Umahi: Southeast Governors rally behind Tinubu, Lagos-Calabar Highway tolling begins December

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Senator Dave Umahi, Minister of Works, has revealed that all Southeast governors are united in their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, irrespective of political differences.

Speaking in a feature interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking the President’s second anniversary in office, Umahi urged undecided leaders, including former governor Peter Obi, to join the collective effort towards regional development and national unity.

Highlighting a renewed federal focus on the Southeast, Umahi emphasized the significant infrastructure projects underway in the region, stating that the era of perceived marginalization is giving way to tangible progress.

“The Igbo man is enterprising and blessed with God-given wisdom. What Ndi Igbo seek is fairness—an equitable Nigeria. That is what President Tinubu is delivering,” he said.

The Minister recounted how Ebonyi State, once plagued by a lack of federal presence, now hosts multiple ongoing federal projects.

He said these developments underscored the administration’s commitment to addressing the region’s infrastructure deficit and political representation. Notably, the Southeast now boasts a Minister of Works from the region for the first time.

Among the key projects cited are vital road networks connecting Port Harcourt, Enugu, Abakaliki, Onitsha, Owerri, and the ongoing construction of the Second Niger Bridge, for which the federal government has already disbursed 30 percent of the funding.

Umahi also announced plans for a Southeast summit to formally endorse President Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid, encouraging all regional leaders to participate in advancing unity and sustained development.

In urging opposition figures to collaborate with the current administration, Umahi stated, “Leadership is about serving the people. If someone else is already working for the welfare of your people, support that effort. I call on my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi, to join us and endorse the President.”

Turning to national infrastructure, Umahi provided an update on four transformative projects: the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Trans-Saharan Trade Route, and the upcoming Ogun-Ondo-Niger Corridor.

These initiatives are designed to stimulate economic growth and deepen regional integration.

Regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, he disclosed that over 80 percent of the first section—from Ahmadu Bello Way to Eleko Junction, spanning 47.47 kilometers—has been completed.

Umahi added that construction continued on the second section towards the Lagos-Ogun border.

Umahi announced that tolling for Section 1 would commence in December, with a projected 10-year return on investment, explaining that the highway features solar-powered lighting, CCTV surveillance, and environmental benefits such as carbon credit advantages.

“More than a road, this is an economic corridor set to catalyze regional development,” Umahi said, adding that recent construction activity on Sections 3 and 3B, covering parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states, has been met with enthusiastic support from local communities.

On the historic Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Umahi noted that the project, conceived over four decades ago during the Shehu Shagari administration, is finally being realized under President Tinubu’s leadership.

Similarly, he said the Trans-Saharan Trade Route, a colonial-era vision, is now being brought to fruition.

Praising the President’s foresight and dedication, Umahi concluded, “God granted him the vision for these projects years ago, and today, they stand as a testament to his unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development. These legacy projects are economically sound, environmentally sustainable, and future-oriented.”