Tempers flared at the National Assembly Wednesday as Minister of Works Dave Umahi defended his ministry’s N3.4 trillion 2026 budget before a Joint Committee.
The session became heated when Senator Adams Oshiomhole challenged Umahi on the reassignment of the Abuja–Kaduna Road from Julius Berger to MAIKANO.
The lawmakers questioned the transparency and capacity behind the decision, prompting a tense exchange that briefly disrupted proceedings.
In response, Umahi urged lawmakers to personally inspect the project, vowing to resign if the road is substandard.
Drama escalated when Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi clashed with Committee Chairman Rufai Hanga, sparking a shouting match that forced attempts to restore order.
Beyond contract disputes, Umahi revealed that only 9 per cent of the ministry’s 2025 capital budget has been released, affecting project timelines nationwide.
He added that the Federal Government owes contractors over N2.2 trillion, a backlog hindering project delivery and completion.
Umahi said about N7 trillion is required to fund inherited projects and tax credit arrangements, underscoring the ministry’s massive financial obligations.
The chaotic session reflects growing tensions between the executive and legislature over infrastructure spending, contract transparency, and budget allocations.
