News
Umahi Says No Secrets in Works Ministry, Defends Concrete Road Shift
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Works to transparency and accountability, declaring that all its projects are open to public and institutional scrutiny amid growing criticisms and protests.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja at the ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, the minister disclosed that key anti-corruption agencies have been formally invited to independently assess the ministry’s operations.
Umahi revealed that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has already concluded part of its investigation, while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is expected to begin its review after an ongoing summit.
“We are not hiding anything because we feel for the people. Any file they want, any information, is available. That is how it should be,” Umahi stated.
He maintained that all ministry projects strictly follow due process, involving the appropriate officials and contractors, with full accountability for every expenditure.
According to him, the ministry is prepared to defend all its actions.
“There is nothing we do in the Ministry of Works that we cannot defend,” he added.
Addressing concerns over the ministry’s transition from asphalt to concrete road construction, Umahi said the policy—though initially met with resistance—was introduced to enhance durability and long-term value.
“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,” he explained.
The minister also underscored the critical role of infrastructure in national development, noting that poor road conditions severely restrict mobility and economic activity.
“When a road is cut into two, it amounts to people being in prison because they cannot move from one point to another,” he said.
Umahi further urged journalists to uphold professionalism by prioritising accuracy and verification in their reportage, cautioning against the spread of unverified information.
“Do not escalate what you are not sure of. What you show is what you will defend,” he warned.
Despite ongoing criticisms, the minister assured Nigerians that the ministry remains focused on delivering impactful infrastructure projects aimed at improving livelihoods and boosting economic growth across the country.
News
PWA demands forensic audit of pipeline surveillance contract , says current contract monopolistic, violation of PIA
Cyril Ogar
A leading advocacy group in Nigeria under the aegis of People’s Wellbeing Association (PWA) has said that the current pipeline surveillance contract is a gross violation of the Petroleum Industrial Act (PIA), calling for a forensic audit of the contract from inception.
It should be recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) awarded the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, led by Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), in August/September 2022.
The contract, valued at approximately ₦48 billion annually, aimed to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta.
The PWA’s Head of Communication Unit, Comrade Abba Abubakar said this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday.
Abubakar who called for equitable distribution of the contract to host communities, said the present structure of the pipeline surveillance contract remained skewed, benefitting a few other than the major stakeholders.
“The current pipeline surveillance contract is a violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) with regards to the effective participation of host communities in protecting oil facilities located in their domain.
“The present arrangement where the pipeline security was entrusted in the hands of a few companies violates section 257 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which states that host communities must be directly involved in protecting oil facilities located in their ancestral lands,” he said.
Abubakar who reiterated calls for forensic audit of the contract, said Pipeline protection should involve indigenous stakeholders from the ethnic nations and communities where these facilities are located.
According to him, the present structure reflects an unhealthy concentration of opportunity and influence, leaving many oil-producing ethnic nations with little or no meaningful participation.
He said that the monopolistic arrangement of the pipeline security framework has instead created rancour, resentment thereby undermining unity in the Niger Delta region.
Abubakar vehemently condemned the contract of exclusion, saying that any system that excludes many of the host communities from pipeline protection undermines fairness and regional stability.
The PWA Communication Unit Head regretted that the federal government made a huge financial commitment in the area of pipeline surveillance over the years, yet the nation’s crude output is minimal compared to what it used to be.
Abubakar however called for a forensic audit of the ₦4 billion monthly pipeline surveillance contract, due to brazen instances of economic exclusion and calls for better regional distribution.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
