The Ohanaeze Ndígbo has called on President Bola Tinubu to massively support the plans by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to introduce the cement technology roads nationwide.
The Ndigbo apex socio-political body said it has observed with pride, the positive impact, Umahi has brought to bear on the Ministry of Works.
In a statement issued by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the development of durable road infrastructure nationwide would fasten the country’s economic development as the movement of goods and services would be easy.
The group said the appointment of Umahi by the President was putting a square peg in a square hole.
The statement notes, “Immediately on the assumption of office and in realisation of the fact that Nigerians are impatient to feel the positive impact of his principal’s Fresh Hope Agenda, Umahi swung into action, traversing the six geo-political zones of Nigeria to carry out on the spot assessment and field evaluation of Federal roads. From the South West, he moved to the North Central and then the South-East.
“Wherever he goes, Nigerians commend the President for the appointment of a competent engineer as Minister of Works since several past administrations appointed just anybody into that all-important ministry on the fallacious excuse that professional competence does not matter.
“However, Ohanaeze Ndígbo wishes to appeal to the President to ensure the immediate release of funds through a special purpose vehicle to the ministry, to ensure that the Ministry’s plan of embarking on large-scale road rehabilitation during the forthcoming dry season is not hindered by a lack of funds.
“We are aware of the fact that most Ministers presently face paucity of funds since their predecessors left virtually nothing behind from the 2023 budget passed under Buhari.
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“Infrastructural development is a key driver of economic growth and development due to its multiplier effect across all sectors of the Nigerian Society, especially with regards to cushioning the dire effects of Subsidy Removal.
“Instead of waiting till a supplementary budget is passed, the Ministry of Works can be immediately funded through other sources such as funding from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).”
Ohanaeze said it is obvious from his recent tour of roads across the country that Umahi is familiar with the industry terrain and would translate what he had done in Ebonyi to other parts of the country.
“Listening to his speeches, his professional competence is evident, as he is in familiar terrain while interacting with fellow engineers on site like he has done steadily for over three decades.
“His predecessors tried their best. However, you cannot give what you don’t have. As an engineer, albeit a civil engineer, Umahi hit the ground, not just running but with a blistering pace. He didn’t have to spend extra time learning the ropes or studying ‘the language of Engineering,” the body added.
