Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has defended the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that the administration has succeeded in stabilising key sectors of the economy and would ultimately overcome the nation's security challenges.
Umahi spoke on Thursday during the flag-off of the Gombe–Biu Super Highway, a major segment of the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Dualisation Project in Gombe State.
The minister described the project as another testament to President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development and national integration, stressing that the administration remains focused on delivering long-awaited projects across the country despite prevailing challenges.
According to him, the country's economic outlook has improved significantly since the introduction of the President's reform policies.
"The boat is already on sail. It is on the high sea. We are experiencing turbulence, but the President has been able to stabilise the boat in so many directions," Umahi said.
He added that the macroeconomic indicators were showing positive signs, noting that the naira had become more stable while efforts were ongoing to ensure that the benefits of the reforms reached ordinary Nigerians.
"The macroeconomy is stabilised, the naira is stable, and we are descending the gains of the reforms to the micro level," he stated.
Speaking on insecurity, Umahi expressed confidence that the Tinubu administration would restore lasting peace across the country, urging Nigerians not to politicise security matters.
He warned against exploiting insecurity for political gains, saying such actions undermine national unity and development.
"Security should not be politicised. It should not be weaponised. This insecurity will also be solved by this President, and then we will all be grateful to God Almighty," he said.
The minister maintained that President Tinubu had demonstrated uncommon leadership by actualising critical infrastructure projects that had remained on the drawing board for decades.
He cited the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga–Maiduguri Corridor as examples of transformative projects being executed under the current administration.
Umahi also announced that construction work on the Gombe–Biu section of the highway would commence in earnest within 30 days, assuring residents that the Federal Government was committed to delivering the project on schedule.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State commended President Tinubu and the Federal Ministry of Works for initiating the project, describing it as one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the state's history.
The governor said the highway would enhance economic activities, facilitate agricultural development and attract investment to the state and the wider North-East region.
He assured the Federal Government and contractors handling the project of adequate security and support throughout the construction period.
Also speaking, Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company, Engr. Dany Abboud, pledged that the firm would deliver the project in line with international standards and create employment opportunities for youths in host communities.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by federal lawmakers, traditional rulers, government officials and other stakeholders from across the country.
