Nigeria needs N18trn to tackle road gaps- Umahi

Dave Umahi, the minister of works, says that Nigeria needs approximately N18 trillion to address its road infrastructure challenges.

He noted that the annual allocations in the National Assembly’s Appropriation Bills are insufficient to meet these demands.

Umahi shared this during a discussion with journalists on Friday after defending the ministry’s 2025 budget estimates before the Senate Committee on Works.

The federal government has earmarked a total of N827 billion for the Ministry of Works in the 2025 budget.

Speaking on the issue, Umahi said, “The President inherited 2,064 projects in 2023, valued at N13 trillion. Adjusting these projects to current market realities brings the cost to about N18 trillion.”

He said, “The President, with his extensive experience and background as an economist, understands the challenges we are facing.

“He is working to secure loans to complete these projects. However, this effort often faces public criticism.”

Umahi further stressed the necessity of borrowing, stating, “Fixing our roads will serve as a catalyst for economic growth and help address hunger by spurring economic activities. From those supplying sand and chippings to laborers, the ripple effect of infrastructure development is significant.”

He further said, “It’s important to support the President’s efforts to secure funding for these projects. He cannot create money out of thin air, and discouraging his initiatives is counterproductive. Annual budgets alone cannot resolve our road infrastructure deficits; we need substantial investment.”

Umahi further lamented that the paucity of funds is frustrating his efforts.

The minister said, “I’ve not failed in many of my life engagements but I’m feeling frustrated with fixing of roads in Nigeria with funds that are not in any way, tangible for what are required.

“This is the reason why special funds in the form of loans, are needed to be taken for road infrastructure in the country.”

Mpigi Barinada, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, also acknowledged the funding gap, stating that addressing Nigeria’s road infrastructure requires substantial resources.

He explained, “These projects are vast, and we must explore alternative funding sources to ensure their completion. When the National Assembly advocates for projects in certain areas, it is often driven by the urgent need to address infrastructural deficits, not just personal interests.”