The National Assembly has increased the budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Works from the proposed N657.3 billion to N1.03 trillion. This substantial increase, representing a 56.7% rise from the initial figure in the appropriation bill, aims to bolster the ministry’s efforts in repairing and maintaining over 33,000 kilometers of federal government roads across the country.
The approved budget revealed a significant elevation of the capital budget from N617.9 billion to N987.3 billion, with the addition of several capital projects. Key projects include the construction of Lafia road and dualization of the 9th Mile (Enugu) Otukpo-Makurdi (Keffi Phase II) road, Ota-Idiroko road sections one to three, Iyin-Ilawe Ekiti road sections one to three, and rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt road sections two and four.
Additionally, the budget endorses funds for projects such as the dualization of Benin-Ilesha road, construction of Malando-Garin-Baka-Ngaski-Wara road in Kebbi State, Koko-Besse-Zaria-Kala Kala road in Kebbi State, Aba-Ikot Ekpene road dualization, repair of Iganmu bridge, and rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway Section.
The Ministry of Works also received approval for N3.35 billion to purchase vehicles for consultants and security supervision.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, had advocated for an increased budget during the defense session, aiming for approximately N1.5 trillion to complete critical roads and bridges across the six geo-political zones. Umahi’s call aligns with his commitment to revolutionize road construction in Nigeria, setting a target for contractors to complete 150 km of roads in each state and the Federal Capital Territory in 2024. The increased budget allocation raises expectations for tangible improvements in Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
