By Danjuma Amodu | March 19, 2026
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has received the 2025 Personality of the Year Award (Infrastructure Transformation Champion) from Aljazirah Nigeria Newspaper.
The Works Minister, who accepted the award with his team, said he was “deeply touched” by the recognition, highlighting the thorough and independent scrutiny process behind it. He assured that every project under his watch can withstand scrutiny, stating, “We are driven by the fear of God” and “everything is done transparently.”
Umahi revealed that the Ministry has invited anti-corruption agencies to investigate its projects, saying, “ICPC has concluded their own, and we have given them space to check our procurement process.” He further emphasized the Ministry’s shift to concrete roads, designed to last up to 100 years with minimal maintenance, describing it as a “long-term investment in the country’s future.”
Speaking further, he also urged the media to verify facts before amplifying information, saying, “Freedom of expression is important, but we are all accountable for what we say and do.”
Aljazirah Nigeria Newspaper CEO Bassey Williams described Umahi as a standout figure in public service, noting that the Ministry has witnessed a surge in execution capacity and strategic planning under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. Williams added that investigations into allegations of corruption against Umahi yielded no evidence of wrongdoing.
The award recognizes the Ministry’s efforts in transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, with notable projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and critical corridors across the North and South. Williams praised Umahi’s leadership, saying the scale and consistency of delivery have repositioned infrastructure as a central pillar of national development.
Umahi’s acceptance speech highlighted the human impact of infrastructure development, describing roads as “lifelines” that connect people and communities. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to delivering results that improve Nigerians’ lives, saying, “We are not seeking attention or accolades; our focus is on delivering results.”
The event underscores the importance of recognizing and rewarding public service excellence in driving national development.
