Row erupts in Nigeria’s parliament as minister defends 3.4tn naira roads budget
Nigeria’s minister of works, David Umahi, has said he will resign if the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway project is found to be substandard, as he challenged lawmakers to subject the road to independent testing.
Umahi made the remarks on Wednesday while defending his ministry’s proposed 3.4tn naira budget before a joint session of the national assembly.
The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road is one of Nigeria’s most important transport corridors, linking the federal capital to major commercial centres in the north. Parts of the highway have long been in disrepair, contributing to accidents and security concerns.
Tensions rose during the session after some legislators questioned the award of a section of the project to a company they described as relatively unknown and previously associated with generator sales.
Adams Oshiomhole, a senator representing Edo North and a former governor of Edo state, asked why the contract had been withdrawn from an established construction firm and awarded to a company he suggested lacked a proven track record in road construction.
Responding, Umahi dismissed concerns about the contractor’s background, arguing that performance should be judged on the quality of work delivered rather than reputation.
“I’m just hearing about Maikano for the first time. Whether they are selling goats or cows, they are doing well,” the minister said. “I am satisfied with the quality of work on the Abuja–Kaduna stretch, and I challenge you to an inspection. Bring the best of your concrete testers. If you test it and it fails, I will throw in the towel.”
Umahi also rejected arguments over whether concrete or asphalt was the more appropriate material for the road, saying that project failure was more often the result of poor supervision than material choice.
Earlier, the minister criticised the federal government’s funding structure for capital projects, describing the cash plan operated by the ministry of finance as “anti-progressive” and detrimental to the success of infrastructure delivery.
He said more than 95% of projects under the federal ministry of works were ongoing, making consistent and adequate capital releases essential for timely completion.
The hearing was marked by repeated interruptions and raised voices. Tension flared when Umahi asked a lawmaker to pause so he could better follow the line of questioning, prompting objections from several members.
Oshiomhole cautioned the minister over his tone, and calm was eventually restored. But another dispute broke out when the senate deputy chief whip, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, objected after the committee chair attempted to curtail his remarks.
An intervention by Ali Ndume, a senator representing Borno South, who sought to mediate, instead intensified the disagreement before proceedings moved on.