The Works Minister, David Umahi, has divided opinion again. A video shows him pacing along a roadside during a project inspection. He is a trained civil engineer. He appears to be measuring distance by stride. The clip circulated widely. Reactions split. Critics called it outdated. Defenders called it practical.
Umahi has built a reputation for site visits. Since taking office in 2023, he has toured road projects across the country. He has inspected concrete quality. He has queried contractors. He has ordered redesigns. In 2024, he made headlines for rejecting substandard work on the Abuja-Kaduna road. His style contrasts with predecessors who governed from Abuja. He wants to be seen as hands-on. The public notices.
Pacing is a standard surveying technique. It estimates distance using stride length. Engineers use it for quick field checks. It is not a substitute for instruments. It is a first look. Umahi’s defenders say he was verifying alignment. His critics say he was performing for cameras.
The criticism reflects deeper frustration. Federal roads remain unfinished. Contracts are awarded. Contractors mobilise. Then work stops. Motorists suffer. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway took over a decade. The Second Niger Bridge took years. The coastal highway is under construction. Nigerians are tired of delays. A minister pacing a roadside does not finish the road.
The defence reflects a different frustration. Ministers often avoid sites. They rely on reports. Reports can be inaccurate. Contractors can cut corners. A minister who visits sees the truth. Umahi’s pacing may be symbolic. It signals engagement. That matters.
Both views have merit. Pacing does not replace instruments. It does show presence. The question is whether presence produces results. Umahi’s tenure will be judged by completed roads. Not by viral clips.
The political context matters. Umahi is from Ebonyi. He is a former governor. He is ambitious. His visibility serves his brand. It also serves the ministry. Road projects are highly visible. Success or failure affects the government’s reputation. The 2027 election is approaching. Infrastructure is a campaign issue.
Winners: Umahi, who gains visibility. Defenders, who see thorough leadership. The ministry, which gains attention. Contractors, who face scrutiny. Losers: Critics, who see performance. Motorists, who still face bad roads. The government, if projects remain unfinished. Umahi, if the pacing becomes a joke.
Bottom Line: A minister paced a roadside. The internet reacted. Pacing is standard. Performance is not. Umahi’s visits matter if roads get built. The clip is not the story. The roads are.