World Bank, Nigeria and the Partnership on Road Constructions

No nation is an island and no country can stand on its own without dependence but not a precarious dependence. Dependency must be based on shared trusts and benefits. The Nigerian government just like most African countries has continued to seek external supports in almost every aspect of its national activities. Borrowing and has become a norm even when the regime will not live to pay the massive debt.

The Federal Government of Nigeria called for more financial support from the World Bank to enable it develop more economically viable roads. The Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen pleaded for the assistance when speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the World Bank's Federal Road Development Programme.

Onolememen acknowledged the efforts of the bank in assisting the Federal Government to transform the country’s road sector. He solicited for more funding to enable government open more arterial roads. The minister told the visiting team that work would begin on the Akure-Ilesha road project before the end of October, adding that the government signed the contract a few weeks ago.

He gave an update on some of the road projects being financed by the World Bank in collaboration with the Federal Government. The World Bank Federal Road Development Project Team was led by Mohammed Essakali. The team paid a visit to the minister to give an update on a number of road projects being funded by the Federal Government and the World Bank, and supervised by the ministry.

Onolememen said that the road would be given the needed attention in view of its importance to the economy of the South-West states and the country as a whole. According to the minister, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has in the last three years invested heavily in road construction. Earlier, Essakali noted the improvement in the country’s road network, and urged the government to keep up the pace.

Earlier Nigerian President begged President Obama to help him develop Nigeria nay Africa. The country is almost tilting towards accepting the US covert control in counter-terrorism measures. Nigerians know their country is capable of standing without begging but the leaders prefer the begging style because it gives them more avenue to perform obnoxious magic with state finance.

The World Bank is not a charity organisation. It has a way of getting back whatever fund it releases. The hidden deal is always kept secret which obfuscates the reality of such financial support. Nigeria is rich enough not to beg for any external assistance on the large scale it does but the forces to keep it at the lowest rung of the ladder internally are mammoth and strong.