilitation of some roads abandoned by past administrations.

    “Let those criticising the president show us what they have done for the country,” he said.

    The minister dismissed  the allegation that the South East was being sidelined in federal appointments, saying  that Tinubu had done more for the geo-political zone than many past leaders.

    He called for unity among political leaders, regardless of party affiliation, noting that governors across the South East — including those from opposition parties — were working well with the President.

    Umahi told journalists  said that he had no intention of contesting for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.

    “I will not run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu.

    “APC is the path to achieving what we want. The South East now has a voice at the centre. We will not return to Egypt,” he said.

  • Ogoni faults Umahi on East -West road completion

    Ogoni faults Umahi on East -West road completion

    The principal mouthpiece of Ogoni people in Rivers state, KAGOTE, has disagreed with the Minister of Works, Dr. David Umahi, on the completion of some sections of the East-West Road.

    Umahi had said that the ministry completed the dualisation of East-West Road Section II, sub section I, from Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt – Ahoada in Rivers State and upgrading of 15km Section of the East-West Road Port Harcourt from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction.

    But the President of KAGOTE, an acronym that represents Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme local government areas, Emmanuel Deeyah said as at the evening of Sunday, 1st June 2025, work on only one side of the dual carriageway was still ongoing.

    He said: “The concrete pavement has not covered the entire length of the road. There are four overhead bridges at various stages of piling works. Not one has been completed.

    “The Minister of Works misled Mr. President into inaugurating a road still under construction. We hereby condemn this act in totality”.

    Deeyah faulted the claims of Umahi, a former Ebonyi Governor and Senator, saying his claims could not be verified.

    He said: “All those who ply this road know that it is nowhere near completion. It is sad and unexpected of a man of this standing in society, moreover a public official.

    President Tinubu was misled into believing the project had been completed, whereas work on it, is still ongoing. Anyone in doubt can visit the site and you will confirm that the concrete pavement, which is meant to be the uppermost layer, wearing or surface course on the road, is yet to be completed, while the four overhead bridges are at various stages of piling, let alone be completed”.

    He described the Eleme Section of the East West Road as a dual carriage way and major arterial infrastructural project of the present administration.

    He said the road was designed to serve commuters from Akwa lbom State and about eight local governments areas of Rivers State and to evacuate men and materials from the refineries, the Indorama Petrochemical plant, the Ports and Oil & Gas Free Zone located along the axis.

    He said: “Our people believe that the speedy completion of that road will go a long way in assuring our people of the readiness of Government to partner with and develop local infrastructures.

    “It has been in the forefront of our demands for better integration. Coming at a critical time when the Ogoni people have overwhelmingly agreed that the Federal Government should commence oil exploration activities in Ogoniland, which has been on hold for more than thirty years.

    Deeyah said like other Nigerians, Ogoni people voted massively for Mr. President in the last general election, and were in support of the activities, projects and programmes of his administration.

    He said: “We wish to reiterate our sincere appreciation to Mr. President for appointing prominent sons of Ogoni land into various offices of Government, we therefore call on Mr. President to quickly call the Honourable Minister of Works David Umahi to order”.

  • 2027: All South-East Govs supporting Tinubu – Umahi

    2027: All South-East Govs supporting Tinubu – Umahi

    Sen. Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, says all the governors in the South-East geopolitical zone are supporting President Bola Tinubu, urging the undecided, such as former governor Peter Obi, to join the train.

    Umahi also said a section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was nearing completion and that users would have to pay a toll starting in December.

    He made the remarks in an interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Umahi said all South East governors were supporting the President Bola Tinubu administration, regardless of their political affiliations.

    According to the minister, the South East is witnessing a new wave of federal attention and infrastructure development under President Tinubu.

    “The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seeks is fairness, Nigeria that treats every zone equally. That is what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing.

    “Before, when I was governor and deputy governor, one of our major concerns in Ebonyi was the lack of federal presence.

    “But today, nobody remembers that issue anymore. Under President Tinubu, at least four federal projects are ongoing in Ebonyi,” he said.

    He noted that while cries of marginalisation used to dominate conversations in the South East, the current administration had made significant progress in addressing long-standing concerns about infrastructure and appointments.

    “Today, the South East has a Minister of Works for the first time, and we’re seeing real projects – Port Harcourt to Enugu, Enugu to Abakaliki, Enugu to Onitsha, Onitsha to Owerri, and the Second Niger Bridge.

    “The President has already paid 30 per cent of the cost of that bridge.

    “All the governors in the South East, regardless of party affiliation, are working with the President. We’re even planning a summit to bring together all South-East leaders to endorse the President for the 2027 elections formally.

    “We want our projects to be completed, the country’s unity to be strengthened and proper integration of Ndi Igbo,” said Umahi.

    He urged key regional opposition figures to align with the President for the greater good of the South East.

    “Leadership is not about self – it’s about the people. If someone else is already doing what you would have done for your people, support him. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and work with Mr President.

    “He must be part of this summit where we will collectively endorse President Tinubu for the 2027 election. I say it boldly: the South East is happy with the President,” he said.

    Umahi gave an update on four major national projects: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the soon-to-be-procured Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor.

    He described them as transformative investments designed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential and deepen regional integration.

    On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the minister said over 80 per cent of Section 1 – spanning 47.47 kilometres from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port and terminating at Eleko Junction – had been completed.

    He added that work was also progressing on Section 2, which covered 55 kilometres from Eleko Junction to the Lagos-Ogun border.

    “By December, we will toll Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We project a 10-year return on investment. The road has solar-powered lighting and CCTV infrastructure and offers carbon credit advantages.

    “It is more than a road – it is an economic corridor and a catalyst for regional growth. We have completed 30 kilometres of Section 1 and are on track to complete an additional 10 in Section 2. These are six-lane, concrete-paved highways.

    “Just days ago, we flagged off Sections 3 and 3B – 65 kilometres in total – covering 38 kilometres in Cross River State and 27 kilometres in Akwa Ibom. The host communities’ excitement speaks to these projects’ transformative impact,” said the minister.

    Commenting on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Minister explained its historic significance, noting that the route was conceived during the Shehu Shagari administration over four decades ago.

    “The Trans-Saharan Trade Route dates back to colonial-era planning. President Tinubu is now bringing these long-abandoned visions to life,” he said.

    Umahi said God gave Tinubu the vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway seven years ago.

    “Today, he is actualising that vision. These projects testify to his unwavering commitment to national development and a better future for all Nigerians.”

    He reaffirmed that the legacy projects were economically viable, environmentally sustainable, and forward-looking.

  • FG opens up on completion time for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

    FG opens up on completion time for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, has clarified on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project implementation, saying that it is the Section One of the project that is 70 per cent completed.

    Umahi made the clarification in an interview with newsmen during a tour of some bridges on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, on Thursday.

    “Some of you reported that I said the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was 70 per cent done and will be finished by January 2026.

    “That is not what I said. We were dealing with section one, and then, we said, as at today, that section one, which is 47.47km, has been 70 per cent completed,” he said.

    The minister said that the entire Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would be completed by January 2026.

    Umahi said that the coastal highway would be tolled.

    On the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which he also inspected, Umahi said: “We checked five bridges, and we discovered that we have a problem in as much as the standard headroom in bridge design is 5.6 metres.”

    He noted that some of the bridges were up to 6.2 metres while some were 5.6 metres.

    “ The least we had was one that was 5.4 metres.”

    He regretted that some of the beams were being hit by vehicles, posing dangers.

    “Of the five bridges we inspected, our directive is that we are going to descend the carriageway.

    “ We are going to dig up to one metre and then reconstruct the carriageway,” he said.

    Umahi said that the aim was to create headroom that would be up to 6.5 metres.

    He directed that the minimum requirement henceforth would be 6.5 metres to achieve the desired results.

    The minister said he had directed that the Alapako Bridge in Ogun should be closed.

    “The way it is now is very dangerous because a lot of the beams are compromised by vehicles.

  • Umahi vows unwavering support for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway amid criticisms

    Umahi vows unwavering support for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway amid criticisms

    Wevole Ezin, Calabar

    Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has declared that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is unstoppable, asserting that neither public criticism nor political resistance will interfere with its execution.

    Speaking on Monday during the official flag-off of a 65km section in Cross River State, Umahi defended the 750-kilometre project as a historic infrastructure milestone envisioned by President Bola Tinubu nearly three decades ago.

    “This highway is not just a road; it is a transformative corridor for economic expansion and national unity,” he said.

    The minister emphasized that the Federal Government remains fully committed to the project’s timely and efficient completion, despite recent pushback from some quarters.

    He highlighted the highway’s potential to drive growth in tourism, trade, and agriculture, and affirmed that all stages are being pursued concurrently with top engineering standards.

    He praised President Tinubu’s foresight and applauded Cross River Governor Bassey Otu for his partnership in realizing the project. Umahi also called on local communities to cooperate with contractors, noting that government has provided compensation and carried out consultations for affected areas.

    Governor Otu, who represented President Tinubu at the event in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, lauded the Federal Government’s decision to launch the Calabar section in Cross River. He said the coastal highway will revitalize the state’s economic relevance and enhance access to Nigeria’s coastal belt.

    “This project means progress, not just for Cross River but for the entire southern region. It will link markets, improve logistics, and support agro-industrial growth,” Otu stated.

    Also speaking, Engr. Olayinka Onafuye, Federal Controller of Works in Cross River, emphasized adherence to technical standards and the importance of community collaboration in Akamkpa and Odukpani LGAs.

    HITECH Construction Company Ltd’s Managing Director, Danny Abboud, said the new section will traverse several communities before connecting to Akwa Ibom via the Calabar River Bridge.

    He stressed the highway’s role as a national economic artery, constructed using durable reinforced concrete to ensure longevity and reduce congestion.
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  • Just In: Dave Umahi reopens Independence bridge in Lagos

    Just In: Dave Umahi reopens Independence bridge in Lagos

    Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works has officially reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos State for traffic use.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Minister while speaking to newsmen, on Friday disclosed that work was done throughout the night to restore the bridge.

    He added that permanent repair work will start in the next three weeks

    Details later…

  • 2025 budget: Umahi rejects allocation for Ministry of Works

    2025 budget: Umahi rejects allocation for Ministry of Works

    The Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, says the N800 billion allocated to the ministry in the 2025 budget is inadequate to address the country’s road infrastructure needs.

    Umahi stated this in Abuja during the 2025 budget defence session organised by the House Committee on Works.

    He appealed to the committee to use its legislative powers to consider increasing the ministry’s budgetary allocation for the 2025 fiscal year.

    The minister emphasised the need for adequate funding to enable the ministry to complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones across the country.

    He stated that the scope of road projects the ministry was planning to undertake would not be achieved with the allocation.

    Umahi said that borrowing funds to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit was crucial for the nation’s progress.

    “We plead with you to help us; the N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs and so we plead with you to help us.

    “When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession.

    “Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past.

    “Food sellers sand suppliers, gravel workers and others will benefit; support President Bola Tinubu and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so that Nigeria can be great again,” he said.

    The Chairman of the committee, Mr Akin Alabi (APC-Oyo), promised to interface with the Minister of Finance and the Budget Office to unravel the rationale behind the ministry’s low budgetary allocation.

  • N.8trn budget ‘too tiny’ to solve road problems -Works minister, Umahi tells Reps

    N.8trn budget ‘too tiny’ to solve road problems -Works minister, Umahi tells Reps

    The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the proposed 2025 budget as grossly insufficient to address Nigeria’s growing road infrastructure needs.

    Umahi stated this during the 2025 budget defence session held on Friday by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Rep. Akin Alabi.

    Speaking candidly, Umahi called for an upward review of the ministry’s budgetary allocation, stressing that the current figure would barely make a dent in the nation’s road development agenda.

    “We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us,” the Minister told the lawmakers.

    Umahi who emphasised the importance of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate critical new ones across the country, also stressed that borrowing was a necessary step to bridge the infrastructure gap and stimulate economic growth.

    The Minister underscored the potential economic impact of infrastructure development, stating that it would create jobs and boost local economies.

    “When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past,” he explained.

    “Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” he added.

    In response, Chairman of the Committee, assured Umahi that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind the ministry’s limited allocation.

    The session also provided an opportunity for the Minister to address lawmakers’ concerns about the state of roads nationwide, with assurances that the government remains committed to completing ongoing projects.

  • Lagos-Calabar road: Stakeholders kick as FG increases compensation for property owners

    Lagos-Calabar road: Stakeholders kick as FG increases compensation for property owners

    The Federal Government has increased the compensation amount for property owners affected by the construction of the Section 1, Phase 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

    The government increased the compensation sum from the initial N8 billion to about N18 billion.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made the disclosure at a stakeholders engagement on the ongoing construction of Phase 1, Sections 1 and 11 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, on Sunday in Lagos.

    The decision was made to ensure fair compensation for the affected citizens.

    Umahi said, “The Federal Executive Council initially approved N8 billion for this corridor, but today we are hitting N18 billion, and this is just for section one.”

    He said that the compensation figures were justified, adding that they were determined by independent experts and would be publicly disclosed along with property details to ensure transparency.

    Expressing the governments’ commitment to transparency, Umahi said that half of the compensation had already been made to the affected people.

    The minister pledged to complete the compensation  within the next 10 days.

    However, some stakeholders, including lawyers and valuation experts, expressed dissatisfaction with the process.

    They argued that the compensation was inadequate and that the process did not meet standards.

    A  lawyer and valuation expert, Mr Olusola Enitan,  argued that the compensation fell short of standards.

    Enitan said, “Somebody who had a home is now renting with no capacity to replace what was taken from him.”

    He cited multiple Supreme Court decisions supporting the right to fair compensation.

    He, however,  praised Umahi’s efforts in road constructions and reconstructions.

    Responding to the concerns,  Umahi gave the assurance that  the Federal Ministry of Works was working within the law and was open to reviewing any documents presented to facilitate swift compensation.

    The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Mr Akin Alabi, commended the ministry for  transparency and stakeholders engagement in the compensation process.

    He emphasised the importance of publishing compensation details to counter misinformation and promote accountability.

    “There are mischief makers out there, but by the time we start to publish these things, some people will have to keep quiet,” he said.

    The National Assembly Joint Committee on Works had been in Lagos for the past three days to inspect and assess road and bridge projects.

    Umahi led the committee members on tour of the Third Mainland and Carter bridges, among others.