Umahi: Road Projects Essential for Nigeria's Economic Growth

David Umahi, the Minister of Works, emphasized the importance of road infrastructure in spurring economic growth during a media tour on Saturday. He defended the Federal Government's investment in road projects, particularly highlighting President Bola Tinubu's four legacy highway projects designed to transform agriculture, trade, and industrial development across Nigeria.

Umahi noted the construction of the longest flyover in Africa near the Dangote Refinery and the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which aims to alleviate anticipated traffic congestion around the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the refinery. The Ndi Egb Bridge, measuring approximately 1.3 kilometers, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Ebonyi and Cross River States upon its completion in December 2026.

The bridge is currently 45% complete, with technical challenges and funding delays affecting progress. Umahi confirmed that the projects are part of a broader transport network intended to interconnect Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, with a focus on enhancing economic corridors.