Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has launched a blistering attack on the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, accusing him of prioritising the construction of new federal roads while critical highways across the country, particularly those linking Edo and Delta states, remain in a state of disrepair. Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the former Governor of Edo State questioned the recent approval of 20 new road projects, arguing that the Ministry of Works should first focus on rehabilitating existing roads before embarking on fresh initiatives.
"The Federal Minister of Works needs to be guided because, whereas we have all these old roads that are in bad shape, he proposes the construction of new roads when existing roads are not there," Oshiomhole declared. He highlighted the deplorable condition of major federal roads connecting Benin to Warri, Asaba, Auchi, and Okene, stating that they have become almost impassable for motorists. "Three weeks ago, I understand 20 new roads were approved, yet between Edo and Delta, there is manifest bias by the Minister of Works. You cannot go to Warri from Benin; you can't go to Asaba from Benin; you can't go to Auchi from Benin; you can't go to Auchi from Okene from Benin," he lamented.
The senator further alleged that the section of the federal highway bordering Edo and Delta states had been consistently omitted from the national budget over the past three years, despite repeated appeals by the Senate. He claimed that the only ongoing intervention on part of the road was made possible after President Bola Tinubu directed that the tax credit scheme be used to fund the project, rather than through regular budgetary allocations. Oshiomhole urged the Minister to adopt a more balanced and national approach to the allocation of road infrastructure projects, stressing that existing roads serving millions of Nigerians deserve urgent attention.
The criticism comes amid growing concerns over the condition of key federal highways, with commuters and motorists repeatedly calling for urgent intervention on major road corridors connecting Edo State to other parts of the country. Oshiomhole's remarks also revive a long-standing tension between the senator and the Minister of Works, which previously erupted during the 2026 budget defence session in February. At that time, the two engaged in a heated exchange over the controversial reassignment of the Abuja-Kaduna road contract from Julius Berger to a lesser-known firm.
In response to Oshiomhole's latest outburst, the Minister of Works has yet to issue a formal statement. However, during the earlier budget defence, Umahi had dismissed concerns about contractors' backgrounds, insisting that the focus should be on the quality of work delivered rather than perceptions. He had also vowed to resign if the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project is found to be substandard. The debate over road infrastructure funding and project prioritisation is likely to continue as the National Assembly scrutinises the Ministry of Works' budget and project approvals.
The question now is whether the Ministry of Works will heed Oshiomhole's call for a more balanced approach or continue to prioritise new projects while existing roads crumble under the weight of neglect.
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