N800bn budget too small to fix Nigeria’s roads — Umahi
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has described the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the 2025 budget proposal as inadequate to meet the country’s road infrastructure demands.
Umahi, a two-time governor of Ebonyi State, made this assertion on Friday during the 2025 budget defence session organised by the House Committee on Works.
He appealed to the committee, chaired by Akin Alabi, to consider increasing the ministry’s budget allocation for the 2025 fiscal year.
“We plead with you to help us. N800bn cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, so we appeal for your assistance,” Umahi stated.
The minister urged the committee to allocate adequate funding to enable the ministry to complete ongoing projects and commence new ones nationwide.
Highlighting the severity of the funding shortfall, Umahi stressed that the numerous unfinished projects across the country could not be addressed with the current “meagre budget envelope.” He also advocated borrowing as a practical solution to tackle the country’s infrastructure deficit.
“When the nation is in recession, borrowing to invest in infrastructure is essential. That’s how you come out of a recession. Infrastructure acts as a catalyst for economic activities, and it will alleviate the hunger we are talking about. Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel suppliers, and others will all benefit. Support Mr President, and let’s borrow money to develop infrastructure so that Nigeria can become great again,” he added.
During the session, Umahi answered questions from committee members regarding the state of roads across the country. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to completing ongoing road projects.
In response, the committee chairman pledged to summon the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Head of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakub, to explain the rationale behind the ministry’s low budget allocation.
