Nigeria Needs N18trn To Fix Road Infrastructure — Umahi

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has disclosed that Nigeria needs N18 trillion to address its road infrastructure deficit, a sum far exceeding the annual budgetary provisions typically allocated by the National Assembly.

Umahi made the statement on Friday after defending the 2025 budget estimates for his ministry before the Senate Committee on Works. He emphasized the financial challenge of tackling Nigeria’s road infrastructure needs, noting that the current budgetary provisions were insufficient for such a monumental task.

He said, “Remember, the President inherited 2,064 projects totaling N13 trillion in 2023. If you review those projects in line with current market realities, the cost rises to nearly N18 trillion.”

Umahi explained that borrowing was the only viable option to finance the required infrastructure, given the scope of work involved and the prevailing economic conditions.

“The President, who is an economist with vast experience, is making efforts to borrow money to execute these projects. Yet, some in the public question his actions. That’s what I’ve been explaining to the National Assembly, and we’re now on the same page. We must borrow to fix the roads,” Umahi emphasized.

He also stressed the economic benefits of improving road infrastructure, arguing that well-maintained roads could serve as a catalyst for economic growth. He explained that such infrastructure would reduce hunger by facilitating various economic activities, benefiting local traders and workers involved in the sale of materials like sand, chippings, and food.

“When roads are fixed, they create employment and sustain local economies,” Umahi added.

The Minister urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s efforts, stressing that road infrastructure cannot be adequately tackled solely through annual budget allocations.

“He (President Tinubu) cannot manufacture money. He needs to be encouraged. Accusations of stealing are discouraging and unhelpful. Road infrastructure requires significant attention and investment beyond yearly budgets,” Umahi noted.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada, acknowledged the scale of Nigeria’s road infrastructure challenges and the need for innovative funding solutions.

“These projects are enormous, and we need to explore alternative ways to secure funds to deliver them to our people,” Barinada said. He further assured that advocacy for these projects was not for personal gain, but for the benefit of constituencies across the country.

Both Umahi and Barinada’s remarks underline the urgent need for substantial investment in road infrastructure as a means of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for citizens.