Umahi Pledges to Resign if Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Highway Fails Quality Test

Umahi insists the road project will meet standards, saying he will resign if it fails the required quality test.

Works Minister David Umahi says he will resign if Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road fails independent quality checks.

Umahi Defends Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road Contract

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared he will step down from office if the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway project is found to be poorly executed. Umahi made the statement while defending his ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.

His comments came after lawmakers questioned the contractor handling a section of the road. The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway is one of Nigeria’s busiest and most important road corridors. It connects the Federal Capital Territory to major northern commercial hubs and serves millions of commuters, traders, and transport operators every year.

Lawmakers Raise Concerns

During the budget session, some legislators expressed doubts about the company awarded part of the contract. They said the firm was not widely known for large-scale road construction and raised concerns about its background.

Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole questioned why the project was reassigned from a well-known construction company to another firm that, according to him, does not have a strong reputation in road building. In response, Umahi dismissed the criticism. He said what matters most is the quality of work delivered, not public perception about a company’s past business activities.

He challenged lawmakers to carry out independent tests on the completed sections of the road. According to him, if the road fails quality checks, he would resign.

Concrete vs Asphalt Debate

Umahi also addressed concerns about the materials being used for the project. He argued that the debate should not focus only on whether the road is built with concrete or asphalt. Instead, he said the key issue is proper supervision and adherence to standards during construction.

The minister noted that many road failures in Nigeria are linked to poor monitoring and weak enforcement of construction guidelines rather than the choice of material alone. Over the years, Nigeria has struggled with deteriorating highways, leading to public frustration and repeated rehabilitation projects.

Umahi has consistently promoted the use of concrete technology for major roads, saying it offers longer durability when properly executed.

Funding Challenges in the Works Ministry

Beyond the contract dispute, Umahi also criticized the funding structure for capital projects. While defending the ministry’s proposed N3.4 trillion budget, he described the current cash release system by the Ministry of Finance as limiting.

According to him, irregular funding slows down project execution and affects delivery timelines. He told lawmakers that more than 95 percent of projects under the Ministry of Works are ongoing. That means steady and predictable funding is critical to completing them on schedule.

Nigeria’s infrastructure financing model has often faced criticism for delayed releases and budget shortfalls, which leave contractors unpaid and projects abandoned.

Heated Exchange at the National Assembly

The session was not without drama. Tension rose when Umahi asked a lawmaker to pause briefly so he could better follow the line of questioning. Some lawmakers took offence at his remark, leading to raised voices in the chamber.

Senators moved to calm the situation, but another disagreement later broke out when a principal officer objected after being cut short by the committee chairman. Order was eventually restored, and the budget defense continued.

Works Minister Dave Umahi says he will step down if the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway fails integrity and quality checks.

Why the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road

The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway is a strategic economic route because it supports: - 

1. Movement of agricultural produce from northern Nigeria
2. Trade between major cities
3. Passenger transport across states
4. Security operations along key corridors

In recent years, parts of the highway have suffered from poor conditions and security concerns, making rehabilitation urgent. The federal government has repeatedly described the project as a priority infrastructure investment.

KEY DETAILS

1. Budget Proposal: N3.4 trillion for the Ministry of Works
2. Main Issue: Lawmakers questioned contractor’s credibility - Umahi’s Position: Ready to resign if road fails quality test
3. Funding Concern: Irregular capital releases slowing projects

INTERNATIONAL CONCERN

Across the world, infrastructure quality has become a major benchmark for government performance. In countries like China, India, and the United States, large highway projects are often subject to independent engineering audits and public scrutiny.

Nigeria’s renewed focus on infrastructure mirrors global efforts to boost economic growth through improved transport networks.

Reliable highways reduce logistics costs, improve trade, and attract investment. Development finance institutions such as the World Bank and African Development Bank frequently emphasize transparency and quality assurance in infrastructure delivery, especially in emerging economies.

For Nigeria, road infrastructure is directly tied to economic recovery and cost of living. Poor highways increase transport fares, damage vehicles, and slow down food supply chains. This contributes to higher prices in markets across the country.

If the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano road is successfully delivered to high standards, it could: -

1. Improve trade between northern and central Nigeria
2. Reduce travel time and fuel consumption
3. Strengthen security patrol mobility
4. Support regional commerce

On the other hand, failure would deepen public distrust in government infrastructure spending.

WHAT THIS MEANS

Umahi’s resignation pledge raises the political stakes around the project. It signals confidence in the work being done but also exposes the ministry to intense scrutiny. Lawmakers are likely to push for independent testing and oversight. This could lead to stronger accountability mechanisms for future infrastructure projects.

The funding dispute also highlights a broader issue: without consistent capital releases, even well-planned projects may stall. In the long run, the success or failure of this highway could influence public perception of the current administration’s infrastructure