Minister of Works, David Umahi, has challenged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to a public debate on civil engineering, following the governor’s criticism of the over ₦15 trillion Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Umahi, who made the remark during an inspection of the Mararaba–Keffi dual carriageway in Nasarawa State alongside Governor Abdullahi Sule, defended the cost and design of the project, saying it was misleading to calculate an “average cost per kilometre” for such a massive undertaking.
Reacting to Makinde’s recent comments questioning the transparency of the project’s cost, Umahi stated that road construction varies widely in design and materials, making uniform pricing impossible. He described Makinde’s analysis as “misinformed” and “outside his area of expertise.”
“When I heard what my brother and friend, Governor Seyi Makinde, said, I chose initially not to respond. He is an electrical engineer, we call it ‘elect-elect’ but this is civil engineering,” Umahi said. “I am his senior both in governance and in engineering practice. If he does not understand certain issues, he should ask me. However, he should withdraw the statement that I am ‘dancing around.’ I never danced around anything.”
He then threw down the gauntlet: “If he insists, let him come for a public debate. I am ready.”
The minister explained that there is a clear distinction between an estimated and a definitive project cost. “Cost per kilometre can only be determined after factoring in design variations, soil type, materials, bridges, and drainage,” Umahi noted. “Ask AI the difference between cost per kilometre and average cost — it will confirm what I said.”
During the same visit, Umahi announced the withdrawal of the Abuja-bound carriageway of the ongoing Mararaba–Keffi Road reconstruction project from the Chinese firm, China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, citing poor performance and disregard for directives.
He said the section would now be handled by local contractors to ensure faster and higher-quality delivery. “From tomorrow, local contractors will be mobilised to handle both the inner and outer shoulders using reinforced concrete,” he said.
The minister accused China Harbour of “indiscipline and disregard for public interest,” adding that the firm repeatedly failed to maintain sections of the road outside its active work areas.
Umahi also issued a stern directive that no contractor should lay binder or pavement without first completing the shoulders. He warned that payment certificates would not be issued for substandard works and ordered ministry officials to report all project challenges within 24 hours.
“I take responsibility for not acting sooner,” Umahi said. “But going forward, every controller and zonal director must report problems directly to me.”
He revealed that the redesigned construction method includes a 3.5 per cent cement-stabilised base, 20-centimetre-thick concrete shoulders, and the milling of existing asphalt before new layers are applied, a process he said would give the road a lifespan of at least 40 years.
Umahi reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to quality infrastructure delivery, warning contractors against lobbying or political interference. “If anyone in the ministry asks you for money, report it publicly. We will protect this country’s interest,” he declared
