ABUJA — Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has responded to recent remarks by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the condition of federal roads and the distribution of infrastructure projects across the country.
Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North Senatorial District, had expressed concern over the state of major highways serving Edo State, arguing that motorists face difficulties travelling on routes connecting Benin City with Warri, Asaba, Auchi, and Okene.
The senator also questioned the allocation of federal road projects and called on the Senate to urge the Minister of Works to ensure a more equitable approach to infrastructure development nationwide.
Speaking during an inspection of an ongoing road project on Friday, Umahi addressed the criticism, saying he would rather engage Oshiomhole through dialogue than public debate.
According to the minister, one of the roads cited by the senator was awarded by the Federal Government in 2018, while Oshiomhole was serving as governor of Edo State.
Umahi said he believed the former governor could have contributed to improving portions of the federal road network during his time in office, noting that state governments have, in some instances, intervened on federal highways.
Recalling his tenure in Ebonyi State, the minister said his administration undertook the construction of several federal roads without publicly complaining about their condition.
“I cannot debate with Oshiomhole; I can only reason with him,” Umahi said, adding that he respects the senator’s experience in governance and the National Assembly.
The minister’s response comes amid continued discussions over the condition of federal highways and the pace of road infrastructure delivery across Nigeria.
