The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has challenged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to a public debate over his recent criticism of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project cost, describing the governor’s remarks as a misunderstanding of basic engineering and project evaluation principles.
Speaking during an inspection of the Abuja–Mararaba–Keffi Road in Nasarawa State, alongside Governor Abdullahi Sule, Umahi defended the cost structure of the multibillion-naira project, emphasizing that variations in design and materials determine overall pricing.
“I have great respect for governors and the Governors’ Forum,” Umahi said. “But if a governor who is far my junior in engineering and governance insults me, I will respond. One thing I know well is Mathematics — I was an ‘A’ student in it.”
Umahi clarified that no road project could have a fixed cost per kilometre without considering the design specifications, scope, and materials used. According to him, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, initially pegged at 43 kilometres and later extended to 45 kilometres, was being funded with ₦73 billion previously allocated by the last administration.
He added that cost variations depended on whether the project used surface dressing, asphalt, or concrete, noting that the present design uses reinforced concrete for durability.
“It’s mischievous to talk about cost per kilometre without context,” Umahi said. “You can only estimate an average cost after completion — removing unused contingencies and variations.”
Addressing Governor Makinde directly, Umahi advised him to seek technical clarification rather than engage in public criticism.
“When I heard that my brother, Governor Makinde, said I was ‘dancing around’ the cost, I felt disappointed. He is an electrical engineer, but this is civil engineering — road construction. Anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me. I am his senior in governance and in engineering,” the minister stated.
Umahi then challenged Makinde:
“He should withdraw the comment that I’m dancing around. If he insists, he should come for a debate — that’s very important.”
The minister also used the occasion to highlight efforts to address road encroachments and traffic congestion caused by roadside traders, assuring that corrective measures would follow in collaboration with state governments.
The controversy erupted after Umahi appeared on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he declined to provide a specific per-kilometre cost for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road. His exchange with host Rufai Oseni reignited public debate about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s major infrastructure projects.
