Minister of Works David Umahi has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, saying the government’s difficult economic reforms are beginning to create the conditions for long-term growth and prosperity.
Umahi made the call on Tuesday at a town hall meeting in Kano, where he defended the removal of the petroleum subsidy and other policy decisions introduced by the Federal Government.
The minister acknowledged that the reforms had imposed significant pressures on households and businesses, particularly through higher transportation and operating costs.
However, he described the measures as necessary steps to reposition the Nigerian economy and create fiscal space for development.
“The worst is over. The darkest part of the morning is the dawn. We are moving into prosperity as a result of the hard decisions occasioned by the reforms,” Umahi said.
He argued that the impact of the reforms was increasingly being reflected in infrastructure projects across the country.
According to him, continued implementation of the government’s policies would enable Nigeria to translate difficult short-term adjustments into sustainable economic benefits.
Umahi’s remarks came ahead of the commissioning of outstanding works on Section I, Lot 1 of the Abuja-Kaduna -Zaria-Kano Expressway, covering the Zaria-Kano corridor.
The project is expected to improve connectivity between Kano, other commercial centres in the North-West, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory.
Improved road infrastructure could reduce travel time, lower logistics and vehicle operating costs, strengthen trade and make it easier for farmers and businesses to access markets.
The minister said the road project demonstrated the link between economic reforms and public investment.
He maintained that the government’s ability to fund and complete major infrastructure projects would help stimulate commerce, improve productivity and support national development.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in his welcome remarks, thanked the Federal Government for its infrastructure interventions in Kano and the wider North-West region.
He described the expressway project as an important milestone that would facilitate transportation, improve connectivity and support economic activity. Yusuf also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the support extended to the state.
Umahi urged Nigerians to remain patient with the government’s policies, arguing that continuity in leadership would help consolidate the progress achieved and prevent disruption to ongoing infrastructure and economic programmes.
He also called on residents of Kano to support Governor Yusuf, praising his inclusive leadership and efforts to promote peace, cleanliness and development.
The minister further advocated greater opportunities for engineers in leadership, saying their technical expertise and problem-solving skills could improve governance and infrastructure delivery.
Umahi also reaffirmed the South-East’s commitment to national unity and rejected the perception that the region was politically opposed to the Tinubu administration.
The Federal Ministry of Works said it remained committed to delivering durable, safe and quality road infrastructure across the country under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
