David Umahi, the Minister of Works, has refuted claims regarding the disbursement of N9.3 billion to a microfinance bank by the Ministry, asserting that the funds were not awarded during his tenure in office, Okay.ng reports.
In response to reports by Tracka, BudgIT’s service delivery promotion platform, which revealed the alleged payment of N9.3 billion to FIMS Microfinance Bank Ltd for various projects, Minister Umahi clarified that the disbursement occurred before he assumed office.
According to Tracka, the Federal Ministry of Works disbursed the funds for 62 projects between June and December 2023, including road construction and rehabilitation projects across different states in Nigeria.
While addressing the issue, Umahi emphasized that the ministry acted within the confines of the law, as the payments were made to contractors for services rendered and not directly to the microfinance bank for contracts awarded.
Umahi stated, “When a contractor has done his or her work, the money becomes his money, he can say, pay it to this bank or another. So, they are being mischievous.”
He further criticized the reports as a distraction and alleged that they were orchestrated by contractors with ulterior motives.
The minister also outlined the ministry’s procedures for project monitoring, emphasizing the involvement of state governors and their appointed officials in project assessment before payment authorization.
“My advice for the governor is to come to the site and look at it before it gets to our office for payment,” Umahi remarked, highlighting the importance of on-site verification to ensure transparency and accountability in project execution.
