Federal Government Unveils Ambitious Road Rehabilitation Plan in 2024 Budget

The Federal Government’s upcoming 2024 budget proposes an extensive plan to revitalize the nation’s infrastructure, focusing on rehabilitating and constructing a whopping 1,925 roads and highways. With a substantial allocation of N548.56 billion specifically designated for road construction, this ambitious initiative aims to significantly upgrade the country’s transportation network.

Spanning across multiple fiscal years, this colossal effort incorporates the N288.44 billion set aside in the 2023 supplementary budget for modernizing 329 roads and bridges. When combined, the government anticipates an impressive N837 billion expenditure for the development of 2,254 roads and bridges between 2023 and 2024.

The Ministry of Works’ budget includes provisions such as N1.05 billion for vegetation removal on federal roads and N3.19 billion for the procurement of 50 motor vehicles, reflecting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure enhancement. Notable projects in various states encompass road rehabilitations, including the Kabba-Ayere-Isua-Ipele road in Kogi and Ondo states, the Ikot Ekpene border Aba-Owerri dual road, and significant segments of the Lagos-Otta road.

Amidst this forward-looking initiative, the Ministry acknowledges outstanding debts, prompting a call for owed contractors to present documentation between December 12 and December 22, 2023. Committed to resolving inherited financial challenges, the Ministry has set up committees to review outstanding payments and cost variations in ongoing projects, ensuring effective resource management.

This ambitious infrastructure push within the 2024 budget underscores the government’s dedication to bolstering the country’s road network, promising significant strides in national development and economic growth.