Minister of Works David Umahi has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expects him to help address longstanding infrastructure challenges in Nigeria’s South-East.
Umahi made the remarks while speaking about the Federal Government’s development efforts in the region, particularly ongoing road projects aimed at improving transportation and economic connectivity.
The minister said, “Tinubu wants me to rewrite South-East wrongs,” describing the statement as part of the responsibility placed on him by the President to contribute to correcting historical infrastructure deficiencies in the region.
The comments have attracted attention because infrastructure development has remained a major concern in the South-East, where residents and business communities have consistently called for better roads and improved transport links.
Umahi, who previously served as governor of Ebonyi State, became Minister of Works under the Tinubu administration. Since his appointment, he has overseen several federal road and bridge projects across Nigeria.
The South-East is home to several major commercial centres, including Onitsha, Aba, Nnewi and Enugu. Poor road conditions and inadequate transportation infrastructure have frequently been cited as challenges affecting the movement of people, agricultural produce and manufactured goods.
The Federal Government has promoted several road projects in the region as part of its wider infrastructure programme. Officials say improved connectivity could reduce travel times, support businesses and strengthen economic integration between the South-East and other parts of the country.
However, questions remain over the speed of project completion, funding and the sustainability of infrastructure investments. Stakeholders have also continued to call for greater accountability in the execution of public projects.
Umahi’s comments come amid broader discussions about the Federal Government’s relationship with the South-East and its efforts to address concerns over development and inclusion.
The region has historically been an important centre of commerce and manufacturing, making reliable transportation infrastructure particularly important to its economy.
As construction and rehabilitation projects continue, residents and businesses will be watching to see whether the government’s commitments translate into completed projects and improved road networks.
Umahi’s statement ultimately highlights the administration’s stated intention to tackle infrastructure challenges in the South-East, while placing responsibility on the Works Ministry to demonstrate measurable progress.
The success of the ongoing projects will likely determine how residents assess the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda in the region in the years ahead.
