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Tag: David Umahi

  • FG terminates ₦35 billion Benin-Sapele-Warri road contract

    FG terminates ₦35 billion Benin-Sapele-Warri road contract

    The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has terminated the contract for the reconstruction of Section 1 (Benin-Imasabor) of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road, which was granted to Levant Construction Ltd under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the Minister cited persistent non-performance and failure to remobilise to site despite multiple warnings.

    Speaking after a high-level meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd in Abuja, Umahi expressed deep dissatisfaction over Levant’s conduct, revealing that the contractor had abandoned the site even after a termination warning notice that required them to resume within 14 days.

    Umahi said, “We have three sections there. We have the Levant section. Unfortunately, Levant has not lived up to expectations. We even had to intervene and beg the Governor of Edo State to please get the worst sections of that route done.

    “We divided the worst sections into two and told Levant to concentrate on one part. While the Governor of Edo State intervened, which I think is about 23 kilometres for N35 billion, and that section the Governor of Edo State intervened in is ongoing very well, Levant has since left site.

    “We gave them a series of warning letters. We also gave them the last termination notice. When a termination notice is given to you, you have 14 days to go back to the site and begin to do those things you were not doing.

    “This time is for them to remobilise to the site and for them to work, but they did not respond.”

    The minister subsequently instructed the Permanent Secretary to ensure the proper termination of the job and to draft a letter for a joint measurement. Additionally, he requested that the bank be contacted to seek repayment of the APG.

    He pledged to engage the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) if the company does not comply with the request for the necessary refunds to the government’s coffers.

    However, Umahi conveyed his satisfaction with the results of discussions held with SKECC Nigeria Ltd and Geld Construction Ltd regarding the urgency for them to enhance their work on the respective sections of the road project they are managing.

    He praised the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his Edo State counterpart, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for their contributions to certain kilometres of that road project.

    Umahi said, “I have called the Governor of Delta State, and I commend him for the very beautiful work he’s doing. Three flyovers at the same time, beautiful flyovers. In this country, we need such beauties.

    “We have also learned from that design. So we appealed to him to get any contractor within that zone to put 10 kilometres with reinforced concrete.

    “He has agreed to do that. So I commend him very highly, which means that the Governor of Edo State is intervening in that section, and the Governor of Delta State is intervening in that section. We are grateful to them.”

  • Anyone who betrays Tinubu will incur God’s wrath – Umahi

    Anyone who betrays Tinubu will incur God’s wrath – Umahi

    Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has declared that anyone who betrays President Bola Tinubu would incur the wrath of God.

    Umahi made the declaration in Abakaliki while speaking with newsmen when he disclosed that contractors have been put on their toes to complete about 30 mega projects which President Tinubu will inaugurate by December.

    Speaking on Tinubu’s recent commendation on him over some infrastructural feats, the Minister declared that after God, his loyalty lies with the President, stressing that he takes instructions only from the duo.

    The minister said the commendation was worth more than one trillion dollars to him as it shows he was on the right track and that God answers prayers.

    “I have told the president even publicly that my loyalty is to God first and then, him. When a man gives you the type of trust Tinubu has given me, you will.be of the devil to betray him,” he said.

    He stressed that anyone who betrayed Tinubu after receiving such level of trust and support would incur the wrath of God.

    “Have you seen where a man presided over the procurement of a project worth N1.6 trillion and his boss did not call him to ask how he went about it?

    “I am talking about one section of the project depending on the length.

    “I pray everyday that if I place myself, family and friends over God, Tinubu and Nigerians, let Him not answer me,” he said.

    Umahi vowed to continue praying for Tinubu and all those who love him and appreciate what his doing.

    “I also dedicate the president’s commendation to all those who pray for me to succeed in serving the people.

    “This means that contractors would be on their toes to complete about 30 mega projects which the president will inaugurate by Dec.20.

    “I am involved in the construction and inspection of the projects scattered across the six geo-political zones of the country,” he said.

  • Coastal highway: Construction ongoing in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River – Umahi

    Coastal highway: Construction ongoing in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Cross River – Umahi

    Construction of sections one and two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway – from Lagos to the border between Ogun and Ondo – and sections 3A and 3B in Calabar and Akwa-Ibom, respectively, are all ongoing and at different stages.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, made the disclosure on Saturday at the inauguration of a 30km stretch of the highway by President Bola Tinubu.

    “This project is designed on six lanes carriageway with a total width corridor of 60m,” he said.

    Umahi also said that the corridor also had drainage system, flyovers and bridges, pedestrian bridges, 25m-width train tracks, concrete ducts for utilities and solar streetlights.

    “The concrete road pavement was designed on 275mm continuous reinforced concrete,” he said.

    According to the minister, benefits of the legacy project include job creation and economic opportunities.

    “It will provide direct employment to thousands during construction and after construction and will open economic opportunities to millions of Nigerians.”

    Umahi said that the project would lead to improved accessibility and connectivity which would enhance access to production and marketing centres for over 30 million people, bridging the gap between rural and urban areas.

    He said that the highway would provide direct access to under-utilised waterways, promoting establishment and expansion of maritime industries such as ocean terminals, ship repair facilities, and passenger cruise terminals.

    “This will position coastal communities at the forefront of the Blue Economy,” he said.

    According to Umahi, it will also encourage establishment of more export processing zones in coastal states, boosting economic growth and development.

    The minister added that the project would lead to enhanced and strengthened regional and national security by improving surveillance and response capabilities.

    He equally said that it would enhance tourism development by unlocking tourism potential in at least nine states.

    Umahi said that it would showcase coastal attractions and promote eco-tourism, making beaches accessible to millions, fostering the growth of eco- sanctuaries and environmental conservation.

    He said that the coastal highway would improve shoreline protection and environmental sustainability.

    According to him, it will help to protect the shoreline along the route, preventing erosion and preserving coastal ecosystems.

    “This project shall be completed in sections; commissioned and tolled to recover cost of the project,” he said.

    The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will pass through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa lbom states, and terminate in Calabar, Cross River.

  • Tinubu set to inaugurate completed portion of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway

    Tinubu set to inaugurate completed portion of Lagos-Calabar coastal highway

    President Bola Tinubu will on Saturday inaugurate the completed portion of the  Phase One, Section One  of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, made this known in a statement  on Friday in Lagos.

    The project is a flagship of the Tinubu administration under its Renewed Hope Agenda. The completed portion is a 30km stretch.

    The inauguration will take place at Kilometer Eight of the highway.

    The completed portion  marks a significant milestone in the first phase of the 750km coastal highway designed to enhance connectivity along Nigeria’s southern corridor.

    Umahi said in the statement  that the president described the inauguration as a fulfilment of a long-held vision he conceived more than two decades ago.

    “This project is not just a road; it is a symbol of national integration, economic vitality, and social cohesion.

    “For Mr President, this is a dream nurtured for 27 years becoming a legacy of transformation,” Umahi said.

    He said that beyond easing transport and boosting commerce in coastal communities across nine states, the highway would stand as a hallmark of engineering excellence and aesthetics.

    The minister said that the President would also be expected to virtually inaugurate some other completed signature infrastructure projects within Southern Nigeria.

    According to him, the projects include the dualised  East-West Road Section II (Eleme Junction–Ahoada) in Rivers, which spanned 94km.

    Umahi said that the reconstructed Lagos-Ibadan Expressway  (Sagamu–Ibadan Section), covering 166.8km, would be among the projects to be inaugurated.

    He added that the 67.1km Alesi–Ugep Road in Cross River would also be inaugurated by Tinubu.

    Umahi also said that the 75m dual Enugu Bridge at New Artisan Market would be  inaugurated as well as the constructed 65m New Akpoha Bridge in Ebonyi.

    The President will also inaugurate the Lagos–Badagry Expressway Expansion (Agbara Junction to Nigeria/Benin Border) covering 48.6km, according to Umahi.

    The minister said the President would flag off construction of new critical road projects such as the Ibadan–Ife–Ilesha–Akure–Benin Road spanning four states, the Nembe–Brass Road, and sections of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway totalling 107km.

    Tinubu will also flag off  Abakpa Flyover construction in Enugu State.

    Umahi said that top government officials, including state governors – especially from the coastal states – National Assembly members, ministers, heads of parastatal-agencies and development partners would be expected  at the event.

    He said  that the Minister of State for Works, Mr Bello Goronyo, would join in welcoming dignitaries and stakeholders to the event, which he  described  as a celebration of a transformative chapter in Nigeria’s infrastructure story.

    Umahi gave the assurance that all arrangements for the inauguration, including  security of guests, had been taken care of.

  • I am stubborn, Umahi knows, he cannot control me – Gov Nwifuru

    I am stubborn, Umahi knows, he cannot control me – Gov Nwifuru

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has said that his predecessor, Sen. David Umahi does not control his policies and actions as being insinuated in several quarters of the state.

    Nwifuru made the declaration on Wednesday in Abakaliki during the anniversary lecture to mark his second anniversary in office, noting that he was responsible for all actions.

    Recall that Nwifuru was the Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly between 2015 and 2023 when Umahi also held sway as the state governor.

    Umahi has declared in several fora that he fought forces to make his “son” Nwifuru succeed him while the latter always call the Minister of Works, his “father and boss”.

    “I am logically stubborn and Umahi knows this well. Umahi is a man whose ways are clear and has never insisted that I do things this way or that.The minister knows that if he does that, I will resist it,” Nwifuru said.

    The governor said he has worked with Umahi for over 16 years and gained tremendously from his wealth of knowledge.

    “Any shortcoming on my part rests entirely on me and not on anyone else. I could have been a better leader if Umahi actually controls me,” he said.

    He pledged to defend the integrity of the state in the country and urged all stakeholders present to tow the same line.

    “I truly commend Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi (APC–Ebonyi.North) for standing his ground when a former female minister called him a hooligan at a Senate hearing.

    “The woman did that because Nwebonyi is from Ebonyi and could not have done so if he was from Kano, Anambra or any other state.

    “Nwebonyi’s defence was not only for himself but the entire state as people should not look down on us anymore,” he said.

    He thanked the guest lecturer and stakeholders who spoke on the occasion for their incisive admonitions, pledging to address all issues raised.

    “The theme of the lecture “Beyond celebration, navigating public expectation and developmental demands in the next two years” is a new task given to my administration,” he said.

    Former Senate President, Pius Anyim commended the governor for his strides within two years and urged him not be distracted in implementing his people’s charter of needs mantra.

    Anyim, the Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).said that reclaiming the Abakaliki city master plan was a bold move by the governor that should be supported by all.

    The first Executive Governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu commended Nwifuru for his endearing interventions in education which was the hallmark of his own tenure as governor.

    Prof. Eugene Nweke, the Guest Lecturer, urged the governor to sustain and improve on indices which would enhance the people’s well-being and generally develop the state.

  • Umahi: All Southeast Governors backing Tinubu for second term

    Umahi: All Southeast Governors backing Tinubu for second term

    Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said that all governors from the Southeast, regardless of party affiliation, are united in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, recognizing his commitment to fairness, national cohesion, and infrastructural development.

    Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, disclosed that plans are underway to convene a regional political summit where Southeast leaders will officially endorse President Tinubu for a second term. Speaking during a government documentary marking Tinubu’s second year in office, Umahi emphasized that the President’s inclusive governance and tangible achievements have earned him broad regional backing.

    He also urged prominent Southeast leaders, including former Anambra Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to support Tinubu’s 2027 bid. Although Obi secured over 90% of the Southeast votes in 2023, Umahi called for unity, noting that leadership should prioritize the people’s benefit over personal ambition.

    Currently, only two of the Southeast’s five governors are members of the ruling APC: Hope Uzodimma (Imo) and Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi). The remaining states are led by Governor Peter Mbah (PDP, Enugu), Alex Otti (Labour Party, Abia), and Charles Soludo (APGA, Anambra). Soludo recently expressed support for President Tinubu during his visit to Anambra. Though Mbah has not made a formal statement, he is believed to admire the President’s leadership.

    President Tinubu is expected to visit Umuahia, Abia State, on Friday, further strengthening federal ties with the region.

    Also on Tuesday, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno, speaking after meeting Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Tinubu’s performance warrants nationwide support. His remarks echoed Umahi’s statement, which was also shared by Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga.

    Highlighting federal efforts in the region, Umahi noted that the Southeast is seeing an unprecedented level of engagement, especially in infrastructure development. Key projects include the Port Harcourt–Enugu, Enugu–Abakaliki, Enugu–Onitsha, and Onitsha–Owerri highways, alongside the Second Niger Bridge, of which Tinubu has already funded 30%.

    “For the first time, the Southeast has a Minister of Works—not just symbolically, but strategically,” Umahi said. “These are not promises; they are projects with visible impact.”

    Reflecting on past concerns of regional marginalization, Umahi said the Southeast now feels a growing sense of inclusion under Tinubu’s administration. “As governor and deputy governor in Ebonyi, we often lamented the absence of federal presence. That has changed. Today, we have four major federal projects ongoing in our state alone.”

    He said Tinubu’s governance style has rekindled optimism and reshaped the region’s sense of national belonging. “The Igbo are naturally industrious; all we ask for is fairness and opportunity—and this administration is delivering that.”

    Umahi added that the upcoming summit will reinforce unity, fast-track project execution, and deepen national integration. He called on Peter Obi to join efforts to move the region forward: “If someone is delivering what you intended to do for your people, support them. Let’s stand united behind the President.”

    Providing updates on major federal projects, Umahi said 80% of Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway—from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Deep Sea Port—has been completed, with tolling to begin in December. He described the road as a “corridor of growth” featuring solar-powered lights, CCTV systems, and potential for carbon credits.

    He also mentioned that Sections 3 and 3B of the highway, covering Cross River and Akwa Ibom, have been inaugurated with strong local support. Umahi traced the revival of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway—originally conceived by President Shehu Shagari—as part of Tinubu’s vision to activate long-dormant economic corridors.

    Other transformative routes include the Trans-Saharan Trade Route and the Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor, which Umahi described as “legacy projects” critical to Nigeria’s economic future.

    He concluded by crediting Tinubu with the original vision for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, conceived seven years ago: “Now he is bringing that vision to life, demonstrating consistent leadership and a long-term commitment to national development.”

  • Umahi unveils plan to involve APC chairpersons in monitoring of road projects

    Umahi unveils plan to involve APC chairpersons in monitoring of road projects

    The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Tuesday said he will involve chairpersons of All Progressives Congress, APC across the country in monitoring of projects as part of efforts by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to boost infrastructure development nationwide.

    Umahi who revealed this during a courtesy visit by members of the Forum of APC to his office in Abuja said the move was necessary for improved service delivery.

    He emphasised the need for objective oversight of road projects, stating APC chairmen would help ensure proper execution and national benefit.

    A communication platform, he added, would be created to enable seamless information exchange between parties.

    “We are committed to completing all projects, and I want you to partner with us. If I’m visiting a site, I’d like you to join me there,” Umahi said.

    “Keep me informed  your sacrifices during the election deserve recognition,” he stated.

    He noted that President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry to involve the party’s leadership in developmental efforts.

    Umahi praised the chairmen for advancing the Renewed Hope mandate and urged similar support for other ministers to showcase their work.

    He affirmed that the APC-led government remains devoted to delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.

    According to him, President Tinubu boosted the economy by promoting local content and discouraging unnecessary imports.

    He revealed ongoing projects in nearly all states across Nigeria.

    “President Tinubu inherited 2,604 projects worth around ₦13 trillion, with contractors owed nearly ₦1 trillion.

    “Following a review, inflation and subsidy removal raised the total to ₦19 trillion for completion,” Umahi noted.

    He added that 440 key projects along economic corridors were prioritised, with 65 new ones, including four legacy bridges, already underway.

    Ongoing works include those in Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara, while the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road nears completion.

    A contract worth ₦754 billion was also awarded for the Ilesha-Akure-Benin road.

    “We have many reasons to commend the president, with global recognition now coming our way,” he said.

    Similarly, Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, lauded the President for appointing Umahi to lead the infrastructure renewal.

    Goronyo noted that roads account for nearly 90 per cent of transport, and the President has ensured safer travels nationwide.

    Earlier, Alphonsus Eba, Secretary of the APC State Chairmen Forum, said the visit was to commend Umahi’s efforts.

    “We thank the President for discovering you — you’ve contributed over 50 per cent of the President’s electoral goodwill,” Eba stated.

    He said the group seeks partnership to serve as volunteer project monitors across states.

    “We’ve already begun political mobilisation in preparation for the president’s re-election,” he said.

    Eba appealed for help in completing roads and bridges in Taraba, Niger, and the Calabar–Itu axis.

     

  • Ebonyi APC commends Umahi for avoiding rift with Gov. Nwifuru

    Ebonyi APC commends Umahi for avoiding rift with Gov. Nwifuru

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State has commended the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for resisting pressures to engage in a rift with Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi.

    Insinuations were rife in the state that the acclaimed “father and son” were at loggerheads over the control of the state’s party structure.

    The Chairman of APC in Ebonyi, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, however told NAN on Friday, that it was in the state’s interest that there was no Umahi-Nwifuru rift.

    “Umahi as a leader has made his marks in Ebonyi and Nigeria, realising in the process that there is time for everything. There is a time to reign, step aside and stand as a father.

    “A good dancer dances with wisdom, leaves the stage when the ovation is loudest and refuses to yield to pressure to remain on stage,” he said.

    Okoro-Emegha said that Umahi’s debunk of the insinuations of conflict portrayed him as a patriot who did not want Ebonyi to undergo the political upheavals witnessed in some states.

    “He admitted to have been put under from within to tell the governor certain things but he never did so.

    “His declaration of leaving the governor to decide the party’s affairs is a welcome development as the governor is the party’s leader in the state.

    “The governor knows what is good for the party and when he succeeds, the party succeeds,” he said.

    He urged party faithful to always ignore the antics of naysayers and be committed to its ideals for continuous success.

    It would be recalled that Umahi while declaring open, the commencement of work on the Ebonyi section of 118.km trans-Saharan super highway said he never signed a one-term agreement with Nwifuru.

    “I fought battles to make Nwifuru governor without conditions and I will support him for eight years.

    “I was in control of the state party structure for eight years as the governor and will therefore, not interfere with Nwifuru’s leadership.

    “People think I will return to struggle for power after leaving office but I am not available for such distractions,” the minister had said.

  • FG introduces new policy for road projects

    FG introduces new policy for road projects

    The federal government has introduced a new policy for road projects: going forward, no contractor would be mobilised without working on-site for a minimum of 30 days and performing permanent work.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the new policy on Saturday while inspecting the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section 1: Abuja-Kaduna road project.

    He explained that the new policy was designed to ensure that contractors demonstrated their commitment to the projects before receiving any financial support.

    According to the minister, any contractor bidding for a project should also show their financial capacity to execute the work.

    He recalled that the road project, which was initially handled by Julius Berger, was revoked and reassigned to Infouest International Limited due to disagreements.

    “I am satisfied with the speed of work. Infouest has not been paid a kobo, but they have been working on-site. This is the new policy of the Ministry of Works.

    “The moment you sign your agreement, you have to mobilise and be on-site for a minimum of 30 days, doing permanent work before you get mobilisation,” Umahi stated.

    Umahi further lauded Infouest for exceeding the 30-day requirement and announced that they would now apply for the 30 per cent mobilisation.

    He also commended the progress of the project, stating that concrete work would begin in the first week of March.

    “This project is the heartbeat of President Bola Tinubu because of its economic value.

    “It is the gateway to all the northern states, and from there, you can go to Cameroon, Niger Republic, and beyond,” Umahi said.

    The minister also revealed plans to take the request for Section 2 of the road to the Federal Executive Council on March 3, noting that many qualified contractors would be considered for the next phase.

    “I do not know which contractor would be picked, but we have a lot of qualified contractors. With God’s help, we will get it approved,” he added.

    Umahi affirmed that the ministry’s decision to terminate the previous contractor demonstrated their commitment to engineering excellence.

    The Federal Government, he noted, had several other projects ready for commissioning across the country.

    In response, the Managing Director of Infouest, Mr Joseph Abougaounde, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Works for the trust placed in the company.

    He assured that Infouest had worked diligently over the past three months and would continue to deliver the best quality work on time.

    “I accept this challenge and promise to shoulder half of it, ensuring that we meet the project’s goals,” Abougaounde said.

  • Why FG terminated Oyo-Ogbomoso road contract- Umahi

    Why FG terminated Oyo-Ogbomoso road contract- Umahi

    The Federal Government has said that the delay in the completion of the 98-kilometre Oyo-Ogbomoso Road project contracted to Reynolds Construction Company(RCC) necessitated the termination of the contract.

    Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, made this known on Thursday in Ibadan during a stakeholders’ meeting on Oyo federal roads.

    The theme of the engagement is: ‘Enhancing Federal Roads in Oyo State: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions’.

    Umahi noted that the prolong delay in completing the project had caused hardship for commuters and slowed economic activities in the area.

    The minister, however, gave assurance that the project would be re-awarded to a new contractor soonest.

    He reiterated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to deliver the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road project in the shortest possible time.

    “Oyo-Ogbomoso road project has dragged on for too long, so we cannot continue to watch as businesses and means of livelihoods suffer due to its non-completion.

    “In view of this, the Federal Government will take decisive action to ensure the project is completed without further delay,” the minister said.

    Stakeholders at the engagement facilitated by Mr Akin Alabi, (APC) Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency, decried the delay in completing the Oyo-Ogbomoso Road project by RCC.

    They unanimously appealed to the Federal government to speed up action in ensuring that the project is completed without further delay.

    They equally urged government to fast track rehabilitation of Ibadan -Ilesa dual carriage way and other federal roads in Oyo State and the entire South-West region.