The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stating that the government is providing real value for money through its investments in road infrastructure.
Umahi made this assertion while inspecting ongoing road projects in the North Central Zone.
The minister highlighted that the roads and bridges being constructed are designed to last up to 100 years, with quality materials and engineering standards carefully factored into the projects. However, he expressed concern over the rising cost of construction materials, noting that prices of essential materials like cement, iron rods, sand, and chippings have not reflected the administration’s economic reforms.
Umahi pointed out that cement costs N9,500 per bag, and one meter cubed of concrete requires nine bags, amounting to a significant expense. He questioned why construction material prices continue to rise despite the stabilization of the dollar, decreasing food prices, and improving foreign reserves.
The minister emphasized the enormity of challenges in maintaining Nigeria’s vast road network, stressing that the Tinubu administration remains committed to addressing them. He described the state of the Abuja-Lokoja highway as “frightening” but noted that this issue is not unique to that route.
Umahi assured that ongoing reforms and strategic investments in infrastructure would yield positive results for the country, driving GDP growth and underpinning development in other sectors.
