Tinubu’s Works Minister Son, Osbourne Umahi, Joins Ebonyi LG Chairmanship Race, Pays N30M Form Fee

Osbourne Umahi, 27-year-old son of former Ebonyi Governor and current Works Minister David Umahi, has picked the APC chairmanship nomination form for Ohaozara Local Government, paying N30 million for the expression of interest. Welcomed by party leaders and supporters in Abakaliki, Osbourne pledged to prioritize youth empowerment and continue his father’s infrastructure legacy if elected. The APC primaries in Ebonyi are set for January 25, 2026, amid debates over the high cost of the nomination form.

#EbonyiPolitics #UmahiSon #APCElections

JUST IN: Osborn Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress to contest the chairmanship of Ohaozara Local Government Area ahead of the August local government elections in Ebonyi State.

Umahi’s Son, Osborn Umahi, Picks APC Chairmanship Forms Ahead of Ebonyi LG Polls

Osborn Umahi, son of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has obtained the nomination and expression of interest forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the chairmanship of Ohaozara Local Government Area.

The development comes ahead of the August local government elections in Ebonyi State.#OsbornUmahi #APC #EbonyiPolitics #LocalGovernmentElections

Four Companies Ready to Fund, Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1 — Works Minister Umahi

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that four companies have expressed interest in fully funding, taking over and tolling Section 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. Speaking during an end-of-year press briefing, Umahi said the firms are willing to refund 100 percent of government expenditure on the section, citing the project’s high return on investment and commercial viability. He said the move aligns with the Tinubu administration’s strategy of leveraging private-sector participation for major infrastructure projects. The 700-kilometre highway, estimated to cost ₦15.6 trillion, has faced criticism over transparency and cost, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and others calling for full disclosure of contractual and financing details.

Igbos are no longer marginalized," Minister of Works Umahi declares, adding that there is no need for Biafra anymore

Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, has dismissed calls for a separate Biafran State, saying the demand is no longer necessary due to the unprecedented integration of the Igbo into Nigeria's national development agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking while inspecting federal projects in the Southeast, Umahi said sentiments of marginalisation that once fuelled separatist movements have eased significantly due to massive investments in roads and other critical infrastructure. "In the past administration, our people felt very much marginalised, and that was the reason some people were agitating for Biafra. But today, we are well integrated into the mainstream of the nation, Nigeria," he stated.

He listed ongoing and completed projects in the region, highlighting efforts to ensure durable infrastructure. Notable projects include the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri-Onitsha
Expressway, Section 2B of the Second Niger Bridge, and a 123-kilometre road from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Benue border, with total investments running into hundreds of billions of naira.

Umahi also praised President Tinubu for prioritising the Southeast, describing the region as "comfortable" and "very happy" under his
administration. He emphasised that political relevance for the Southeast should be pursued strategically rather than through rhetoric or sentiment.

Concluding, Umahi framed the moment as a turning point for the region, saying, "Even those that don't want us to take our rightful position as South-East people, God has opened the time. This is our time, and this is the time that God has sent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reintegrate our people."

Works Minister Umahi Says Biafra Agitation No Longer Necessary Amid Southeast Integration Under Tinubu

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has declared that renewed calls for a separate Biafran state are no longer justified, citing what he described as unprecedented integration of the South-East into national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal projects across the region, Umahi said long-standing feelings of marginalisation that once fuelled separatist agitation have eased due to massive investments in infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges.

Umahi listed several ongoing and completed projects, including sections of the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge, and major flyovers and highways in Enugu and Ebonyi states, running into hundreds of billions of naira. He praised the Tinubu government for prioritising durable concrete roads designed to last decades, arguing that such projects demonstrate genuine inclusion of the South-East in Nigeria’s development agenda.

The former Ebonyi State governor said political relevance for the region should now be pursued through strategic engagement rather than “sentiment and venomous statements,” describing his support for President Tinubu and recent political realignments in the region as deliberate and pragmatic. Umahi concluded that the current moment represents a turning point for the South-East, insisting that sustained federal presence and infrastructure development have removed the basis for renewed Biafra agitation.

Ebonyi Community Alleges Former Gov. Umahi Orchestrated Demolitions, Land Seizures

Residents of Umuchima community in Ebonyi State accuse former Governor and current Minister of Works, David Umahi, of orchestrating forced demolitions of homes, ancestral compounds, and farmlands since 2015. Alleged demolitions have reportedly caused deaths, psychological trauma, and displacement. Community leaders are calling on both state and federal governments to intervene, investigate, and protect the affected families.


#EbonyiCommunity #LandDemolitions #DavidUmahi

PHOTO: from the ongoing construction of the Calabar section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway

Minister of Works, David Umahi visited the site yesterday to inspect the work done so far.

Photos from the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bauchi–Gombe Road under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks a significant step toward transforming one of the most neglected federal roads in the North-East.

For years, the Bauchi–Gombe corridor was widely regarded as one of the worst roads to travel on, causing hardship for motorists, traders, and communities that rely on it for daily movement and economic activities. Today, that narrative is changing, as extensive rehabilitation work is visibly underway.

This progress is a testament to the dedication of Engr. David Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works, whose leadership reflects the Federal Government’s strong commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, enhancing regional connectivity, and driving national development.

With this project, the administration is not only easing transportation challenges but also boosting commerce, safety, and socioeconomic growth across the region.

The Federal Government has issued a directive for the Keffi Bridge to be opened for vehicular movement. Minister of works David Umahi gave the directive during an inspection tour of ongoing projects within the Mararaba- Keffi -Abuja road.
The bridge which is now at 99% to attain completion has been under intense reconstruction in the last four months. Opening of the bridge, the Work Minister says, will ease traffic especially at this festive period.

Nigerians wear renewed smiles as FG reveals plan to Build roads that’ll last for 100 years.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, says the Tinubu administration is pioneering a new generation of highways designed to last 50 to 100 years, moving away from Nigeria’s history of short-lived roads.

During an inspection of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, he explained that the ministry is adopting innovative designs prioritising durability, cost-effectiveness and the recycling of existing asphalt layers reinforced with concrete to withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather.

“The goal is to build roads that last, save funds and boost growth,” Umahi said, stressing the shift from flexible asphalt to rigid concrete pavements to cut long-term maintenance costs. He warned contractors against removing structurally sound asphalt, describing it as wasteful and technically unsound.

The Abuja–Kaduna section, handled by Infiouest International Limited, is one of Nigeria’s most advanced road projects, with over 300 heavy-duty machines deployed, and Umahi praised the contractor for meeting international standards.

Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, highlighted Tinubu’s focus on durable infrastructure and commended Umahi’s mentorship of engineers on quality standards.

The 375-kilometre expressway linking Abuja to northern trade hubs, awarded in 2018, faced delays due to funding gaps and insecurity, but the redesigned project using concrete pavement is expected to cut travel time, reduce vehicle costs, and strengthen trade and security across the North-West corridor.

“Unite or Perish!” — Dele Farotimi Urges Nigerians to Oust APC and Rebuild the Nation


Prominent human rights lawyer and political commentator Dele Farotimi has issued a passionate call for Nigerians to unite and take decisive action to rescue the country from what he describes as the “destructive rule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

In a post shared on his verified X (Twitter) account, Farotimi warned that the APC government has brought nothing but corruption, insecurity, and economic suffering to the people, insisting that the only way forward is collective resistance and national unity.

He wrote:

“If Nigerians do not unite to get rid of the APC and rebuild their nation for their own good, the APC will keep doing what it does best — kill, steal, and destroy. Imagine the outrageous figures Professor Umahi is quoting.”



Farotimi accused the ruling party of betraying its campaign promises, enriching the elite while leaving millions of Nigerians impoverished. He described recent government spending revelations — reportedly cited by Minister of Works David Umahi — as “shameful and obscene,” saying they reflect how detached the political class has become from the real struggles of ordinary citizens

"Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Costs ₦7.5 Billion Per Kilometer" —David Umahi

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has justified the ₦7.5 billion per kilometer cost of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway insisting that the ₦1.067 trillion budgeted for the first 47.47-kilometer section is fair & even below global benchmarks

Addressing journalists in a recent briefing, Umahi explained that the project’s cost reflects its complex design — a 6 lane reinforced concrete expressway featuring flyovers, underpasses, shoreline protection, solar lighting & landscaping

“A standard coastal road costs ₦7.5 billion per kilometer,” Umahi said. “This includes all fillings, shore protections, solar streetlights & the planting of trees.”

According to him, the figure was derived by dividing the total ₦1.067 trillion cost by the road length & adjusting it to a standard two-lane federal highway. “When you divide ₦1.067 trillion by 47.47 kilometers & then by two lanes, it gives ₦7.5 billion per kilometer of a standard road,” he explained

Umahi noted that the cost also factors in difficult terrain and extensive groundwork. He disclosed that engineers encountered pits as deep as 20 meters along parts of the route, which had to be excavated and refilled in layers before concrete laying could begin.

Comparing the current project to older asphalt-based roads, the minister argued that the use of reinforced concrete ensures greater durability and long-term value for money.

He also revealed that international financial institutions, including a Dutch-led consortium, reviewed the project and found it to be “undervalued.” Umahi added that the 70% loan portion of the project was oversubscribed by $100 million, reflecting global confidence in its feasibility.

Defending the government’s transparency, Umahi challenged critics to be factual in their assessments. “If international lenders can back this project, we are ready to face anyone. But when criticising, be objective and tell the public the truth,” he stated.

2027: South-East Will Back Tinubu, Not OBIdient Movement — Minister of Works David Umahi.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that the South-East, particularly Ebonyi State, will support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, dismissing the influence of Peter Obi and his OBIdient Movement in the region.

Speaking on Saturday at the Ohanivo 2025 New Yam Festival in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi, Umahi said years of political neglect had shifted the region’s loyalty, insisting that Tinubu has given the South-East a sense of belonging.

“We are not OBIdient people. We have been marginalised for too long, and that era is over. President Bola Tinubu is the one who has given us recognition. There is no OBIdient person in Ebonyi,” the former governor said.

Umahi stressed that Tinubu’s policies and gestures toward the South-East will be rewarded at the ballot in 2027, adding that the people of the region have grown politically wiser since the 2023 elections.

“Our duty is to record all the good things the President has done for the South-East and Ebonyi State. We will not repeat the mistake of the last election. We have learnt and grown wiser,” Umahi added.

Tinubu hailed over response to $250m estate demolition.

Nigerians in the diaspora have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for responding to the demolition of the $250 million WIN HOMES Estates along the Lagos-Calabar coal highway construction site.

In a statement jointly signed by Engr Stella Okengwu, Dr Kimberly Stark, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, Mr Ovie Aweghogho, and Oluwaseun Bamigbola Bovi, on behalf of Nigerians in the diaspora, they said they are happy the federal government has initiated communication channels over the estate demolition.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria initiates a formal communication channel, led by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, to engage with diaspora investors impacted by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway realignment.

“Facilitated by the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigeria, this marks a defining moment for dialogue, restoration, and reconciliation in Nigeria’s investment landscape.

“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Umahi for their courage and statesmanship in responding to the cries for justice following the demolition of the $250 million Win Homes Estates project in Okun Ajah on October 5, 2024. This gesture signals to the global community that Nigeria is committed to protecting foreign direct investment, particularly from its 50 million-strong diaspora, who remain steadfast development partners.

“The WIN HOMES Estates, a beacon of inclusive development, united Nigerians across ethnicities Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Efik, and others in a shared vision of progress. It created jobs for hundreds of unemployed youth, boosted local businesses, and sourced materials domestically, fostering hope among diaspora investors eager to rebuild Nigeria. However, its demolition without notice, dialogue, or compensation shattered structures and trust, sending shockwaves through global Nigerian communities and contributing to a 30% drop in diaspora real estate investments.

“Let us be clear: our year-long, peaceful, and legal advocacy has never been anti-government. Many of us supported this administration, believing in its promise of Renewed Hope. Our call is for fairness, justice, and the rule of law. We respectfully urge the government to evaluate the demolished properties properly, ensure adequate compensation for WIN HOMES and its investors, and establish a Diaspora Investment Protection Desk to safeguard future projects of this magnitude. Such measures will help reverse decades of capital flight and restore investor confidence.

Bridge Collapse on Lagos-Benin Expressway Leaves Motorists Stranded.

Traffic came to a standstill on the Lagos-Benin Expressway after a truck overturned near a collapsed section of a bridge along the Isoko axis, exposing the river beneath and blocking passage for motorists and passengers.

Videos from the scene, which have gone viral, showed long queues of stranded vehicles as frustrated commuters appealed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to urgently address the worsening state of the highway.

One passenger, speaking in the footage, said travellers had been stuck for more than two hours, with both human movement and the transportation of goods completely halted. He criticised the government for focusing on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway while neglecting the economically vital Lagos-Benin route.

“This expressway is critical to Nigeria’s economy. Trailers carrying goods are trapped here, and everything is at a standstill. Yet, our minister is busy with the Calabar Highway,” the commuter lamented, pointing to the dangerous cracks and exposed river under the bridge.

He warned that the failed section poses a major risk to lives and livelihoods, stressing that the route carries far more economic importance than the Lagos-Calabar project.

The video has since sparked public outcry on social media, with many Nigerians describing the road as a “death trap” and calling for urgent government intervention.

2027 Presidency Not for Igbos Yet – Minister of Works, David Umahi Urges South-East to Back Tinubu.

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said that the South-East region will eventually produce a Nigerian president, but not in the 2027 general elections.

In a statement released on Monday, Umahi called on the Igbo people to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, noting that the president has demonstrated fairness to the South-East, especially through infrastructure development.

Reacting to a recent online publication that he claimed falsely portrayed Tinubu’s administration as neglecting the region, Umahi said: “Politics is in the air, and some individuals are choosing to deceive the public in a bid to look like heroes, while ignoring the massive infrastructure work President Tinubu is doing nationwide.”

He explained that all regional directors in the Ministry of Works have been instructed to return to project sites and compile reports on both ongoing and inherited projects — to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to equitable development across the country, irrespective of political leanings or voting history.

According to him, President Tinubu is using infrastructure as a tool to promote national unity and restore citizens’ confidence in government. “Only those who open their eyes will see the light of change in Nigeria,” Umahi added.

Addressing calls for a South-East presidency in 2027, Umahi urged the Igbo to focus on building alliances with other regions rather than pushing for the top seat at this time. “We must not be deceived again,” he said. “Mr President needs up to 90% of the South-East vote to cement this relationship.”

He warned against political bitterness, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric, stating that national leadership can only be attained through cooperation, not hostility. “If we want to be president, we must avoid the politics of h@te and sentiments. We must support others, and one day, they will support us.” Umahi stressed that Tinubu must be supported to complete his two-term tenure, insisting: “One day, we will be number one — but not in 2027.”

Umahi Tells Kwankwaso: Apologise to Tinubu Over Lopsided Projects Claim

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has asked former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso to apologise to President Bola Tinubu for alleging that his administration is favouring the South in project allocations.

In a statement shared by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, Umahi said Tinubu has actually prioritised the North—especially the North West—in road development. He cited key ongoing projects, including the 1,068km Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe road, as evidence.

Umahi described Kwankwaso’s comment as “misleading” and “divisive,” accusing him of attempting to deceive northerners and stir regional sentiments.

“President Tinubu is a fair President. He has favoured the North in road development more than the South,” Umahi stated.#Umahi #Kwankwaso #Tinubu #NigeriaPolitics #NorthernDevelopment

“Their so-called coastal road is just a scam… Every Nigerian knows it!” — Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has fired heavy shots at President Bola Tinubu’s much-hyped Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, branding it a colossal scam with no visible benefits to Nigerians.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, aired on Channels TV, Lawal lamented the lack of meaningful infrastructure projects across the country, especially in the North and South-West.

“They’re still talking about Lagos-Ibadan Expressway… The coastal road? It’s just another scam. A 30km stretch out of 700km and already ₦15 trillion is in play.”

The Federal Government had earlier flagged off the 30km first phase of the ₦15 trillion project in Lekki and followed it up with a controversial $747 million loan to fund its continuation — sparking widespread backlash from opposition leaders and displaced property owners.

Lawal joined other critics, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, questioning the logic of heavy borrowing for what they describe as politically motivated, unimpactful projects.

However, the Tinubu administration insists the highway is a strategic investment that will stimulate national economic growth, with Works Minister David Umahi urging Nigerians to stop being suspicious and instead see the project as a catalyst for development.

The debate rages on: Is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway a national game-changer or an expensive mirage?

#LagosCalabarControversy #BabachirLawal #CoastalRoadSaga #TinubuProjectDebate

Umahi apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over collapsed Lafia-Makurdi highway bridge.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has tendered a public apology to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians over the flooding that disrupted movement on the newly completed Lafia-Makurdi highway, calling the incident an embarrassment caused by the negligence of the road concessionaire.

Umahi, who commended President Tinubu for his timely and fatherly intervention in Benue State, said the President’s visit had restored hope and reassurance to the affected communities.

“We apologize very profusely to Mr. President and Nigerians, for the embarrassment, this unfortunate incident caused him and Nigerians