Senate Budget Hearing Erupts as Works Minister Umahi Clashes with Oshiomhole
A Senate budget defence session descended into chaos on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as sharp exchanges between Works Minister David Umahi and Senator Adams Oshiomhole disrupted proceedings. The confrontation occurred during an examination of the N15 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, highlighting deep tensions over funding transparency and implementation delays.
Tensions Flare Over Coastal Highway Project
The disagreement surfaced as lawmakers scrutinized the massive infrastructure initiative, with Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, questioning the clarity of funding arrangements and persistent delays tied to the project. Both men are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), yet their political alignment did little to temper the heated exchange.
Oshiomhole pressed the minister on accountability issues, drawing an immediate and tense response from Umahi, who objected to the senator's conduct. The minister accused Oshiomhole of speaking disrespectfully, asking pointedly, "Sir, are you judging or asking me questions?" as he defended his position under scrutiny.
Escalation and Intervention by Lawmakers
Oshiomhole pushed back forcefully, stating, "You are not entitled to interrupt me," to which Umahi reacted sharply, declaring, "You can’t use foul language on me. I’m a distinguished Nigerian. You cannot speak to me in that manner." The confrontation prompted reactions from several senators, with some siding with Oshiomhole and urging Umahi to moderate his tone.
One lawmaker mocked the minister's reaction, referencing his short tenure in the chamber and eliciting laughter from colleagues. Ultimately, the committee chairman intervened to restore order, appealing for calm and requesting both men to proceed with the session professionally.
Shift to Broader Funding Discussions
After tempers cooled, the discussion shifted to broader road funding models. Oshiomhole commended President Bola Tinubu for ending the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited road funding approach, describing tax credit arrangements as "very difficult to monitor transparency." Umahi agreed that the shift toward private sector funding was beneficial, while attributing project delays to the non-release of funds by the federal ministry of finance.
The minister assured lawmakers that the president had not been informed of the setback and pledged to address the matter promptly. This episode underscores ongoing challenges in Nigeria's infrastructure development, where budgetary processes and political dynamics frequently intersect.
Context of Previous Senate Confrontations
This incident follows a pattern of contentious budget defence sessions in the National Assembly. Earlier on the same day, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed openly with the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, over the future of the Ajaokuta Steel Company during a joint committee hearing. Both lawmakers hail from Kogi state but represent opposing political parties, with Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party questioning the federal government's resolve to revive the steel plant.
These confrontations highlight the intense scrutiny and political friction surrounding Nigeria's major infrastructure projects, as lawmakers demand greater accountability and transparency in public spending. The Umahi-Oshiomhole clash, in particular, reflects broader concerns about project management and fiscal responsibility in the works sector.
