The minister of works, David Umahi, has commended President Bola Tinubu over ongoing road projects across the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Abuja corridor.

Mr Umahi spoke on Saturday during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the 123-kilometre and 173-kilometre sections of the road projects.

The federal ministry of works considers the corridor a strategic infrastructure project.

The ministry says the corridor is expected to improve connectivity among the South-East, South-South and North-Central regions.

Mr Umahi said section 2 of the project covers the Ebonyi-Benue-Enugu-Kogi and Nasarawa axis and forms part of the Trans-Sahara Super Highway network.

He commended the project team and contractors for the progress recorded since his previous inspection and the quality of work executed.

The minister said no previous administration had matched Mr Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development and regional inclusion in the South-East.

He said the region had benefited from several ongoing road projects under the current administration.

“Let us compare the past with the present and see the good intentions the President has for the South-East.

“We have been fully integrated into these kinds of projects. We have a lot that the President has done for the South-East.

“So, we are happy with the ongoing projects in the zone,” Mr Umahi said.

Mr Umahi subsequently urged people in the South-East to support the administration in the 2027 general elections, citing the projects as evidence.

Earlier, the minister directed that properties within the proposed road alignment should not be demolished, saying the designs could be adjusted where necessary.

He said technical adjustments to the alignment, particularly around sharp curves and built-up areas, would not impose additional costs on the government.

In her remarks, the senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, South-East, Chioma Nweze, commended the ministry.

Mr Nweze said the projects were connecting communities and enhancing economic activities across the affected regions. 

(NAN)