Umahi Defends Road Contract, Challenges Lawmakers to Quality Test

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the award of a section of a major road project to a contractor questioned by lawmakers, insisting that performance — not reputation — should be the basis for judgment.

Umahi spoke on Wednesday while presenting and defending his ministry’s proposed ?3.4 trillion budget before a joint session of the National Assembly.

During the hearing, some lawmakers raised concerns about the decision to award part of the project to a company they described as relatively unknown and previously associated with generator sales. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) specifically questioned why the contract was reassigned from an established construction firm to a company not widely recognised in the road construction sector.

In response, Umahi dismissed the criticism, stating that what matters most is the quality of work delivered.

“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 maintained that the durability of roads depends more on proper supervision than on whether asphalt or concrete is used, arguing that many failed asphalt roads are the result of poor oversight rather than material defects.

Earlier in his presentation, Umahi criticised the capital funding structure managed by the Federal Ministry of Finance, describing the current cash plan system as detrimental to infrastructure development. He argued that irregular and inadequate releases of funds were slowing down project delivery.

According to the minister, more than 95 per cent of projects under the Ministry of Works are ongoing, making steady capital disbursement essential for timely completion.

The session was, however, marked by moments of tension and raised voices. A brief uproar occurred when Umahi asked a lawmaker to pause to allow him follow the line of questioning — a remark that some legislators considered inappropriate. Senator Oshiomhole cautioned the minister over his tone.

Although calm was restored, another heated exchange erupted when Senate Deputy Chief Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North Central) objected after the committee chairman attempted to limit his remarks.

Efforts by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) to mediate reportedly led to further disagreement before order was eventually restored.