The Federal Government has defended its economic strategy of prioritising infrastructure development over building financial reserves, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, insisting that massive investments in roads are essential to stimulate economic growth and improve the lives of Nigerians. His remarks have sparked fresh debate over the Tinubu administration’s approach to managing the nation’s economy.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing Calabar–Abuja Super Highway project at the Ebonyi–Benue boundary, Umahi argued that no responsible government would focus on saving money while critical infrastructure remains in poor condition and citizens continue to face transportation and economic challenges.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in road construction and rehabilitation because modern infrastructure is a key driver of economic expansion, job creation and increased Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He maintained that the government inherited a deteriorating federal road network and has since launched an aggressive programme to restore and expand strategic highways across the country.
Umahi pointed to ongoing construction activities on major federal roads as evidence of the administration’s commitment, adding that the visible progress has reduced public criticism over the state of Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
Providing an update on the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway, the minister disclosed that construction is progressing simultaneously across multiple sections to accelerate completion. He explained that the road corridor, which links Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa to Abuja, is expected to boost trade, improve connectivity and significantly reduce travel time between the South-South, South-East and the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister further noted that the project includes bypasses and bridges designed to ease congestion, improve road safety and strengthen interstate commerce. As the government continues to push infrastructure-led development, the debate over balancing public spending with fiscal savings is expected to remain a major issue in Nigeria’s economic discussions.
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