Umahi Takes Tinubu’s Infrastructure Message to Kaduna Rally, Lists Key Northwest Road Projects
….Works Minister says 348km of roads completed as Federal Government pushes ahead with 4,084km of ongoing projects
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has highlighted the Federal Government’s road infrastructure programme as a major component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration during the flag-off of the APC North West Zonal Presidential Campaign in Kaduna.
Umahi, who is the Deputy Director-General for Infrastructure, Mobilisation and Sensitisation of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, spoke on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Kaduna Township Stadium, where party leaders and supporters gathered to mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The minister disclosed that the Federal Government had completed 348 kilometres of inherited and newly initiated road projects, while 4,084 kilometres remained under construction and another 1,811 kilometres were partially completed.
He said the figures demonstrated the scale of the government’s infrastructure programme, particularly its efforts to improve road transportation and connectivity across the country.
Umahi explained that road development remained critical to economic growth in the Northwest, where agriculture, trade and movement between states depend heavily on efficient transportation networks
He said improved roads would help farmers transport produce to markets, enable traders to move goods at lower costs, improve access to essential services and create employment opportunities.
The minister identified the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway as one of the strategic corridors receiving attention under the Federal Government’s road development programme.
According to him, the corridor is vital to economic activities because it connects the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna and Kano, two important commercial and industrial centres in Northern Nigeria.
He noted that improved road conditions along the route would facilitate passenger movement, strengthen the distribution of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, reduce vehicle operating costs and improve transportation efficiency.
Umahi also highlighted several road projects in Kano State, including the Northern Bypass, the Kano–Maiduguri Road dualisation, Section I, covering Kano–Shuwarin, and the Yakasai–Badume–Damargu–Marken Jalli Road.
He said such interventions would improve access to communities, connect rural settlements to major markets and support local businesses.
The minister further noted that better road connections across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states could strengthen regional trade and improve the movement of goods and services.
He, however, emphasised the need for consistent supervision, adequate funding, adherence to engineering standards and proper maintenance to ensure that ongoing projects are completed and existing roads remain serviceable.
Tinubu calls for support
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu urged Nigerians who had yet to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to do so and participate in the forthcoming electoral process.
The President also appealed for support for the APC across all levels of government, declaring, “Vote APC from top to bottom, APC everywhere.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure development and other government programmes aimed at improving the welfare and prosperity of Nigerians.
Tinubu also commended governors, youths, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their contributions to national development.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks, highlighted the administration’s development initiatives across Northern Nigeria, with particular emphasis on roads, agriculture, regional connectivity and expanding economic opportunities.
Shettima commended the President for prioritising infrastructure challenges in the North, stressing that improved roads were essential to connecting farmers with markets and supporting commercial activities.
He also expressed confidence in the region’s continued political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani urged Nigerians to evaluate the administration based on verifiable achievements and measurable development outcomes.
He encouraged citizens to examine completed projects, ongoing infrastructure interventions and fulfilled commitments rather than relying exclusively on social media narratives.
Similarly, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Director-General of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, called on political stakeholders to reject misinformation and promote constructive political engagement.
Seven governors receive APC flags
The rally also featured the presentation of APC flags to seven governors from the Northwest seeking re-election in 2027.
The party’s National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, presented the flags, signalling the party’s preparations for the forthcoming general elections.
The event attracted governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, as well as other APC supporters from different parts of the country.
Tinubu attended the rally with his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, while Shettima was accompanied by his wife, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima.
The Kaduna gathering served as a platform for the APC to rally political support while showcasing the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure priorities.
For Umahi, the road development programme represents an opportunity to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and strengthen transportation networks across the Northwest.
However, the long-term benefits of the projects will depend on their timely completion, effective maintenance and ability to deliver tangible improvements in the daily lives of residents, farmers, traders and businesses across the region.
