Engr. Dave Umahi: Nigeria’s Finest Works Minister – A Legacy of Vision, Humility, and Impact – Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke
In the annals of Nigeria’s political and developmental history, few figures stand out as brightly as Engr. Dave Umahi, the Honourable Minister of Works. A man of remarkable vision and unrelenting drive, Umahi has redefined what it means to serve in this critical portfolio, earning him the well-deserved title of Nigeria’s best Works Minister. His journey—from humble beginnings in Ebonyi State to a transformative leader on the national stage—is a testament to the power of resilience, ingenuity, and a deep commitment to the public good. As we reflect on his contributions, it becomes clear that Umahi’s tenure is not just a chapter in Nigeria’s infrastructure story but a blueprint for progress.
A Humble Beginning in Ebonyi State
Born on July 25, 1963, in Umunaga, Uburu, in Ebonyi State’s Ohaozara Local Government Area, Dave Umahi’s roots are as modest as they come. The son of Elder Joseph Umahi Nwaze and Margaret Umahi, he grew up in a region where opportunities were scarce and agriculture was the lifeline of many. Yet, even in these unassuming circumstances, Umahi displayed an early penchant for excellence. After completing his secondary education at Ishiagu High School and Government Secondary School, Afikpo, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Enugu State University of Science and Technology, graduating in 1987. This foundation in engineering would later become the bedrock of his transformative career.
Before entering public service, Umahi made his mark in the business world as a co-founder of Norman Engineering and Construction Nigeria Limited. His entrepreneurial spirit turned the company into a success, showcasing his ability to innovate and deliver results—a trait that would later define his political career. This humble beginning in Ebonyi, coupled with his rise in the private sector, set the stage for a man who understood both the struggles of the common citizen and the mechanics of building something enduring.
Transforming Ebonyi State: A Preview of Greatness
Umahi’s tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State from 2015 to 2023 offered a glimpse of the extraordinary leadership he would bring to the national level. Taking the helm of a state often overlooked in Nigeria’s developmental narrative, he turned Abakaliki, the capital, into a modern hub with well-lit streets, flyovers, and over 1,500 kilometers of durable concrete roads. His innovative use of concrete pavement technology—a cost-effective and long-lasting solution—became a hallmark of his administration, earning praise for its sustainability. Projects like the Akanu Ibiam and Offia Nwali flyovers, the Ebonyi Shopping Mall, King David University of Medical Sciences Uburu, and the International Market not only boosted commerce, but also elevated the state’s pride.
Beyond infrastructure, Umahi’s focus on human capital development was evident in initiatives like the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences in Uburu, a project he championed as governor and saw elevated to federal status. His empowerment programs lifted countless youths and widows out of poverty, turning potential liabilities into productive citizens. This remarkable record in Ebonyi was no fluke—it was the work of a man with a clear vision, now unleashed on a national canvas as Minister of Works.
A National Stage: Evidence of Excellence
Since his appointment as Minister of Works in August 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, Umahi has wasted no time in proving his mettle. His hands-on approach and bold initiatives have breathed new life into Nigeria’s crumbling infrastructure. Take, for instance, the flag-off of the 17.55-kilometer access road to the Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A) in Asaba, a project linking the South-South and South-East regions. This is not just a road—it’s a lifeline for economic integration, executed with a commitment to quality and timeliness that echoes his Ebonyi successes.
Umahi’s ambitious reconstruction of the 125-kilometer Benin-Asaba Expressway, launched in March 2025, further underscores his transformative agenda. By prioritizing durable concrete technology and public-private partnerships (PPPs), he’s addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit with a practicality that ensures longevity and fiscal responsibility. His push for CCTV surveillance on federal highways, like the Second Niger Bridge access roads, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to security and sustainability—hallmarks of a minister who doesn’t just build but preserves.
Northern youths, under the Concerned Northern Forum, have pleaded with President Tinubu to retain Umahi, citing projects like the Badagry-Sokoto and Kano-Kaduna-Abuja highways as game-changers for their region’s economy. This broad support from a coalition of over 73 civil society organizations is a rare endorsement of a southern leader’s impact in the north, highlighting Umahi’s ability to transcend regional divides.
Building Diplomatic Bridges Across Regions.
Umahi’s leadership is not confined to bricks and mortar; it extends to diplomacy and collaboration. His tenure as governor saw him forge alliances across Nigeria’s southeast, advocating for the region’s fair treatment within the federation—a stance that prompted his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020. As Minister, he has continued this bridge-building. His praise for Anambra Governor Charles Soludo’s governance model in March 2025, despite their differing political affiliations, was a masterclass in statesmanship. Umahi’s public acknowledgment of Soludo’s “incredible and measurable achievements” and his advice to opposition parties to “save their energy” for the upcoming election showcased a rare magnanimity that elevates national unity over partisan rivalry.
His collaboration with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on the Benin-Warri Road project further exemplifies this. Umahi’s commendation of Okpebholo as an “infrastructure governor” following in Adams Oshiomhole’s footsteps reflects his knack for fostering partnerships that deliver results. By working closely with state governments and contractors, he ensures that federal projects align with local needs—a diplomatic finesse that amplifies his effectiveness.
Why Umahi Stands Out
What sets Umahi apart as the best Works Minister is not just his output but his ethos. His humble origins keep him grounded, while his engineering expertise and business acumen drive innovation. He’s a leader who inspects projects at dawn, demands accountability from contractors, and engages stakeholders with sincerity. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, East-West Road, and Sokoto-Gusau-Katsina-Kaduna corridor are among the many initiatives bearing his imprint, each a testament to his resolve to fulfill President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Critics might point to controversies, like the 2021 People’s Gazette allegations of financial impropriety during his governorship, but Umahi’s consistent delivery—often with meager resources—silences doubters. His legacy is not in the headlines but in the roads that last, the bridges that connect, and the lives he’s uplifted.
A Call to Celebrate a True Patriot
Engr. Dave Umahi is more than a minister; he’s a symbol of what Nigeria can achieve with the right leadership. From a small village in Ebonyi to the corridors of federal power, his journey inspires. As he turns Nigeria’s infrastructure narrative from despair to hope, we must celebrate this son of the soil—a humble visionary whose works speak louder than words. History will remember Umahi not just as a great Works Minister but as the best—one who built not only roads but a brighter future for all Nigerians.
