Engr. Dave Nweze Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister Works is a seasoned technocrat and an accomplished engineer. He is a man who is committed to sound infrastructure and human capital development, whose philosophy is anchored in the belief that infrastructure serves as the backbone of national development. And his performance and leadership at the ministry of works is helping to propel the Tinubu government’s vision for a renewed Nigeria.
Since his appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Works by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, Engr. Umahi has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform the nation’s road infrastructure, positioning himself as a cornerstone in Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda- a comprehensive blueprint for national development, focusing on economic growth, infrastructure development, job creation, and social welfare. This former governor of Ebonyi State has seamlessly integrated his wealth of experience into this “Renewed Hope” agenda, making remarkable strides in the ministry of works.
Upon his appointment, Umahi pledged to overhaul Nigeria’s road network with a focus on improving quality, implementing cost-effective solutions, and ensuring timely project completion. In alignment with President Tinubu’s vision, Umahi set about addressing the nation’s infrastructure deficit with determination, transparency, and innovation.
As soon as he resumed office, he analyzed the challenges and future prospects in the task before him. He saw several challenges in the mission to transform Nigeria’s road infrastructure. Limited funding, bureaucratic hurdles, and security concerns in certain regions remain significant obstacles. Then he mapped out ways to ensure things work really well. Umahi has proven to be a resilient and resourceful leader, navigating these challenges with pragmatism and determination.
Revitalizing Nigeria’s road network and a commitment to durability is central to Umahi vision at The ministry. Notably, one of the most significant challenges Nigeria faces is the poor state of its road network, which has hampered economic activities and contributed to road accidents. Umahi’s immediate focus upon assuming office was to revitalize Nigeria’s federal road infrastructure. Over the years, Nigeria’s roads have deteriorated due to poor maintenance, low-quality construction, and corruption within the contracting processes. Umahi’s first step was to audit existing projects and assess their status, a move aimed at identifying stalled or abandoned projects and fast-tracking their completion.
He introduced reforms to ensure that all ongoing road projects meet global standards for durability. In a move that embodies his commitment to transparency, he has placed emphasis on the use of concrete roads as a solution to the recurrent issue of potholes and degradation. While asphalt roads have been the traditional choice, Umahi has advocated for concrete alternatives, citing their longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs. This transition to concrete has begun to take root across Nigeria, with key highways and federal roads undergoing reconstruction using this innovative approach.
The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road project is a prime example of how Umahi has championed this transition. The road, a vital economic artery connecting the northern and central regions, had been plagued by delays and substandard construction. Umahi’s insistence on quality and the introduction of concrete road technology has accelerated the pace of work, and when completed, the road is expected to have a significant impact on trade and mobility in the region. His leadership has brought about a refreshing shift in the narrative surrounding infrastructure projects, with Nigerians beginning to witness the tangible outcomes of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Under Umahi’s stewardship, the Ministry of Works has taken a proactive stance on the issue of project delays. Historically, federal road projects in Nigeria have been notorious for their lengthy timelines, with many spanning years or even decades without completion. Umahi has made it clear that such inefficiencies will no longer be tolerated. To this end, he initiated a review of all ongoing projects, identifying areas where bureaucratic bottlenecks, contractor inefficiencies, and funding issues were causing delays.
One of the minister’s key innovations has been the introduction of performance-based contracts. Contractors are now held to stricter timelines and quality standards, with penalties for non-compliance. This approach has already begun yielding results, with several key projects either completed or nearing completion far ahead of schedule. The Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, a vital link between the South-East and South-South regions, had been stalled for years. However, since Umahi took office, the project has gained renewed momentum, with a clear deadline for completion set.
Another remarkable achievement is the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, an iconic project that had long been symbolic of Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. The bridge, which connects the South-East to the South-West, is crucial for trade, transportation, and regional integration. Umahi made the completion of this project a top priority, working tirelessly with contractors to ensure that all technical, financial, and logistical challenges were overcome.
Expanding the road network and reaching every corner of Nigeria is also crucial to the minister. While reviving and completing existing projects is a significant part of Umahi’s mandate, he has also focused on expanding Nigeria’s road network. He has identified regions with inadequate connectivity and has prioritized the construction of new roads to bridge the infrastructure gap between urban and rural areas. This is particularly crucial in fulfilling President Tinubu’s agenda of inclusive development, where every region of the country benefits from national growth.
In the North-East, where decades of insurgency have crippled infrastructure development, Umahi has worked in collaboration with security agencies and state governments to launch road projects that connect rural communities to major urban centers. This has not only spurred economic activities in the region but has also contributed to the broader goal of stabilizing conflict-affected areas by promoting economic growth and social cohesion.
Similarly, in the South-West, Umahi has made significant progress in the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project, which has been ongoing for over a decade. This key road, which links Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub, to other parts of the country, had been riddled with delays and construction challenges. Under Umahi’s watch, substantial progress has been made, and the road is now expected to be fully operational within a short period, drastically reducing travel times and enhancing trade between Lagos and the hinterlands.
Umahi’s focus on rural roads has also begun to bear fruit. In a bid to integrate the agricultural sector more effectively into the national economy, Umahi has spearheaded the construction of farm-to-market roads across various states. These roads, often overlooked by previous administrations, are essential for ensuring that farmers can transport their produce to urban markets efficiently. This effort aligns with President Tinubu’s agricultural policy, which seeks to enhance food security and reduce dependence on imports.
Engr. Umahi’s engineering background has equipped him with a meticulous understanding of project costing and resource management. One of his most commendable achievements in the Ministry of Works has been his ability to reduce the cost of road construction without compromising on quality. Through the elimination of wasteful spending, Umahi has redirected resources to where they are most needed, ensuring that every naira spent on road projects delivers maximum value.
Umahi has restructured the procurement process, introducing greater transparency and accountability. Contractors are now required to adhere to stricter guidelines on project costing, with independent audits conducted to ensure that funds are being used judiciously. This financial prudence has resulted in significant savings for the government, allowing for the initiation of more projects without placing undue strain on the national budget.
Umahi’s resourcefulness has also extended to the mobilization of alternative funding sources for road projects. Recognizing the limitations of the federal budget, he has actively sought partnerships with the private sector, leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund key infrastructure projects.
Human capital development and empowering Nigeria’s Workforce through infrastructural projects has been part of Umahi development agenda since his days as governor in the south-eastern state of Ebonyi. Beyond the physical construction of roads, Engr. Dave Umahi’s stewardship- at the ministry of Works, makes a significant impact on human capital development. Infrastructure development is a labor-intensive sector, and Umahi has made it a point to ensure that road construction projects provide employment opportunities for Nigerians, particularly in regions with high unemployment rates.
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Works has implemented policies that prioritize the hiring of local labor for construction projects. This has resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs, directly benefiting local communities and reducing poverty levels. Furthermore, Umahi has introduced training programs to equip workers with the necessary skills to participate in road construction projects. These programs, conducted in collaboration with technical institutions and private companies, are designed to build a workforce that is not only employed in the short term but also equipped for long-term careers in the construction industry.
Umahi’s commitment to human capital development is in line with President Tinubu’s broader goal of empowering Nigeria’s youth through job creation and skills acquisition. By focusing on infrastructure as a key driver of employment, Umahi is contributing to the administration’s efforts to address unemployment and create a more prosperous future for the country.
At the heart of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is the belief that a robust economy can only be built on the foundation of a well-developed infrastructure network. Roads, bridges, and highways are the lifeblood of any economy, facilitating trade, commerce, and industrial development, prioritizing infrastructure development, Umahi is playing a central role in advancing the administration’s economic vision.
One of the most notable ways in which Umahi’s work supports Tinubu’s economic vision is by working to ensure that good roads are in place, helping to improve the ease of doing business in the process. Poor road infrastructure has long been a barrier to economic growth in Nigeria, contributing to high transportation costs, delays in the delivery of goods, and reduced competitiveness. Umahi’s focus on rehabilitating and expanding key transport corridors has begun to reverse this trend, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently.
Additionally, the improved road network is expected to have a multiplier effect on other sectors of the economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. For example, the ongoing construction of roads in the North-Central region is expected to boost agricultural productivity by providing farmers with better access to markets. Similarly, the rehabilitation of roads leading to tourist destinations in states such as Cross River and Ogun will encourage domestic and international tourism, contributing to the growth of the hospitality industry.
Looking ahead, Umahi’s vision for Nigeria’s infrastructure is one of sustainability and long-term planning. He has expressed a commitment to ensuring that all projects initiated under his watch are not only completed but maintained to prevent the cycle of deterioration that has plagued Nigeria’s roads in the past. His emphasis on concrete roads, public-private partnerships, and transparency in project execution provides a solid foundation for the future of Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
His engineering expertise and effective governance have earned him widespread admiration and respect. Umahi’s appointment as the first Igbo Minister of Works in Nigeria’s history underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to meritocracy and inclusivity.
With 30 years of engineering experience and his status as a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Umahi’s qualifications for the role are evident. His leadership in Ebonyi State demonstrated his ability to overcome economic challenges and deliver substantial infrastructure projects. Umahi’s tenure as governor proved his capacity to drive development and improve living standards in one of Nigeria’s poorest states.
Since assuming office as Minister of Works, Umahi has embarked on numerous infrastructure projects, including the successful reopening of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos after extensive maintenance works. His efforts have been instrumental in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructural deficits, earning him accolades from across the country.
Umahi’s selection as Minister of Works is seen as a significant departure from traditional political appointments, emphasizing competence and expertise. His ability to bridge political, religious, and ethnic divides positions him as a unifying figure in Nigeria’s development landscape.
The federal government’s awarding of the Lagos to Calabar coastal highway project has further solidified David Umahi’s reputation as a dedicated and effective leader. His hands-on approach and frequent site inspections underscore his commitment to delivering quality infrastructure across the country.
Engr. Umahi’s performance as Nigeria’s Minister of Works exemplifies the transformative potential of skilled and dedicated leadership. His achievements in Ebonyi State and his ongoing national projects mark a new era of infrastructural development under President Tinubu’s administration
No wonder a data governance analyst, Johnson Kolawole, a political analyst Jide Ojo, and the Executive Director of the Africa Polling Institute, Bell Ihua, rated ministers in the federal cabinet, listing the top performers, and Umahi was among them.
Umahi served as the governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023 and as the senator representing Ebonyi South senatorial district from June to August 2023. During his time as governor, Umahi achieved significant infrastructural development, including the construction of over 20 flyovers in eight years despite limited resources.
Engr. Dave Umahi’s giant strides as Minister of Works have been nothing short of transformative. His achievements in reviving Nigeria’s road infrastructure, expanding the road network, ensuring financial prudence, and creating jobs have made him a key player in President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda. Umahi’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to quality have set a new standard for infrastructure development in Nigeria. As the nation continues its journey toward economic growth and development, Umahi’s contributions will remain a lasting legacy, supporting Tinubu’s vision of a prosperous and united Nigeria.
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