Umahi Bags ‘Personality of the Year’ Award, Opens Ministry to Anti-Corruption Probe
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters,
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, David Umahi has been honoured with the 2025 Personality of the Year Award (Infrastructure Transformation Champion), using the occasion to reaffirm transparency in the ministry and disclose that anti-corruption agencies have been invited to scrutinise ongoing projects.
The award, presented by Aljazirah Nigeria Newspaper followed what they described as months of independent assessment, investigations, and verification of projects under the Federal Ministry of Works.
Receiving the honour alongside top officials of the Ministry, including the Permanent Secretary and Directors, Umahi according to a press release e-signed by his Senior Special Assistant (Media), Francis Nwaze expressed appreciation, noting that the process behind the recognition made it more meaningful.
“What makes this recognition particularly important to me is the process behind it. I understand that you undertook a thorough review of the Ministry’s operations… done independently, without my knowledge… that, to me, is very moving,” he said.
The Minister used the platform to make a strong case for accountability, insisting that all projects executed under his leadership can withstand public and institutional scrutiny.
“I want to assure you that what drives us in the Ministry is the fear of God… If questioned on any detail, including cost components of a project, we can clearly account for it. There is nothing we do that we cannot defend,” Umahi stated.
In a significant revelation, he disclosed that the Ministry had formally invited the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to independently assess its projects and procurement processes.
According to him, the ICPC has already commenced work, including on-site verification of projects and review of procurement systems within the Ministry.
Umahi also highlighted a major policy shift under his leadership, the transition from asphalt to concrete roads describing it as a difficult but necessary reform aimed at ensuring durability and long-term value.
“Most of the roads we are now constructing are concrete, designed to last up to a hundred years with minimal or no maintenance. This is a long-term investment in the country’s future,” he said.
Beyond construction, the Minister emphasised the broader socio-economic impact of infrastructure, describing roads as critical lifelines that enhance mobility, economic activity, and national integration.
He credited the progress recorded in the sector to the support of President Bola Tinubu, noting that infrastructure development remains central to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Aljazira Nigeria Newspaper, Mr. Bassey Williams, said the award followed a rigorous and transparent selection process.
“After months of rigorous evaluation and peer consultation, the award committee unanimously selected Engineer David Nwaeze Umahi as Personality of the Year 2025 in the category of Infrastructure Transformation Icon,” he said.
Williams added that the organisation had previously conducted extensive investigations into allegations against the Minister but found no evidence of corruption, describing Umahi as one of the most scrutinised public officials in the country.
He further noted that under the current administration, the Ministry of Works has recorded significant improvements in project execution, strategic planning, and nationwide impact, citing flagship projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other key corridors across the country.
The Minister also used the occasion to urge media practitioners to uphold professionalism and verify information before publication.
“Freedom of expression is important, but we are all accountable for what we say and do,” he cautioned.
