*FG PAYS TRIBUTE TO SENATOR MPIGI, CELEBRATES LEGACY OF INTEGRITY AND NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT* The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry, describing his passing as a profound loss to the nation and the infrastructure sector. The memorial event drew an array of prominent dignitaries and personalities, including prominent politicians, APC and PDP chieftains, and traditional leaders from Ogoniland, among others. Engr. Umahi delivered a Goodwill Message during the Night of Tribute held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Senator Barinada and noting that his death remains painful and difficult to accept, given his invaluable contributions to national development. Reflecting on their relationship, the Minister recalled that his closeness with the late Senator was strengthened through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which allowed him to observe Senator Mpigi’s character firsthand. He described the late lawmaker, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, as a man of impeccable integrity, whose word was his bond, emphasising that such consistency is rare in politics. The Minister praised the late Senator’s dedication, loyalty, and reputation as a bridge-builder who brought his colleagues together, across party divisions, in the national interest, referencing his key role in the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President. According to him, Senator Mpigi distinguished himself as a national figure, who demonstrated uncommon commitment to projects beyond his immediate constituency, advocating vigorously for infrastructure development across the country, including Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kano States, just to name a few. Engr. Umahi emphasised that, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, the late Senator Mpigi’s leadership greatly strengthened legislative oversight and fostered close collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works, ensuring the successful delivery of key infrastructure projects. He particularly cited Senator Mpigi’s role in resolving critical challenges on major road projects, including the Bodo-Bonny Road and the rehabilitation of the Eleme–Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State. He noted that the Senator’s calm disposition, humility, and selfless approach to public service, combined with his strategic intervention and commitment, were instrumental in ensuring the successful continuation and delivery of these projects. The Minister also revealed that, in recognition of Senator Mpigi’s selfless service and dedication, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the rerouting of a section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland - an enduring testament to the late lawmaker’s legacy. He expressed deep regret that Senator Mpigi would not witness the commissioning of several landmark projects he contributed to, including the Bodo-Bonny Road, the redesigned Eleme–Onne Road, and sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. Engr. Umahi assured the bereaved family of the Federal Government’s continued support, pledging that the Ministry of Works, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, would sustain and actualise the developmental vision championed by the late Senator. “We will not forget his family, his community, and his good intentions for Nigeria. His legacy of integrity, patriotism, and service will continue to inspire the nation and guide ongoing infrastructure development efforts,” he said. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and urged Nigerians to take solace in his impactful life and enduring contributions to national development.   ...

UMAHI CALLS FOR UNITY, HOPE AS HE EXTENDS EASTER GREETINGS TO CHRISTIANS The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has extended warm Easter greetings to Christian faithful across Nigeria, calling for renewed hope, unity, and collective commitment to nation-building. In his Easter message, the Minister described the season as a sacred period that symbolizes the enduring values of sacrifice, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. He noted that the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains a powerful symbol of faith, new beginnings, and hope, especially in challenging times. “At this point in our national journey, these values matter deeply,” he stated, urging Nigerians to embrace unity over division, love over apathy, and faith over fear. The Minister encouraged citizens to remain steadfast, support one another, and work together towards building a nation that symbolizes shared aspirations for peace, progress, and prosperity. He concluded by wishing all Christian faithful a joyful Easter celebration, praying that the spirit of the season brings peace, renewed strength, and a brighter future for the nation.   ...

UMAHI DECLARES AN END TO YEARS OF DEADLY TRAPS AND GRIDLOCK ON THE ENUGU–ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY, SETS MARCH 31 DEADLINE FOR REOPENING The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has declared that the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway is fast shedding its grim past, as the Federal Government intensifies a sweeping infrastructure upgrade across the South-East under the President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.  Umahi made the declaration on Monday, March 23, 2026, during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover, where he expressed confidence that the era of consistent fatal accidents, endless traffic, and public frustration along the road is coming to an end. “I’m going round the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29th by Mr President. There are mega project that the President will be available for before May 29th and we mean it,” the Minister said. Once regarded as one of the most dangerous highways in the region, the Enugu–Onitsha road had for years been plagued by tanker explosions, loss of lives, and economic disruptions. But Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory. “Now this route, the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, you recall that when we came on board, everyday, people were talking about this road. There were a lot of tanker accidents, a lot of people died and so forth. But my joy is that the whole thing is a past story, because the President has swinged into action,” he stated. The Minister disclosed that the dual carriageway, which spans 107 kilometres on each side, is undergoing a major structural shift, with a significant portion being converted from asphalt to concrete to ensure durability. “It is not only that we are repairing this road… about half of it is going on to be concrete. I have no confidence in asphalt I continue to say it. By the time the asphalt fail we will have 50 percent of the road still intact and if it fails within the second tenure of the president then be rest assured that we will fix it,” he said. He added that the same approach is being extended to sections in Anambra State, including the head bridge axis, where an initial asphalt design is being replaced with concrete pavement to align with modern highway standards. “At the head Bridge we have 39k, we’re changing that to concrete so that we can have this coastal road type of road pavement there in Anambra and here in Enugu,”. Beyond reconstruction, the project is also being enhanced with solar-powered street lighting and environmental features aimed at improving safety and sustainability. “So that is going to happen but then not only that. We are putting solar light both for the one that was constructed before us and the one that is being done by us. Within the first one week we will have solar light up to this 1km and we continue we are also going to plant trees which is very important,” he added. The Minister urged the people of the South-East to recognise the level of federal intervention in the region, noting that such attention to infrastructure was previously lacking. “The people of South East have to be very grateful to Mr President. The reason is that we never had it like this. I was governor for 8 years and I can’t think of any Federal road project in Ebonyi State,” he said. He also cautioned against divisive narratives, warning that some actors were misleading the public for selfish interests. “I want to ask our people to be very very careful, there are people that pretend that they are helping us but they actually inciting us against government… we need to know when people are genuinely interested in our case,” he said. Calling for sustained support for President Tinubu, Umahi described the ongoing works as part of a broader effort to correct past neglect and integrate the South-East more fully into national development. “Let us allow this man that have started to right the wrong metted on us as the people of Southeast in the past. Let us allow him the next four years and we will be very much fully integrated,” he stated, adding, “To know the revolution that is going on in infrastructure… this is the Biafra we are looking for.” As a major milestone, the Minister directed that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be reopened for public use on or before March 31.  “I have given the controller the authority, by the 31st or before, he should call the press to open this road, call the people of South East… let them know that this road is open for travel and that will be our Easter celebration,”. Addressing concerns over project costs, Umahi clarified that the Ministry of Works does not unilaterally determine project pricing, noting that approvals pass through multiple regulatory layers, including the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council. “I’m not the final authority when it comes to the cost of a project, there are layers of approval, the Bureau of Public Procurement, their own stands and not my own,” he explained. He maintained that the standard being applied to the Enugu–Onitsha project is consistent with major road projects across the country. “The same road architecture as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway… so no discrimination with the president, everybody is the same,” Umahi said.   ...