Titus Eleweke I Saturday, February 28.26
AWKA, Anambra – The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that he is not afraid of attacks or insults on social media, stating that his primary focus remains delivering quality infrastructure for Nigerians.
Umahi made the remarks on Saturday in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, while inspecting ongoing federal government road projects by Amasea – Immigration Junction,Akwa,along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work being executed on roads across the South-East, assuring Nigerians that projects undertaken under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would stand the test of time.
According to the minister, road construction under the current administration is no longer “business as usual.”
He emphasized that the widespread use of asphalt is being phased out in favor of concrete technology, which he said guarantees longer durability.
“No one guarantees asphalt roads in this country for more than 15 years, but under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are constructing concrete roads that we guarantee will last for 100 years,” he said.
Umahi disclosed that the project is being handled by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) and is partly funded through tax credits by MTN Nigeria.
He revealed that RCC is constructing about 23 kilometers of concrete pavement, with 20 kilometers already completed. The broader MTN-funded tax credit project covers approximately 104 kilometers.
He also commended NigerCat, a subcontractor on the project, for its performance, noting that significant portions of the work would be completed within weeks.
The minister announced a new directive converting an additional 23 kilometers of the RCC/MTN project from asphalt to concrete pavement, including inner and outer shoulders reinforced with laterite to match existing road levels.
Explaining the decision, Umahi said the cost of constructing asphalt layers , primer, binder, and wearing course is approximately ₦94,000 per square meter, while concrete pavement costs about ₦92,000 per square meter and offers significantly longer durability.
“Why should we continue with asphalt when concrete is more durable and costs less? We must ensure value for money for Nigerian taxpayers,” he stated.
Umahi said the federal government’s consistent inspection of projects nationwide is aimed at ensuring quality control and accountability.
Although the road was initially scheduled for completion in April under agreements with MTN but has been shifted to May.
He acknowledged possible delays but stressed that measures are being taken to prevent water damage during the rainy season.
He highlighted other major concrete road projects across the country, including sections of the East–West Road, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and routes in Sokoto and Badagry, describing them as evidence of a new standard in road infrastructure.
The minister called on the people of the South-East geopolitical zone to appreciate what he described as unprecedented federal infrastructure investment in the region.
He noted that during his tenure as governor and deputy governor, the zone did not benefit from significant federal road projects, but said the current administration has changed that narrative.
“We may not have been counted before, but today we are included. The quality of projects the President is delivering will remain a lasting legacy,” he said.
He urged residents to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda and to acknowledge positive developments on social media rather than focusing solely on criticism.
Response to Social Media Criticism
Addressing critics directly, Umahi stated that he remains undistracted by insults or allegations made against him online.
“If you insult me on social media, I will not respond. I am not distracted. Everyone knows that I am David — I am not afraid of any war. If you make allegations, you must prove them ” he said.
He added that contracting practices in Nigeria have changed and warned that the ministry is prepared to confront resistance to reform.
“Contracting in Nigeria is no longer business as usual. We are ready for whatever challenges come. We will fulfill our responsibility to God, the Nigerian people, and the President,” he added.
Umahi reiterated his call for the South-East to rally behind President Tinubu, saying the region has witnessed tangible development and should consolidate its gains through continued support.
