The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has informed the National Assembly that an estimated N18 trillion is needed to address the country’s road infrastructure.

The Minister expressed his frustration with the inability to fix Nigerian roads due to a lack of funds resulting from inadequate yearly budgetary provisions. He emphasized that substantial additional funds are necessary to complement these provisions in the form of loans.

According to him, the annual allocations in the National Assembly’s Appropriation Bills will not be sufficient to tackle the problem.

Speaking with journalists yesterday in Abuja after appearing before the Senate Committee on Works, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers), to defend his ministry’s 2025 budget estimates, Umahi said, “Remember, the President inherited 2,064 projects totaling N13 trillion in 2023. If you evaluate those projects in light of current market realities, the cost should now be close to N18 trillion.

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“I have not failed in many of my life engagements, but I feel frustrated with fixing roads in Nigeria with funds that are insufficient for what is required.

“This is why we need special funds in the form of loans for road infrastructure in the country.

“When the President, who is an economist and has experienced the various challenges we are facing, seeks to borrow money for these projects, the public should not doubt our expertise.

“Well-maintained roads act as catalysts for economic growth and help alleviate hunger because road infrastructure activities generate significant economic activity.

“Moreover, those involved in selling sand, chippings, food, rocks, and other materials will benefit from increased economic activity. We need to support the President in borrowing money. He cannot create money; he needs encouragement. A man is trying to put money in your pocket.

“When you claim he is trying to steal your money, that is very discouraging. Road infrastructure cannot be improved through mere yearly budgetary allocations.

“It requires significant attention. Thank you very much.”

Sympathizing with the Minister, committee members, chaired by Senator Mpigi Barinaga, praised him for making the most of the limited budgetary allocations and agreed with his call for alternative funding for road infrastructure nationwide.

They specifically pointed out that the proposed allocation of N827 billion for the Ministry’s road repairs in 2025 is insufficient given the extensive work needed.

Earlier, Senator Mpigi highlighted the necessity for substantial funding to effectively address Nigeria’s road infrastructure issues. He stated, “We can see that these projects are vast, and we must explore other ways to secure funding to ensure these projects are delivered to our people.

“Sometimes, when people approach the National Assembly for projects in their communities, it is not simply because the Assembly wants to undertake projects in their area.”