The Directors of the Federal Ministry of Works have completed their in-house budget defense with Sen. Dave Umahi , the Honourable Minister in preparation for budget defense with the Joint Committees of National Assembly scheduled for 11th December 2023.
The Honourable Minister in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary , Hon. Uchenna Orji expressed gratitude to the Acting Permanent Secretary and all Heads of Departments who handled the Ministry’s budget, commending their commitment to appraising both the 2023 budget and preparing a proposal for the 2024 fiscal year.
The Minster acknowledged that Nigeria requires greater attention towards its road sector beyond what was allocated in the Ministry’s 2024 budget envelope.
Road sector development is a catalyst for economic growth, particularly within developing nations like Nigeria. It has immense potential to improve various sectors such as security, agriculture, trade and investment, health care, education and every other aspect related to national development.
The Minister highly praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his attention towards improving infrastructure projects within Nigeria by approving concrete pavement plans for most projects slated under his leadership.
The Ministry remains committed to developing road infrastructure aligned with Mr.President’s Renewed Hope agenda.
Furthermore,the Minister highlighted two significant issues faced by his ministry which are inherited debts arising from unpaid certificates from past administrations amounting up-to N1.5 trillion till date and expected contract reviews due to inflationary pressures.The minister has established six committees one per geopolitical zone tasked with reviewing all debts owed on certified certificates generated before May 29th ,2023,and from May 29th ,2023 till-date.
These committees will also review approved and unapproved price variations along-with augmentations approved or yet-to-be-approved making recommendations to management.
These debts have been exposed by this ministry including reviews made through these constituted committees presented before Mr.President’s economic team &the Federal Executive Committee on road sector funding.
It is believed that internal works through these constituted committees will enable external consultants re-verify works so that concrete decisions can be made moving forward.Contracted parties being owed are requested approach relevant committee(s)with documents supporting claims between Tuesday12th&Friday22nd December at Honorable Ministers Conference Room (1st floor),Federal Ministry Of Works Headquarters,Mabushi Abuja between9am-7pm daily.
Lastly,the entire Directorship pledged renewed vigor in supervising projects ensuring results remain evident while thanking President Muhammadu Buhari,GCFR, and National Assembly pledging judicious use of funds allocated impacting positively on improvement of road infrastructure nationwide.
