“I’m His Senior in Engineering and Governance” — Umahi Blasts Makinde

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has fired back at Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over comments made regarding the cost of federal road projects under the current administration.

Speaking on Saturday during an inspection of the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi highway alongside Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, Umahi described Makinde’s remarks as “insulting” and “uninformed.”

“I have a lot of respect for governors and the Governors’ Forum,” Umahi said. “But if a governor who is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will talk back. One thing I’m very good at is mathematics—I’m an A student.”

Addressing the controversy surrounding the cost per kilometre of federal roads, the minister explained that the figures being quoted were often misrepresented.

“This project was initially 43 kilometres at a cost of ₦73 billion approved by the last administration, but we extended it to about 45 kilometres to maximize the funds. Costs differ depending on whether you use asphalt, surface tracing, or concrete,” he clarified.

Umahi noted that while the estimated cost of a project includes contingencies and possible variations, the average cost can only be determined after completion.
“It’s mischievous to generalize road costs without context,” he said. “When the project is done and unused contingencies are removed, then you can compute the actual average cost.”

Taking a direct swipe at Makinde, Umahi stated, “My brother and friend, Governor Makinde, is an electrical engineer — electrical electronics, they call it. This is road construction. Electrical electronics no reach there. I am his senior in governance and engineering. If there’s anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me.”

He further challenged Makinde to a public debate if he fails to retract his statement that Umahi was “dancing around” the issue.

“I have respect for him as a brother and a friend, but he should withdraw that statement. If he insists, let him come for a debate,” Umahi declared.

On the persistent traffic along the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi corridor, Umahi said the federal government would work with the Nasarawa State government to clear roadside shanties and illegal markets contributing to congestion.

“If the Governor assists with the demolition of these structures, we’ll add extra carriageways and eliminate the traffic problem permanently,” he said.