The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has said President Bola Tinubu is borrowing to fund road infrastructure projects because roads are critical to national security, commerce, and economic development.
Umahi made the statement in Abuja during a visit by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to the Ministry of Works.
He explained that without good roads, security agencies face operational difficulties, trade is hindered, and access to schools and economic activities becomes limited.
“When people say, ‘Why is he borrowing?’ the President is borrowing so that our roads can be good. Infrastructure, roads, everything. Without roads, it’s difficult for security agencies, commerce, and even education,” he said.
The minister noted that a large portion of ongoing road projects—valued at about ₦34 trillion—were inherited from previous administrations, some dating back to 2000, 2015, and 2017.
He added that the current administration retained many of these projects because of their importance to long-term economic transformation.
According to Umahi, the government has also adopted reinforced concrete pavement technology, which he said would make roads more durable and last between 50 and 100 years without major rehabilitation.
