The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to balanced infrastructure development across Nigeria, highlighting four major legacy road projects that span all six geopolitical zones. This includes the 445.8 billion Naira Cross River–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja corridor, which covers the South East region. This clarification comes amid growing claims of marginalization, particularly targeting the South East and the North over the allocation of road projects.
Responding to recent accusations from various quarters, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Arewa Consultative Forum, Minister of Works Dave Umahi defended the President’s infrastructure agenda. He described the allegations as politically motivated and misleading, insisting that the President is equitably distributing resources irrespective of regional voting patterns during the 2023 elections.
Umahi specifically addressed criticisms from a social media publication that suggested the South East was excluded from key infrastructure plans and called on stakeholders within the region to avoid “politics of hate and misinformation.” He said the South East’s portion of the third legacy project alone spans over 231 kilometers and is already under construction.
The minister further revealed that all regional directors in the Ministry of Works have been tasked with compiling comprehensive reports on ongoing and new projects across Nigeria, emphasizing that President Tinubu’s approach to infrastructure is aimed at promoting unity and national renewal.
