Minister of Works, Dave Nweze Umahi, has assured that the books of the ministry regarding all road projects under his watch will remain open for public scrutiny.

Speaking during a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, following recent criticisms and protests against the ministry, Umahi reiterated that he has already extended an invitation to the anti-corruption agencies to independently probe what the ministry has done since he assumed office.

According to him, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have already concluded part of its investigation, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to commence its review after an ongoing summit.

Umahi maintained that all projects are executed with due process, involving relevant officials and contractors, stressing that every expenditure can be accounted for.

Speaking about the ministry’s policy shift from asphalt to concrete roads, Umahi said the decision, though initially resisted, was aimed at ensuring durability.

He equally highlighted the impact of poor infrastructure on citizens, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy and verification in their reports, even as he warned against the spread of unconfirmed information.

The minister pointed out that, despite criticisms, the ministry remains focused on delivering projects that will improve the lives of Nigerians.

He said, “We are not hiding anything because we care for the people. Any file and information they want is available. That is how it should be. There is nothing we do in the Ministry of Works that we cannot defend. We fought a battle to move from asphalt to concrete, but most of the roads we are building now will last up to 100 years, with little or no maintenance.”

MEANWHILE, Umahi has clarified that five engineers from NELAN Consulting Engineers who went missing during the Effium crisis in Ebonyi State were victims of the wider communal violence between Effium and Ezza-Effium Communities.

In a statement by his media aide, Francis Nwaze, yesterday, the minister explained that the engineers were not specifically targeted during the incident, but were among many victims of the crisis that engulfed the area at the time.

Umahi’s clarification came in response to a peaceful protest by family members and friends of the late engineers. They were abducted in November 2021 by armed men while supervising the Abakaliki Ring Road project in Ebonyi State, a project financed by the African Development Bank.