Umahi invitations anti-graft companies to probe street tasks

In a bid to counter mounting allegations of corruption and mismanagement, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has invited Nigeria’s anti-corruption companies to conduct a full-scale probe of street tasks beneath his ministry, declaring that “nothing is hidden” within the execution of federal infrastructure contracts.

Umahi revealed that each the Unbiased Corrupt Practices and Different Associated Offences Fee and the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee had been formally invited to independently scrutinise not simply documentation, however the bodily execution of tasks throughout the nation.

The minister disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja after receiving a “Persona of the 12 months” award from Al-Jazeera Newspaper Nigeria. He stated the transfer was a deliberate step to exhibit transparency and rebuild public belief amid rising public criticisms.

Umahi stated, “There have been a number of allegations and accusations towards us, however to point out our transparency, we determined to open up your entire Ministry of Works for probe.

“We wrote to ICPC to go spherical and examine all our tasks, not on paper, however bodily. We additionally wrote to EFCC. We aren’t hiding something. Any file they need, any data, is offered.”

The minister revealed that the ICPC had already concluded a part of its task and is at present reviewing procurement processes, whereas the EFCC is predicted to start its personal investigation after the Sallah break.

“Let me let you know one thing. We wrote to ICPC to go round and examine all our tasks, not on paper, however to go round and examine the bodily accomplishment of what the president is doing. We additionally wrote to EFCC. Now, ICPC has concluded its personal, and we’re giving them an area right here to verify our procurement course of.

“They’ve began their work. No person is interfering. Any data—and that’s the way it ought to be—is offered. I’m informed that EFCC will begin their very own after the Sallah break. We aren’t hiding something as a result of we really feel for the individuals,” he stated.

Umahi maintained that each contract awarded by the ministry might be absolutely accounted for, stressing that the costing construction of tasks is clear and topic to scrutiny.

“In the event you wake me up and ask about any mission, say the price of concrete per cubic metre, we are able to disaggregate all the pieces: the price of cement, sand, chippings, tools, and labour. There’s nothing we do on this ministry that we can not defend,” he acknowledged.

He attributed a few of the criticisms to the ministry’s controversial determination to transition from asphalt to concrete street building, a coverage he stated was resisted by vested pursuits however finally designed to serve the long-term curiosity of Nigerians.

“We fought an enormous battle to maneuver from asphalt to concrete. However we imagine that what we’re doing is correct. Concrete roads will last as long as 100 years with minimal upkeep. So, there isn’t a battle we’re afraid of, supplied we’re working within the curiosity of the individuals,” Umahi stated.

Highlighting the broader financial implications of street infrastructure, the minister likened poor street networks to a type of confinement for residents. “When a street is minimize into two, it’s like placing individuals in jail as a result of they can not transfer from one level to a different. That’s what this administration is attempting to vary,” he added.

Umahi additionally used the chance to warning the media towards amplifying unverified allegations, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy and due diligence.

“In journalism, don’t escalate what you aren’t certain of. No matter you sow, you’ll reap. In the event you assault individuals who have achieved nothing unsuitable, go and verify whether or not you’ll succeed. We help freedom of data, however we should all be accountable.

“We’re with the individuals, we’re with God, and we’re with the President. We are going to proceed to do all the pieces doable to repair our roads. And I guarantee you that we’re not discouraged or disturbed. It’s those that are making efforts to destroy us that we pity, as a result of they’ve a variety of work to do. However for us, we’re with God, we’re with the individuals, we’re with the President, and we’ll do all the pieces to learn individuals on the grassroots.”

The transparency push comes towards the backdrop of elevated public scrutiny of presidency spending on infrastructure, particularly beneath the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Nigeria’s street sector has traditionally been stricken by allegations of inflated contracts, deserted tasks, and weak oversight, prompting repeated requires stronger accountability mechanisms.

For the 2025 fiscal cycle, the ministry proposed a capital expenditure of about N3.24 trillion, largely focused at finishing ongoing “legacy” street tasks throughout the nation. The allocation types a part of a broader infrastructure push beneath the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises transport networks as a driver of financial progress and nationwide integration.

By inviting anti-graft companies to independently audit tasks, the Works Ministry seems to be adopting a proactive method to accountability, a transfer analysts say might set a brand new precedent if sustained.

Earlier, the Chief Govt Officer of Al-Jazeera Newspaper Nigeria, Williams Bassey, stated Umahi’s recognition adopted an intensive analysis course of, together with unbiased investigations into allegations surrounding the ministry.

“After rigorous analysis and peer session, we unanimously chosen the minister for this award,” Bassey stated. “In 2024, we deployed investigative assets inside and out of doors Nigeria, and no proof of corruption was established. This honour displays his position in reworking infrastructure supply,” he added.