Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Thursday said the reported landing of a private jet on a federal highway under construction in Delta State underscores the quality and durability of road infrastructure being delivered by the Federal Government.
Umahi made the remark while leading a delegation from the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) on an inspection tour of the ongoing dualisation of the Abakaliki–Afikpo–Ndibe Beach Trans-Sahara Highway in Ebonyi State.
The minister was reacting to reports that a private aircraft landed on a section of the concrete-paved road at Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State, a development that has attracted public attention.
Speaking on the incident, Umahi said he could not blame the pilot for mistaking the newly constructed highway for a runway, noting that the occurrence reflected the high standard of federal road projects currently being executed across the country.
“I was watching Arise TV this morning and saw the report about a plane that landed on the road we are constructing at Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State,” he said.
“I do not blame the pilot for mistaking our concrete road for a runway. However, I want to tell my brother, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, that he should pay us landing, parking and takeoff charges for using our road as a runway.”
Umahi, who spoke in a light-hearted manner, said the incident was a testament to the quality of infrastructure being delivered under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is not our fault, neither is it the fault of President Bola Tinubu, that we are building roads that are stronger than some runways. But we want to advise them not to land on our roads again. If they do, they will have to pay landing and takeoff costs,” he added.
The minister also highlighted the strategic importance of the Abakaliki–Afikpo–Ndibe Beach Trans-Sahara Highway, describing it as one of the signature infrastructure projects of the Tinubu administration aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade and stimulating economic growth.
According to him, the highway will serve as a major economic corridor linking Ebonyi and Cross River states through Ndibe Beach in Afikpo and extending to Benue and Kogi states.
He noted that the project would enhance the movement of goods and services, open up investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties among communities along the route and neighbouring countries, including Cameroon.
Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure capable of driving national development and fostering regional integration.
Earlier, the leader of the EBID delegation, Mainouna Sidibe, commended the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across the country.
Sidibe expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and assured that the regional development bank would continue to support initiatives aimed at boosting economic opportunities, regional connectivity and sustainable development across ECOWAS member states.
The inspection formed part of the bank’s assessment of key infrastructure projects expected to enhance trade, transportation and economic integration within the West African sub-region.
