Abuja, Nigeria – February 12, 2026 — The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has boldly declared that he will resign from office if the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano dual carriageway is found to be substandard following any credible, independent quality assessment.
The minister made the strong commitment on Wednesday during his budget defence presentation before a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works. The session, which was intended to scrutinise the 2026 budget proposals for the Federal Ministry of Works, quickly shifted to a heated debate over the quality, cost, and contractor performance on one of Nigeria’s most critical federal highway projects.
Umahi specifically addressed concerns raised by lawmakers about the Abuja–Kaduna section of the road, which has been completed and opened to traffic, as well as the ongoing work on the Kaduna–Kano stretch. Several legislators expressed apprehension over the pace of work, reported variations in standards, and the recent award of certain segments to contractors they described as relatively inexperienced in large-scale road construction.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), a prominent voice during the session, questioned the decision to withdraw a portion of the project from a well-established construction firm and re-award it to a company—Maikano—previously associated with generator sales rather than civil engineering or road works. Oshiomhole and other lawmakers argued that the change raised questions about due diligence, capacity, and potential risks to the integrity and longevity of the multi-billion-naira infrastructure project.
In a pointed response, Minister Umahi dismissed the criticisms surrounding the contractor’s background, insisting that pedigree in unrelated sectors should not disqualify a company if it demonstrates competence and delivers quality work.
“I’m just hearing about Maikano for the first time. Whether they are selling goats or cows, they are doing well,” Umahi stated. “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.”
The minister went further, inviting lawmakers, engineering experts, and independent assessors to conduct rigorous testing on the completed sections of the road. He expressed full confidence in the materials used, the engineering standards applied, and the supervision provided by the Federal Ministry of Works and its consultants.
Umahi emphasised that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project remains one of the flagship infrastructure initiatives of the current administration, aimed at improving connectivity, reducing travel time, boosting trade, and enhancing security along one of Nigeria’s busiest northern corridors. He noted that the road, which had suffered years of neglect and deterioration, is being reconstructed to modern dual-carriageway specifications with improved drainage, safety features, and durable pavement.
The minister’s dramatic offer to resign if the project is proven substandard was met with a mix of surprise and cautious approval from some lawmakers, who welcomed the accountability gesture. Others, however, pressed for immediate action rather than future tests, urging the ministry to release detailed progress reports, variation orders, and third-party certification documents already available.
The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road rehabilitation has been a subject of intense public and legislative scrutiny since its commencement. While sections of the Abuja–Kaduna axis have been commissioned and are in use, motorists and transport operators have offered mixed feedback—some praising smoother surfaces and reduced travel time, while others have pointed to perceived inconsistencies in pavement quality, drainage issues during rains, and concerns about long-term durability.
The minister’s challenge now places the onus on the National Assembly and independent experts to either validate his claims through rigorous testing or expose any shortcomings. Should lawmakers accept the invitation and organise an independent assessment, the outcome could significantly impact public perception of the project and the credibility of the Federal Ministry of Works.
For now, Umahi has drawn a clear line in the sand: he is prepared to stake his position on the quality of the work delivered. Whether the National Assembly takes up the challenge and conducts the proposed inspection will likely become clearer in the coming weeks as budget defence sessions continue.
The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road remains a critical artery for northern Nigeria’s economy and security. Any credible evidence of substandard construction would carry major political, financial, and logistical implications, while confirmation of high-quality delivery would represent a significant win for the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure agenda.
As the debate continues, all eyes are on the road itself—and on whether the minister’s confidence will be vindicated or contradicted by independent verification.
