By Paul Joseph
Disorder ensued at the National Assembly on Wednesday as Works Minister David Umahi defended his ministry’s ₦3.4 trillion budget for 2026, leading to intense debates, procedural disruptions, and direct confrontations among lawmakers regarding road contracts, budget priorities, and accountability.
The Joint Committees on Works from both the Senate and House of Representatives had gathered to examine the proposed capital expenditures and assess the progress of ongoing projects.
What was meant to be a standard budget defense focused on Nigeria’s plan to allocate over ₦3.2 trillion for federal road infrastructure quickly turned chaotic as lawmakers openly questioned the minister’s justifications.
Tensions escalated after a heated exchange between Umahi and Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), who raised concerns about the controversial decision to withdraw the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road project from construction giant Julius Berger and its alleged reassignment to Maikano, a company lawmakers claimed was more recognized for manufacturing generators than for large-scale highway construction.
Oshiomhole sought clarification on the contractor’s technical capabilities, procurement transparency, and the value for money regarding one of Nigeria’s key roadways.
In response, Umahi dismissed the allegations and invited lawmakers to visit the project site, asserting he would resign if the road did not meet quality standards. “I invite the committee to visit the site.
If the road is not up to standard, I will throw in the towel,” he stated, expressing confidence in the contractor’s work.
The budget defense quickly shifted from policy evaluation to a legislative confrontation when Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North) clashed with Deputy Minority Whip Senator Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central) over the management of the proceedings.
Nwaebonyi primarily used his time to praise Umahi and encourage support for the ministry but was told by Hanga to wrap up his comments.
Clearly frustrated, Nwaebonyi retorted, “You cannot stop me from speaking after allowing Senator Oshiomhole to talk for 15 solid minutes uninterrupted. I have barely spent five minutes, yet you are telling me to round up.”
He added, “For your information, as a senior senator from the ruling party, I can take over proceedings from you.” Hanga responded angrily, asserting that Nwaebonyi had no right to take control of the committee’s proceedings.
The exchange intensified when Nwaebonyi claimed his seniority, prompting Hanga to reference his electoral mandate, arguing that the votes that secured his Senate seat in June 2023 were “ten times higher” than those of Nwaebonyi in Ebonyi North.
The confrontation caught the attention of senior lawmakers, including Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) and Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central), who intervened to restore order. Despite their attempts, the situation remained tense.
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