Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the Federal Government’s borrowing, saying the funds are being used to construct critical road infrastructure aimed at addressing hunger, insecurity and economic challenges across the country.
Umahi made the remarks on Wednesday, during the flag-off of the 122-kilometre Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road at the Afaka Mando Arena in Kaduna State.
Responding to criticism over the country’s rising debt profile, the minister said the borrowings were being channelled into projects that would deliver long-term economic benefits. “So, when people say we are borrowing, we are borrowing to do all these roads. When people talk about hunger, we are using this road to fight the hunger we met on the ground”, Umahi stated.
He also argued that improved road infrastructure has helped reduce insecurity, citing the Abuja-Kaduna highway as an example. “Before this Abuja-Kaduna road started, there was a lot of insecurity. There were a lot of kidnappings. Today, since Mr. President started this road, no one has been kidnapped on this corridor”, he said.
According to the minister, road projects stimulate economic growth by boosting agriculture, commerce and education while improving security in affected communities. “When a road is built, it is a catalyst; that is the GDP that grows in other sectors of the economy. When a road is built, insecurity is minimised. There is agricultural revolution; there is an increase in commerce. There is an increase in education”, he stated.
Umahi further praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying ongoing infrastructure projects are helping to address developmental gaps in states that previously had little or no major federal projects.
He also congratulated the Kaduna State government for partnering with the Federal Government on infrastructure development.
