…Says FG opens to Kanu talks
The Federal Government has revealed that several financial institutions have shown strong interest in funding major infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Lagos on Friday, after inspecting ongoing works on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and some bridges in the state.
“I have had meetings with a lot of financial institutions, and they are very eager to participate. We are doing everything to complete Section-One by December and have it approved; and that will open a floodgate for other financial aid,” Umahi said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that has boosted international confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructural drive. “One thing I must commend the President for — and, of course, beat my chest and say glory be to God — is that the international funders came and they saw the quantum of the job we are doing. That, for me, is a pass mark”, he said.
Umahi explained that although a recently inaugurated 30km stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway had been completed — comprising an initial 20km and an additional 10km — it would not be opened to motorists until an extra 17.47km portion of Section-1, Phase-1, is finished.
“This is what we are working to join, and when we have joined it, if you are travelling from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki Free Zone, then you can use the coastal highway”, he said. He added that the road would be tolled to ensure its constant maintenance.
Speaking on other national issues, the minister stated that the Federal Government is willing to negotiate the release of the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, but cautioned that such negotiations should not be made a condition for political support.
He hailed President Tinubu as a “listening leader” who has demonstrated commitment to addressing national challenges, adding that the South-East remains fully behind the President and will support his re-election bid in 2027.
“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he is doing most things right. Look at where he picked up the economy from. The international community has confidence in his reforms – that is why we are getting support for our projects”, Umahi said.
He dismissed claims of marginalisation in federal appointments, saying Tinubu has done more for the region than many past leaders. Umahi also called on political leaders from the South-East to unite across party lines and work with the President, noting that even opposition governors were cooperating well with the administration.
