Minister of Works, David Umahi, has defended the cost of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway following criticism from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the governor’s comments as a misunderstanding of road construction cost evaluations.
The dispute began after Governor Makinde questioned Umahi’s cost estimates for the multi-trillion-naira project, one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s signature infrastructure initiatives. During an interview on ARISE NEWS, Umahi appeared visibly irritated when anchor Oseni Rufai pressed him for the cost per kilometre of the highway, remarking that the figures were “too complex” for the journalist to grasp.
In response, Makinde mocked the minister’s remarks, insisting that the question was valid and accusing Umahi of “dancing around” the figures, comparing the cost to road projects executed in Oyo State.
However, speaking on Saturday during an inspection of the Keffi Bridge and the Nasarawa–Toto road projects, Umahi dismissed the governor’s criticism as uninformed.
“I heard that my brother and friend, Governor Makinde, said something about the cost per kilometre,” Umahi said. “I don’t want to join issues with him. I think he is an engineer, while I am an electrical engineer — they call us ‘elect-elect.’ But when it comes to road construction, ‘elect-elect no reach there.’”
The Works Minister maintained that Makinde’s remarks stemmed from a lack of understanding of technical and cost-evaluation processes.
“I am his senior both in governance and in engineering practice. Anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask,” Umahi added. “I have great respect for him as my friend and brother, but he should withdraw the statement that I’m dancing around. If he insists, he should come for a debate — it’s very important.”
Explaining further, Umahi clarified that road project costs could be measured in two ways: estimated and average, both valid but serving different purposes.
“There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometre. The estimated cost includes provisions for contingencies and price variations, while the average cost is based on actual work done,” he explained. “When a project is completed and unused items such as contingencies are removed, what you have left is the actual cost.”
In a humorous dig, Umahi also noted that critics who turned to artificial intelligence (AI) for clarification had “inadvertently confirmed” his explanation.
“When someone lacking technical knowledge goes to ask AI about the difference between estimated and average cost, I’m glad AI told him exactly what I said,” he quipped.
Umahi further highlighted his practical experience, referencing the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) recognition of “professorship through practice.”
“You can become a professor through practice, and I think God has made me one when it comes to practical field engineering — that’s what it is; you can’t take it back,” he said.
