Umahi challenges Makinde to public debate over federal road project costs

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has fired back at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his recent remarks on the cost of federal road projects, describing the governor’s comments as “ignorant” and “mischievous.” Umahi, who spoke on Saturday while inspecting the Keffi section of the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi road in Nasarawa State, said Makinde’s statement was both misleading and insulting to his office.

The minister expressed disappointment at Makinde’s criticism of the cost per kilometre of federal roads, insisting that his ministry’s figures were transparent and backed by sound engineering principles. He said his background and expertise in civil engineering equipped him to defend the accuracy of the ministry’s project estimates.

“I have great respect for governors and the Governors’ Forum,” Umahi stated. “But if a governor who is my junior in both engineering and governance insults me, I will respond. I am very good at mathematics — I am an A student.”

Umahi explained that the Abuja–Keffi road project, initially designed to cover 43 kilometres, was later extended to 45 kilometres following the release of ₦73 billion by the previous administration. He clarified that the variations in cost were due to differences in materials and construction methods used, such as concrete and asphalt.

According to him, it is misleading to generalise the cost of road construction without considering the project’s design, terrain, and scope. “When you divide ₦73 billion by 45 kilometres, you get an estimated cost, which includes contingencies and variation in price. Only after completion can you know the actual cost per kilometre,” he said.

Reacting directly to Makinde’s comments, Umahi noted that while he respects the Oyo governor as a colleague and friend, the matter at hand required technical understanding. “Governor Makinde is an electrical/electronics engineer, but this is civil engineering. If he doesn’t understand, he should ask. He should also withdraw his comment that I am ‘dancing around,’ or we can have a public debate,” he said.

The minister defended his credentials, describing himself as a “professor of field engineering” and asserting that he has the practical experience to justify his ministry’s cost analysis and project standards. He maintained that there was no ambiguity in computing cost per kilometre once the project’s scope and technical details are fully known.

Umahi also addressed the persistent traffic congestion along the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi highway, saying the Federal Government would work with the Nasarawa State Government to remove roadside trading and illegal structures. He said once the state government cleared the obstructions, the ministry would add new lanes to ease traffic flow in the affected areas.