Umahi Vows To Resign If Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road Project Fails Quality Test

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has promised to resign if the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project fails to meet quality standards, saying he is willing to have the work independently tested.

Umahi made the statement while defending his ministry’s budget before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

During the session, lawmakers questioned why a part of the project was awarded to a company they described as unfamiliar, with some pointing out its past involvement in selling generators.

Adams Oshiomhole (APC/Edo North) asked why the contract was taken from a well-known construction firm and given to a company with little reputation in road building.

Umahi, however, brushed aside concerns about the contractor, insisting the focus should be on the work itself rather than the company’s history.

“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 added that the important factor is not whether concrete or asphalt is used, but whether the project is properly supervised, noting that many road failures are due to poor oversight rather than materials.

Earlier, Umahi also criticized how capital projects are funded, describing the Federal Ministry of Finance’s cash plan as a barrier to progress.

While defending the ministry’s N3.4 trillion budget, he said inconsistent funding slows down the completion of projects, especially since more than 95 percent of the ministry’s projects are ongoing.

The session grew tense when Umahi asked a lawmaker to pause so he could respond, which upset some members, prompting Oshiomhole to warn the minister about his tone.

Calm was eventually restored, but another shouting match broke out when the Senate Deputy Chief Whip, Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC/Ebonyi North Central) objected after the committee chairman attempted to cut short his remarks.

The disagreement between the principal officer and the committee chairman intensified, and an intervention by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), who sought to broker peace, instead escalated tensions further.

KanyiDaily recalls that David Umahi came under criticism after a video showed him boasting about directing officials to take over a woman’s land following a disagreement with her.