BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi has commenced strategic talks with World Bank on strengthening Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly the road sector.
Receiving a high-level delegation from the bank in his office on Friday, Umahi appreciated World Bank for their interest in Nigeria's infrastructure projects.
Umahi noted that infrastructure development remains the most critical requirement for Nigeria to attain its desired position in global economic competitiveness, emphasising that efficient road networks are fundamental to national growth, trade, and social development.
He briefed the delegation on the Federal Government’s Development Management Initiative, as well as the 'Build, Update and Maintain" (BUM) strategy of the APC-led administration.
Under BUM strategy, the government is responsible for constructing roads while the private sector will be engaged to maintain them. The model is also designed to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and value for money in road infrastructure delivery.
The minister highlighted the challenges facing the road sector, adding that the cost of road construction and availability of funds became more difficult.
He explained that experience has shown that roads constructed with asphalt often fail to last beyond ten years, which informed the ministry’s decision to adopt reinforced concrete pavement as a more durable and long-lasting alternative.
Umahi identified key priority road projects currently handled by the ministry as East–West Road, comprising over eight sections; Enugu–Onitsha Road Project; Kano–Jigawa–Maiduguri Road Corridor, and 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 the urgent challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved ₦20 billion for the completion of some priority road projects, many of which are currently commissioned across the country and observed by journalists.
Umahi 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 formally requested the World Bank to consider financing road infrastructure projects through the Federal Ministry of Works via the Presidency.
He explained that such funds would be channeled towards the completion of strategic ongoing projects, with tolling mechanisms introduced to ensure sustainability and repayment.
Umahi emphasised that additional funding is urgently required to complete critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
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, which he described as the country’s most important infrastructure asset.
A member of the delegation, Mr. Franz Drees-Gross 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.
He highlighted priority areas of interest, including the establishment of State Roads Funds, State Road Maintenance Agencies, improved flood control through effective drainage systems, and increased private sector financing.
Verghis noted that the bank can only fund contracts that complied with its procurement standards, stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and due process in project execution.
The Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, Esq. appreciated the World Bank delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to work closely with the bank to achieve shared development goals.
At the end, both parties agreed to strengthen collaboration towards the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relation, Mr Clement Ezeora in Abuja.
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