No bias against the North in federal projects – Umahi clarifies

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is prioritising the South in infrastructure allocation across the country.

While addressing the media during a two-day inspection tour of federal road projects in Rivers and Bayelsa states, Umahi described the claims as “misleading,” saying the North currently holds 52 per cent of legacy projects compared to the South’s 48 per cent.

“Projects like the Sokoto-Badagry Road, Calabar-Abuja Highway, and Akwanga-Jos Road are ongoing in the North. When you measure by mileage and cost, the distribution is balanced,” Umahi said.

He accused those behind the claims of spreading false narratives and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development nationwide.

Meanwhile, Umahi has said that the Bonny-Bodo Road in Rivers State will be completed and inaugurated by November 2025.

Umahi, who gave the assurance while speaking at the Bonny-Bodo project site, commended the construction firm, Julius Berger, for the pace and quality of work.

He confirmed that 5.3 kilometers of concrete pavement had already been completed and directed that stone base and asphalt be applied on the section to prepare it for the commissioning ceremony.