David Umahi, the Minister of Works, on Friday disclosed that the sum of N800 billion proposed in the 2025 budget estimate is inadequate to address the country’s road infrastructure needs.
The Minister stated this in Abuja during the 2024 budget performance and 2025 budget proposal organized by the House Committee on Works, chaired by Hon. Akin Alabi.
While urging the Parliament to increase the Ministry’s budgetary allocation for the 2025 fiscal year, Umahi emphasized the need for adequate funding for the completion of ongoing projects and to initiate new ones across the country.
He said: “We plead with you to help us. N800 billion cannot do anything for us. It cannot address our road needs, and so we plead with you to help us.”
He explained that the scope of road projects being undertaken cannot be achieved with the meagre budget allocation, highlighting that borrowing funds to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit is crucial for the nation’s progress.
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“When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and invest in infrastructure. That is how you emerge from a recession. Infrastructure is a catalyst for economic activities, and this hunger we talk about will become a thing of the past.
“Food sellers, sand suppliers, gravel workers, and others will benefit. Support Mr. President, and let’s borrow money to build infrastructure so Nigeria can be great again,” Umahi said.
The Minister also responded to questions from committee members on the state of roads nationwide and reiterated the government’s commitment to completing ongoing road projects.
In his remarks , Chairman of the Committee, Akin Alabi promised to invite the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to explain the rationale behind the low budget allocation.
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