HEDA Calls for Investigation into N60.1bn Ministry of Works Contracts Linked to Umahi Associate

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the award and payment of N60.1 billion in contracts by the Federal Ministry of Works to Reinforced Global Resources Limited, following findings published by BusinessDay Investigations.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, HEDA described the findings as concerning, particularly the reported political and business links between the company’s Managing Director, Joshua Okoro, and the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to BusinessDay, Reinforced Global Resources received N60.08 billion in 27 payments from the Ministry of Works between 2024 and 2026, with the ministry accounting for the company’s entire recorded federal payment history. The investigation also found that the company began receiving federal contracts in April 2024, about eight months after Umahi assumed office as Minister of Works.

The report further stated that Okoro publicly campaigned for Umahi during the 2023 elections and that Reinforced Global Resources had previously received contracts under Umahi’s administration as Governor of Ebonyi State.

The civil society group also raised concerns over reported procurement irregularities, including advance payments on the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Road project and questions around the disclosure of relationships in public procurement. BusinessDay reported that about 42 percent of the project value was paid through advance payments released in quick succession.

Suraju said the reported transactions warranted scrutiny and should not be reduced to a political controversy. “Where billions of naira in public funds are involved, Nigerians are entitled to know whether the procurement process was transparent, competitive and compliant with the law.

He called on the relevant anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies to investigate the contracts and determine whether any laws or financial regulations were breached.

“We therefore call on the appropriate anti-corruption and law-enforcement agencies to urgently investigate the award, execution and payments associated with these contracts and establish whether any laws or financial regulations were breached.”

Suraju also stressed that any investigation should be guided by due process and that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation or status.

“HEDA emphasises that an allegation is not a conviction. However, if an investigation establishes wrongdoing, anyone found culpable should face the appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of political party, office, influence or connections.”

Suraju urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and other relevant institutions to examine the procurement and payment records relating to the contracts.

The anti-corruption group also called for scrutiny of the relevant procurement documents, contract-award processes, payment records, project completion certificates, beneficial ownership information and conflict-of-interest disclosures.

HEDA said a transparent and independent investigation would help protect public resources and strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s public procurement system.