MINISTER UMAHI VOWS TO RESIGN IF ABUJA-KADUNA-KANO ROAD PROJECT FAILS QUALITY TEST

The Minister of Works, DAVID UMAHI, has declared his readiness to subject the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project to independent testing, vowing to resign if found to be substandard.

UMAHI stated this yesterday while defending his budget before a joint session of the National Assembly, where questions were raised over the award of a section of the project to a company some legislators described as unknown and previously associated with generator sales.

The lawmaker representing Edo North district, ADAMS OSHIOMHOLE (APC/) demanded to know why the contract was taken from an established construction firm and awarded to another company whose reputation was not widely known in road construction, but UMAHI dismissed concerns about the contractor’s background, insisting that the focus should be on the quality of work delivered rather than perceptions.

While defending the 3.4 trillion naira budget proposal of the ministry, the minister argued that the current funding method is hindering the effective execution of projects under the ministry, adding that over 95 per cent of projects under the Federal Ministry of Works are ongoing, making consistent and adequate capital releases critical to their timely completion.

Meanwhile, the session was marked by drama and raised voices as tension flared when the minister asked a lawmaker to pause so he could follow the line of questioning, but some lawmakers immediately took offence at his remarks, prompting the former Edo State governor to caution the minister over his conduct.