Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its impact on road infrastructure development across the six geopolitical zones of the country, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police to safeguard critical national infrastructure and improve security along major highways.

Engr. Umahi made the remarks during a working visit by the Nigeria Police delegation led by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC, NPM, to the Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters in Abuja, where discussions focused on improving security around major road projects, deepening inter-agency cooperation, and advancing national developmental objectives.

The visit underscored the Force’s commitment, under the leadership of the IGP, to strengthening strategic collaboration with the Ministry to protect critical infrastructure and ensure safer highways across the country. He asked for logistic support from the Ministry to reposition the Nigeria Police Highway Patrol Unit in the face of a recent nationwide surge in the theft and vandalism of vital road furniture.

Speaking during the visit, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the Honourable Minister of Works for the transformation taking place in Nigeria’s road sector. He described roads as vital links of national unity, economic growth, social interaction, and public safety.

According to the IGP, roads not only connect communities but also create employment opportunities, stimulate commerce, and contribute to crime reduction by expanding economic activities for citizens. He stated that his visit was aimed at reinforcing collaboration and synergy between the Ministry and the Nigeria Police to ensure improved transportation safety and enhanced security across Federal roads.

IGP Disu noted that some of the ongoing road projects have attracted national and international attention due to their economic, tourist, and sporting potentials, stressing that improved infrastructure would open up opportunities for tourism, commerce, sports, and other socioeconomic activities across the country. He also pledged the readiness of the Force to strengthen security presence along major highways and critical project corridors, nationwide, emphasising that effective security on our highways remains essential for sustainable national development and economic stability.

Responding, the Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police for their continued support in securing ongoing and completed road projects, particularly in areas experiencing security challenges.

He described the IGP as a dependable, disciplined, and professional officer, whose dedication to service continues to strengthen public confidence in the organisation.

Engr. Umahi also welcomed the proactive security initiatives introduced under the IGP’s leadership, describing them as timely measures capable of enhancing peace, public safety, and national stability.

Former Ebonyi State Governor insisted that the success of the Federal Government’s ambitious road development agenda would not have been possible without the commitment and sacrifices of security agencies working tirelessly to protect project sites, personnel, and equipment, as well as installed furnishings such as solar panels, lights, batteries, and poles and reinforcements to road medians and CCTV systems.

Minister also noted that many strategic road projects, particularly in insecurity-prone areas, would have been difficult to execute without the support and sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.

The Minister highlighted the ongoing four (4) Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects and other strategic infrastructure developments being executed across the country, noting that no geopolitical zone has been left behind in the Federal Government’s development agenda, under President Tinubu.

Umahi further applauded the President’s determination to reposition Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, explaining that government borrowings are being strategically directed toward economically viable and critical infrastructure projects capable of improving transportation, boosting commerce, and enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians.

He explained that the current administration had adopted reinforced concrete pavement technology on several strategic road projects to ensure durability and long-term value, noting that many of the completed roads are designed to serve Nigerians for decades with minimal maintenance.

He also disclosed that the Ministry had already begun integrating modern security features into major infrastructure projects, including surveillance systems, observation facilities, rest stations, and collaborative response mechanisms with security agencies along strategic highways.

Engr. Umahi proposed the integration of a dedicated police security architecture into highway development plans, including designated security checkpoints, patrol bases, and operational centres to support intelligence gathering and emergency response along major road corridors and construction sites.

In his address, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., welcomed the IGP and his delegation and commended the Inspector-General for his leadership and untiring dedication to national security.

He stressed the importance of security support for ongoing infrastructure development, especially with several strategic road projects currently underway across the country. He noted that improved collaboration between the Ministry and security agencies remains essential for protecting workers, equipment, and communities along project corridors.

Goronyo further stated that President Tinubu has continued to provide the necessary budgetary support to enable the Ministry to execute numerous infrastructure projects nationwide, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to delivering quality roads and infrastructure capable of driving economic growth, connectivity, and national integration.

In a Vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, appreciated the Inspector-General of Police and his team for the visit and commended the existing collaboration between the Ministry, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), and other security agencies in protecting critical national infrastructure across the country.

He noted that huge investments have been committed to road infrastructure development nationwide, echoing the need for sustained protection of these national assets to ensure their long-term value and impact on the lives of Nigerians.

He expressed confidence that the working visit would further strengthen collaboration between the  Ministry and the Nigeria Police in safeguarding critical infrastructure projects.

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