The National Assembly has increased the budget allocation for the Ministry of Works from N657.3bn to a whopping N1.03tn. This surge, amounting to a 56.7% rise from the initial figure, and a 65.4% increase from the 2023 budget, signals a major commitment to infrastructural development.
The approved budget reveals a substantial capital increase from N617.9bn to N987.3bn, facilitating the introduction of various capital projects. Key initiatives include the construction of vital roads such as Lafia road, 9th Mile (Enugu) Otukpo-Makurdi (Keffi Phase II), Ota-Idiroko, Iyin-Ilawe Ekiti, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Benin-Ilesha, Malando-Garin-Baka-Ngaski-Wara, Koko-Besse-Zaria-Kala Kala, Aba-Ikot Ekpene, and many more.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who has consistently pledged to revolutionize road construction, successfully advocated for the increased budget during the defense. Umahi aims to complete at least 10 critical roads and bridges in each geopolitical zone, emphasizing a target of 150km of completed roads in each state by 2024.
With this ambitious budget, Nigerians anticipate a significant improvement in road infrastructure, as Umahi urges contractors to deliver on this promise, setting the stage for a transformative year in transportation development.
