Minister of Works, David Umahi, has vowed to resign from office if the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project fails any quality test and is found to be substandard.
Umahi made the statement on Wednesday during his budget defence before a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja. The minister spoke firmly while responding to questions from lawmakers about the quality of work and the contractor handling part of the project.
The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway is one of the most important roads in northern Nigeria. It connects the Federal Capital Territory to Kaduna and Kano states. The road is widely used by commuters, transporters, and businesses moving goods between the North and other parts of the country. For many years, travellers have complained about the poor state of the road, frequent accidents, and security challenges along the route. The Federal Government has described the reconstruction of the highway as a top priority because of its economic and social importance.
During the budget session, several lawmakers raised concerns about the award of a section of the road contract to a company some of them described as not well known in road construction. They questioned why the contract was reportedly taken from an established construction firm and awarded to another company that, according to them, was previously associated with generator sales.
Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, was among those who demanded clarification. He asked the minister to explain the reason for the change and whether due process was followed. Oshiomhole argued that Nigerians deserve transparency in the award of major infrastructure contracts, especially for a road as important as the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano highway.
Responding to the concerns, Umahi dismissed doubts about the contractor’s background. He said what matters most is the quality of the work being delivered, not what the company may have done in the past.
“I’m just hearing about Maikano for the first time. Whether they are selling goats or cows, they are doing well,” Umahi said during the session.
The minister expressed confidence in the standard of work already completed on the Abuja–Kaduna stretch of the road. He challenged the lawmakers to carry out independent tests on the project to confirm its quality.
“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,” he said.
Umahi’s strong statement drew attention at the session, as it is rare for a serving minister to publicly stake his position on the outcome of a technical test. By saying he would “throw in the towel,” the minister made it clear that he was ready to resign if the road fails to meet required standards.
The Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project has faced delays and funding challenges over the years. Previous administrations began reconstruction work, but progress was slow due to budget constraints and other issues. The current government has pledged to speed up work on major highways across the country to improve transportation, reduce travel time, and support economic growth.
Road infrastructure remains a major concern in Nigeria. Many federal roads are in poor condition, leading to accidents, vehicle damage, and loss of lives. Businesses also suffer as bad roads increase the cost of transporting goods. As a result, road projects often attract close attention from lawmakers and the public.
The National Assembly plays a key role in approving funds for such projects. During budget defence sessions, ministers are expected to explain how allocated funds are being used and to answer questions about ongoing and proposed projects. Lawmakers often use the opportunity to raise concerns from their constituents.
In recent years, there have been public complaints about abandoned or poorly executed road projects across the country. Some contractors have been accused of failing to meet standards, while others have left sites due to funding disputes. This background has made lawmakers more cautious when approving large sums for infrastructure.
Umahi, a former governor of Ebonyi State, has repeatedly said he is committed to using concrete technology and strict supervision to ensure durability in federal road projects. He has also said that contractors must meet performance standards or face consequences.
While defending the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano project, the minister maintained that the work done so far meets required specifications. He encouraged lawmakers to visit the site and see the progress for themselves.
As the debate continues, the minister’s promise to resign if the road fails quality tests has added a new level of accountability to the project. Nigerians will now be watching closely to see whether the bold vow translates into lasting results on one of the country’s busiest highways.
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