A mild tension erupted during Ministry of Works 2026 budget defence as Works Minister Senator David Umahi, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole engage in a heated exchange
There was mild tension at the Senate on Wednesday as the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole clashed during a budget defence session over the funding of federal road infrastructure projects.
The exchange occurred while Umahi was responding to lawmakers’ questions on delays and funding mechanisms for ongoing road projects.
Trouble began when Oshiomhole raised concerns about the termination of the National Monetisation Programme (NMP) and the discontinuation of private sector funding arrangements, particularly tax credit schemes.
“The termination of NMP funding and private sector funding—I salute Mr President for this decision,” Oshiomhole said. “This so-called tax credit is very difficult to monitor in terms of transparency, so for me, I celebrate it.”
He also referenced Umahi’s earlier remarks on funding constraints, noting that the minister had blamed the non-release of funds on the Ministry of Finance while maintaining that President Bola Tinubu was unaware of the situation.
“You spoke to the issue of the Minister of Finance, whom Mr President has also assigned as Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and you said he is not releasing money and that it is affecting your projects. But you also assured us that Mr President is not aware of this. That is your original address,” Oshiomhole added.
Umahi, however, took exception to Oshiomhole’s comments and interrupted, asking, “Sir, are you judging or are you asking me questions?”
The lawmaker immediately objected, responding, “You are not entitled to interrupt me.”
The disagreement escalated when Umahi accused Oshiomhole of using inappropriate language. “No, you can’t use foul language on me. You can’t speak to me in that manner,” the minister said, adding, “I am a distinguished Nigerian.”
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Deputy Minority Whip and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano Central), also intervened, cautioning the minister to exercise restraint.
“Mind your language, please. You were in this Senate. You are addressing a senator. Mind your language. You are a two-month senator,” Hanga said.
The heated exchange briefly disrupted proceedings before order was restored and the budget defence resumed.
