Nigeria Needs N1.8trn to Fix Roads- Umahi

Fixing Nigeria roads is frustrating.Nigeria needs about N1.8trn to fix roads Says David umahi minister of works.

David Umahi, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, expressed frustration over the country’s road repair challenges, citing insufficient funding as a major obstacle.

Appearing before the Senate Committee on Works, Umahi acknowledged the difficulties in addressing the country’s vast infrastructure needs, emphasizing that the available budget does not adequately address the scope of repairs needed.

Umahi noted that the cost of repairing roads has significantly increased compared to previous years. He admitted that while he has succeeded in many of his professional endeavors, the task of improving road infrastructure in Nigeria has proven to be especially challenging due to financial constraints. “I have not failed in many of my life engagements but I am feeling frustrated with fixing roads in Nigeria with funds that are not in any way tangible for what is required,” he said.

The Minister also referenced the substantial backlog of projects inherited by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with a total of 2,064 road projects amounting to N13 trillion. Umahi suggested that these projects, when adjusted for current market conditions, should now be valued at approximately N18 trillion. He emphasized that the president, an economist by training, is actively working to secure loans to finance these essential intrastructure projects.