Minister of Works, David Umahi, has pledged to step down if the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project is proven to be substandard, stating that he is prepared to subject the construction to independent assessment.
Umahi made the declaration on Wednesday while defending his ministry’s budget before a joint session of the National Assembly.
Lawmakers at the session questioned the decision to award a section of the project to a company some members described as relatively unknown and previously linked to generator sales.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) queried why the contract was reassigned from an established construction firm to another company whose reputation in road construction was unclear.
The former Edo State governor maintained that the firm was not widely recognised in the sector.
In his response, Umahi brushed aside concerns about the contractor’s background, arguing that performance and quality of delivery should be the primary considerations.
“I’m just hearing about Maikano for the first time. Whether they are selling goats or cows, they are doing well. 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,” the minister said.
He further contended that the debate should not centre on whether concrete or asphalt was used, but on the level of supervision ensuring durability. According to him, most asphalt failures stem from inadequate oversight rather than the material itself.
Earlier in his presentation, Umahi criticised the capital funding structure adopted by the Federal Ministry of Finance, describing the cash plan system as counterproductive to the ministry’s objectives.
While defending the ministry’s proposed ₦3.4 trillion budget, he argued that the current funding framework is hampering effective project execution.
He noted that more than 95 per cent of projects under the Federal Ministry of Works are ongoing, stressing that steady and sufficient capital releases are essential for timely completion.
The session was, however, marked by tense exchanges and raised voices. Friction began when Umahi asked a lawmaker to pause to enable him follow the question being asked, a remark that some legislators found offensive.
Oshiomhole subsequently cautioned the minister regarding his approach.
Although calm was briefly restored, another heated exchange erupted when Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North Central), protested after the committee chairman attempted to curtail his contribution.
The confrontation between the principal officer and the committee chairman escalated, and efforts by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) to mediate further heightened tensions before order was eventually re-established.
