By Muhammad Mamman
Abuja, Nigeria – A joint budget defence session at Nigeria’s National Assembly descended into a heated exchange on Wednesday after two senators clashed over seniority and voting strength during proceedings with the Ministry of Works.
Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who represents Ebonyi North, and Rufai Hanga of Kano Central traded sharp words while Works Minister David Umahi was presenting his ministry’s 2026 budget proposal before joint committees of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The confrontation began after disagreements emerged over procedural contributions. Nwebonyi reportedly asserted his senior status, declaring himself a “ranking senator”, while Hanga countered by saying his votes were “10 times” that of his colleague — remarks that briefly disrupted the session.
The meeting was being chaired by Hanga in his capacity as vice-chairman, following the absence of the committee chairman, Mpigi Barinada.
Lawmakers and officials attempted to calm tensions as the argument drew attention away from Umahi’s presentation, which had earlier proceeded smoothly, with committee members raising questions on road infrastructure projects, funding gaps and implementation timelines.
Order was eventually restored, allowing the minister to continue his briefing on the ministry’s priorities, including ongoing federal highway rehabilitation and plans to expand road connectivity across the country.
Budget defence sessions are part of Nigeria’s annual appropriation process, where ministries appear before lawmakers to justify spending proposals. While disagreements are not uncommon, Wednesday’s exchange underscored lingering tensions within the legislature as scrutiny over public expenditure intensifies.
