Umahi Vows to Quit if Road Project Fails Independent Quality Test

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 Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) asked why the contract was withdrawn from a previously established contractor and awarded to another company allegedly linked to unrelated businesses like generator sales.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