The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed concerns about the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project.
Speaking during a his budget defence before a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, he swore to resign if the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project is found to be substandard.
He asserted that the focus should be on the quality of work delivered rather than perceptions.
During the session, questions were raised over the award of a section of the project to a company some legislators described as unknown and previously associated with generator sales.
The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole demanded to know why the contract was taken from an established construction firm and awarded to another company whose reputation was questionable.
Responding, Umahi dismissed concerns about the contractor’s background.
He said, “I’m just hearing about Maikano for the first time. Whether they are selling goats or cows, they are doing well. I am satisfied with the quality of work on the Abuja–Kaduna stretch, and I challenge you to an inspection. Bring the best of your concrete testers. If you test it and it fails, I will throw in the towel.”
He argued that the real issue was not whether concrete or asphalt was used, but whether proper supervision was carried out to ensure durability, noting that asphalt failures are often linked to poor oversight rather than material choice.
Earlier, Umahi criticised the funding structure for capital projects, describing the cash plan adopted by the Federal Ministry of Finance as anti-progressive to the success of his ministry.
While defending the 3.4 trillion naira budget proposal of the ministry, the minister argued that the current funding method is hindering the effective execution of projects under the ministry.
