Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has issued a powerful call for enhanced collaboration, parliamentary oversight to fortify anti-corruption efforts.
He spoke at an interactive session organized by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja recently.
Umahi underscored corruption as a formidable barrier to national development, eroding public trust and diverting essential resources from critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
In his keynote address on “The Role of Parliamentarians in the Fight Against Corruption,” the Minister emphasized that combating this menace requires proactive measures, robust institutions, effective legislation, and responsible oversight, rather than confrontational tactics.
He highlighted the pivotal role of Members of Parliament, through their constitutional duties of lawmaking, oversight, and representation, in fostering transparency and accountability within public administration.
The Minister urged legislators to persistently review existing laws, address loopholes that facilitate corrupt practices, and introduce reforms to bolster integrity and efficiency in governance.
Furthermore, Umahi advocated for an evidence-based approach to petitions and investigations involving public officials.
He called upon anti-graft agencies to conduct initial verifications before inviting officials for questioning, a process he believes would safeguard reputations while ensuring objective, fair, and professional investigations.
Drawing from his extensive experience as a former Governor of Ebonyi State and his current ministerial role, Umahi stressed the importance of prudent financial management, strict adherence to due process, project supervision, and transparent procurement practices for delivering quality infrastructure.
He revealed that the Federal Ministry of Works has already institutionalized several accountability measures, including rigorous project monitoring, improved supervision, and continuous capacity building for engineers and project superintendents.
Umahi reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency in procurement, asserting that contracts are awarded based on competence, technical capacity, and value for money, in strict accordance with the Public Procurement Act.
He also assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s unwavering determination to complete the Four Legacy Road Projects and other critical road and bridge initiatives nationwide under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, all while upholding the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
The session also featured remarks from ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, and Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, both echoing the need for stronger legislative support, institutional reforms, and increased funding for anti-graft agencies to effectively combat corruption and promote good governance.
