Members of the House of Representatives have sharply criticised Minister of Works David Umahi over Nigeria’s deteriorating road infrastructure.

The House expressed concern, accusing Umahi of lacking commitment to improving the nation’s roads.

“You have been an absolute failure as Works Minister. I wonder what appraisal was used to retain you. Do not ever complain about resources again. Don’t make me get mad at you.”
– Reps Member blasts the incompetent Works Minister, David Umahi – pic.twitter.com/WFpW3o7m3Y

— Thεό Abu (@TheoAbuAgada) October 27, 2024

This came during a House hearing, where the Ministry’s Director of Bridges, Bede Obiora, cited funding constraints as the primary cause of the poor road conditions. Umahi was notably absent from the session.

However, Oseni, representing Ibarapa/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, rebuffed the minister’s defense.

He challenged the claim that resource scarcity was to blame, noting the Ministry was still awarding new road contracts. Oseni emphasised that Umahi had “no plan for the nation.”

“We are not here for you to tell us what you already know in an area of resources,” Oseni said. “So if you’re telling us the reason you have failed in fixing our rural infrastructures is because of resources, don’t let me take you up there because you concentrated your resources as a Minister on less priority issues. Don’t discuss resources; I say this again.”

“All the roads we have across the country have failed,” he continued. “If you’re addressing these existing roads with the resources that you have, Sir, honourable minister, we wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now. Don’t discuss resources. I say it again.”

Referring to previous budget approvals, he added: “You came here last year and got N300 billion supplementary budget approval. Don’t raise my emotions. I am worried that you’re not concerned about fixing Nigerian roads.”

Oseni stressed that awarding contracts without follow-through was not a solution. “In less than one minute, everything that everybody has said is a clue that you have no plan for us as a nation. You have no plan for us as a nation. I was wondering what was used as a benchmark for your appraisal.”