Minister of Works, David Umahi, has opened up his ministry to scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies amid rising allegations of mismanagement, insisting that the execution of federal road projects remains transparent.
Umahi disclosed on Wednesday, March 19, in Abuja that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had been formally invited to investigate both documentation and on-site execution of projects nationwide.
Speaking after receiving a “Personality of the Year” award from Al-Jazirah Newspaper Nigeria, the minister said the decision was aimed at reinforcing public trust.
“There have been several allegations and accusations against us, but to show our transparency, we decided to open up the entire Ministry of Works for probe.
“We wrote to ICPC to go round and investigate all our projects, not on paper, but physically. We also wrote to EFCC. We are not hiding anything. Any file they want, any information, is available,” Umahi said.
He explained that the ICPC had already completed part of its assignment and was reviewing procurement processes, while the EFCC is expected to begin its investigation after the Sallah break.
“Let me tell you something. We wrote to ICPC to go around and investigate all our projects, not on paper, but to go around and investigate the physical accomplishment of what the president is doing.
“We also wrote to EFCC. Now, ICPC has concluded its own, and we are giving them a space here to check our procurement process.
“They have started their work. Nobody is interfering. Any information—and that’s how it should be—is available. I’m told that EFCC will start their own after the Sallah break. We are not hiding anything because we feel for the people,” he said.
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The minister maintained that all contracts can be fully accounted for, stressing that project costing remains open to scrutiny.
“If you wake me up and ask about any project, say the cost of concrete per cubic metre, we can disaggregate everything: the cost of cement, sand, chippings, equipment, and labour. There is nothing we do in this ministry that we cannot defend,” he stated.
Umahi also defended the ministry’s shift from asphalt to concrete roads, describing it as a long-term solution despite initial resistance.
“We fought a big battle to move from asphalt to concrete. But we believe that what we are doing is right.
“Concrete roads will last up to 100 years with minimal maintenance. So, there is no battle we are afraid of, provided we are working in the interest of the people,” Umahi said.
Highlighting the impact of infrastructure, he added, “When a road is cut into two, it is like putting people in prison because they cannot move from one point to another. That is what this administration is trying to change.”
He also cautioned the media against spreading unverified claims.
“In journalism, do not escalate what you are not sure of. Whatever you sow, you will reap. If you attack people who have done nothing wrong, go and check whether you will succeed. We support freedom of information, but we must all be accountable.
“We are with the people, we are with God, and we are with the President. We will continue to do everything possible to fix our roads. And I assure you that we are not discouraged or disturbed. It is those who are making efforts to destroy us that we pity, because they have a lot of work to do.
“But for us, we are with God, we are with the people, we are with the President, and we will do everything to benefit people at the grassroots.”