Precious Nwonu, Enugu
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has dismissed reports of a strained relationship between him and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Umahi described Wike as a progressive politician and member of the same political family, insisting that there was no serious disagreement between them.
The minister spoke on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference where he addressed reports of divisions within the All Progressives Congress and speculation over his relationship with Wike.
“We need Wike as Wike needs us. So, it’s one family,” Umahi said.
He said political opponents had exaggerated whatever differences existed between them, adding that their relationship remained cordial.
Umahi urged political actors to focus on national development rather than allow political disagreements to distract from the work of government.
Wike, who remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, had said in January that his rainbow coalition represented a departure from conventional party politics towards a broader political movement focused on the interests of Rivers State.
However, the Progressive Governors Forum has maintained that it would not support political alliances that could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid or the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.
Speaking on the activities of his ministry, Umahi said the Federal Government inherited 2,068 ongoing projects valued at approximately N13 trillion.
He said the administration was working to close the country’s infrastructure gap, adding that borrowing for infrastructure should be considered an investment where the projects could generate returns and stimulate economic growth.
On the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the minister defended the procurement process, saying Nigerian law permits open competitive tendering, selective tendering and special procurement.
He explained that special procurement was adopted for the first phase of the coastal highway because of the complexity of the terrain and the need for a contractor with specialised experience in coastal engineering.
According to him, the procurement process was approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.
Umahi also disclosed that the external financing component of the project attracted more than $100 million in excess commitments from international financiers, which he said demonstrated confidence in the project and its handling.
The minister further disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced “Operation Rescue” on the Asaba-Benin road following difficulties associated with its concession.
He said the government had intervened in seven sections of the route to restore movement, while plans were being made to redesign and reconstruct the road with concrete pavement.
Defending the use of concrete for major highways, Umahi said the method offered greater durability and could last for several decades, potentially up to 100 years, when properly designed and maintained.
He added that the first 119-kilometre section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway had been completed, while the second section, measuring 164 kilometres, was expected to be completed by November 15.
Umahi said the infrastructure projects being undertaken across the country reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to tackling the infrastructure deficit and improving connectivity between communities and regions.
“There is no part of this country, there is no state that is not a construction site under President Bola Tinubu,” he said.