The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has highlighted the detrimental role of bad roads in facilitating the operations of kidnappers in Nigeria. Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations while defending the budget of his ministry, Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, emphasized the urgent need for improved road infrastructure to tackle the country’s security challenges.
In his address to the lawmakers, Umahi emphasized the significance of roads in bolstering national security and revolutionizing various sectors of the economy. He revealed that most incidents of kidnapping occur in areas where road infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. Furthermore, he stressed that the absence of adequate road networks hampers the progress of the agricultural sector, which is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth.
Umahi passionately described the dire state of some roads, underscoring the negative impact on interstate movement and the economy of states throughout the country. He recounted a personal experience of a 14-hour journey from Abuja to Benin due to the deteriorating road conditions, attributing the situation to inadequate funding for road maintenance. Shockingly, some roads have remained neglected for 17 to 20 years.
Recognizing the indispensable role of road infrastructure in national development, Umahi urged the legislators to allocate more funds to the Ministry of Works. He asserted that investing in road rehabilitation and construction is not only crucial for enhancing security and revitalizing the economy but also essential for meeting the needs of the Nigerian people.
After his presentation, the lawmakers, impressed by Umahi’s plea, allowed him to take a bow and exit the session, acknowledging the urgency of addressing the road infrastructure challenges in Nigeria.
