Nigeria Faces N13 Trillion Infrastructure Debt as Tinubu Administration Navigates Legacy Project Backlog

Minister David Umahi outlines the N13 trillion debt challenge and plans to reopen the Enugu-Onitsha expressway by March 31 to boost regional trade.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 11:36 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Sun Nigeria

The Heavy Financial Toll of Inherited Infrastructure Commitments

The Nigerian federal government is currently grappling with a massive fiscal burden involving N13 trillion in inherited debts linked to the nation’s infrastructure sector. Minister of Works, David Umahi, detailed the scale of the challenge during a recent project inspection, noting that the administration took over 268 outstanding projects upon assuming office in May 2023. According to Umahi, the sheer volume of these commitments created a landscape where road travelers frequently faced significant delays and structural failures. The Minister emphasized that the current executive focus remains on reconciling these financial obligations while simultaneously advancing a modernized national transport network.

Accelerated Timelines for Critical South East Transit Corridors

In a move to provide immediate relief to motorists in the South East, the Ministry of Works has mandated the reopening of a 15-kilometer stretch of the Enugu–Onitsha expressway. Minister Umahi directed that this specific section be made available for public use by March 31, 2026, citing its advanced state of completion. This corridor has historically functioned as a volatile bottleneck for regional commerce, frequently marred by heavy vehicle accidents and severe pavement degradation. By opening the nearly finished segment, the government aims to catalyze economic activity and reduce the logistical friction that has long hindered the flow of goods through the Enugu and Port Harcourt axis.

Strategic Coordination Between Federal and State Authorities

The execution of high-priority urban projects, such as the Abakpa junction flyover in Enugu, highlights a growing trend of intergovernmental synergy. Umahi publicly acknowledged the contributions of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, whose administration assisted in managing the complexities of project displacement. The state government played a pivotal role by facilitating compensation for affected parties and managing the relocation of essential utilities, including high-tension power lines and water infrastructure. This collaborative framework is viewed by the Ministry as a necessary blueprint for overcoming the bureaucratic and physical hurdles inherent in large-scale metropolitan construction.