Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s ongoing legacy infrastructure projects and criticised alleged uncomplimentary remarks about the projects.
Umahi spoke on Friday evening while inspecting Sections One and Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway alongside some members of the National Assembly.
The minister said he was disturbed by reports on social media suggesting halting of the legacy infrastructure projects.
“These projects are for Nigerians and for future generations,” Umahi said.
He described the coastal highway and other ongoing legacy projects as transformative infrastructure investments capable of driving economic growth and national development.
According to him, political leaders must be honest with the people and take responsibility for their past positions and actions.
Umahi challenged critics of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to compare the President’s infrastructure record with those of past political leaders.
He cited the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, the Second Niger Bridge corridor developments and other ongoing federal road projects as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development.
“President Tinubu is a man of infrastructure.
“The projects being executed across the country today are evidence of long-term planning and commitment to national development,” he said.
Umahi said criticisms would not distract him from supporting the administration’s development agenda.
He said: “When people criticise me, I see it as part of public service. What is important is that we remain focused on delivering projects that will benefit Nigerians.”
The minister reaffirmed his support for Tinubu and expressed confidence that Nigerians would continue to support his administration’s infrastructure programmes.
On South-East Geopolitical Zone, Umahi said that efforts by the governors and other stakeholders to restore peace and stability in the zone should be supported.
He said that insecurity had adversely affected the lives and livelihoods of many citizens in the zone.
He particularly expressed concern over the impact of the Monday sit-at-home order on economic activities in the geopolitical zone.
