Umahi Discusses Lagos Bridge Reopening, National Infrastructure Vision in Exclusive Interview

Umahi Discusses Lagos Bridge Reopening, National Infrastructure Vision in Exclusive Interview

In a polished presidential suite of a Lagos hotel, Senator David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, sat poised and confident as he shared a vision that spanned the nation. The interview, aired on ARISE News, offered an inside look at Umahi’s approach to both the immediate challenges facing Lagosians and the long-term infrastructure transformation being rolled out across Nigeria.

The focus of the discussion quickly turned to the sudden closure of the Independence Bridge, one of Lagos’s vital arteries, which had caused days of traffic chaos. As commuters sat trapped in gridlock, honking their horns and venting frustration, Umahi explained that the closure, though inconvenient, was a necessary step. The bridge, he said, had shown signs of structural weakness that required urgent attention to prevent potential disasters. “Safety had to come before convenience,” Umahi noted, adding that the swift intervention of engineers ensured the bridge was reopened in record time.

Beyond the immediate concerns, Umahi used the interview to unveil a broader vision for Nigeria’s infrastructure. Describing President Tinubu’s administration as committed to not just Lagos but to the entire country, he outlined a series of monumental infrastructure projects aimed at connecting all six geopolitical zones of the country. A key focus was the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway, a landmark project set to be inaugurated in the coming days, with ceremonies scheduled for Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ebonyi.

Umahi’s plans weren’t confined to just coastal roads. He outlined ambitious engineering feats, including the construction of a tunnel through Lagos’s lagoon, linking various parts of the city. This tunnel, stretching from Ahmadu Bello Way to Snake Island and Badagry, would serve as a critical connection for the region, demonstrating Umahi’s commitment to ambitious projects that unify not only regions but also the diverse cultures and economies of Nigeria.

In the northern parts of the country, Umahi shared details of the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano highway. After terminating the contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc over unresolved variation claims, the project was redesigned using reinforced concrete. Umahi passionately defended this decision, highlighting the durability and sustainability it would bring. He also noted that the highway would include solar-powered streetlights, enhancing both safety and innovation.

Further progress could be seen in the East-West Road, specifically the Onne axis in Rivers State, which Umahi said was being transformed to handle the country’s busiest transport corridor. By the end of April, one of the carriageways would be open, alleviating the strain on commuters and the businesses relying on the route.

Throughout the interview, Umahi’s enthusiasm was palpable as he painted a picture of a nation on the move. With cranes and construction in full swing across Nigeria, he emphasized that this was not about short-term fixes but long-term, legacy-defining projects that would reshape Nigeria’s infrastructure for years to come.

In addition to the live interview, Umahi held a stakeholders’ meeting, where he further shared President Tinubu’s vision and provided hands-on progress updates. By the time the interview concluded, the sun had set over the Atlantic, casting a golden glow over Lagos — a city now exhaling after the reopening of the Independence Bridge. In the comfort of his suite, Umahi had not only addressed the challenges of the moment but had also offered a hopeful glimpse into Nigeria’s future — a future built on infrastructure and unity.

The interview concluded with Umahi’s unwavering confidence in the transformative power of these national projects, underscoring his belief that infrastructure could serve as the foundation for a unified and prosperous nation.