InfoStride News reports that the Federal Government has disclosed inheriting a substantial funding gap exceeding N6 trillion from numerous ongoing road projects initiated by the previous administration. According to a statement by the Federal Minister of Works, Mr. Dave Umahi, available on the official website of the ministry, President Tinubu is resolute in addressing the challenges head-on, despite the considerable debt burden inherited.
Umahi emphasized the administration’s dedication to achieving sustainable road infrastructure development nationwide. He noted President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the deplorable state of roads, highlighting an allocation of N300 billion to the Ministry of Works for constructing new roads and rehabilitating existing ones across the country.
The minister outlined the approved 2023 Supplementary budget of Three Hundred Billion Naira (₦300B), comprising One Hundred Billion Naira (₦100B) for immediate palliative works in 36 States and the FCT, and Two Hundred Billion Naira (₦200B) for continuing most ongoing projects and a few critical new road projects.
To ensure the quality of road construction projects, the Federal Ministry of Works is calling for public participation in supervising ongoing palliative construction projects funded by the government. Umahi urged the public to report poorly constructed roads by photographing observed defects, indicating the location and contractor details of the ongoing project. Reports can be made to 08030986263, 08037086137, or 08106423197.
The minister stated, “All poorly constructed roads should be photographed and reported immediately to the following contacts: 08030986263, 08037086137, or 08106423197; showing the name of the contractor, the location and type of contract and defects observed.” He added that the Federal Ministry of Works would document, verify, and take effective action to correct reported infractions. The ministry also plans to publicly recognize individuals who make genuine reports in a quarterly engagement forum and publicly sanction erring contractors.
This disclosure by the Federal Ministry of Works highlights the administration’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructure challenges inherited from the past, as President Tinubu aims to deliver on promises to enhance the nation’s road network and overall infrastructure. InfoStride News will continue to monitor and report on developments in this regard.
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