A viral video showing Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, personally measuring a road project with a tape has stirred intense reactions across social media.
The footage captures Umahi bending down with his measuring tape in hand a gesture many interpreted as a display of his hands-on engineering skills.
What began as a routine site inspection quickly evolved into a trending topic online, as users linked Umahi’s actions to Arise TV journalist Rufai Oseni, who had previously criticised the minister’s project supervision methods. Some speculated that Umahi’s move was a subtle response to the journalist’s comments.
While many Nigerians praised Umahi for his practical involvement, others accused him of turning the inspection into a publicity stunt. The video has since sparked debate about whether the minister’s actions represent genuine leadership or political showmanship.
Supporters applaud Umahi’s technical approach
Amid the criticism, some social media users defended Umahi’s methodical style, describing it as a welcome change from typical bureaucratic oversight.
Inpeters tweeted, “Unlike Fashola, Umahi is actually an engineer. Construction is his specialty. I don’t like APC, but Umahi knows his onions.”
Supporters argued that his technical background could improve transparency and quality control in Nigeria’s infrastructure projects, while critics dismissed the act as unnecessary dramatics.
Rufai Oseni trends after video goes viral
Following the video’s circulation, Rufai Oseni’s name began trending, with users suggesting Umahi’s display was an indirect jab at the journalist.
A user, triccuka, commented, “See how Rufai made this man start recording to show working,” while teejayviruz joked, “Professor in practice.”
Another user, iam_osv, mocked the caption of the video, saying, “‘Puts Rufai to shame’ because he carries a measuring tape? This handler is unserious.”
Despite the humorous takes, many acknowledged Umahi’s rare combination of political authority and engineering expertise. Still, others questioned whether such displays were necessary for a federal minister.
Watch the video below…