Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi says the Tinubu administration is delivering durable road infrastructure that offers Nigerians “real value for money,” pushing back on critics during an inspection of projects across the North Central zone on Saturday.
Umahi said current roads and bridges are engineered for 100-year lifespans, with stricter specifications on pavement design, materials, drainage, and bridge works. He stressed that quality control and independent testing are being enforced to curb failures and costly repairs.
However, he flagged a sharp surge in input prices that is squeezing project budgets. “Cement is costing ₦9,500 and one cubic meter of concrete takes nine bags,” he noted—about ₦85,500 in cement alone per m³—adding that prices of iron rods, sand, and chippings have not reflected recent macro improvements. “The dollar is being stabilized, food prices are coming down, foreign reserves are improving, yet the cost of construction materials keeps rising. Why should that be?”
Citing the Abuja–Lokoja highway, which he described as “frightening,” Umahi said the route exemplifies nationwide deterioration: “What the president inherited is very frightening. Even if you put all the nation’s resources into rebuilding these roads, it won’t be enough. Yet, President Tinubu has given roads and bridges top priority because this sector drives the GDP and underpins growth in other sectors.”
He urged Nigerians to recognize the scale of maintenance challenges across the federal network and said the ministry is pursuing design optimization, stricter contractor performance benchmarks, and phased funding to stretch resources.
Umahi assured that ongoing reforms and targeted investments would yield visible improvements: “Our commitment is unwavering. Nigerians will see the results as these projects come on stream—built to standard, built to last.”
