Umahi to Federal Controllers: Put Nigerians First, Own Your Projects
Works Minister urges continuous learning, site engagement and passion for quality delivery
By Pan Afric Reporters ABUJA, August 12, 2026
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has charged Federal Controllers of Works across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to put Nigerians at the centre of their responsibilities, take ownership of projects under their supervision and prioritise quality in the delivery of federal road infrastructure.
The charge was contained in a statement signed by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), on August 12, 2026, following the Ministry’s monthly meeting with Federal Controllers of Works at its headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
The meeting, which provides a regular platform for reviewing the progress of federal road projects, addressing implementation challenges and strengthening supervision and accountability, focused on the need for greater commitment and professionalism in project delivery nationwide.
Umahi urged the Controllers to develop a deeper understanding of construction and make continuous professional learning a priority, stressing that effective supervision goes beyond office-based assessments and requires regular engagement with project sites.
“Take interest in the construction. Read your books to improve. I learn a lot from the site, not from the office,” the Minister said.
He urged the Controllers to spend more time at project sites, understand the realities confronting contractors and communities, and remain close to Nigerians whose lives are directly affected by the projects under their supervision.
According to the Minister, genuine passion for public service is essential to achieving meaningful results, particularly when public officers place the welfare of citizens above personal considerations.
“When you have passion for the people, you put God first. God will make you do more things you don’t even know how to do,” Umahi said.
Umahi recalls Ebonyi experience
The Minister, while reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, attributed some of the achievements recorded during his administration to faith, commitment to the people and a strong sense of responsibility.
“When I was Governor, God gave me the revelation that I had the ability to do so many things. That was God’s direction,” he recalled.
Umahi told the Controllers that putting citizens first was synonymous with putting God first, adding that genuine commitment to public service could also provide personal fulfilment and lasting benefits.
“When you put the people first, you are putting God first. You will enjoy your job. You will be happy with the job. As you are putting God and the people first, you are creating everlasting blessing for your family,” he added.
Quality roads measured by impact on citizens
The Minister stressed that the ultimate measure of success in federal road construction was not merely the completion of projects but the tangible difference such infrastructure makes in the lives of Nigerians.
He therefore urged the Federal Controllers to remain diligent, technically competent and committed to their statutory responsibilities, while ensuring that projects within their jurisdictions are executed according to approved standards and specifications.
Umahi’s charge comes amid the Federal Government’s intensified drive to accelerate road construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction across the country under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He emphasised that effective supervision, continuous learning and regular presence on project sites would be critical to ensuring that public investments in road infrastructure translate into durable assets and improved transportation for Nigerians.
