The Federal Ministry of Works has mandated an interactive meeting for its staff to address pressing ethical and administrative concerns that threaten the ministry’s integrity. Approved by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, this crucial meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m., and will be held at the ministry’s conference hall in Mabushi, Abuja. An internal circular, dated May 30 and signed by Sarki Bello, Deputy Director of Human Resource Management, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, titled the gathering “Ethical Conduct in the Ministry” with reference number FMW/HRM/APPT/001/Vol. 1/25.

The circular explicitly states that the meeting’s purpose is to “urgently address the rising concerns regarding administrative lapses, infractions in financial and procurement procedures, disregard for extant Public Service Rules, and other professional and ethical violations affecting the image and integrity of the Ministry.” All Heads of Departments, Directors, and Unit Heads have been instructed to ensure the mandatory attendance of every officer under their supervision, with robust participation encouraged to foster discussions aimed at improving compliance and professional conduct.

This internal initiative comes amidst an ongoing review by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions concerning several developments involving the ministry. The Committee had previously summoned the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works over allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and the victimization of a whistleblower within the ministry. Chaired by Michael Irom, the committee is investigating Petition No. 626 of 2025, filed by Liberty Semper Fidelis LP, representing Martins Atijegbe, a staff member in the ministry’s Department of Resource Management.

Mr. Atijegbe has alleged a fraudulent employment racket involving forged appointment letters and the unlawful inclusion of unqualified individuals on the federal payroll through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). He claims that his whistleblowing efforts led to threats, retaliatory disciplinary action, and professional stagnation. Despite a directive from the committee on May 23 for the Permanent Secretary to submit the ministry’s response and appear in person on June 18, 2025, the Permanent Secretary failed to show, marking his third absence before the committee. The hearing has now been adjourned to July 22.

Organizations like the African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL) have consistently warned that the absence of a legal framework leaves whistleblowers vulnerable to retaliation, thereby undermining the government’s anti-corruption efforts. As of the time of reporting, the Federal Ministry of Works had not responded to the House committee’s latest invitation.