Works Minister Urges Lawmakers To Boost Budget For Road Infrastructure

The Minister of Works, Mr. David Umahi has appealed to the House of Representatives for an increase in the ministry’s budget, emphasizing that improved funding is crucial for sustainable road development across Nigeria.

Speaking during the 2025 budget defense session in Abuja, Umahi highlighted the growing demand for road rehabilitation and construction nationwide. He noted that “the current allocation of ₦800 billion is insufficient to tackle the country’s significant road infrastructure challenges effectively.”

Umahi urged lawmakers to prioritise the allocation of additional funds, stressing that “a well-maintained road network is vital for economic growth and national development.”

He further called for collaborative efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s roads meet the standards required to support its rapidly expanding economy.

The Minister urged “the committee to give the ministry the appropriate funding to execute its projects across the nation.”

He noted that there are roads to be fixed across Nigeria and the meager budget envelope will not be enough.

Umahi said that Nigeria needs to continue borrowing money to fix infrastructure for the greatness of the country.

“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and do infrastructure, that is when you come out of recession. It is this infrastructure that is going to be a catalyst for economic activities and then this hunger we are talking about will be a thing of the past. The food sellers will be there, those doing sharp sand, those doing gravel and so on and so forth. Support Mr. President let’s borrow money and do this infrastructure so that Nigeria will be great again, “Umahi said.

The Minister explained that the ministry  had terminated a lot of contracts in the last few months which will be re-awarded soon.

Members of the committee asked the Minister different questions about roads in their states and constituencies and called for urgent attention.

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Akin Alabi promised to summon the Minister of Finance and head of the budget office to explain the rationale behind the low budget of the ministry of works.

Mercy Chukwudiebere