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OPINION: Why President Tinubu Should Sack Umahi As Minister

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By Edwin Chukwudi

Former governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi now minister of works under president Bola Tinubu is seen by many as one of the few performing Ministers in the administration. Therefore, it was not surprising to many that he survived the recent cabinet reshuffle. However, for professional engineers, Umahi represents a poor showing as a Minister.

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Umahi who was appointed based on his apparent antecedents in office as Ebonyi state governor is regarded by the discerning mind and professional engineer as a product of media hype and packaging. He was touted as having built concrete roads and infrastructure in Ebonyi state. But the reality which has been hidden from most Nigerians is that all the concrete roads built by him in Ebonyi state failed completely.

The concrete roads were riddled with potholes and immediate crack which caused land/sand slides at the edges of all the roads. In many parts of the state the roads became unmotorable, the incumbent governor had award fresh contracts to cover that failed concrete roads with asphalt. The question then is, if Umahi is fully aware that the concrete roads idea was a colossal failure in Ebonyi state why then is he insisting on the introduction of concrete roads across the entire country?

Another white elephant in Ebonyi state which gave Umahi so much national praise is Ebonyi state airport which he built. It is interesting to note that till date , the Ebonyi state airport is yet to receive certification from FAAN and NCAA due to poorly executed civil works. Before the first plane landed on the airport, the concrete runway Tarmac was already cracking. These cracks were hastily covered with a layer of asphalt in order to hide it from the public. This was a joke, as Umahi failed to appreciate the basic engineering principle that asphalt should only be put on a solid base and not on a cracked surface. Umahi failed to realize that asphalt is more flexible and can handle temperature changes better. Such flexibility helps asphalt to resist cracks, particularly in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Also, since runways are critical infrastructure, they need resurfacing to maintain safety and smoothness.

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Asphalt runway can easily be resurfaced by adding new layers without having to completely tear up the old surface, thereby making maintenance more efficient and cost effective. Such quick repairability is essential for safety. Asphalt also provide smoother surface for takeoff and landing. This smoothness reduces tear and wear on the plane”s landing gear and increases safety by providing better friction between tyres and the runway, especially under wet conditions. Unfortunately, Umahi chose to use concrete for the runway and endanger Nigerian lives, as concrete runway are preferably used in countries with winter and extreme temperature conditions.

Umahi”s unprofessional decisions in Ebonyi state are now being replicated across the country under his leadership as minister of works. This has impacted negatively on the nation”s economy since infrastructure is at the base of every thriving economy.

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For instance, it is obvious that most production, industrial and import/export facilities are concentrated in South, while other end agricultural production is predominantly in the North. Hence, lack of access to good road infrastructure will inevitably bring the economy to a standstill. The previous administration under Babatunde Fashola organized for the repairs of critical roads with firm contracts with reputable contractors. But Umahi simply revoked these contracts arrangements, and also openly disrespected contractors who have been working in Nigeria for decades.

He exhibited dictatorial tendencies that he was known for as governor of Ebonyi state, threatening to throw them out if they refused to obey his directives which lacked inputs from them(contractors).

He introduced policies such as suspension of VOP, rescoping existing contracts and refusing to adapt the contract prices despite the huge devaluation of the Naira. He introduced compulsory concrete pavements in already existing contracts, and outright cancellation of contracts without regards to provisions of the contract and non performance of Federal Ministry of Works as regards payments for certificates of jobs completed as well as delay in release of payments.

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The minister of works is reportedly forcing all contractors to switch from their previous administration contracts by using concrete. This is not minding that the contractors do not have the proper equipment, and no proper designs presented. These policies by Umahi are delaying delivery of roads, especially in the last one year. Many believe that the minister is deploying such harsh tactics in order to drop established contractors with the ministry and replace them with his cronies.

The roads policy of Umahi is very questionable. He does not appear to be given President Tinubu the right advise on policy direction. His proposal for the execution of the Calabar- Lagos/Badagry-Sokoto road is ill timed. While this road might be needed in a long term policy, it is certainly not a priority now compared to the need to fix critical roads like Warri to Lokoja, the super important Abuja to Kano road, especially as the axis of Abuja to Kaduna has become a travellers nightmare. Instead of implementing traditional repairs and upgrade of existing infrastructure, Umahi is more interested in executing his diabolical concrete roads idea at the Federal level. In about five years down the line such reckless policy will open the country to potentially the biggest roads failure in Nigeria”s history.

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The style of Umahi is to gamble with tax payers money by exclusively awarding these humongous contracts to the big Oligarchs companies on a paddy paddy basis, and bypass requisite bid tendering and not complying with the Procurement Act. Although, Dangote cement company has been consistent and efficient in executing the concrete roads projects, but that cannot be said of others.

These unwholesome policies of the minister of works is already affecting the economy in very bad manner. It has degraded the transport and logistics business, caused increases in transportation costs. Loss on transit time of goods, repair costs etc. The negative impact on the Nigerian economy and on the Naira cannot be over emphasized. Indeed, the short, medium and long term implications of these bad roads are inestimable.

It also has serious implications on foreign investments, as foreign contractors operating in Nigeria will have to have a rethink about equipment and capital importation. Most especially, as Umahi does not respect signed agreements and contracts of his predecessor. How is it possible for contractors to be buying new equipment with huge financial implications intermittently and based on changing government policies?

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One of the greatest drawbacks of Umahi”s policies is his contravention of ECOWAS road rules. The minister of works is authorizing the importation of cheap Trucks from China that are well over the road weight limit recommended by ECOWAS. With such Trucks plying the concrete roads it would be matter of time before the roads will fail woefully.

With the present economic situation this is not the time to further compound the challenges faced by the President Tinubu administration with avoidable poor road policies. It is equally not the time to compensate a former governor known for his dictatorial tendencies and failed roads and airport projects with an important ministry like that of works.

It is time for President Tinubu to sack Umahi, or redeploy him to a less visible ministry. A stitch in time saves nine.

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Chukwudi, a Lagos based trained civil engineer. He can be reached on echukwudi80@gmail.com

Views expressed in the above article are strictly of the writer and not of Info Daily Media.

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PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

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Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

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Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

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He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

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Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

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Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

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The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

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According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

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He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

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Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

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“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

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NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

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Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

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It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

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The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

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The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

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Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.

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