Umahi Speaks on Resigning as Tinubu's Minister, Gives Condition
- Minister of Works Dave Umahi promised to resign if the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project fails quality testing
- Concerns were raised in the National Assembly about the contractor's credibility and project management
- Minister Umahi emphasised the quality of work over the contractor's reputation during the budget defence
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - The minister of Works vowed to resign on Wednesday, February 11, if the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project fails quality tests.
As reported by Channels TV, Minister Dave Umahi declared his readiness to subject the work to independent testing.
Source: Twitter
The Guardian also noted Umahi's appearance at the National Assembly, where the minister made the remarks while defending his budget before a joint session of the National Assembly.
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.
Adams Oshiomhole, the senator representing Edo North, demanded to know why the contract was taken from an established construction firm and awarded to another company.
The former Edo State governor argued the company was not widely known and had not built a reputation in the industry.
Umahi sets condition for resignation
Responding, Umahi dismissed concerns about the contractor’s background, insisting that the focus should be on the quality of work delivered rather than perceptions.
The minister said:
“I’m just hearing about Mikano 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.”
Source: Facebook
Senators clash during Umahi's appearance
Meanwhile, Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, the federal lawmaker representing Ebonyi North Senatorial district, clashed with Rufai Sani Hanga, the senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Nwebonyi, the Deputy Chief Whip and a key ally of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) confronted each other during the ministry's budget defence in Abuja.
During the exchange, Hanga, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), accused Nwebonyi of simply 'bootlicking his boss' and lavishing praise on Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, prompting the southeast legislator to retaliate.
The two strongly disagreed over the amount of time each spent speaking at the forum.
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Umahi’s son obtains chairmanship form
Legit.ng earlier reported that Osborne, son of Umahi, had obtained the chairmanship form for the Ohaozara Local Government Area (LGA) in the August 2026 Ebonyi council polls.
The son of the minister of Works was among the aspirants endorsed by Governor Francis Nwifuru as the APC candidates for the election in the state's 13 local government councils.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
