On Friday, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, expressed his displeasure with the present road infrastructure budget allocation.
Umahi underlined that financial provisions alone cannot be the only means of developing the sector while speaking during a budget defence session in Abuja.
To address the country’s infrastructure demands, he emphasised the shortcomings of the current financial structure and advocated for the use of loans and other alternative financing techniques.
“Like Mr. President, I believe that financial appropriations alone will not suffice to develop the road sector.”
Umahi stated, “If we truly want to see improvements, we must support the President in seeking additional funding, including loans.”
He was disappointed because the general public believed that the ministry was not making good use of the money that was given to it.
The minister assured lawmakers that any funds would be used up in nine months, proving the ministry’s dedication to carrying out projects effectively.
He also considered the country’s situation before the present administration came to power, calling it “almost a near-failed state,” and emphasised the pressing necessity for calculated actions to boost the road industry.
“Watch us use up whatever allocation you give us in nine months if you give us the money we need.”
“I find it annoying when people claim that money allocated for infrastructure projects is not being spent efficiently. Some people think that I or the Permanent Secretary directly gain from giving money to the Ministry of Works. We don’t deal directly with contractors,” Umahi said.
