Minister Umahi Opens Ministry of Works Books for Anti-Corruption Probe
The Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, has publicly declared that the financial records and operational books of the Ministry of Works will remain open for comprehensive public scrutiny and independent investigation. This announcement was made during a detailed press briefing held in Abuja, where Umahi addressed recent criticisms and organized protests targeting the ministry's activities and project implementations.
Invitation to Anti-Corruption Agencies
Umahi emphasized that he has proactively extended formal invitations to Nigeria's primary anti-corruption bodies, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to conduct thorough and impartial reviews of all road projects and financial transactions undertaken since his appointment. According to the minister, the ICPC has already completed a significant portion of its investigative work, while the EFCC is scheduled to commence its detailed examination following the conclusion of an ongoing summit.
The minister stated unequivocally, "We are not hiding anything because we care for the people. Any file and information they want is available. That is how it should be. There is nothing we do in the Ministry of Works that we cannot defend."
Defense of Project Execution and Policy Shift
Umahi robustly defended the ministry's adherence to due process in all project executions, involving relevant government officials and contracted firms. He stressed that every expenditure related to road construction and infrastructure development is fully documented and can be meticulously accounted for. A key point of discussion was the ministry's strategic policy shift from traditional asphalt roads to more durable concrete roads.
Umahi explained that this decision, though initially met with resistance, was fundamentally aimed at ensuring long-term durability and reducing maintenance costs. "We fought a battle to move from asphalt to concrete, but most of the roads we are building now will last up to 100 years, with little or no maintenance," he asserted, highlighting the ministry's commitment to sustainable infrastructure that directly improves the lives of Nigerian citizens.
Call for Accurate Reporting and Clarification on Missing Engineers
During the briefing, Umahi also addressed the critical role of media accuracy, urging journalists to prioritize verification and factual reporting over the dissemination of unconfirmed information. He warned against the spread of misinformation, which he argued could undermine public trust and hinder developmental progress.
In a related development, the minister provided clarification regarding the tragic case of five engineers from NELAN Consulting Engineers who went missing during the Effium communal crisis in Ebonyi State. Through a statement issued by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahi explained that the engineers were not specifically targeted but were unfortunate victims of the broader violent conflict between the Effium and Ezza-Effium communities.
The engineers were abducted in November 2021 while supervising the African Development Bank-financed Abakaliki Ring Road project. Umahi's clarification came in response to a peaceful protest organized by the family members and friends of the late engineers, seeking answers and justice for their disappearance.
Despite facing ongoing criticisms, Umahi reaffirmed that the Ministry of Works remains steadfastly focused on its core mandate: delivering high-quality, durable infrastructure projects that enhance national connectivity and socio-economic development for all Nigerians.
