Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration against criticism, insisting it is delivering value for money through massive road infrastructure investments.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting road projects across the North Central Zone, Umahi said the roads and bridges under construction are being built with world-class materials and engineering standards, designed to last up to a century.
He expressed worry over the persistent rise in the prices of key construction materials despite government efforts to stabilize the economy.
“Cement is selling for N9,500, and one cubic meter of concrete requires nine bags. Multiply that by N9,500, that’s just the cement cost,” Umahi lamented. “The dollar is stabilizing, food prices are dropping, foreign reserves are improving, yet construction materials remain expensive. Why?”
Umahi urged Nigerians to recognize the enormity of the challenge involved in rehabilitating and maintaining the country’s vast road network.
He described the state of the Abuja-Lokoja highway as “frightening,” stressing that the problem is widespread across the country.
“What the president inherited is alarming. Even if you channel all national resources to roads, it won’t be enough. But President Tinubu has made roads and bridges a top priority because they drive GDP and stimulate growth in every other sector,” the minister said.
He assured that the administration’s reforms and targeted infrastructure spending will, in time, deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
