Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for responding to recent remarks made by the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, regarding road projects across the country.
David Mark had earlier questioned President Bola Tinubu’s focus on road construction amid the economic challenges facing Nigerians, asking whether citizens could “eat the roads.”
In response, Wike reportedly pointed to the poor state of the road linking Abuja to Otukpo, Mark’s hometown, during his eight-year tenure as Senate President.
Speaking on Wednesday at the flag-off of the Akwanga-Jos Super Highway project, Umahi emphasized the importance of road infrastructure, describing it as a major driver of Nigeria’s economy.
He stated that roads serve as the foundation for economic growth, noting that access and connectivity between communities are essential for development. According to him, when roads are inaccessible, it limits movement and economic activities, which he likened to imprisonment.
Umahi also highlighted President Tinubu’s ongoing infrastructure projects across different parts of the country, stressing that improved connectivity between states.
Fresh political exchanges have emerged over the Tinubu administration’s ongoing infrastructure drive, with government officials and opposition figures clashing over the priority given to road construction amid the country’s economic challenges.
The debate intensified after former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, David Mark, questioned whether massive investment in roads should take precedence while many Nigerians are battling hardship.
His remarks triggered reactions from top government officials, including FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, who defended the administration’s infrastructure agenda and challenged Mark’s criticism by referencing conditions during his time in office.
Now, Minister of Works David Umahi has joined the conversation, throwing his weight behind Wike and insisting that road infrastructure remains a critical pillar for economic growth, connectivity, and national development under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
