The Enugu State Government has strongly refuted claims by Punch Newspaper that only ₦55 billion was allocated for roads in its 2025 budget proposal.
In a detailed statement, the government described the report as “misleading” and accused Punch’s reporter, Raphael Ede, of deliberate mischief.
The controversial report, published on December 19, 2024, claimed that the state government allocated ₦55 billion for road projects while setting aside ₦50.27 billion for the Office of the Governor.
The government insists the figure for road construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation stands at ₦213.1 billion.
“A Deliberate Misrepresentation”
Dan Nwomeh, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on Mainstream Media, issued a strongly worded response.
“It beggars belief that a reporter who supposedly witnessed the budget presentation by the governor would concoct this ₦55 billion figure from nowhere,” he said.
According to Nwomeh, the governor’s budget speech delivered to the House of Assembly on November 26, 2024, clearly outlined the allocation for roads as ₦213.1 billion.
He quoted the governor’s exact words:
“The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2025 is projected at ₦837.9 billion. In the area of Works and Infrastructure, we will spend a total of ₦213.1 billion to build or refurbish all key roads across the state by 2031.”
A Track Record of Transparency
The government noted that the breakdown of the 2025 budget, presented by the State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, corroborated the governor’s figures.
“If the reporter was confused, why did he not seek clarification from the Commissioner or crosscheck from previous reports authored by him?” the statement queried.
The government pointed out an earlier report by the same journalist, published in August 2024, where he stated that the government had approved ₦183 billion for road projects.
“How did the ₦183 billion announced in August and the ₦213 billion presented in November suddenly plummet to ₦55 billion in December?” the statement asked rhetorically.
Misinterpreting Office Allocations
The government also clarified allocations made to the Office of the Governor, Office of the Deputy Governor, and Office of the Secretary to the State Government.
It explained that these allocations were not for personal comfort but covered recurrent and capital expenditures.
For the Office of the Governor, the ₦50.27 billion allocation includes provisions for state security, operational vehicles, and special intervention projects.
“These funds cater to the numerous departments and agencies under the governor’s office,” the statement added.
Similarly, the allocations for the Office of the Deputy Governor (₦665.71 million) and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government (₦3.42 billion) are meant for operational needs and not personal use.
A Call for Responsible Journalism
The government expressed disappointment in the report, describing it as a poor reflection of responsible journalism.
“Misinformation of this nature not only misleads the public but also undermines the trust in media organisations,” it said.
The statement called on media professionals to uphold the principles of accuracy and accountability in their reporting.
Contextual Background
Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has prioritised infrastructure development, particularly roads, since assuming office.
In August 2024, the government announced plans to spend ₦183 billion on 141 urban roads and 20 rural roads across the state.
This ambitious agenda aligns with the governor’s target of completing key road projects by 2031.
The 2025 budget, dubbed “Budget of Consolidation,” earmarked ₦837.9 billion for capital projects, with road infrastructure being a significant focus.
Governor Mbah has repeatedly emphasised that infrastructure is critical to Enugu’s economic transformation.
“We are committed to delivering a robust road network that will open up rural areas, boost commerce, and enhance the quality of life for our citizens,” Mbah said in a previous statement.
