Minister of Works, David Umahi
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has thrown open the doors of the ministry to anti-corruption scrutiny, inviting the ICPC and EFCC to independently verify every federal road project awarded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Umahi made the disclosure on Thursday during an inspection of the Mararaba–Keffi highway in Abuja, saying he personally initiated the investigation to strengthen public confidence in the ministry’s operations.
“I love challenges. Let me tell the public that I wrote to ICPC and we submitted all the President’s projects in the Ministry of Works from the day he assumed office,” he said.
“We asked them to verify these projects nationwide and take a decision. This is the first of its kind. I reported this publicly to the President at the Federal Executive Council meeting yesterday, and I am very happy doing it.”
The minister noted that the same project list was sent to the EFCC, although he could not immediately confirm whether the commission had deployed its teams across the states.
According to Umahi, his push for external verification reflects the ministry’s new culture of openness, which he said has flourished under President Tinubu.
He described the president as an “exceptional leader” who has demonstrated commitment to accountability, quality delivery and timely intervention.
He recalled a recent case in Nasarawa State where the President approved emergency funding just hours after being briefed.
“Within 24 hours, he released the money for this project. It is unprecedented,” Umahi said.
On the issue of delayed payments to contractors, the minister assured that relief was imminent, revealing that President Tinubu had set up a committee to review all outstanding debts.
“Let me assure our contractors that the President recognises that you are being owed,” he said.
“He set up a committee to review all the debts. Please, no more protest. You will be paid before Dec. 20.”
Umahi referenced China Harbour and two contractors working on the Keffi–Mararaba corridor, confirming that their payments had already been approved. He also applauded CGC for what he described as “excellent performance,” noting that the company had received full funding.
In a rare nod to local expertise, the minister praised indigenous contractor JRB for outperforming some foreign firms in quality and delivery.
Also speaking, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), said the administration remained committed to transforming road infrastructure nationwide.
She disclosed that CCTV cameras would be mounted along the Keffi–Mararaba route to bolster security during the festive season.
Essiet commended President Tinubu for appointing Umahi as Minister of Works, describing him and his team as diligent professionals determined to deliver on the president’s mandate.
(NAN)
