Monitoring Nigerian Public Initiatives

A Productive Interview, But Unanswered Questions

Last week’s interview on Arise TV with the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, ended in a somewhat productive manner. There were moments when it seemed like the conversation might escalate into something more dramatic. However, the interaction was not without its challenges.

Rufai Oseni, the interviewer, was certainly combative, but that is his job. His role is to ask tough questions, and he did so effectively. Guests, especially government officials, often appear on such programs to tell their own stories rather than answer direct questions. This dynamic was evident during the interview, which seemed to be a continuation of a previous confrontation.

Oseni arrived with a clear determination to challenge the minister. He maintained focus on the subject matter and avoided personal attacks, which made his approach both professional and necessary. It is exactly what a journalist should do—ask hard questions and push for answers.

Minister Umahi, who was seen wearing a “Renewed Hope” cap, appeared to have sought the interview to address what he perceived as misinformation from Oseni on a prior program. The exchange between the two was intense, but it was co-host Ayo Mairo-Ese who framed a crucial moment by asking Umahi whether there was a website or platform where Nigerians could track progress on road projects under the Ministry of Works.

This question had been raised earlier, in April 2025, when I challenged the minister to establish a tracker on the Ministry’s website. The tracker would allow Nigerians to monitor each contract, contractor, and expenditure. Unfortunately, Umahi did not heed this call, and it seems he still does not care about transparency.

When asked about tracking, Umahi responded in a way that avoided the actual question. He mentioned having a website and directing governors to deploy state commissioners to monitor the work. He also suggested listing major TV stations to be part of the operation, which was met with skepticism.

It is clear that Umahi did not provide a satisfactory answer. Instead, he came across as dismissive, even arrogant. His response implied that tracking his work was unnecessary or unimportant. This attitude is troubling, especially given the public’s right to know how their tax money is being spent.

The minister’s lack of clarity on funding for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project is another concern. The highway was recently extended from 700 km to 800 km, but no plans for the additional length were provided. This kind of inconsistency raises serious questions about accountability and planning.

The issue of transparency in infrastructure projects is not new. Under the APC administrations, beginning in 2015, Nigeria abandoned basic practices of public information about road projects. In 2017, the government was shocked to find that the Ministry of Works maintained a database of ongoing projects and immediately halted the practice.

As a result, the database has not been updated in eight years, and the Ministry’s website lacks any meaningful information about its activities. This lack of transparency is deeply concerning, especially given the claims of the current administration.

Umahi’s responses during the interview confirmed these fears. His statement about deploying state commissioners and involving TV stations was more of a copout than an explanation. It revealed a lack of commitment to transparency and accountability.

There are several examples of long-standing infrastructure projects that have been plagued by delays and cost overruns. For instance:

• The Dualization of Abuja-Abaji-Lokoja Road, Sect. III (Abaji-Koton Karfe) in Kogi State, which was contracted in 2000 and supposed to be completed in 2011, was only 53% complete in 2017, with the contract value increasing by 166%.
• The Kano-Maiduguri Road dualization (Section II: Shuwarin-Azare in Bauchi State), contracted in September 2006, was only 56.47% complete in 2017, with the contract value nearly doubling.
• The Construction of the Oju/Loko-Oweto Bridge to Benue and Nassarawa States, contracted in October 2011, was still uncompleted in 2017, with the contract value increasing significantly.

These examples highlight a systemic issue in the management of infrastructure projects. The government appears to be more interested in announcing contracts than in delivering results.

It is time for the Ministry of Works to take responsibility and provide clear, transparent information about its projects. A simple tracker on the Ministry’s website would go a long way in addressing public concerns. It is not a complex task, and it should not require the involvement of state commissioners or media houses.

The recent changes to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project illustrate the lack of accountability. The project has undergone multiple revisions without clear explanations or plans. This kind of inconsistency is unacceptable.

Nigerians deserve to know the status of infrastructure projects and the costs involved. They also deserve to know how their tax money is being spent. Until the Ministry of Works takes steps to improve transparency, these concerns will continue to persist.