The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has criticized the N800 billion allocated to the ministry in the 2025 budget, stating that the amount is insufficient to address Nigeria’s extensive road infrastructure needs.
Speaking at a budget defense session on Friday with the House Committee on Works, Umahi called for an increase in the ministry’s budget to ensure the completion of ongoing projects and the initiation of new ones across the country.
Umahi emphasized that the current allocation would not be enough to tackle the country’s road challenges, urging the committee to consider higher funding.
He also highlighted the importance of borrowing to fund infrastructure, stating that such investments would stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and help the country overcome its recession.
In response, Committee Chairman Akin Alabi pledged to invite the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office for further clarification on the allocation’s adequacy.