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By Correspondent in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Minister of Works Engr.David Nweze Umahi, has described Kogi State as the “heart of the nation,” underscoring its strategic importance in national connectivity, as the state intensifies efforts to secure stronger federal collaboration on critical road infrastructure.
Engr.Umahi made the remark in Abuja while receiving the Kogi State Commissioner for Works, Barr. Abdulsalami Momodu Ozigi Deedat, who led a high-powered delegation on a courtesy visit to the Minister aimed at deepening synergy between the state and the Federal Ministry of Works.
The Minister lauded the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, particularly in the area of infrastructure and welfare, and described the visit as timely and purposeful.
He assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s continued support to Kogi state government and revealed plans to visit the state in the coming week to personally assess ongoing and proposed road projects
Earlier,the Commissioner, also described Kogi as a vital transit hub linking the North, South, East, and West, stressing that improved collaboration between federal and state authorities would not only ease transportation challenges but also unlock greater economic opportunities for residents and businesses.
Deedat ,who expressed the commitment of the Kogi State Government to infrastructure development, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the administration’s road development drive is already making visible impact across the country.
He.however, drew the urgent attention of the Tinubu-led government to several critical federal roads within the state, including the Lokoja–Okene Road, Ajaokuta Road, Itobe Road, and Mopa–Isanlu Road.
The commissioner added that the rehabilitation and expansion of these roads are essential to enhancing safety, reducing travel time, and supporting the flow of commerce through the state.
“Kogi’s position as a gateway state makes it imperative that these roads receive prompt and sustained intervention for the benefit of Nigerians who traverse them daily,” he said.
The Commissioner commended the Minister for ongoing efforts to deliver quality road projects nationwide and urged him to sustain the pace in order to further improve the living standards of citizens.
Our correspondent reports that key federal lawmakers, including the Deputy Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Halims, alongside Hon. Danladi Aguye, Hon. David Zakariyu, Hon. Salman Idris, Hon. Paul Gawan Haruna, as well as the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Works, Engr. Abdulsalam Sagir attended the meeting.
Political observers said the visit signals a renewed push by the Kogi State Government to strengthen partnerships with the Federal Government to accelerate infrastructure development, improving connectivity, and reinforcing the state’s role as Nigeria’s central gateway.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
