The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has expressed deep frustration over the state of Nigeria’s road infrastructure, citing insufficient yearly budgetary allocations as a major obstacle.

Speaking during the 2025 budget defense session before the Senate Committee on Works in Abuja on Friday, Umahi said the funds currently allocated to his ministry are inadequate to tackle the enormity of the challenges.

“I’ve succeeded in most of my life’s engagements, but I feel frustrated fixing Nigerian roads with these meager allocations,” he said.

Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu inherited 2,064 road projects valued at N13 trillion, which would now cost an estimated N18 trillion due to rising costs.

He stressed the need for loans to supplement budgetary provisions, arguing that the current N827 billion proposed for road infrastructure in 2025 is far from sufficient.

“Roads are critical to economic growth and poverty reduction. They create jobs and drive economic activities. However, fixing these roads cannot be achieved with yearly budget provisions alone,” Umahi added.

He urged Nigerians to support the President’s borrowing initiatives, explaining that the funds would directly improve the lives of citizens by stimulating economic activities and reducing hunger.

Senators of the committee, led by Senator Mpigi Barinaga, commended Umahi for his efficient use of limited resources and echoed his call for alternative funding mechanisms.

They acknowledged the enormity of the work required and agreed that the proposed budget falls short of what is needed to address the nation’s road infrastructure crisis.

The session ended with a consensus on the urgency of exploring additional funding options to meet Nigeria’s road infrastructure needs.