Dave Umahi in the Hot Seat: Reps Decry State of Nigeria's Roads

Reps Criticize Works Minister Dave Umahi

 “You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources.”

Nigeria's Roads in Crisis: House Committee Slams Works Minister David Umahi over poor road conditions, citing misplaced priorities and inadequate resource allocation.

The House of Representatives Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) recently blasted David Umahi, Minister of Works, over the appalling state of roads nationwide. Chairman Remi Oseni contended that Umahi's priorities are misguided. Umahi attributed the deplorable conditions to inadequate resources, but Oseni disagreed, stating, “You are not here to tell us what we already know in the area of resources.”

Oseni's stance suggests that funding isn't the sole issue; rather, it's how resources are allocated and utilized. This echoes previous concerns about FERMA's efficiency and effectiveness. In December 2023, the Senate and House Committees on FERMA highlighted the agency's poor funding and advocated for increased budgetary allocation.

 

Main Issues with FERMA:

Inadequate Funding: FERMA's budget has been inconsistent, ranging from N1.29 billion in 2015 to N171.67 billion in 2022.

Prioritization: Umahi's priorities were questioned by Oseni, implying that resource allocation might be misaligned with national needs.

Effectiveness: FERMA's impact on road maintenance has been criticized, with calls for improved performance and accountability.

The House Committee has pledged to rejuvenate FERMA, ensuring it meets Nigerian road maintenance needs. With proposed budget allocations and demands for greater accountability, the conversation around FERMA's role in national development continues.

“We are not here for business of whether you want to do the job or you don't want to do the job. Stop telling us you are awarding road contracts.

“We don't want you to be awarding roads that you are not ready to do. How can you be telling us that there are no resources? With what everybody (lawmakers) has said, it is a clue that you have no plan for us as a nation.”

Minister David Umahi remains committed to prioritizing the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, spanning 700km.