The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has revealed that the federal government requires about ₦3 trillion to complete road projects that were previously financed through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) tax credit scheme.

Umahi explained that the NNPCL stopped funding such projects as of August 1, 2025, creating a huge financing gap. To prevent the abandonment of key infrastructure, President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry to source alternative funding while ensuring that work continues on priority projects.

During his inspection of the dualisation of the East–West Road from Eleme Junction to Onne Port in Rivers State, Umahi said the ministry has listed all projects inherited under the NNPCL scheme and submitted them for presidential consideration. He added that only the most critical roads along national economic corridors will be given first-line attention for immediate funding.

“We can’t afford to leave any of these projects to rot,” the minister said, noting that some works, such as bridges and flyovers on the East–West Road, had already commenced.

Umahi also announced a new policy shift: from now on, all federal road projects under ₦20 billion will be executed by indigenous contractors. He described the move as part of the administration’s “Nigeria first” agenda aimed at strengthening local capacity and creating jobs.

The minister cautioned contractors against cutting corners, warning that strict quality checks would be enforced to ensure Nigerians get full value for the massive investments being made.