By Isaac Mission 

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called on residents in Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Cross River, Kogi and other states to recognise the Federal Government’s infrastructure efforts under President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi made the appeal on Saturday while inspecting sections of the ongoing Federal Government Trans-Saharan Highway project.

The minister said the road project would significantly improve transportation and economic activities in communities along the corridor, particularly areas where residents have struggled with poor road access.

According to him, several communities in Benue and other states had previously lacked proper federal road connections, making it difficult to transport agricultural produce, vehicles and equipment.

Umahi described Tinubu’s intervention as a major boost to the affected communities, saying the President had prioritised infrastructure despite the country’s financial constraints and the large number of projects currently being executed nationwide.

He said the Federal Government was working with state governments to address infrastructure challenges and improve the welfare of Nigerians.

The minister also projected that ongoing federal road projects would be completed by the end of 2031, assuming Tinubu secures a second term in office.

Umahi further appealed to Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.

While inspecting the highway, the traditional ruler of Ndiagu Ishieke Autonomous Community in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, HRH Idenyi Agbo, commended the Federal Government for the project.

Agbo described the highway as an important intervention that could improve connectivity and boost the economic prospects of communities located along the route.

The monarch also praised Umahi for ensuring that the road construction would minimise damage to properties and preserve important traditional structures. He specifically noted the minister’s decision to prevent the demolition of his palace during the project.

Agbo said the approach demonstrated that major infrastructure could be delivered while respecting the cultural heritage of host communities.

He pledged the community’s cooperation with the government and contractors and expressed support for Tinubu, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The traditional ruler, however, urged residents and youths to protect the infrastructure and cooperate with construction workers and government officials to ensure the project is completed according to specifications and within schedule.

The Project Manager for Section Two of the Trans-Sahara Highway, Rabih Munayer, said the section covers about 173.4 kilometres, although the length could change following an ongoing design review.

Munayer explained that the section passes through parts of Benue, Enugu and Kogi states before reaching the Benue River and Nasarawa boundary.

He said the contractor was taking steps to limit the impact of construction on communities, including the provision of additional pipes and temporary measures to maintain movement along the route during the rainy season.

The measures, he added, would also help construction equipment operate efficiently while reducing unnecessary demolition and property damage.

The project’s consultant and designer, Engineer Akelakpa Edra, disclosed that the design was being adjusted in line with directives from the Works Minister.

He said some culverts would be replaced with bridges, while parts of the road alignment would be modified where necessary to avoid buildings and other properties.

Another community stakeholder, Chief Patrick Agbo of Odoke Ishieke, described the project as a significant development that could stimulate business, improve the movement of people and goods, and create new economic opportunities.

He asked Umahi to convey the community’s appreciation to President Tinubu and other officials involved in the project.

Patrick Agbo also pledged the community’s support for the Federal Government, contractors and workers, while urging residents to assist in protecting construction equipment and personnel.

The ongoing Trans-Saharan Highway project is expected to strengthen road connectivity across several states and facilitate the movement of agricultural products and other goods along the corridor.