- The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has formally invited Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies, the EFCC and ICPC, to investigate the ministry’s road projects nationwide.
- The ICPC has already concluded an initial review of procurement processes, while the EFCC is expected to begin its physical inspections and forensic audit following the Sallah break.
- Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, Umahi declared that the ministry has “nothing to hide” and is prepared to defend the cost and quality of every contract under the “Renewed Hope” infrastructure agenda.
The Federal Ministry of Works is opening its doors to full-scale independent scrutiny as Minister David Umahi seeks to clear the air regarding allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the sector.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Umahi revealed that he personally requested the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct physical audits of ongoing projects.
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The Minister emphasized that the probe is not merely a “paper investigation” but will involve site visits to verify the actual accomplishment of federal roads.
“If you wake me up and ask about any project, say the cost of concrete per cubic metre, we can disaggregate everything,” Umahi stated, asserting that his administration’s transition from asphalt to concrete roads was done specifically to ensure durability for up to 100 years.
Umahi’s move comes at a time of heightened public interest in the ministry’s N3.24 trillion capital expenditure proposal for 2025, which focuses on completing massive legacy projects.
The Minister attributed many of the recent attacks on his office to “vested interests” who resisted the shift to concrete construction.
He maintained that the ministry’s costing structure is transparent and that he remains undeterred by “unverified allegations” in the media.
