By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

A renewed focus on infrastructure development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reshaping Nigeria’s road network and restoring public confidence, as the Minister of Works, David Umahi, receives national recognition for his leadership and impact.

Echoing the words of Nelson Mandela, who once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” stakeholders say the transformation of Nigeria’s once-neglected road infrastructure is now becoming a visible reality, under the leadership of Sen. Engr. David Umahi, Minister of works.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, Umahi credited the progress recorded in the Ministry of Works to President Tinubu’s clear vision and unwavering support for infrastructure as a catalyst for national development.

According to the Minister, the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” has significantly improved execution capacity, planning, and delivery of projects across the country.

Umahi, who was honoured with the 2025 Personality of the Year Award (Infrastructure Transformation Champion) by Al Jazeera Media Network, described the recognition as deeply meaningful, noting that it followed an independent and rigorous assessment of the Ministry’s performance.

“What makes this recognition significant is the transparency and independence of the process,” he said, adding that every project under his leadership can withstand scrutiny.

The Minister also addressed past allegations of corruption, revealing that extensive investigations conducted in 2024 found no evidence of wrongdoing. He emphasized that the Ministry had proactively invited anti-corruption agencies to review its operations, underscoring its commitment to accountability and transparency.

Highlighting major projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and key road corridors across the North and South, observers note that the scale and consistency of delivery have repositioned infrastructure as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth.

Umahi further praised President Tinubu for granting operational independence to the Ministry, stating that the President has never interfered in contract processes or project pricing. He described Tinubu as “a leader who understands the strength of infrastructure in building a nation.”

The Minister also reaffirmed his commitment to workers’ welfare, pledging that no staff member of the Ministry would go hungry or have their children out of school due to financial hardship. This approach, he said, reflects his belief that a motivated workforce is critical to national development.

As Nigeria continues to tackle long-standing infrastructure challenges, the administration’s focus on roads, bridges, and connectivity is increasingly seen as a turning point—transforming what once seemed impossible into tangible progress.