Umahi Vows to Quit if Road Project Fails Independent Quality Test

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has pledged to resign if the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road project does not meet required quality standards after independent testing. Umahi made the bold declaration while defending the Federal Ministry of Works’ ₦3.4 trillion budget proposal before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, stressing accountability and the importance of high-quality infrastructure delivery.

During the session, lawmakers raised concerns over the award of a section of the highway to a company reportedly unfamiliar in road construction, with some questioning the firm’s reputation and previous experience. Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) asked why the contract was withdrawn from a previously established contractor and awarded to another company allegedly linked to unrelated businesses like generator sales.

Responding to the concerns, Umahi dismissed criticisms about the contractor’s background and emphasized the quality of workmanship above public perception. “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 it fails, I will throw in the towel,” the minister said.

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The minister further highlighted that proper supervision and engineering oversight are key to durable infrastructure, stressing that failures in asphalt or concrete roads often stem from poor monitoring rather than the choice of material.

Budget Defence and Funding Concerns

Umahi also used the National Assembly session to raise concerns about the capital funding structure for federal projects, describing the cash plan adopted by the Federal Ministry of Finance as limiting the effectiveness of the Ministry of Works. He noted that over 95% of projects under his supervision are ongoing, making consistent and adequate capital releases critical for timely completion and quality assurance.

The budget defence session was marked by tension, with lawmakers and the minister engaging in heated exchanges over procedural conduct and lines of questioning. At one point, Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North Central) objected to attempts to curtail his remarks, while senior lawmakers, including Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), intervened to restore order.

Strategic Importance of the Highway

The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road is a key federal transport corridor connecting central and northern Nigeria. The project aims to enhance trade, freight movement, and regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve road safety for commuters and commercial operators. Sections of the highway were reassigned to new contractors to expedite completion and ensure long-lasting infrastructure standards.

Umahi’s public pledge to resign if the project fails independent testing reflects a rare commitment to accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s federal infrastructure projects. Experts say such a stance could set a precedent for rigorous quality assurance and oversight across similar national initiatives.

Umahi Vows to Quit if Road Project Fails Independent Quality Test

Senate Budget Defence Disrupted as Natasha Accuses Committee Leadership of Disrespect

A Senate budget defence session on Wednesday was thrown into chaos when Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) abruptly walked out after a tense confrontation with Senator Patrick Ndubueze, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Mines and Steel Development. The dispute arose during the review of the 2026 budget for the Ministry of Steel Development, drawing attention to conflicts over legislative oversight and constituency representation.

The clash occurred after nearly four hours of questioning of Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, and his team. Akpoti-Uduaghan pressed concerns regarding the stalled Ajaokuta Steel Company revival, transparency in Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and the ministry’s accountability.

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As the session neared its conclusion, Chairman Ndubueze attempted to adjourn proceedings, insisting the senator had spoken at length. Akpoti-Uduaghan protested, stating: “It’s very important. I still have something to say, and I think you should respect me enough.” She emphasized that the interactive session was meant to allow further engagement, especially on matters affecting her constituency.

The chairman maintained that the minister’s time had elapsed and proceeded to close the session, prompting the senator to accuse the committee leadership of shutting her out of deliberations. She then gathered her documents and stormed out of the session, temporarily stalling the proceedings.

Observers noted that the incident highlights broader tensions in Senate committee management, particularly regarding procedural fairness and the balance between seniority and active participation. Despite the disruption, the committee plans follow-up sessions to address unresolved issues related to the Ajaokuta Steel Company and other budgetary concerns.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only four female senators in the 10th Senate, has established a reputation for being vocal on governance and development issues, advocating strongly for her constituents and holding government agencies accountable.

Senate Budget Defence Disrupted as Natasha Accuses Committee Leadership of Disrespect

Kwankwasiyya Urges US Congress to Drop Kwankwaso’s Name from Bill

The Kwankwasiyya movement has called on the United States Congress to remove the name of former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, from a proposed legislative bill currently under consideration.

In a strongly worded statement, leaders of the Kwankwasiyya movement described the inclusion of Kwankwaso’s name in the proposed US bill as “misleading and politically motivated,” insisting that the former presidential candidate has no connection to the issues referenced in the draft legislation.

The group said linking Kwankwaso to the bill could create diplomatic misunderstandings and damage his international reputation.

“We urge the United States Congress to immediately remove the name of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the proposed bill. He has no involvement whatsoever in the matters cited, and such reference is unfair and unjustified,” the statement read.

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The movement further argued that Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has consistently promoted democratic values, peaceful political engagement, and national development.

According to the group, associating him with any controversial legislative move abroad amounts to political mischief and an attempt to tarnish his image ahead of future political activities.

The Kwankwasiyya movement also called on diplomatic channels to clarify the matter and prevent what it described as the internationalisation of domestic political disagreements.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the US Congress regarding the demand, nor has the full content of the proposed bill been publicly detailed.

Kwankwaso remains a prominent political figure in Nigeria and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, with a strong support base particularly in Kano and parts of northern Nigeria.

Kwankwasiyya Urges US Congress to Drop Kwankwaso’s Name from Bill