The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) delivered a stinging rebuke to Works Minister David Umahi. Chairman of the FERMA Committee, Hon. Remi Oseni, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s roads, describing Umahi as an “absolute failure.”
During the session, Oseni questioned the metrics used in the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Tinubu, which left Umahi in his position. “I was wondering what was used as a benchmark for your appraisal,” Oseni said, as he raised concerns about Umahi’s prioritization of road infrastructure.
Hon. Oseni, who represents Ido-Ibarapa East in Oyo State, didn’t mince words. “I am worried that you’re not concerned about fixing Nigerian roads,” he stated. Addressing Umahi’s representative, Oseni continued, “You are not here to tell us what we already know. If you are telling us the reason why you have failed in fixing our road infrastructure is because of resources, don’t let me take you up there, because you concentrated your energy as a minister on less priority issues.”
He chastised the Works Ministry’s recurring refrain of resource shortages. “Don’t discuss resources, I say it again,” he emphasized, citing a N300 billion supplementary budget previously approved. “We are not here for business, whether you want to do the job or you don’t want to do the job. Stop telling us you are awarding roads; we don’t want you to be awarding roads that you are not ready to do,” he said.
Calling for accountability, Oseni summed up the sentiment with a scathing remark: “You have been an absolute failure as Works Minister. I wonder what appraisal was used to retain you. Do not ever complain about resources again. Don’t make me get mad at you.”
