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The National Assembly has sent ripples through Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape with a 56.7% increase in the budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Works, raising the total from N657.3 billion to a staggering N1.03 trillion. This marks a significant jump not only from the initial figure proposed in the appropriation bill but also from the 2023 budget, representing a 65.4% increase year-on-year.
The Ministry of Works, tasked with the critical responsibility of maintaining and repairing over 33,000 kilometers of federal roads across the country, has long been a focal point of public scrutiny and debate. The substantial increase in its budget, while welcomed by some as a much-needed boost for infrastructure development, has also sparked questions about priorities and the effectiveness of past investments.
According to documents obtained by NRTC, the primary driver of the increase is the allocation of additional funds to the Ministry’s capital budget, which rose from N617.9 billion to N987.3 billion. This suggests a focus on specific projects and infrastructure development initiatives, though details remain scarce.
Analysts have expressed mixed reactions to the move. Proponents argue that the increased budget is crucial for tackling Nigeria’s vast infrastructural deficit, which is widely seen as a major impediment to economic growth and development. They point to the country’s dilapidated roads, which contribute to high transportation costs, hinder logistics, and stifle agricultural production.
However, critics raise concerns about the efficiency and transparency of past expenditures. They urge the National Assembly to provide a clear breakdown of the allocated funds and ensure effective oversight mechanisms to prevent mismanagement and corruption. Additionally, questions remain regarding the specific projects and priorities that will benefit from the increased budget, with calls for transparency and a focus on projects that deliver tangible benefits to the broader population.
The National Assembly’s decision to significantly boost the Ministry of Works budget is undoubtedly a significant step. However, the true impact of this move will depend on the allocation of funds, the effectiveness of implementation, and the level of transparency and accountability that accompanies it. Only time will tell whether this increased investment will translate into tangible improvements in Nigeria’s infrastructure and, ultimately, the lives of its citizens.
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