The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has called for greater accountability in the management of public resources, insisting that every naira allocated by government must be used to improve the lives of Nigerians.
According to an official statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), Francis Nwaze, Senator Umahi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the official launch of the Joint Tracking Report organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works at the ICPC Headquarters in Abuja.
Addressing lawmakers, heads of anti-corruption agencies, senior government officials and other stakeholders, the Minister said prudent management of public funds remains fundamental to achieving sustainable national development.
“Every naira belonging to the people must work for the people,” Umahi declared, stressing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, is committed to ensuring that public resources are deployed strictly for the benefit of citizens.
He described corruption as one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s development, warning that it extends beyond the diversion of public funds to undermine justice, weaken institutions and erode public confidence in government.
“Corruption is not merely the misappropriation of public resources. It is an assault on development, justice, equity and the confidence of citizens in government,” he said.
According to the Minister, corruption diverts scarce resources from critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture and social welfare, thereby slowing development and worsening poverty.
Umahi urged members of the National Assembly to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework by closing legal loopholes, reinforcing anti-corruption institutions and enacting legislation that promotes transparency, accountability and fiscal responsibility.
“Members of Parliament must continually review existing laws, close legal loopholes that encourage corruption, strengthen anti-corruption institutions, and enact legislation that promotes transparency, accountability, public procurement reforms and fiscal responsibility,” he stated.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of effective legislative oversight, noting that oversight should serve as a constitutional mechanism for ensuring public funds are utilised lawfully, efficiently and for their intended purposes.
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, Umahi attributed the state’s infrastructure achievements to prudent financial management, value for money, strict project monitoring and direct supervision.
He maintained that the fight against corruption requires collective responsibility and cannot be left to government institutions alone.
“Government alone cannot win the war against corruption. Parliamentarians, the Executive, the Judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the media, professional bodies, religious institutions and ordinary citizens must work together in building a culture where integrity is rewarded and corruption is rejected,” he said.
Umahi further stressed that the anti-corruption campaign must be sustained through strong institutions capable of promoting transparency and accountability beyond the tenure of any administration.
“The fight against corruption is not a one-time campaign; it is a continuous national commitment. Every generation has the responsibility to leave behind stronger institutions than it inherited,” he added.
The event, themed “The Role of Parliamentarians in the Fight Against Corruption,” brought together members of the National Assembly, heads of anti-corruption agencies, senior government officials and development partners to explore strategies for strengthening accountability and promoting good governance in Nigeria.
