by George Ozalla
Proceedings at the National Assembly turned heated on Wednesday as the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, defended the Ministry’s proposed N3.245 trillion capital budget for the 2026 fiscal year before the Senate Committee on Works.
The session, presided over by the committee’s Vice Chairman, Senator Rufai Hanga of Kano Central, examined the ministry’s spending plan, funding gaps and the status of ongoing federal road projects across the country. The substantive chairman, Senator Mpigi Barinada of Rivers South East, was absent.
In his presentation, Umahi told lawmakers that the proposed allocation was structured to prioritise the completion of critical highways and four major presidential legacy projects spread across the six geo political zones. He disclosed that out of the 2025 capital allocation, only N210.318 billion had so far been released, representing about 9.7 percent performance, leaving the ministry with outstanding contractor liabilities estimated at over N2.2 trillion for projects executed between 2024 and 2025.
According to the minister, rising construction costs following the removal of fuel subsidy and the depreciation of the naira significantly affected existing contracts, forcing the ministry to re-evaluate project costs and timelines. He explained that approximately N760 billion in the 2026 proposal was earmarked for new projects, while a substantial portion would go toward settling inherited obligations and sustaining ongoing works nationwide.
Umahi also addressed concerns over the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano highway, insisting that the project was progressing according to revised specifications and funding realities. He maintained that the ministry remained open to legislative oversight and site inspections to verify compliance with quality standards.
Tension flared during the session when Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi of Ebonyi North, made remarks perceived by some colleagues as overly defensive of the minister’s record. This prompted a sharp exchange with Senator Hanga over procedural conduct and speaking time, briefly disrupting proceedings. The disagreement escalated into raised voices before senior lawmakers, including Senators Ali Ndume and Adamu Aliero, intervened to calm the chamber and restore order.
Lawmakers further questioned the minister on funding mechanisms for projects earlier structured under tax credit arrangements involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. Umahi informed the committee that completing those projects would require an estimated N7 trillion and hinted at possible domestic bond financing options to bridge the gap.
The defence session underscored growing legislative scrutiny over infrastructure financing, contract management and the pace of delivery on federal road networks, particularly at a time when economic pressures continue to strain public resources.
The Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for the planning, construction and maintenance of federal highways and bridges across Nigeria, overseeing one of the largest infrastructure portfolios in the country.
