The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said banditry in parts of the country has not disrupted ongoing federal road projects, assuring that work continues under tight security arrangements.
Umahi stated this on Saturday in Enugu while inspecting the Enugu–Onitsha highway, the Eke Obinagu mega flyover and other projects along the corridor. He said contractors have continued work without hindrance following a directive by President Bola Tinubu to security agencies to protect project sites.
“The President directed the National Security Adviser, service chiefs and related authorities to support us with adequate security on project sites,” he said. “There are no security issues at various project sites, as most security agents stay inside bushes and are not seen. Work is therefore going on at various sites in accordance with the President’s directives.”
To demonstrate progress, the minister noted that concrete is being applied on many roads at night, particularly in northern states where daytime temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius.
“The weather in the northern part of the country is presently above 45 degrees Celsius, and you cannot apply concrete under such conditions. Applying concrete at night shows there is adequate security on our sites, and anyone who tries anything funny will have himself to blame,” he said.
Umahi expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, revealing that the Eke Obinagu flyover has reached 99 per cent completion, while sections of the Enugu–Onitsha road are nearing completion. He said the projects would be inaugurated by the President in May.
He urged the South-East to appreciate the administration’s infrastructural efforts in the region, stating that the projects would boost social and economic activities.
Mrs Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East), also commended the projects, noting that improved roads would ease the movement of farm produce and enhance inter-state connectivity.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that contractors and supervisors handling the projects pledged to meet agreed timelines, citing support from the Federal Government.
