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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said President Bola Tinubu is borrowing to fund road construction because infrastructure is key to security, business, and economic growth.
Umahi made the statement during a visit the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu’s visit to the Ministry of Works in Abuja.
Umahi said, “When people say, ‘Why is he borrowing?’ The president is borrowing so that our roads can be good. Infrastructure, roads, everything. Without roads, it’s difficult for the security agencies. Without roads, it’s difficult for commerce to thrive. Without roads, schooling will be hindered.”
He said that most of the ongoing road projects were inherited from past administrations, adding that over 80% of them, valued at about N34 trillion, date back many years.
According to him, the government decided to continue these projects because they are important for Nigeria’s development. The minister also said the administration is using reinforced concrete pavement to make roads last longer, claiming they could last between 50 and 100 years once completed.
He listed major projects under the Tinubu administration, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Highway, Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja corridor, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri route. He said part of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has already been completed and is attracting investor interest for tolling.
Umahi further noted that sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road are being powered with solar lighting, with further work ongoing.
Regarding security, he explained that some projects had been delayed due to insecurity, but said collaboration with security agencies has helped to sustain the work.
He also disclosed government plans to install CCTV, solar lighting, rest areas, and observation points on major highways across the country.
“My prayer is that God will see the president through. Nigerians should examine everybody angling to take over from the president and know whether they can do better. I don’t believe that they can do better. So it’s good for the president to continue the next five years,” he said.
