The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi has emphasized that additional funding is urgently required to complete critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
Umahi stated this while receiving a high-level delegation from the World Bank to his office for a strategic meeting which focused on improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly the road sector.
He noted that infrastructure development remains the most critical requirement for Nigeria to attain its desired position in global economic competitiveness, adding that efficient road networks fundamental to national growth, trade, and social development.
Umahi formally requested the World Bank to consider financing road infrastructure projects through the Federal Ministry of Works via the Presidency.
The Minister explained that such funds would be committed to a number of strategic ongoing road projects for completion, with tolling mechanisms introduced to ensure sustainability and repayment.
Speaking on quality of road infrastructure, he explained that experience has shown that roads constructed with asphalt often fail to last beyond ten years, which warrant the Ministry’s decision to adopt reinforced concrete pavement as a more durable and long-lasting alternative.
He identified key priority road projects currently being handled by the Ministry, including: The East–West Road with over eight sections, The Enugu–Onitsha Road Project, The Kano–Jigawa–Maiduguri Road Corridor, and The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
The Minister disclosed that when he assumed office, the Ministry inherited about 260 weak road links, 50 dilapidated bridges, and numerous failed road sections nationwide.
“To address these urgent challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved ₦20 billion for the completion of some priority road projects, many of which are currently being commissioned across the country, as observed by journalists”, he disclosed.
Umahi further explained that, given current realities, long-term planning is less feasible, and the focus must be on short-term interventions aimed at completing major ongoing road projects.
He stressed that funding remains a major constraint and reiterated that new projects cannot be initiated while existing ones remain incomplete.
The Minister appreciated World Bank delegation for their interest in Nigerian infrastructure projects while briefed them on FG’s Development Management Initiative, as well as the “Build, Update and Maintain” strategy.Which he said the govt will responsible for constructing roads while the private sector is engaged to maintain it, adding that this model is designed to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and value for money in road infrastructure delivery.
The World Bank delegation, led by Mr. Matthew Verghis, stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss practical ways of improving Nigerian roads, describing them as the country’s most important infrastructure asset.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, a member of the delegation, explained that the World Bank’s overarching objective is to create jobs and reduce poverty.
He stressed that infrastructure is central to poverty reduction, as it generates employment directly and indirectly across various sectors of the economy. Drees-Gross highlighted priority areas of interest, including establishment of State Roads Funds, State Road Maintenance Agencies, improved flood control through effective drainage systems, and increased Private Sctor financing.
Mr. Verghis further noted that the World Bank can only fund contracts that comply with World Bank procurement standards, stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and due process in project execution.
The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the World Bank delegation for the visit and reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Bank to achieve shared development goals.
The meeting which ended on a positive note, with both expressing commitment to strengthening collaboration towards the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure in Nigeria.
