By Divine Sam
The Ministry of Works has proposed a significant increase in its fuel and lubricants budget for the 2025 fiscal year, requesting a total of N310.3 million. This marks an 82% increase from the previous year’s allocation of N55 million, reflecting the growing cost of fuel and the need to maintain the operational efficiency of vehicles and equipment vital for road infrastructure and other works.
The 2025 budget proposal is part of the ministry’s drive to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and ensure continued progress in road infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
Breakdown of the 2025 Fuel and Lubricant Budget Proposal
The N310.3 million requested by the Ministry of Works is broken down as follows:
- Motor Vehicle Fuel: N100 million
This covers the cost of fuel for the ministry’s vehicles, which are essential for road inspections and the delivery of infrastructure projects. - Other Transport Equipment Fuel: N10.3 million
This is for the fuel costs associated with non-vehicular transport equipment used in various construction and maintenance activities. - Plant/Generator Fuel: N200 million
A large portion of the budget, reflecting the significant use of plants and generators in road construction, maintenance, and other related activities.
The request highlights the importance of maintaining a steady supply of fuel for the machinery used to power critical road projects and infrastructure development across the country.
Comparison with 2024 Budget
In the 2024 fiscal year, the Ministry of Works was allocated N55 million for fuel and lubricants, which was distributed as follows:
- Motor Vehicle Fuel: N25 million
- Other Transport Equipment Fuel: N10 million
- Plant/Generator Fuel: N20 million
This allocation for 2024 was considerably lower than the proposed N310.3 million for 2025, reflecting both the rising cost of fuel and the expanding scope of the ministry’s activities.
Context and Implications
The significant rise in the fuel and lubricants budget proposal comes amidst a backdrop of fluctuating fuel prices in Nigeria, which have put pressure on the operational costs of government ministries and agencies. The Ministry of Works, which relies heavily on vehicles and heavy equipment, has been particularly impacted by these price increases.
This budget increase is aligned with the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing road infrastructure development, ensuring that critical transport and maintenance operations can continue despite rising fuel costs.
Presidential Address and Budget Performance
President Bola Tinubu, in his recent address to the joint session of the National Assembly, stated that the 2024 budget had performed at about 50% completion. This indicates that there is still work to be done in terms of executing the allocated projects. The significant increase in fuel and lubricant costs will be an important factor in the execution of the Ministry of Works’ activities in 2025.
This proposal will now await approval from the 10th National Assembly, with the government hoping to secure the necessary funds to support its infrastructure goals in the coming fiscal year.
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