By Abbanobi -Eku OnyekachiAbuja
In a candid admission, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, revealed his frustration with the state of Nigerian roads, citing insufficient funding as the major obstacle.
Speaking to members of the Senate Committee on Works during the 2025 budget defence session in Abuja on Friday, Umahi emphasized the need for additional funds to supplement the meager yearly budgetary provisions.
The Minister confessed that, despite his track record of success in various endeavors, he feels overwhelmed by the challenge of fixing Nigerian roads with the currently allocated funds. “I’ve not failed in many of my life engagements, but I’m feeling frustrated with fixing roads in Nigeria with funds that are not tangible for what is required,” Umahi said.
Umahi attributed the funding shortfall to the enormous cost of completing the 2,064 projects inherited by the President, totaling N13 trillions. When adjusted for current market realities, the cost is estimated to be close to N18 trillions. To bridge this funding gap, the Minister advocated for special funds in the form of loans to support road infrastructure development in the country.
This revelation comes as the Nigerian government has been working to improve the country’s road network. President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to addressing the issue, with the Minister of Works pledging to ensure that contractors deliver quality roads that facilitate economic development.
In related news, the Federal Government has set ambitious timelines for completing key road projects, including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road, which is expected to be completed within 14 months.
