Drama at NASS as Works Minister, Oshiomhole Clash During Budget Defence

Drama at NASS as Works Minister, Oshiomhole Clash During Budget Defence

Tempers flared at the National Assembly on Wednesday as Minister of Works, David Umahi, clashed with Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the defence of the Federal Ministry of Works’ 2026 budget proposal, turning what was expected to be a routine legislative exercise into a heated confrontation.

The dramatic exchange occurred before the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, where Umahi appeared to defend the ministry’s multi-trillion naira allocation for the 2026 fiscal year. Lawmakers had raised concerns over road contracts, funding gaps, and the prioritisation of major infrastructure projects across the country.

In a video that has since gone viral, Umahi was seen confronting Oshiomhole after the Edo North senator questioned aspects of the ministry’s spending and contract decisions.

“You can’t use foul language on me. I’m a distinguished Nigerian,” Umahi fired back during the tense exchange.

The clash reportedly stemmed from scrutiny over the handling of major federal road projects, including the strategic Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway, as well as broader issues of procurement transparency and value for money.

READ ALSO:

• Deji Adeyanju Mocks El-Rufai Over Alleged Arrest Plot
• Omokri Defends Electronic Transmission, Questions Feasibility of Real-Time Results in Nigeria
• 2027 Polls: Christian Group Cautions Shari’a Council Over INEC Boycott Threat

The 2026 proposal presented by the ministry includes significant allocations for the completion of ongoing federal highways and legacy infrastructure projects. Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government currently owes contractors trillions of naira for certified works executed in previous years, a situation he said has slowed the pace of delivery on some projects.

As the exchange escalated, Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) cautioned the minister over his choice of words.

According to him, “You are just two months Senator, Mr Umahi,” in a remark that further heightened tension in the chamber.

The session briefly descended into disorder as lawmakers exchanged words over procedural issues and speaking rights, prompting senior members of the committee to intervene and restore order.

In defending his stewardship of the ministry, Umahi maintained that the 2026 Works budget is designed to accelerate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical road corridors nationwide. He also challenged lawmakers to personally inspect ongoing projects, insisting that the quality of work would justify the allocations.

The confrontation highlights growing pressure on the Ministry of Works over road infrastructure funding, contract awards, and accountability in project execution, particularly as Nigeria grapples with fiscal constraints and mounting public expectations.

Despite the heated exchanges, Oshiomhole was eventually allowed to continue his contribution to the budget debate, and proceedings moved forward after interventions from other lawmakers.

The incident underscores the intensity of legislative oversight surrounding the 2026 federal budget, especially in sectors with heavy capital expenditure such as works and infrastructure.

Drama at NASS as Works Minister, Oshiomhole Clash During Budget Defence