Umahi reveals condition to resign as minister

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said he will resign if the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project is found to be substandard.

Umahi made the declaration on Wednesday while defending his ministry’s budget before a joint session of the National Assembly, where lawmakers questioned the award of a section of the project to a company some described as not widely known in road construction.

Responding to the concerns, the minister dismissed criticism about the contractor’s background and insisted that the quality of work should be the focus.

“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,” Umahi said.

The session was, however, marked by moments of tension, with raised voices and interruptions as some lawmakers took offence at the minister’s remarks before calm was eventually restored.