Why Tinubu Should Keep Borrowing For Nigeria — Umahi Explains

Umahi explained that the president is borrowing to fund road infrastructure projects, stressing that roads form the backbone of security, trade, and economic growth.

He made the remarks on Monday during a visit by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to the Ministry of Works in Abuja.

According to him, without borrowing, many critical development projects would suffer setbacks.

“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 the security agencies. Without roads, it’s difficult for commerce to thrive. Without roads, schools will be hindered,” Umahi said.

The minister disclosed that over 80 percent of ongoing road projects nationwide, valued at about ₦34 trillion, were inherited from previous administrations, some dating as far back as 2000, 2015, and 2017.

He said the Tinubu administration chose to continue with the projects because of their importance to Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.

Umahi added that the government has adopted reinforced concrete pavement technology to improve road durability, noting that completed roads are expected to last between 50 and 100 years without major repairs.

He also listed key legacy projects under the administration, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto–Badagry Highway, Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja corridor, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri route.

According to him, the first section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, measuring 47.47 kilometres, has been completed and is already attracting investor interest for tolling arrangements to recover costs.

Umahi further revealed that Tinubu approved solar-powered lighting for the 375-kilometre Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road, with the first 118 kilometres already completed at a cost of ₦252 billion. The second phase of 164 kilometres is expected to be completed by November.

On security concerns, he noted that some projects had been delayed due to insecurity but said collaboration with security agencies had helped sustain progress. He also appreciated the police and other security bodies for their support.

The minister announced plans to replicate security infrastructure such as CCTV systems, solar lighting, rest areas, and observation points across major highways under concession arrangements.

Umahi also urged Nigerians to support the administration’s reforms, insisting that no alternative contender in 2027 would perform better than President Tinubu.

“My prayer is that God will see the president through. Nigerians should examine everybody angling to take over from the president and know whether they can do better. I don’t believe that they can do better. So it’s good for the president to continue the next five years,” he said.