The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has sharply rebuked Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his criticism of the cost per kilometre for ongoing federal road projects, stating the Governor is ignorant on the specifics of road funding and engineering. Umahi insisted that his ministry’s financial computations are both transparent and technically accurate.
Addressing the controversy sparked by Makinde’s remarks, Umahi who stressed his background as an a student in mathematics and his seniority in both engineering and governance did not mince words.
“I have a lot of respect for governors and the Governors’ Forum, but if a governor who is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will talk back,” Umahi stated.
The Minister provided a detailed clarification on a contested project, explaining that the work, initially spanning 43 kilometres, was extended to 45 kilometres to fully utilize the ₦73 billion released by the preceding administration. He vehemently refuted the idea of a uniform road cost, explaining that construction expenditure varies wildly based on materials and methodology.
“If we are doing surface tracing on the shoulder, the cost will be different. If we are using asphalt on the shoulder, the cost will be different. If we are using concrete, as we are doing now, the cost will be different,” he elaborated.
Umahi labelled any attempt to generalise road costs without factoring in design variations, site conditions, and project scope as mischievous. He clarified the distinction between estimated and actual costs, explaining that the per-kilometre figure derived from dividing ₦73 billion by 45 kilometres is merely an estimated cost.
“This cost includes contingencies and variations of price, which may not even be used. Only when the project is completed can you determine the actual average cost,” he explained.
The Minister took direct aim at Makinde’s professional background and recent comments.
“When I heard what my brother and friend, the Governor of Oyo State, said, I didn’t want to join issues. I think he’s an engineer, an electrical/electronics engineer. But this is road construction. Electrical electronics no reach there,” Umahi quipped.
Asserting his superior experience, which he claimed qualifies him as a professor of field engineering, Umahi urged the Governor to seek clarification instead of making inflammatory remarks.
“I am his senior in governance and in engineering practice. Anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask, while respecting Makinde as a friend, Umahi demanded that the Governor “withdraw the word that I am ‘dancing around,” he said.
Should Makinde insist on his stance, the Minister concluded, “he should come for a debate, that is very important.” Umahi also referenced an artificial intelligence tool, noting he was “happy that AI told him exactly what I told him,” suggesting independent validation of his cost analysis.
On a separate but critical infrastructure matter, Umahi also addressed the persistent traffic congestion along the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi highway.
He announced that the Federal Government would collaborate with the Nasarawa State Government to clear the corridor of roadside trading and illegal structures that are obstructing movement.
“We have market trading on the road in a number of locations,” he noted. The Minister committed to immediately constructing new lanes in those areas once the Governor of Nasarawa undertakes the necessary demolitions, a move expected to finally eliminate traffic issues on that route.