Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Josef Onoh, has described Minister of Works Dave Umahi as the best performing member of the Federal Executive Council, citing ongoing infrastructure development across the South-East.

Onoh made the remarks in a statement issued in Enugu after a two day inspection tour of federal road projects in the region, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway.

He said Umahi’s appointment since August 2023 has delivered significant benefits to the South-East, describing it as one of the most impactful in the region since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

According to Onoh, the minister’s background as a civil engineer and member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers has translated into improved project execution, hands on supervision and a focus on durable infrastructure.

He highlighted the introduction of reinforced concrete pavement technology as a key innovation, noting that it offers longer lasting roads compared to conventional asphalt and could reduce maintenance costs over time.

Onoh also said the Ministry of Works has prioritised the South-East through the rehabilitation and reconstruction of major highways, including the Enugu–Onitsha and Enugu–Port Harcourt expressways, as well as ongoing work on the Enugu–Ebonyi and Enugu–Benue routes.

He added that progress on key corridors such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and access roads linked to the Second Niger Bridge is improving connectivity, boosting trade and enhancing regional integration.

The former aide further noted that the minister’s current performance builds on his tenure as Ebonyi State governor, where he oversaw large scale infrastructure projects, including road construction and major public works.

Onoh argued that the ongoing projects are helping to reshape perceptions of the Federal Government in the South-East by addressing long standing concerns about infrastructure deficits.

He commended the minister’s emphasis on quality control, noting that frequent inspections and rejection of substandard work have raised standards in public project delivery.

According to him, the expanding infrastructure network is expected to improve economic activities, create jobs and strengthen confidence in government efforts across the region.