The Federal Government plans to mobilise 4,000 social media influencers to showcase public infrastructure projects and achievements delivered under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced the initiative in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during an engagement where he received an independent infrastructure inspection report from the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Umahi said the proposed influencer network would be used to communicate the government’s infrastructure milestones directly to citizens, particularly young people.
The initiative will involve content creators, including TikTokers and YouTubers, who will highlight ongoing and completed federal projects, with particular attention to the country’s extensive road networks.
The minister said the move was aimed at helping the government “fight this social media war” and address narratives about its administration ahead of the 2027 general election. Umahi’s announcement followed a NANS inspection tour of federal roads in Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna and Sokoto states.
He reiterated that the student-led inspection demonstrated the importance of citizens physically verifying government projects rather than relying solely on unverified information circulating online.
During the engagement, Umahi also provided updates on some federal infrastructure projects and initiatives. He said the main 105-kilometre pavement section of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway currently under construction is projected to meet its November 2026 completion deadline.
Following requests from NANS, the Federal Government also agreed to review the possibility of constructing pedestrian bridges and other safety installations around university campuses nationwide.
The minister further expressed concern over vandalism, including the theft of road furniture and removal of metal components from freshly laid road corridors. He urged communities to protect public infrastructure and safeguard government investments in their areas.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
