The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has called for stronger collaboration among the Legislature, anti-corruption agencies, and public institutions to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
Engr. Umahi made the call while delivering the Keynote Address at an Interactive Session on “The Role of Parliamentarians in the Fight Against Corruption,” organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at its headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister described corruption as one of the major obstacles to national development, noting that it undermines public trust, weakens institutions, and diverts resources meant for critical sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and social services.
He stressed that the fight against corruption requires proactive measures, stronger institutions, effective legislation, and responsible oversight, rather than confrontation.
Engr. Umahi emphasised that Members of Parliament, through their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and representation, occupy a strategic position in promoting transparency and accountability in public administration.
He urged legislators to continue reviewing existing laws, closing lacunas that encourage corrupt practices, and introducing reforms that strengthen integrity and efficiency in governance.
Speaking on petitions and investigations involving public officials, the Minister advocated for an evidence-based approach, urging anti-graft agencies to perform initial verification before inviting officials for questioning.
According to him, such a process would help prevent unnecessary reputational damage while ensuring that investigations remain objective, fair, and professionally conducted.
Drawing from his experience as the former Governor of Ebonyi State and his current role as Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi underscored the importance of prudent financial management, value engineering, strict adherence to due process, effective project supervision, and transparent procurement practices in delivering quality infrastructure.
He divulged that the Federal Ministry of Works has institutionalised several accountability measures, including rigorous project monitoring, improved supervision, collaboration with the National Assembly and anti-corruption agencies, as well as continuous capacity building for engineers and project superintendents to enhance nationwide project delivery.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency in procurement, explaining that contracts are awarded based on competence, technical capacity, and value for money, in accordance with the Public Procurement Act.
On ongoing road infrastructure projects, Engr. Umahi underlined the Federal Government’s determination to complete the Four (4) Legacy Road Projects and other critical road and bridge projects across the country, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
He assured Nigerians that the Ministry remains committed to delivering durable and high-quality road infrastructure, while maintaining the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Parliament and anti-corruption institutions in strengthening democratic governance.
He noted that corruption remains a major threat to national development and called for stronger legislative support, institutional reforms, and sustained public engagement to promote integrity and accountability.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu emphasised the need for increased funding for anti-graft agencies to enable them to discharge their constitutional responsibilities effectively.
Representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and its Secretary, Muhammed Hassan Hammajoda, and the Director of Compliance, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Engr. Isaiah Yesufu reiterated the commitment of their respective institutions to strengthening collaboration with the Parliament and other stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in public procurement and governance.
The Interactive Session brought together lawmakers, officials of anti-corruption agencies, policymakers, public officials, development partners, and governance experts to deliberate on practical strategies for strengthening institutional accountability and combating corruption for sustainable national development.
Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations
