As controversy lingers over the average and estimated costs of road construction under the present administration, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has said he remains unperturbed by comments credited to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Umahi, who addressed journalists after inspecting an ongoing road project in Nasarawa State, challenged Governor Makinde to an open debate on the matter.

The Minister led officials of the Federal Ministry of Works on an inspection tour, accompanied by the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule.

Clarifying issues surrounding the cost per kilometer of roads, Umahi explained that the cost per kilometer could be divided into two categories estimated cost, which has elements of variance, and average cost, which is definitive.

“When I read you know, somebody showed me what my brother and friend, Governor Makinde of Oyo State, said I don’t want to join issues with him. But I think he’s an engineer… I think he’s an electrician oh, sorry, they call it ‘elect-elect,’ you know, electrical engineering. This is road construction; ‘elect-elect’ no reach there,” Umahi said.

“I’m a senior in governance, and I’m a senior in engineering practice. So, anything he doesn’t understand, he should call me and ask.”

The Minister emphasized that while he respects all governors, including Makinde, he expects the Oyo governor to retract his statement suggesting that he (Umahi) is “dancing around” on the issue.

“I will not join issues because I have respect for our governors. I have respect for him as my friend and brother. But he should withdraw the word that I’m ‘dancing around.’ I never dance around. And if he insists, he should come for a debate that’s very important. He should come for a debate, and then we can hear these things clearly,” he stated.

Umahi reiterated that there is no ambiguity in determining the cost per kilometer of roads, stressing that the distinction between estimated and average costs is fundamental in understanding project valuations.

“There is no ambiguity in cost per kilometer, but I’m teaching them that cost per kilometer can be divided into estimated cost — which has elements of variance — and average cost, which is definitive. That’s what it is,” he concluded.