World Bank, Umahi Meet Over Funding Of Road Projects

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, met with a high-level delegation from the World Bank led by Mr. Matthew Verghis to discuss modalities on how to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly the road sector.

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, emphassing that efficient road networks are fundamental to national growth, trade, and social development.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director of Press, Ministry of Works, 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 the 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 explained that experience has shown that roads constructed with asphalt often fail to last beyond 10 years, which informed the Ministry’s decision to adopt reinforced concrete pavement as a more durable and long-lasting alternative.

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 Minister disclosed that when he assumed office, the Ministry inherited about 260 weak road links, 50 dilapidated bridges, and numerous failed road sections nationwide.

He noted that to address these urgent challenges, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦20 billion for the completion of some priority road projects, many of which are currently being commissioned across the country.

Umahi explained that, given current realities, long-term planning was less feasible, and the focus must be on short-term interventions aimed at completing major ongoing road projects.

He stressed that funding remains a major constraint and reiterated that new projects cannot be initiated while existing ones remain incomplete.

The Minister, therefore, formally requested the World Bank to consider financing road infrastructure projects through the Federal Ministry of Works via the Presidency.

He explained that such funds would be committed to a number of strategic ongoing road projects for completion, with tolling mechanisms introduced to ensure sustainability and repayment.

He emphasised that additional funding was urgently required to complete critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

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 was to create jobs and reduce poverty.

He stressed that infrastructure is central to poverty reduction, as it generates employment directly and indirectly across various sectors of the economy.

He highlighted priority areas of interest, including the establishment of State Roads Funds, State Road Maintenance Agencies, improved flood control through effective drainage systems, and increased Private Sector financing.

Mr. Verghis further noted that the World Bank can only fund contracts that comply with World Bank procurement standards, stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and due process in project execution.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening collaboration towards the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for Works, Barr. Mohammed A. Goronyo, Esq., delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the World Bank delegation for the visit and reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Bank to achieve shared development goals.