The budget defense session between the Senate and the House of Representatives' Joint Committees on Works became tumultuous on Wednesday as senators engaged in a heated altercation. At the center of the confrontation were Deputy Senate Whip Senator Peter Nwaebonyi of the All Progressives Congress and Deputy Minority Whip Senator Rufai Hanga of the New Nigeria Peoples Party. This session was convened to discuss the 2026 budget proposal for the Federal Ministry of Works, with Senator Hanga presiding in the absence of the Committee Chairman, Senator Mpigi Barinada.

The proceedings began without incident, as Minister of Works Senator David Umahi presented the ministry's capital budget estimates and answered questions posed by lawmakers. However, inflation of tempers was triggered when Nwaebonyi, who was speaking favorably about Umahi and urging support for his initiatives, was interrupted by Hanga, who admonished him to conclude his remarks. This led to Nwaebonyi's angry retort, indicating a significant breakdown in decorum during what was intended to be a professional dialogue on national budgetary matters.

The altercation not only highlighted the growing tensions among lawmakers but also raised questions about the collaborative efforts required to finalize the budget for the Federal Ministry of Works. Such disruptions in legislative discussions can lead to delays in budget approval and potentially impact ongoing and future infrastructure projects in Nigeria, underscoring the critical importance of unity and civility in the legislative process.