By Joy Onu
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, has paid tribute to the late Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Barinada Barry Mpigi, describing his death as a major loss to Nigeria’s infrastructure sector and national development.
Umahi spoke at a Night of Tribute held on April 8, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, where political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries gathered to honour the former lawmaker who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
Reflecting on their relationship, the minister said his closeness with the late senator was strengthened through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, noting that Mpigi was widely respected for his integrity, loyalty and commitment to national service.
He added that the late senator was known for building bridges across political divides and played a notable role in the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as President of the Senate, while also advocating infrastructure development across several states.
Umahi highlighted Mpigi’s contributions to key road projects, including the Bodo–Bonny Road and the rehabilitation of the Eleme–Onne section of the East–West Road in Rivers State, noting that his leadership strengthened collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works.
The minister also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the rerouting of a section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway through Ogoniland in honour of the late senator’s service, while assuring the bereaved family that the Federal Government would sustain his developmental vision.
