The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended an invitation to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, urging him to collaborate with the Ministry of Works for the repair and maintenance of federal roads within the state. The call was made by Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, during the second day of his inspection tour of federal projects in the Southwest region.
In response to Governor Obaseki’s recent statement in which he called on the people of Edo State to request President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in repairing federal roads, Minister Umahi emphasized the importance of cooperation and communication between the state and federal authorities. The Minister highlighted that the elections have concluded, and it is time to focus on the welfare and safety of the citizens by addressing road infrastructure issues.
Umahi clarified that Governor Obaseki does not require special permission to initiate road repairs, urging him to submit a design to the Ministry of Works for approval. He assured the governor that he could reach out through various means, including WhatsApp, and receive approval within two hours for the proposed repairs.
“I want him to approach the Ministry of Works and seek its permission. Even if he sends me a request on WhatsApp, I will give him approval within two hours so that they can start. But I am going to visit Edo State and I am going to look at those roads. Mr. President is very committed to every part of this country,” Minister Umahi stated.
The Minister stressed that the citizens’ well-being should be the primary concern and encouraged Governor Obaseki to avoid unnecessary politicization of road repairs. Umahi highlighted that during his own tenure as a former governor, interventions were made to address federal road issues, emphasizing the shared responsibility between federal and state governments to ensure the safety and convenience of road users.
The recent incident where Governor Obaseki’s official vehicle and convoy were stuck on a waterlogged highway drew attention to the state’s road infrastructure challenges. In response, the state government placed signposts indicating the roads as federal, not state-owned.
With the call for collaboration between state and federal authorities, there is an expectation that the necessary repairs will be undertaken to enhance road conditions and improve the overall transportation experience for residents and visitors in Edo State.
