By Kunle Sanni
THE House of Representatives Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has issued strong criticism of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi, over the deteriorating state of roads across the country.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Committee Chairman Remi Oseni voiced his dissatisfaction with Umahi’s approach, accusing the minister of misdirecting his efforts.
During an interactive session, Oseni challenged Umahi’s claims that inadequate resources are to blame for Nigeria’s failing road infrastructure, contending that the problem is rooted in priorities rather than funding shortages.
“The issue isn’t about a lack of funds,” Oseni stated, urging the minister to rethink his strategy for tackling the nation’s pressing infrastructure challenges. “You are not here to tell us what we already know regarding resources.”
Oseni expressed frustration with the minister’s explanation, saying, “If you are telling us that resource limitations are why you’ve failed in fixing our roads, then you’re missing the point. You’ve focused your energy on less critical issues as a minister.”
He continued, “All the roads across the country are in disrepair. If you had prioritized maintaining existing roads with the resources at your disposal, we wouldn’t be in this situation. Don’t talk about resources.”
Oseni reminded the minister that he had received a supplementary budget of N300 billion last year. “Don’t raise my emotions,” he said. “I’m genuinely concerned that you’re not committed to fixing Nigeria’s roads.”
The chairman was clear about the committee’s expectations: “We’re not here to debate whether or not you’re willing to do the job. Stop telling us about awarding road contracts. We need you to focus on delivering results, not just awarding projects you’re not ready to complete. When you say there are no resources, it’s clear to us that there’s a lack of planning for the nation’s infrastructure needs.”
