The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is addressing the longstanding marginalisation of the South-East through inclusive governance and major infrastructure projects. Umahi made the assertion while inspecting ongoing construction work on the Cross River-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway.
The minister said Tinubu’s decision to appoint him as Works Minister was deliberate and reflected the President’s determination to bring the South-East closer to the centre of national development. According to him, the scale of ongoing road projects across the region demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to improving connectivity and economic activity.
Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had begun arrangements to compensate property owners whose buildings and other assets would be affected by the superhighway project.
He said the Federal Government would assume responsibility for compensation in areas where state governments were unable or unwilling to make the required payments. The minister explained that the decision followed President Tinubu’s directive that compensation disputes should not frustrate critical road projects.
He said compensation had already been paid to some affected property owners, including residents of Abaomege. He also commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for paying compensation for properties affected by the Onueke flyover.
“Graciously, Ebonyi Governor paid compensation at Onueke for that flyover and I thank him very seriously for that. Not all the governors accepted to make that sacrifice,” Umahi said.
He recalled that the previous Federal Government had required state governors to pay compensation while the Federal Government handled road construction.
However, he said the current administration had decided to intervene where necessary to prevent compensation issues from delaying projects. Umahi disclosed that about N18 billion had been paid as compensation in Lagos State to accelerate major road projects.
“We paid N18 billion in Lagos State. So, why will it come to this area and we will not do the same thing? I can assure that we will pay,” he said.
He added that about N168 million had already been paid as compensation in another affected location.
Umahi said properties affected by the proposed Ukwuachi flyover and the road connecting the area to Benue State would also be compensated.
He, however, disclosed that the initial assessment of affected properties produced an estimated compensation bill of about N6 billion. The minister considered the figure excessive in relation to the funds available for construction and ordered a review of the valuation.
“They have done the enumeration which came to about N6 billion. If we pay N6 billion, we will not have money to build the road.”
Umahi directed that the assessment be reviewed and promised approval for payment within 72 hours after receiving the revised valuation. He said timely compensation would help prevent disputes, minimise delays and ensure that construction progresses according to schedule.
The minister also highlighted the economic and security benefits expected from the project. He said the completed superhighway would improve movement between communities, strengthen commercial activities and enhance security along the corridor.
“Look at the beautiful roads we are passing through. Do you think about the security improvement on this corridor? Do you think about the economic viability on this corridor? Do you think about the commerce?”
Umahi said the infrastructure projects also provided an opportunity to demonstrate that the South-East was receiving significant Federal Government attention.
“When Sokoto becomes very close to Ebonyi, when Calabar becomes very close to Kebbi, when the marginalisation of South-East has become a thing of the past, should we not be bold enough to tell the story?”
According to the minister, the section of the superhighway running from Ndibe Beach through Timber Shade, Onueke, Ezza South and Ezza North to Ebonyi Local Government Area covers about 125.5 kilometres.
Some portions are being upgraded to dual carriageways, including an 8.9-kilometre realignment designed to bypass Afikpo town. He said the second carriageway was also being designed to connect with other legacy projects of the Tinubu administration.
At Abaomege, approximately two kilometres of the road is being dualised to improve the town’s appearance and economic significance. Umahi identified the Ezza people among the major beneficiaries of the project, citing the ongoing Onueke flyover and proposed Ukwuachi flyover.
He urged residents to support the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme. The minister further disclosed that the first section of the superhighway would cover about 123.5 kilometres, running from Cross River through Ebonyi to the Benue boundary.
The second section, measuring approximately 168 kilometres, would pass through Benue, parts of Enugu and Kogi before terminating at Wote in Nasarawa State and connecting with Abuja. Umahi said completion of the entire corridor would significantly improve transportation, strengthen security and expand commercial opportunities across the affected states.
