The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi, has said that the agitation for the creation of Biafra is no longer necessary, declaring that the South-East has now been fully integrated into the Nigerian mainstream under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Umahi made the statement during an inspection tour of ongoing federal road and infrastructure projects across the South-East region. The tour covered major highways and construction sites in states within the zone, many of which had been abandoned for years before being revived by the current government.
According to the minister, feelings of marginalisation that once fueled separatist agitation in the region have greatly reduced due to increased federal presence and investment in critical infrastructure.
“There will be no need for Biafra again,” Umahi said. “In the past administration, our people felt very much marginalised and that was the reason some people were agitating for Biafra. But I can say today that we are well integrated into the mainstream of the nation, Nigeria.”
The call for Biafra has been a long-standing issue in the South-East, rooted in grievances dating back to the Nigerian Civil War of 1967 to 1970. In recent years, the agitation has been led mainly by groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who argue that the region has been neglected politically and economically.
These grievances have often been linked to poor federal presence, bad roads, limited appointments at the national level, and a feeling among many people in the region that they are not treated fairly within the Nigerian federation.
However, Umahi said the situation has changed under President Tinubu, pointing to renewed attention to road construction and other federal projects in the zone as proof of inclusion.
He praised the president for what he described as genuine efforts to address long-standing complaints from the South-East, adding that the region is now enjoying a better relationship with the Federal Government.
“We are comfortable with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Umahi said. “We are very happy with the integration. The South-East is satisfied with the level of inclusion and engagement.”
Umahi, who was a two-term governor of Ebonyi State before becoming minister, said the current administration has shown seriousness by reviving projects that had been abandoned for over a decade.
“For more than 15 years, it has been one government will come and just do something and go,” he said. “But now, many of these projects are being completed.”
He cited a major road project being handled by RCC under a partnership arrangement involving MTN Nigeria. According to him, the project is expected to be fully completed by February and will cost about ₦202 billion.
The minister explained that good roads are critical to economic growth in the South-East, which is known for its strong trading, manufacturing, and transport activities. He said improved road networks would boost business, reduce travel time, and improve safety for road users.
During the inspection, Umahi expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work at several project sites. He said contractors had been given clear instructions to meet deadlines and ensure quality delivery.
The minister also appealed to residents of the region to protect federal infrastructure and support the government’s efforts. He warned that continued attacks on public facilities or construction sites would slow development and harm the region’s interests.
Security challenges linked to separatist agitation have affected the South-East in recent years. Sit-at-home orders, attacks on security personnel, and the destruction of public infrastructure have disrupted daily life and economic activities in the region.
While many residents have expressed frustration over insecurity, others believe that dialogue, development, and fair treatment are better solutions than violence.
Umahi’s comments are likely to generate mixed reactions across the South-East. Supporters of the Federal Government may see his remarks as evidence that the region is finally getting the attention it deserves. Critics, however, may argue that infrastructure alone cannot fully address deeper political and social concerns.
They also note that separatist feelings do not disappear overnight and that trust must be built over time through consistent policies and open communication.
Still, Umahi insisted that the signs of change are clear and that the South-East is now on a better path within Nigeria.
He urged young people in the region to embrace unity and take advantage of new opportunities created by improved infrastructure and federal engagement.
“Our people should believe in Nigeria,” he said. “This is the time to work together and move the region forward.”