The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has disclosed that in recognition of Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry’s selfless service and dedication, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the rerouting of a piece of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Freeway to go by Ogoniland – an everlasting testomony to the late lawmaker’s legacy.
Engr. Umahi disclosed this when he delivered a Goodwill Message through the Night time of Tribute held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Worldwide Convention Centre in Abuja, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Senator Mpigi, and noting that his dying stays painful and troublesome to simply accept, given his invaluable contributions to nationwide growth.
In keeping with a press release on Thursday morning, signed by Director, Data and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the memorial occasion drew an array of distinguished dignitaries and personalities, together with politicians, conventional leaders from Ogoniland, amongst others.
Umahi paid a heartfelt tribute to Mpigi, late Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, describing his passing as a profound loss to the nation and the infrastructure sector.
Reflecting on their relationship, the Minister recalled that his closeness with the late Senator was strengthened by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which allowed him to watch Senator Mpigi’s character firsthand.
He described the late lawmaker, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, as a person of impeccable integrity, whose phrase was his bond, emphasising that such consistency is uncommon in politics.
The Minister praised the late Senator’s dedication, loyalty, and popularity as a bridge-builder, who introduced his colleagues collectively, throughout occasion divisions, within the nationwide curiosity, referencing his key position within the emergence of Godswill Akpabio because the Senate President.
He stated Senator Mpigi distinguished himself as a nationwide determine, who demonstrated unusual dedication to tasks past his instant constituency, advocating vigorously for infrastructure growth throughout the nation, together with Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kano States, simply to call a number of.
Engr. Umahi emphasised that, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, the late Senator Mpigi’s management tremendously strengthened legislative oversight and fostered shut collaboration between the Nationwide Meeting and the Federal Ministry of Works, making certain the profitable supply of key infrastructure tasks.
He notably cited Senator Mpigi’s position in resolving crucial challenges on main street tasks, together with the Bodo-Bonny Highway and the rehabilitation of the Eleme–Onne part of the East-West Highway in Rivers State.
He famous that the Senator’s calm disposition, humility, and selfless strategy to public service, mixed together with his strategic intervention and dedication, had been instrumental in making certain the profitable continuation and supply of those tasks.
He expressed deep remorse that Senator Mpigi wouldn’t witness the commissioning of a number of landmark tasks he contributed to, together with the Bodo-Bonny Highway, the redesigned Eleme–Onne Highway, and sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Freeway.
Engr. Umahi assured the bereaved household of the Federal Authorities’s continued help, pledging that the Ministry of Works, in collaboration with related stakeholders, would maintain and actualise the developmental imaginative and prescient championed by the late Senator.
“We is not going to overlook his household, his group, and his good intentions for Nigeria. His legacy of integrity, patriotism, and repair will proceed to encourage the nation and information ongoing infrastructure growth efforts,” he stated.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and urged Nigerians to take solace in his impactful life and enduring contributions to nationwide growth.