The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has reacted to remarks made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, concerning the alleged lack of transparency in the costing of federal road projects under the current administration.
Governor Makinde had earlier criticised Umahi during an appearance on Arise TV, faulting the minister for not disclosing specific cost details of ongoing projects.
Speaking during an inspection of the Keffi section of the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi road alongside Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Saturday, October 11, Umahi expressed disappointment over Makinde’s comments.
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“I have a lot of respect for governors and the Governors’ Forum, but if a governor that is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will talk back,” Umahi said.
The minister explained that road construction costs vary based on materials and technical specifications.
“This project is about 43 kilometres, but we have extended it to 45 kilometres to utilise the ₦73 billion allocated by the last administration,” he noted.
“If we are using surface tracing on the shoulder, the cost will be different. If we use asphalt, it will differ. Using concrete, as we are doing, also changes the cost. So, asking for a uniform cost per kilometre without context is mischievous.”
Umahi further clarified that the ₦73 billion project cost includes contingencies and variations, and that a true average cost can only be determined after completion.
“You can divide ₦73 billion by 45 kilometres to get an estimated cost, but the actual average cost depends on what is eventually expended after removing unused contingencies,” he said.
Addressing Makinde directly, Umahi described him as a friend but insisted that his comments were misplaced.
“Governor Makinde is my friend and brother, but he should withdraw the statement that I’m ‘dancing around.’ I never danced around. If he insists, he should come for a debate,” Umahi said.
“He is an engineer in electrical electronics. This is road construction — electrical electronics no reach there. I am his senior both in governance and engineering practice.”
Umahi concluded by stressing that he would not be drawn into unnecessary political exchanges but maintained that his explanations on cost estimation were technically accurate.
“There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometre. It can be estimated or definitive. Anyone seeking clarity should ask — not attack,” he added.