The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed concerns regarding the N800 billion allocated to his ministry in the 2025 budget proposal, deeming it insufficient to meet the country's pressing road infrastructure needs.
During a budget defense session with the House Committee on Works, Umahi emphasized that this financial allocation falls short of what is required to address the extensive infrastructural deficits facing Nigeria.
Umahi, who previously served as the governor of Ebonyi State, urged the committee to consider an upward revision of the ministry’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
He articulated a plea for increased funding, stating that the current allocation would not adequately support ongoing projects or enable the initiation of new ones across the nation.
In his remarks, Umahi highlighted the critical role that infrastructure plays in stimulating economic activity, particularly in times of recession.
He advocated for borrowing as a viable solution to fund necessary infrastructure improvements, arguing that such investments would ultimately benefit various sectors and alleviate economic hardship. "When the nation is in recession, you have to borrow money and do infrastructure," he stated.
The chairman of the committee, Akin Alabi, acknowledged Umahi's concerns and indicated plans to summon the Minister of Finance and the Head of the Budget Office to clarify the rationale behind what has been perceived as a low budget allocation for the ministry.
