A budget defence session of the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on Works turned chaotic on Wednesday following a heated confrontation between Senators Peter Nwaebonyi and Rufai Hanga.
The session, convened to review the 2026 budget proposal of the Federal Ministry of Works, was presided over by Senator Hanga in his capacity as Vice Chairman, standing in for the indisposed Chairman, Mpigi Barinada.
How The Disruption Started
Proceedings initially progressed smoothly as the Minister of Works, David Umahi, presented the ministry’s capital estimates and responded to questions from lawmakers. However, tension flared when Senator Nwaebonyi, while making his remarks, praised the minister and urged colleagues to support him.
As Nwaebonyi continued speaking, Hanga asked him to round up — a move that angered the Ebonyi lawmaker, who accused the chair of applying double standards.
Nwaebonyi argued that Senator Adams Oshiomhole had been allowed to speak for much longer without interruption, while he was asked to stop after only a few minutes. He further insisted that, as a ranking senator, he could assume control of the proceedings.
Heated Exchange Escalates
Hanga responded by striking the gavel and directing Nwaebonyi to stop speaking, triggering a shouting match between both lawmakers. The situation escalated further when Nwaebonyi alleged that he was being unfairly treated due to party differences.
Hanga rejected the claim and countered by referencing the number of votes that secured his election victory, stating that seniority or party status did not place anyone above committee rules.
The session was briefly halted before senior lawmakers, including Senators Ali Ndume and Adamu Aliero, intervened to restore calm and order.
Umahi’s Bold Challenge
Earlier in the meeting, Minister Umahi sparked debate when he challenged lawmakers to conduct an on-the-spot inspection of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano road project amid allegations of poor workmanship, vowing to resign if the project was found to be substandard.
Umahi disclosed that ₦760 billion of the ₦3.245 trillion capital allocation proposed for the ministry in the 2026 budget is earmarked for new projects across the six geo-political zones. He also assured lawmakers that the ₦7 trillion required to complete certain road projects would be sourced through domestic market bonds.
More updates are expected as the National Assembly continues deliberations on the 2026 budget.