A heated exchange disrupted proceedings in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed during the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Works.
The session, chaired by Senator Hanga, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, began smoothly with a presentation by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. However, tensions escalated during the question-and-answer segment, leading to a shouting match and a brief walkout by some legislators.
The drama in Senate budget defence unfolded when Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi), made remarks praising the performance of the Minister of Works and President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the road sector.
Some members of the committee reportedly viewed his comments as overly patronising. Senator Hanga, who presided over the session in the absence of the substantive chairman, asked Nwaebonyi to conclude his submission.
Verbal Clash Over Speaking Time
Nwaebonyi objected to the interruption, arguing that other senators had been allowed extended time to speak without interruption. He insisted on continuing his remarks, stating that he had barely spoken for five minutes.
The exchange quickly escalated, with both lawmakers raising their voices. Nwaebonyi challenged Hanga’s authority to curtail his contribution, while Hanga struck the gavel to reassert control over the proceedings.
At one point, Nwaebonyi declared that as a ranking senator from the ruling party, he could not be overruled by a minority senator. Hanga countered by defending his authority as the presiding officer and referencing electoral mandates.
Attempts by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) to calm the situation initially failed, as Nwaebonyi angrily stormed out of the venue. Normalcy was later restored following interventions by Ndume and Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), allowing the session to continue.
Umahi Defends 2026 Budget Allocation
Before the disruption, Minister Umahi had responded to concerns about the quality of work on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road. He challenged lawmakers to conduct an on-the-spot assessment, pledging to resign if the project failed to meet required standards.
Umahi disclosed that the Ministry of Works had a capital allocation of N3.245 trillion in the 2026 budget. Of this amount, N760 billion is designated for new projects across the six geopolitical zones.
He clarified that the new projects are separate from four major “legacy” projects initiated by the Presidency, as well as the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri road project.
The minister further explained that the N7 trillion required to complete certain road projects previously funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited would be sourced from domestic bond markets.
Focus on Major Highways
According to Umahi, the ministry’s 2026 capital budget will prioritise the completion of strategic highways and the ongoing legacy projects. He assured lawmakers that project execution would be closely monitored to ensure quality and value for money.
Despite the temporary disruption, the Senate Committee on Works continued its scrutiny of the ministry’s proposals, underscoring the legislature’s oversight role in the national budget process.
The incident highlights growing political tensions within parliamentary proceedings, even as lawmakers deliberate on critical infrastructure spending in the 2026 fiscal year.
Alt Text (Featured Image):
Lawmakers clash during 2026 budget defence session in the Nigerian Senate
Image Caption:
Senators exchange heated words during the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Works
Image Description:
A Senate session showing lawmakers during a tense exchange over the 2026 budget allocation for the Ministry of Works.
Tags:
Drama in Senate, 2026 budget defence, Ministry of Works, David Umahi, Nigerian Senate, infrastructure budget, Senate clash
