The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has called for stronger collaboration among the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies and public institutions to deepen transparency, accountability and good governance in Nigeria.
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.
According to a statement signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director of Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, the minister described corruption as a major impediment to national development, saying it erodes public confidence, weakens institutions and diverts resources meant for critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and social services.
He stressed that the fight against corruption should be driven by stronger institutions, effective legislation, responsible oversight and proactive measures rather than confrontation.
Umahi noted that parliamentarians occupy a strategic position in promoting transparency through their constitutional responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight and representation. He urged lawmakers to review existing laws, close legal loopholes that encourage corrupt practices and introduce reforms that strengthen integrity and efficiency in governance.
On petitions and investigations involving public officials, the minister advocated an evidence-based approach, urging anti-graft agencies to carry out preliminary verification before inviting officials for questioning. He said such a process would help prevent unnecessary reputational damage while ensuring investigations remain objective, fair and professional.
Drawing from his experience as former Governor of Ebonyi State and his current role as Minister of Works, Umahi highlighted the importance of prudent financial management, value engineering, strict adherence to due process, effective project supervision and transparent procurement in delivering quality infrastructure.
He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works has institutionalised 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 supervisors to enhance project delivery nationwide.
The minister reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to transparent procurement, stating that contracts are awarded strictly on the basis of competence, technical capacity and value for money, in line with the Public Procurement Act.
Speaking on ongoing infrastructure development, Umahi said the Federal Government remains committed to completing the four Legacy Road Projects and other critical road and bridge projects across the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured Nigerians that the ministry would continue to uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility while delivering durable road infrastructure.
Earlier, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN) emphasised the importance of collaboration between Parliament and anti-corruption agencies in strengthening democratic governance, describing corruption as a major threat to national development.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption, Hon. Kayode Moshood Akiolu, called for increased funding for anti-graft agencies to enable them to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
Representatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) also reaffirmed their commitment to working with Parliament and other stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in public procurement and governance.
The interactive session attracted lawmakers, anti-corruption officials, policymakers, development partners, governance experts and other stakeholders who deliberated on strategies for strengthening institutional accountability and combating corruption to support sustainable national development.