The Honorable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, today emphasized the significant strides made in integrating the Southeast region into Nigeria's national development framework under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. During an inspection of ongoing federal projects in the region, Minister Umahi declared that the era of marginalization has ended, rendering agitations for Biafra unnecessary.
"There will be no need for Biafra again," stated Minister Umahi. "In the past administration, our people felt very marginalized... and that was the reason some people were agitating for Biafra. But I can say today that we are well integrated into the mainstream of the nation, Nigeria."
The Minister highlighted the Tinubu government's commitment to equitable development, noting substantial investments in infrastructure that have revitalized long-stagnant projects.
The Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, with a section by MTN under RCC costing ₦202 billion, slated for completion by February.
A 72-kilometre road by SKCC at ₦150 billion, with 30 percent payment already disbursed.
Section 2B of the Second Niger Bridge at ₦176 billion.
The Artisan Bridge in Enugu, the largest flyover in the South-East at Depot Junction in Eke-Obinagu. The Enugu–Abakaliki Road at ₦172 billion. A 123-kilometre legacy project from Ndibe Beach in Ebonyi State to the Benue border at ₦424 billion.
"These are the reasons why I said we do not have any reason again to agitate for Biafra," Minister Umahi affirmed. "He that has started this great and beautiful thing, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he will continue it." Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu, the Minister added, "We are comfortable with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are very happy with the integration."
He further noted the unanimous support from all Southeast governors for the administration's policies, urging the youth to focus on economic growth, security, and development through strategic political engagement rather than sentiment.
"We cannot retake our rightful position by sentiment and venomous statements. It is by realities and being strategic," Umahi advised. He praised recent political moves, such as the Enugu State governor's defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as steps toward greater inclusion.
Minister Umahi concluded by framing the current moment as a divine opportunity for reintegration: "Even those that don’t want us to take our rightful position as South-East people, God has opened the time. This is our time, and this is the time that God has sent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reintegrate our people."
The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to delivering durable, high-quality infrastructure across Nigeria, with roads designed to last 50 to 100 years, fostering unity and prosperity for all regions.