Remarks on road projects by Hon. Oseni, misguided, self-serving — Umahi
By Kunle Sanni
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has criticized recent remarks by Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), describing them as “misguided, self-serving, and vicious propaganda” aimed at benefiting contractors who oppose reforms in road project management.
Western Post reported on Sunday a viral video showing the FERMA committee berating Umahi over the state of roads across the country.
In a statement released on Monday, Umahi responded to Oseni’s claims, attributing the criticism to an attempt by certain contractors to derail the Ministry’s new standards on project pricing, foreign exchange differentials, and cost variations.
“The allegations leveled against me are nothing more than a smear campaign by parties displeased with our commitment to best practices,” Umahi stated.
He emphasized that these contractors are “nonconforming” entities opposing the Federal Ministry of Works for upholding principles that ensure transparency and quality in Nigeria’s infrastructure projects.
Calling Oseni’s criticism an attempt to “darken counsel without knowledge,” Umahi highlighted the inherited burden of 2,604 road projects valued at N13 trillion, with an additional N1.6 trillion in contractor debt.
“Following the removal of fuel subsidies and currency adjustments, the current road project costs exceed N19 trillion,” he explained, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing the massive backlog through phased budgeting.
Umahi expressed disappointment at what he described as a “deliberate attempt” by the FERMA Committee Chairman to misrepresent the Renewed Hope administration’s strides in infrastructure rehabilitation.
According to Umahi, President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized these projects, with unprecedented funding allocations ensuring over 2,600 ongoing projects nationwide remain active.
He accused Oseni of disregarding the complexities of road construction, noting, “A professional in our field should understand that the scope of some projects—many ongoing for 18 to 20 years—cannot be completed in a single year. Proper groundwork and stabilization methods are critical; rushing such stages would lead to failure,” Umahi explained.
The Minister further questioned the FERMA Chairman’s criticism of the Ministry’s handling of a N300 billion supplementary budget, stating that funds have been strategically allocated to sustain numerous projects inherited from previous administrations.
“We have directed over 90% of available funds toward keeping these projects alive and on course for completion,” he added.
Umahi also cautioned against the House Committee on FERMA’s interference, arguing it intrudes on the legislative purview of the Works Committees in both the Senate and House. He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his continued support and strategic prioritization of Nigeria’s infrastructure projects.
