Minister David Umahi defends road project cost transparency after Governor Makinde’s criticism, explaining engineering factors and variations in Nigeria’s federal road projects.
The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has firmly defended the road project cost of federal highway developments amid criticism from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
Umahi maintained that the pricing of road construction projects is determined by professional engineering standards and technical realities, not by political assumptions or simplified calculations.
Governor Makinde had recently berated the minister for allegedly refusing to disclose detailed costing during an appearance on Arise TV, suggesting that Nigerians deserve full transparency on how funds are allocated and utilized in major federal road contracts.
His remarks triggered a wave of public discussion and scrutiny over the road project cost declared by the Ministry of Works.
Reacting to Makinde’s comments, Umahi addressed journalists while inspecting the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi road project in Nasarawa State on Saturday, October 11, accompanied by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The Minister expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that while he respects all state governors, he would not hesitate to respond when publicly disrespected by anyone less experienced in both engineering and governance.
“I have great respect for the Governors’ Forum,” Umahi stated.
“But if a governor who is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will reply. I’m an A student in mathematics, and I understand what I’m talking about when it comes to cost calculation.”
Umahi added that the controversy about road project cost was being fueled by incomplete information and a lack of technical understanding.
He noted that the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi road was initially designed for 43 kilometres at ₦73 billion but was later extended to 45 kilometres to maximize resources and accommodate additional work.
The Works Minister clarified that it is misleading to demand a uniform figure per kilometre without considering project scope, design type, and construction material.
“If we are doing surface dressing on the shoulders, the cost is different. If we use asphalt, it changes. And when we use concrete—as we are doing here—the cost also differs,” Umahi explained.
“It is mischievous to demand a single figure without understanding what the project entails.”
He further stressed that road construction involves numerous components, including drainage systems, bridges, median construction, soil stabilization, and terrain conditions, which all affect the road project cost.
Umahi gave a detailed breakdown of how project costing works in federal road contracts.
The ₦73 billion approved for the project includes contingency funds and variation of price (VOP) components, both of which cover unforeseen circumstances such as material inflation and site-specific challenges.
“You can divide ₦73 billion by 45 kilometres to get an estimated cost,” he said.
“But that’s not the definitive cost. When the project is completed, unused contingency and VOP amounts are removed, and that’s when we arrive at the actual or average cost per kilometre.”
He emphasized that each section of a road has different requirements, which means costs can’t be generalized.
“In some areas, we use the existing median, while in others, we construct a new one. The cost cannot be the same. After removing the unused allocations, you calculate the true road project cost.”
Umahi expressed frustration at what he called “uninformed interpretations” of the road project cost debate.
He said it was wrong for individuals without engineering knowledge to rely on simplified online explanations or Artificial Intelligence tools to question professionals.
“It’s ignorance for someone with no technical background to ask AI about the difference between cost per kilometre and average cost,” Umahi remarked.
“I’m glad that AI gave the same answer I’ve been giving.”
He described himself as a “professor of field engineering,” emphasizing that practical experience is just as valuable as academic credentials.
“You can become a professor by virtue of your practice,” he added.
“God has made me one in the field of practical engineering.”
The clash between Umahi and Makinde has sparked national discussion about road project cost transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
While some Nigerians praised Makinde for demanding clarity, others supported Umahi, arguing that construction costs depend heavily on material choice, topography, and project design.
Experts in civil engineering noted that variations in road pricing are common worldwide because factors like soil conditions, rainfall patterns, and material quality differ from one location to another.
According to them, road construction in Nigeria’s northern regions, for instance, often costs less than in the south due to differences in terrain and weather.
Analysts also observed that the exchange reflects a deeper tension between federal and state authorities over infrastructure coordination.
Makinde’s comments, they said, underscore growing demands for cost transparency, while Umahi’s response highlights the need for better public education on engineering standards.
Umahi reiterated that the Ministry of Works is committed to ensuring that all ongoing projects deliver value for money through rigorous supervision, auditing, and compliance with global engineering standards.
“Every naira spent must be justified through quality, durability, and long-term economic benefit,” he said.
“We are not just building roads; we are building national assets that must stand the test of time.”
The minister added that the government will continue to brief the public regularly on project progress to promote transparency and counter misinformation about federal road project cost estimates.
The ongoing road project cost controversy between Minister David Umahi and Governor Seyi Makinde has evolved into an important national conversation about transparency, technical competence, and accountability in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.
While Makinde insists on greater financial disclosure, Umahi defends his ministry’s professional approach, reminding Nigerians that project pricing depends on numerous engineering variables.
The debate, though heated, may ultimately encourage more open dialogue between political leaders and technical experts — a crucial step toward better governance and sustainable development in Nigeria’s public works sector.M
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