Umahi Fires Back at Makinde Over Road Project Cost Dispute, Challenges Him to Public Debate

Minister of Works David Umahi has replied Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde over his criticism of road project costs.

Umahi said Makinde misunderstood technical details and challenged him to a public debate.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded to remarks made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, regarding the controversy surrounding the cost of federal road construction projects.

Makinde had earlier criticized the minister’s comments during a television interview, accusing him of avoiding direct answers about project costs.

Speaking on Saturday, October 11, during an inspection of the Keffi section of the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi highway alongside Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Umahi expressed his displeasure over Makinde’s comments, insisting that the governor misunderstood the technical details involved.

Umahi said he respects governors across the federation but would not stay silent when disrespected.

“I have great regard for all governors and the Governors Forum, but when a colleague who is my junior in both engineering and governance makes unguarded remarks about me, I will respond,” Umahi said.

He explained that the debate over road construction costs was being misrepresented, adding that pricing depends on several factors such as terrain, material choice, and design specifications.

According to him, “The Abuja–Keffi project covers about 43 kilometres, but we expanded it to 45 kilometres using the N73 billion allocated by the previous administration. The cost per kilometre depends on whether we are using surface dressing, asphalt, or concrete. These variations make a uniform figure unrealistic.”

The minister noted that the final cost of a project can only be determined after completion, when unused contingencies and adjustments are factored out. “You can’t compute an accurate cost per kilometre until the project is fully executed and verified,” he added.

Taking a swipe at the Oyo governor, Umahi said he believes Makinde, as an electrical engineer, should seek clarification instead of misinterpreting figures.

“Governor Makinde is my friend and brother, but he should withdraw the statement that I’m dancing around. I’m not. If he insists, he should come for a debate. I’ll explain to him that there’s a difference between estimated and average cost per kilometre. Anyone seeking knowledge should ask, not attack,” Umahi stated.

He concluded by saying that his approach to road construction is guided by practical engineering experience, which, according to him, qualifies him as an authority in the field.

“When it comes to practical field engineering, I know my work, and no amount of misunderstanding will change that,” the minister added.