Pic: Senator David Umahi
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has humorously reacted to the recent incident involving an unnamed private jet that mistakenly landed on a concrete road pavement under construction by the Federal Ministry of Works at Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the Abakaliki–Afikpo–Ndibe Beach Trans-Sahara Highway alongside officials of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), Umahi jokingly called on Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to pay landing, parking and takeoff charges to the Ministry of Works for the unauthorized use of the federal road as a runway.
“Our Roads Are Stronger Than Some Runways”
Referring to media reports on the incident, Umahi said he could understand why the pilot mistook the newly constructed concrete road for an airstrip.
“I was watching Arise TV this morning and I saw where they were talking about the plane that landed on the road we are constructing at Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta State.
“I don’t blame them nor the pilot for mistaking our concrete roads for runways, but I want to tell my brother, the Honourable Minister of Aviation, to pay us landing, parking and takeoff costs for using our road as a runway, ”he said.
The minister added that the quality of the roads being constructed under the administration of President Bola Tinubu was responsible for the mix-up.
“It’s not our fault, neither that of President Bola Tinubu, that we are building roads that are far stronger than some runways. But we want to tell them that they should not land on our roads again because if they land again, they will pay us landing and takeoff costs, ”he added.
Umahi Highlights Economic Benefits of Trans-Sahara Highway
Beyond the light-hearted remarks, Umahi emphasized the strategic importance of the ongoing dualization of the Abakaliki–Afikpo–Ndibe Beach Trans-Sahara Highway.
According to him, the project is one of the flagship infrastructure initiatives of the Tinubu administration aimed at improving transportation, enhancing regional connectivity and stimulating economic growth.
He noted that the highway links Ebonyi and Cross River states through Ndibe Beach in Afikpo and extends connectivity to Benue and Kogi states, creating vast opportunities for trade and commerce.
Umahi further stated that the road would unlock economic potential not only for communities along the corridor but also for neighbouring countries, including Cameroon.
ECOWAS Bank Commends Road Infrastructure Drive
Leader of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development delegation, Mainouna Sidibe, expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of infrastructure development across Nigeria.
Sidibe praised the road projects being executed under the Renewed Hope Agenda and assured that the bank would continue supporting initiatives capable of boosting economic opportunities and regional integration among ECOWAS member states.
Tags: David Umahi #Festus Keyamo #Private Jet #Ogwashi Ukwu #Delta State #Federal Roads #Infrastructure #TransSahara Highway #EBID #ECOWAS #Renewed Hope Agenda #BolaTinubu #Nigeria Road Projects #Aviation #Ebonyi State
