Minister of Works David Umahi has said President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and infrastructure investments are beginning to support economic recovery and improve security.
Umahi spoke at the flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122-kilometer Kaduna Mando to Birnin Gwari Road.
He described the project as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and said improved road networks could stimulate trade, agriculture, education and security.
The minister said the road would create a shorter connection between Northern Nigeria and Lagos through Niger, Kwara, Osun and Oyo states.
Umahi also cited improvements on the Abuja-Kaduna route and said ongoing reconstruction had helped make travel safer.
He rejected claims that the government was concentrating on new roads while neglecting existing routes.
Projects receiving federal attention include the Sokoto-Zamfara-Funtua-Zaria Road, the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, the Makurdi-Ninth Mile Road, the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway.
Umahi said road construction had multiplier effects across the economy by supporting commerce, agricultural production and social services.
He disclosed that the President had approved a 50-kilometer light rail system for Kaduna State valued at $868 million.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani said the project fulfilled a promise Tinubu made to the people of Birnin Gwari before becoming President.
The Emir of Birnin Gwari, Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, commended the federal and state governments for improvements in security, saying many displaced farmers had returned to their communities.
