Have you noticed that Pres. Tinubu & Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi are close? We can tell you that for free. He is one of the President most trusted aides. They talk almost every day and the President likes to call him Dave.
The reason the President depends on
him a lot is because of the vital role he is playing for him. He is in charge
of the road network across Nigeria. He is also in-charge of Infrastructure.
The President and the Minister have
agreed that many of the ongoing road projects be delivered before the 2027
elections, especially the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which passes through
many states.
It was because of the transformation
Umahi brought to Ebonyi as governor that made the President to call on him to
do same across Nigeria. He is experienced.
He has held various positions,
including Governor of Ebonyi State (2015-2023), Senator representing Ebonyi
South (June-August 2023), and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State (2011-2015).
Umahi’s tenure as governor focused on
infrastructure development, education, health, and agriculture. He’s known for
having transformed Ebonyi State’s landscape with extensive road construction
and flyover projects.
Before Politics, he co-founded Norman
Engineering and Construction Nigeria Ltd. and led Brass Engineering and
Construction Nigeria Ltd.
Umahi defected from the People’s
Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020, citing
injustice to the Southeast region. He’s received several awards, including Commander
of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Best Governor in Infrastructure
Development.
As governor of Ebonyi State
(2015-2023), he transformed the state with over 20 flyovers, 1,500 km of
concrete roads, and landmark projects like the Abakaliki-Afikpo Expressway and
King David University of Medical Sciences. Umahi’s hands-on approach and
engineering expertise have earned him recognition as one of Nigeria’s
best-performing ministers, with ongoing projects including the Lagos-Calabar
coastal highway and Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway.
Since he became Minister of Works, he
has achieved significant milestones in infrastructure development. Some notable
achievements include:
- Road Construction: Completion of 260
palliative road projects nationwide, costing N208 billion, and 440 ongoing road
projects across the country.
- Major Infrastructure Projects:
Undertaking 29 major projects worth over N2 trillion, including the
Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
- Quality Assurance: Implementing
concrete pavement technology to ensure durability and efficiency, and cracking
down on corruption by removing substandard officials.
- Regional Development: Focusing on
Northern Nigeria, with 52% of ongoing road construction projects concentrated
in the region.
- Job Creation: Creating opportunities
for local engineers and contractors through the “New Tool Programme”.
Umahi’s efforts aim to transform
Nigeria’s infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve living standards.
David Umahi’s policies focus on
infrastructure development, with a strong emphasis on road construction and
rehabilitation. As Minister of Works, he’s implemented concrete technology to
ensure durability and efficiency, completing over 1,500 kilometers of concrete
roads. Some key projects include:
- Road Construction: Completion of 260
palliative road projects and 440 ongoing projects nationwide.
- Major Infrastructure: Lagos-Calabar
Coastal Highway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, and Second Niger Bridge.
- Quality Assurance: Implementing
concrete pavement technology for roads lasting up to 100 years.
- Regional Development: Prioritizing
projects in Niger State, including Minna-Suleja Road and
Jebba-Lambata-Minna-Suleja Road.
Umahi’s approach emphasizes
transparency, accountability, and collaboration with state governments. He’s
also tackled corruption, removing substandard officials and ensuring proper
project execution.
David Umahi has several ongoing
projects across the country. Some notable ones include:
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: An
800km project connecting Lagos to Cross River, traversing Ogun, Ondo, Delta,
Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.
- Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway: A
1,068km project with 52% of construction focused on northern Nigeria.
- Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway:
A major infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation.
- Second Niger Bridge: A key project
with access roads in Delta and Anambra States.
- Enugu-Onitsha Road: Reconstruction
underway, with MTN Nigeria contributing via tax credits.
- Abeokuta-Ajebo Road Project: Aims to
enhance economic development and security in Ogun State.
These projects align with President
Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on infrastructure development and
economic growth.
Some notable updates include:
- Minna-Suleja Road: Approval from the
Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and pending consideration by the Federal
Executive Council (FEC).
- Jebba and Lambata Bridges: Integrity
tests and expansion joint work ongoing.
- Abuja-Kaduna Expressway: Concrete
pavement works underway.
- Enugu-Onitsha Road: Reconstruction
in progress, with MTN Nigeria contributing via tax credits.
- Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: A
major project connecting Lagos to Cross River, with sections already underway.
- Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway: 52% of
construction focused on Northern Nigeria.
Umahi emphasizes intensified
monitoring, faster project execution, and measurable impact in 2026, aligning
with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
David Umahi is widely regarded as one
of Nigeria’s most hardworking ministers. His hands-on approach, engineering
expertise, and focus on delivering tangible results have earned him
recognition. Some signs of his work ethic include:
- Impressive Track Record: Completed
over 1,500 km of concrete roads as Ebonyi State Governor.
- Ongoing Projects: Oversees 440 road
projects nationwide, with 260 palliative roads completed.
- Major Infrastructure: Driving key
projects like Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.
- Quality Assurance: Implements
concrete technology for durable roads and cracks down on corruption.
Umahi’s work ethic and achievements
have earned him praise, with many Nigerians appreciating his efforts to improve
infrastructure.
How come President Tinubu does not
joke with him?
President Tinubu has a high level of
trust in David Umahi, Umahi himself stated that his loyalty lies with Tinubu
after God, and he believes betraying such trust would be wrong. Tinubu has
entrusted Umahi with significant projects, including a N1.6 trillion project,
without questioning his decisions. This suggests a strong level of confidence
in Umahi’s abilities and integrity.
Umahi has been a vocal supporter of
Tinubu, praising his inclusive governance and infrastructural investments in
the Southeast. He believes Tinubu’s efforts will earn him support in the 2027
general election. Umahi’s commitment to Tinubu is also reflected in his
dedication to completing projects on schedule.
Their relationship is built on mutual
respect and trust, with Umahi often seeking Tinubu’s guidance and approval.
Tinubu, in turn, has commended Umahi’s work, boosting his confidence and
motivation.
He is also one of Tinubu’s loyal
supporters from the East
David Umahi is a loyal supporter of
President Bola Tinubu from the Southeast region. He’s publicly expressed his
loyalty and commitment to Tinubu’s administration, often praising his
governance and policies. Umahi’s support is significant, given his influence
and position as Minister of Works. He’s working to ensure Tinubu’s projects are
completed efficiently, reinforcing their strong relationship.
Insiders say David Umahi’s impressive
track record as Ebonyi State Governor likely played a significant role in his
appointment as Minister of Works. His achievements in infrastructure
development, including over 1,500 km of concrete roads and numerous flyovers,
showcased his capabilities and expertise. This experience and success probably
caught President Tinubu’s attention, leading to his appointment.
Umahi’s hands-on approach and ability
to deliver results align with Tinubu’s priorities, making him a strong fit for
the role. His gubernatorial experience has likely contributed to his
effectiveness as Minister of Works, driving infrastructure projects nationwide.
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