Minister of Works, David Umahi, has declared that he will step down from office if any section of the ongoing Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project fails an independent quality assessment or is found to be substandard.
Umahi made the pledge on Wednesday while defending his ministry’s budget before a joint session of the National Assembly. He assured lawmakers that the project would undergo objective testing to confirm that construction standards are met.
During the session, lawmakers raised concerns over the award of a portion of the contract to a company some legislators described as relatively unknown and previously associated with generator sales.
Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole questioned the decision to move the contract from an established construction firm to another company he said lacks a recognized track record in road construction.
Responding, Umahi dismissed the concerns about the contractor’s background, emphasizing that the priority should be the quality of the job delivered rather than the company’s previous line of business.
He maintained that he is satisfied with the standard of work already completed on the Abuja–Kaduna stretch and invited lawmakers to carry out an independent inspection using certified concrete testing experts.
The minister added that if the road fails any professional quality test, he would accept responsibility and resign.
