Umahi Hits Back At Oseni, Challenges Him To Public Debate

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to road infrastructure amidst limited resources and numerous inherited projects.

Responding to criticism from Hon. Remi Oseni, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Umahi asserted that his ministry is working tirelessly to deliver projects for the public.

During a press conference, Umahi addressed Oseni’s assertion that he had misplaced priorities and lacked a plan to fix the country’s roads. Oseni had criticized Umahi for failing to address the nation’s deplorable road conditions. However, Umahi countered by saying that Oseni was speaking more as a representative of contractors than as a lawmaker performing oversight duties.

“I’m Open to Public Debate”

The minister openly challenged Oseni to a public debate on the roles and responsibilities of engineers. According to Umahi, Oseni’s statements were driven by ignorance and failed to consider the efforts of the Ministry of Works to fix the nation’s roads. He urged the lawmaker to seek clarifications before making accusations, noting that speaking without proper understanding tarnishes the reputation of the National Assembly.

“I will not join issues with him out of respect for the Speaker and the Senate President, but Oseni has not achieved half of what I have in life,” Umahi said. He emphasized that the Ministry of Works has achieved over 85% completion of ongoing road projects, including significant improvements on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road and completed roads in states like Zamfara and Lagos.

Tinubu’s Road Agenda Amid Limited Resources

Umahi highlighted the scale of the challenges faced by the Tinubu administration, which inherited 2,064 road projects totaling ₦13 trillion, with an additional ₦1.9 trillion owed to contractors as of May 29, 2023. Adjusted for economic factors, the project costs have now exceeded ₦19 trillion. He praised President Tinubu’s strategic approval of ₦300 billion for palliatives, which has resulted in the procurement and execution of over 330 road projects, palliatives, and bridge repairs.

“Considering projects that have lasted over 20 years, it’s unrealistic to expect them to be completed in just one year,” Umahi stressed. He pointed out that the ministry works continuously, even on weekends and holidays, to meet these ambitious targets.

Defending the Ministry’s Priorities

Responding to Oseni’s claims of misplaced priorities, Umahi addressed key ongoing projects, including the Charter Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge. He revealed that structural issues had been discovered on the Third Mainland Bridge, prompting restrictions on heavy vehicles. The ministry has since engaged foreign organizations to carry out necessary repairs.

He also explained that discussions on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, a critical project spanning 700km and estimated to cost ₦15 trillion, are on hold due to ongoing court matters. “We are obedient to the National Assembly and its committees on works,” Umahi reiterated, while urging lawmakers to engage the ministry on areas needing clarification.

Progress Amidst Criticism

Umahi emphasized that 90% of the ministry’s budget is being used to sustain inherited projects, in line with President Tinubu’s directives. He commended the president for prioritizing road infrastructure despite competing national needs like agriculture and social palliatives.

The minister closed his remarks by urging for appreciation of ongoing efforts, noting that progress on critical roads like the Abuja-Kano expressway is steadily advancing under Tinubu’s leadership.
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