Fixing Nigerian Roads Is Frustrating, N18trn Is Needed – Umahi

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, voiced concern with the country’s road maintenance issues, citing inadequate funds as a major impediment.

Umahi acknowledged the difficulties in addressing the country’s huge infrastructure needs while testifying before the Senate Committee on Works, underlining that the existing budget does not cover the amount of repairs required.

Umahi stated that the expense of maintaining roads has risen dramatically in recent years. He disclosed that, while he has been successful in many of his professional pursuits, developing road infrastructure in Nigeria has proven to be particularly difficult due to financial constraints. “I have not failed in many of my life engagements but I am feeling frustrated with fixing roads in Nigeria with funds that are not in any way tangible for what is required,” he said.

The Minister also mentioned the significant backlog of projects inherited by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which totaled 2,064 road projects worth N13 trillion. Umahi claimed that, when adjusted for current market conditions, these projects should now be worth around N18 trillion. He highlighted that the president, who is an economist by training, is aggressively seeking loans to fund these critical infrastructure projects.

Umahi emphasized the important necessity of road infrastructure, stating that well-maintained roads are essential for economic growth and poverty reduction.

He said; “Remember the President inherited 2,064 projects, totaling N13 trillion in 2023. If you review that project in line with the market realities now, it should be close to N18 trillion.

“So, when the President, who is an economist, who has gone through all the segments of what we are passing through, by reason of his experiences, and is making efforts to borrow money to do these projects, the public will be challenging his actions.

“That’s what I have been telling the National Assembly, and we are on the same page now. We have to borrow money to fix the roads.

“The roads, when fixed, would be catalyst to economic growth. It will also eliminate hunger. This is because road infrastructure create a lot of economic activities.”

However, Umahi also stated that road repairs cannot be completed just through annual budget allocations. He advocated for more persistent and focused investment in infrastructure, recognizing its critical role in the country’s development.

Some members of the Senate Committee on Works concurred with Umahi, stating that the N827 billion allotted to the Ministry of Works for the fiscal year 2025 is insufficient to address the country’s road repair requirements. They shared the minister’s worry that more significant financing is required to solve Nigeria’s growing infrastructure deficit.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli