Minister of Works Urges Budget Increase, Says N800bn Allocation Insufficient for Road Infrastructure
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has expressed concerns over the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the 2025 budget proposal, stating that the amount is inadequate to address Nigeria’s road infrastructure needs.
Speaking on Friday during a budget defense session before the House Committee on Works, Umahi, a former two-term governor of Ebonyi State, appealed for an upward review of the ministry’s allocation.
Appeal for Increased Funding
“We plead with you to assist us. N800 billion is far from sufficient. It cannot meet our road infrastructure needs, so we urge you to reconsider the budget allocation,” Umahi stated.
He emphasized the necessity of adequate funding to complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones across the country.
Call for Infrastructure Investment
Umahi also pointed out that the ministry’s ambitious road development plans could not be executed with the current budget limitations. He advocated for borrowing to finance infrastructure projects, arguing that such investments are crucial for economic recovery and national development.
“When a nation faces economic challenges, borrowing to fund infrastructure is a strategic move. Infrastructure drives economic activities, and once that happens, the current food crisis will ease. Farmers, construction workers, and suppliers of materials such as sand and gravel will all benefit. Let’s support the President by securing the necessary funds to build infrastructure and restore Nigeria’s greatness,” he explained.
Lawmakers to Intervene
In response, the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, assured that the committee would summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to justify the ministry’s current budget allocation.
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