In a move underscoring a commitment to transparency and public trust, Senator Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has proactively invited Nigeria’s leading anti-corruption agencies.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to scrutinize all projects under his Ministry.
This unprecedented invitation extends beyond mere documentation, demanding on-ground investigations into the physical accomplishments of the President’s infrastructure initiatives.
The Minister’s dedication to accountability was recently highlighted when he received the 2025 Personality of the Year Award (Infrastructure Transformation Champion) from Aljazirah Nigeria Newspaper.
Umahi emphasized that the award’s significance stemmed from the independent and thorough verification process undertaken by the organizers, stating, “What makes this recognition particularly important to me is the process behind it.
“I understand that you undertook a thorough review of the Ministry’s operations. What stands out is that this was done independently, without my knowledge, and I have only just become aware of it. That, to me, is very moving.”
Umahi confidently declared that every project executed by the Ministry is transparent and defensible, driven by a guiding principle of “fear of God.”
He elaborated, “On every project, the Permanent Secretary, the relevant Directors, and the contractors are all involved, and everything is done transparently.
“If questioned on any detail, including the cost components of a project, we can clearly account for it. There is nothing we do that we cannot defend.”
Further demonstrating this commitment, Umahi revealed that the ICPC has already concluded its initial review and has been granted access to the Ministry’s procurement processes for ongoing checks.
This proactive engagement with anti-corruption bodies aims to foster an environment of unwavering integrity within the Ministry.
Beyond financial transparency, the Minister also highlighted the strategic shift towards concrete roads, a decision made after overcoming significant challenges. This move, the Minister explained, is a long-term investment designed to ensure roads last up to a century with minimal maintenance, thereby optimizing public funds and delivering lasting value to the nation.
Bassey Williams, CEO of Aljazirah Nigeria Newspaper, corroborated the Minister’s stance on integrity, confirming extensive investigations conducted by the Media Group in 2024 into allegations of corrupt practices against Umahi yielded no evidence of wrongdoing.
Aljazirah Boss praised the Ministry’s enhanced execution capacity and strategic planning under the Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning infrastructure as a central pillar of national development.
