This is to bring to the attention and proper information of the general public that the Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Nweze Umahi was at no time locked up in his office nor denied access on Thursday the 28th of Sept. 2023.
Report from some media said protesting workers in the Ministry of Works have locked the Minister, Dave Umahi, inside his office on Thursday morning.
The Report stated further that the workers, had accused Umahi of highhandedness, adding that the minister prevented workers who were late to work from gaining access to the ministry.
It added that the Union members which comprising the Housing and Works Ministry decided to lock up the ministry and also blocked entry and exit into the building thereby preventing the minister from leaving the office premises.
According to the statement released by Ministry Spokesperson, Blessing Lere-Adams, the Minister, in all fairness, had attempted to bring sanity, orderliness to the Ministry by ensuring that services are rendered as at when due to grow the Nigerian economy to everyone’s benefit.
Therefore, to imbibe the spirit of discipline, daily Work activities in the Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja now begins at 9a.m, Mondays to Fridays for all staff while the closing hour shall be 4p.m.
The Ministry’s Union Chairperson, Mr. Williams Kuti during a meeting with the Minister, Permanent Secretary and Management Staff opined that the Minister had started on a good note by identifying both the needs of Nigerians in the quest for good and durable roads and bridges.
Also, had taken a personal inspection tour of most of the road infrastructure in the South West, South East, South South and part of the North Central and North west geo political zones of the country.
Moreso the Minister reached out to staff by means of personal welfare during the just celebrated Muslim festival. The Union Chairman along side other staff during the meeting requested for more staff buses to ease their movement to and from their locations.
In his address the Minister reminded them that all have to work in unity to be able to deliver Nigeria the dear country from total collapse.
The Minister recalled his several attempts at ensuring that things are done right and also that international best practices are respected by all Contractors in the construction of all Nigerian roads hence forth.
“By this, proper discipline, and respect of the rule of law and Contract agreement, we can be sure to see roads that can last more than Seven (7) years but rather roads that will last up to fifty (50) years and that when Concrete Technology method of building our roads is put to use.
This, the Minister assured will create more jobs for Nigerian Engineers, while increasing the use of local content which are in abundance in Nigeria rather than putting more pressure on l Nigerian Naira for the importation of bitumen and asphalt for road construction.
The Honorable minister promised to go to other zones within the next three weeks and see first hand the problems Nigerians are facing on the road.
It was a fruitful meeting which ended with the Honorable Minister, being given three Gbosas for playing the role of a true Father to the staff.