Chaos erupted at the National Assembly as the Minister of Works, David Umahi, defended his ministry’s ₦3.4 trillion 2026 budget, triggering heated exchanges, procedural breakdowns and an open confrontation among lawmakers over road contracts, budgetary priorities and accountability.
The Joint Committees on Works of the Senate and House of Representatives had convened to scrutinise the ministry’s proposed capital expenditure and interrogate the implementation of ongoing projects. What was expected to be a routine budget defence—focused on how Nigeria plans to spend over ₦3.2 trillion on federal road infrastructure—quickly degenerated into disorder as lawmakers openly challenged the minister’s explanations.
Tensions peaked following a sharp exchange between Umahi and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who questioned the controversial withdrawal of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road from construction giant Julius Berger and its alleged reassignment to Mikano, a firm lawmakers said was better known for generator manufacturing than large-scale highway construction.
Oshiomhole demanded clarity on the contractor’s technical competence, transparency in procurement and value for money on one of Nigeria’s most strategic road corridors.
In response, Umahi dismissed the insinuations and challenged lawmakers to inspect the project firsthand, vowing to resign if the road failed quality standards.“I invite the committee to visit the site. If the road is not up to standard, I will throw in the towel,” the minister said, insisting he had full confidence in the contractor’s work.
Credit: The Guardian
