The Federal Ministry of Works has said the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, mourned the death of Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry, describing his passing as a major loss to the nation and the infrastructure sector.
In a statement issued by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Thursday, Umahi paid glowing tribute to the late lawmaker’s contributions to national development.
He spoke at a Night of Tribute held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, where he expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Rivers South-East senator.
Umahi described Mpigi as a man of integrity whose word could be trusted, noting that his death was painful and difficult to accept.
The minister recalled that his relationship with the late senator was strengthened through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which enabled him to observe his character closely.
He said Mpigi was a bridge-builder who worked across party lines and played a key role in the emergence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to him, the late lawmaker demonstrated strong commitment to infrastructure development across the country, advocating projects beyond his constituency.
Umahi noted that as chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Mpigi strengthened legislative oversight and fostered collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works.
He cited the senator’s role in resolving challenges on major projects, including the Bodo-Bonny Road and the Eleme–Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State.
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.
Umahi assured the bereaved family of the Federal Government’s support and pledged to sustain the development vision championed by the late lawmaker.
