The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has responded sharply to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, following the latter’s remarks questioning the cost per kilometre of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Umahi accused Makinde of misunderstanding the technical and financial details of the multi-billion-naira infrastructure project.
Speaking on Saturday during an inspection tour of the Keffi Bridge and Nasarawa–Toto Road projects alongside Governor Abdullahi Sule, Umahi defended the cost structure of the highway, insisting that it was determined in line with global engineering standards and not political speculation.
Governor Makinde had earlier criticized the minister in a viral video, claiming there was no need for Umahi to “dance around” the figures involved in the highway’s construction cost. He argued that transparency was crucial, considering that payments had already been made for the project.
Responding, Umahi described Makinde as a “brother and friend” but maintained that his comments were misplaced and uninformed.
“I heard that my brother and friend, Governor Makinde, said something about the cost per kilometre. I don’t want to join issues with him. But this road construction matter, ‘elect-elect no reach there’,” Umahi said, alluding to their shared background in engineering.
The former Ebonyi governor noted that while Makinde may be an engineer, road construction involves specific technicalities that go beyond general knowledge. He further challenged the Oyo governor to a public debate on the issue.
“I am his senior both in governance and in engineering practice. If there’s something he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask. But he should withdraw that statement that I’m ‘dancing around.’ If he insists, he should come for a debate,” Umahi stated.
Clarifying the cost analysis, Umahi explained that the computation of cost per kilometre includes estimated and average costs, both of which serve different engineering purposes.
“There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometre,” he said. “The estimated cost includes allowances for contingencies and price variations, while the average cost is definitive. Once the project is completed, unused contingencies are deducted to arrive at the actual cost.”
Umahi added humorously that some critics had turned to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to verify his explanations, and even AI confirmed his stance on cost evaluation.
“When someone without proper knowledge asked AI about the difference between cost per kilometre and average cost, AI told him exactly what I said,” he quipped.
The minister also referenced the National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines, stating that practical experience qualifies one as an expert in a field.
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“You can become a professor by reason of your practice. God has made me one in practical field engineering,” Umahi asserted.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship project of the Tinubu administration, continues to draw public scrutiny over its cost, design, and implementation timeline. However, Umahi maintains that every kobo spent is justifiable and transparent.
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