Umahi, World Bank Meet Over Funding Of Road Projects

Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has met with a delegation from the World Bank led by Mr. Matthew Verghis to discuss modalities on how to  improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

He requested the World Bank to consider financing road infrastructure projects through the Federal Ministry of Works via the Presidency.

The minister in his remarks expressed appreciation to the World Bank delegation for their interest in Nigerian infrastructure projects.

He noted that infrastructure development remains the most critical requirement for Nigeria to attain its desired position in global economic competitiveness, emphasizing that efficient road networks are fundamental to national growth, trade, and social development.

According to a statement by the deputy director press in the ministry, Mr Clement Ezeora, Umahi briefed the delegation on the federal government’s development management initiative, as well as the “Build, Update and Maintain” strategy, under which the government is responsible for constructing roads while the private sector is engaged to maintain them.

He said  this model was designed to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and value for money in road infrastructure delivery.

The minister highlighted the challenges facing the road sector, noting that the cost of road construction and availability of funds became more difficult following the removal of fuel subsidy and floating of the naira.

He identified key priority road projects currently being handled by the Ministry, including: East–West Road, comprising over eight sections, Enugu–Onitsha Road Project,Kano–Jigawa–Maiduguri Road Corridor, and Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The World Bank delegation, led by Mr. Matthew Verghis, stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss practical ways of improving Nigerian roads, which he described as the country’s most important infrastructure asset.

Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, a member of the delegation, explained that the World Bank’s overarching objective is to create jobs and reduce poverty.