Umahi to Makinde: I’m Your Senior in Engineering and Politics

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has hit back at Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his remarks regarding the cost of federal road projects, insisting he is both Makinde’s senior in engineering and governance.

Umahi spoke on Saturday while inspecting the Keffi section of the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi Road in Nasarawa State, accompanied by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

“I have a lot of respect for governors and the Governors’ Forum. But if a governor who is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will talk back,” Umahi said.
“One thing I’m very good at is mathematics. I’m an ‘A’ student in mathematics.”

Controversy Over Road Construction Costs

Addressing the ongoing debate about road construction costs, Umahi explained that project costs per kilometre vary depending on terrain and materials used.

“This project is about 43 kilometres, but we increased it to 45 kilometres to make full use of the N73 billion approved by the previous administration,” he said.
“If we use surface tracing, asphalt, or concrete, the costs will differ. It’s mischievous to quote a flat cost per kilometre without understanding these variables.”

He further clarified that true cost calculations can only be made after completion, once contingencies and variations are accounted for.

“When you finish, remove the unused contingency. If you’ve done 50 kilometres for N70 billion, that’s when you can get an average cost,” Umahi explained.

“This Is Road Construction, Not Electrical Engineering”

Responding directly to Governor Makinde’s earlier comments, Umahi drew a sharp distinction between their engineering backgrounds.

“I think he is an engineer — an electrician. They call it electrical electronics. But this is road construction. Electrical electronics no reach there,” Umahi said in pidgin-inflected tone.
“I am his senior in governance and in engineering practice. If there’s something he doesn’t understand, he should call me. I won’t join issues with him, but he should withdraw his statement that I’m ‘dancing around.’ If he insists, let’s have a debate.”

Umahi also joked that even Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the National Universities Commission (NUC) agreed with his explanation of cost variations.

“AI confirmed exactly what I told him — that there’s a difference between estimated cost and average cost,” he said.
“When it comes to field engineering, God has made me a professor by practice.”

On Traffic Congestion

On the persistent gridlock along the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi highway, Umahi said a joint effort with the Nasarawa State government was needed to clear illegal markets and shanties along the route.

“We have roadside trading in several locations. If the governor can handle the demolition, the Federal Government will provide additional carriageways to ease traffic,” he assured.

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