The Federal Government has revealed it needs an estimated ₦3 trillion to complete road projects previously financed under the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) tax credit scheme, following the company’s decision to halt funding from August 1.
This disclosure was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a media briefing in Abuja, where he assured that the government is actively exploring new ways to sustain ongoing infrastructure efforts without abandoning any existing projects.
President Bola Tinubu, according to Umahi, has ordered the Ministry of Works to identify alternative financing mechanisms. “Our President is a man with a large heart. Despite NNPCL’s funding stoppage, he directed that we put alternative funding mechanisms in place to ensure completion of all projects,” Umahi said.
The ministry is now compiling a comprehensive list of all road projects impacted by the funding cut. Umahi noted that projects with strong contractors and potential for private sector interest may be considered under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). “We are going to prepare a memo to the President on that,” he added.
Despite the financial setback, several strategic road projects are still underway. Umahi mentioned that construction work is active on the Benin-Warri, Benin-Asaba, and Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta roads, as well as routes connecting to the first Niger Bridge.
In the North Central region, projects such as the Koton Karfe and Keffi bridges, along with the Katsina-Ala road through Benue State, have received approval for execution. The Kabba-Ekiti and Benin bypass roads in the South-South are also progressing.
The Northeast is witnessing urgent interventions in areas like Gombe-Bauchi-Azare, and the extensive Kano-Maiduguri highway. Other road projects span Bauchi to Jigawa, Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi, Gombe-Bauchi, Kwara-Jebba, and Mokwa routes.
Minister of State for Works, Malam Bello Goronyo, praised President Tinubu’s strong focus on road rehabilitation, calling it a significant departure from years of neglect. “We can never have it better than now when roads are being maintained and reconstructed,” he stated.
Goronyo also appreciated the media’s role in spotlighting the ministry’s work and urged journalists to verify their reports thoroughly before publication. Meanwhile, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Olufunsho Adebiyi, dispelled claims of regional bias in project execution.
Adebiyi explained that the cost of constructing a kilometre of road differs across locations due to varying environmental and geological conditions. “The terrain, water table, and proximity to construction materials all influence cost,” he said, urging Nigerians to understand the complexities behind road infrastructure.
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