As part of efforts to end delays in the implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda on the road sector development, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze Umahi, CON has had a partnership discussion with the management of the Bureau of Public Procurement. (BPP) on the need for a new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies in public procurement processes for efficient and timely project delivery. In a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja on 10th December 2024, the Honourable Minister stated that for the works sector to achieve greater prospects in innovation, efficiency, and economy in the road infrastructure revolution agenda of the present administration and to best respond to the citizens’ yearning for road sector intervention, there must be a deliberate effort to remove all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the Bureau of Public Procurement. He noted the core mandates of the Bureau, which among others are to foster accountability, consistency in pricing, effectiveness in contract execution, and value for money, and urged them to see delay as one of the greatest inhibitors of the objectives of the establishment of the Bureau. "We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the Ministry to Fastrack delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration. When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes." He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians. On his part, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun commended the Honourable Minister for the purposeful initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Works under his watch and assured him of enhanced synergies with the Ministry so that the noble objectives of the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the works sector would be achieved. He said, “The interesting thing about you is that you don't fail in your duty, which I have observed. You start, you end with something that is unique about you, and you're passionate about what you want to do. We are glad when you extended the invitation for us to come here. We know you see BPP as a worthy partner towards ensuring that Mr. President's objectives in respect of road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and well-accounted.” He thanked the Honourable Minister for the initiative to hold the meeting to discuss areas of procurement challenges. He said, “We are here to hear your challenges, and for us to also hear our own challenges and reach an understanding of how to make sure we work together to achieve the same goal for logical completion. From my experience in this job over the years, works is an arm of government that Nigerians see every day. They talk about it every day. If there is the agency or Parastatal or Ministry that if things fail, then all Nigerians will shout against Mr. President, it is the Ministry of Works. So we place serious premium on closely working with you to ensure we deliver on the mandates in a way that value for money is achieved, in a way that sustainability of what we have on ground is improved upon and even the quality of the roads that we deliver. I think our partnership with you, Your Excellency, is that the quality of the roads that we see must return back to the days when we constructed a road that 25 years later is still intact.” The meeting was attended by directors of key departments of both the Ministry and the Bureau, including Engr. Bede U. Obioha, Director Highways Bridge and Design, Engr. Musa Saidu, Acting Director Highways Road Design and Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation Federal Ministry of Works, as well as Nasir M. Bellow, Isaiah G. Yesufu, Janet McDickson, Directors of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS MEETS WITH BUREAU OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (BPP) HARPS ON NEW PARADIGM OF SEAMLESS BUREAUCRACIES TO END DELAYS IN PROJECT EXECUTION
SENATE COMMENDS POLICY DIRECTION AND INNOVATIONS OF THE RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION IN WORKS SECTOR, BACKS ACTIONS TO HOLD CONTRACTORS ACCOUNTABLE. -AS JULIUS BERGER RISKS WARRANT OF ARREST FOR DISREGARDING LEGISLATURE’S INVITATION In an investigative hearing of the Senate Committee on Works on contractors’ slow pace of work on the Odukpani-Aba-Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene and other sections ending at Benin, including the Odukpani-Itu Highway, the Eket Bypass, Port Harcourt - Ahoada, Ahoada - Kaiama, and Port Harcourt - Onne Junction Sections of the East-West Road, carried out by the Senate Committee on Works held at the Senate building, National Assembly Complex on 5th December 2024, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Distinguished Senator, Barinada Mpigi has commended the bold steps of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in tackling the challenges that inhibit road infrastructure development in Nigeria. In the meeting which had in attendance, the members of the Committee, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, with his management team and concerned contractors including, CCECC, RCC, SAMATECH, GITTO and SETRACO, the Senate Committee Chairman stated that the Senate is prepared to fully back actions that hold contractors accountable and put an end to practices that delay the impact of this administration’s infrastructure delivery goals. He maintained that Nigerians deserve nothing short of the best in our road infrastructure deliverables and urged stakeholders to uphold their responsibilities in this regard. He commended the Federal Ministry of Works for the technical innovations they have brought to the construction industry and warned that it was no longer business as usual for contractors to collect tax payers’ money and would delay in completing the projects they contracted to do or do a substandard job. He said, “In addition to his technical innovations, Senator Umahi has demonstrated remarkable decisiveness in identifying and addressing non-performing contracts. His actions in revoking underperforming agreements and ensuring that public funds are redirected to more capable contractors reflect a deep commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration. This agenda prioritizes infrastructure as the backbone of economic revitalization, and we, in the Senate, will support every step taken to ensure its success.” He decried the hardship contractors’ behaviour has caused road users. “This deplorable condition has resulted in devastating consequences. Precious lives have been lost, not just on the highway but also among those forced to seek alternative routes through treacherous river crossings. The tragic accident near the Mini Itu bridgehead in Odukpani Local Government Area, which claimed five lives, is a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue.” He warned that the era of such behaviours of contractors had gone. “Contractors, including RCC, have received substantial funds, including the N15 billion that was injected into this project, yet delivery remains elusive. The other stretch of the East-West Road has contractors like RCC, Setraco, and Gitto who have been paid billions, yet the pace of work is far from acceptable. Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works thanked the Senate leadership, Senate Committee on Works and indeed the 10th NASS for placing a watch on the contractors to ensure value for money, speedy and quality delivery of all the road projects of this administration. He commended the President of Nigeria very highly for giving priority attention to the completion of the inherited ongoing projects and for the vision that informed the initiative to construct the four Legacy projects cutting across the 6 Geo-Political Zones. He noted the impediments to the execution of the ongoing projects but assured that Mr. President was tackling the situation. He said, “It's very rare for a President to come on board, and he decided to ignore new projects and decided to take on all the inherited projects and do them at the same time. It's very rare.” On funding, he said, “And we have a country where we want to make an omelet, but we don't want to strike an egg. The projects of roads can not and will never be executed to the satisfaction of the public by using budgetary allocations. There must be different kinds of funding. These different kinds of funding must have to come from either bond or loan to do the job. But the public is saying, no, the President is taking a loan. But, the President is taking a loan to invest in infrastructure development. And that's what every developed country follows. He spoke of the efforts made by the Ministry on the Odukpani-Aba-Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene road, “And so we modified it and then put more stronger sub base and then we increased the thickness of the asphalt pavement so that we can finish the existing pavement as quickly as possible. But the new carriageway, if we have money, will be done on the rigid pavement. This is the reason. And so we have to agree with them. They have to make a promise before the Senate that they will mobilize on three sections doing exactly the same work. Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Works has given Julius Berger Plc ultimatum to appear before it on 6th December 2024. In a motion moved and adopted during the investigative hearing, the Senate resolved that it would have no option than to issue a warrant of arrest on Julius Berger Plc should it fail to appear before it as scheduled. Moving the motion, a member of the Committee, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong said, "Messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Limited is not here. Now, my understanding is that Messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc bidded, was selected, and awarded this job. Funds from taxpayers across this country were disbursed to them. Our understanding is that they showed up on site for a brief period and have since abandoned the site. It is our collective resolve as a committee that under the new Minister's rule, Julius Berger should be produced to this committee in 24 hours by 2 p.m, the 6th of December, 2024, a failure of which will lead to our invoking our constitutional powers and issuing a warrant of arrest on messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc” ...
GORONYO COMMISSIONS ROAD PROJECT IN LAGOS The Honourable Minister of State for Works, HMSW, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq, has on Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024 commissioned a recently recovered critically failed road at Ijora Causeway situated within the Apopa- Ijora Local Government Area of Lagos State. The road, built on rigid pavement through direct labour, was completed up to about 80% under the supervision of the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). Speaking at the occasion, the HMSW noted that the road will impact positively on the economic well-being of the community, it will also help to mitigate youth unemployment, insecurity and threats to communal peace. While commending FERMA for its prompt response to the plight of the community, he charged them to react proactively to ensure the remaining portion of the road is fixed before the end of the year, as it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who according to him is running an infrastructure-friendly administration. He enjoined the leaders and people to take full ownership of the facility to prevent it from abuse. The representative of the Ojora of Ijora, who was unavoidably absent, Chief Samsudeen Ojora expressed the appreciation of His Royal Majesty and the indigenes of the community for the recovery and reconstruction of the road, which, as he emphasised, was hitherto impassable, terrible and an eyesore. He appealed to the Minister and FERMA to ensure the speedy completion of the remaining portion of the project. He further pledged the unalloyed support and continuous prayers of the Oba for the Federal Government. The MD/CEO of FERMA, Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi commended the Oba of Ijora and the people residing in the community for their good manners, support and cooperation, while the project was ongoing. Dr. Agbasi promised that FERMA will continue to do their best in adding value to road management in the country. ...
CALL ERRING CONTRACTORS TO ORDER... GORONYO CHARGES FERMA. The Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Works, HMSW, Mohammed Bello Goronyo Esq, has charged the Managing Director/ CEO of Federal Emergency and Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), to warn contractors who fail to deliver on their contract awards to desist. He said the era of abandoning projects is over. These contracts are awarded and paid through the tax payers money who desire value for their money. The list of defaulting Contractors must be made available to the Headquarters not later than next week. He also proposed the need for a strong Technical Committee that will criss-cross the country to monitor FERMA projects with a view to ascertaining the quality of their deliveries. The Honourable Minister made these remarks on Monday 2nd November, 2024, during his familiarisation tour of the South West section of FERMA, where the State Coordinators made presentations before the HMSW on the progress, challenges and expectations in the cause of the discharge of their duties. Goronyo commended the Federal Road Management Engineers, ( FRME), from the South-West States, assuring them that all issues raised will be looked into to make FERMA great and successful. He was quick to add that though the challenges are real, huge and enormous, they are not insurmountable. “The country must tighten up its belt and combat the challenges frontally. We have been drawing from a well without water for so long. We now have a President who is willing to face the challenges head on without complaining. We must be ready to support one another and do things differently. We must all support His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on his mandate.” He remarked. The HMSW pledged to pay unscheduled visits to contract sites to have a first hand knowledge of the commitment of contractors to projects, while also assuring that Staff Welfare is a paramount issue of concern which will not be toyed with. ...
GORONYO MEETS MANAGEMENT AND BOARD OF FERMA
— Advocates Openness and Stakeholders’ Engagement
The Honourable Minister of State (HMS), Federal Ministry of Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq has urged the Management of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to give regular updates to the National Assembly and other Stakeholders, in order to bridge communication gaps. The HMS gave this charge at a meeting with the management of FERMA and Members of its Board led by the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi, today, Wednesday, 6th November, 2024 in Abuja.
The meeting, which was the continuation of a prior one held in Kano on Monday, 4th November, 2024 is aimed at articulating a work plan with a clear roadmap for FERMA activities nationwide. It was also to address the fallout of the invitation by the National Assembly, where the need to upscale communication between the two was emphasised; the need to always bring Board Members up to speed with the activities of the Agency; grey areas observed in the non-implementation of the 2024 budget, as well as drawing a template for all on-going FERMA projects with a view to embarking on a visit to all the geo- political zones to access projects being undertaken by the Agency.
He appreciated the Management of FERMA and the Board for the visit, promising that more of such engagements will be held to bring the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
Welcome Remarks By The Director, Planing Research And Statistics At The 29th Edition Of National Council On Works Holding In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State From Monday 15th – Friday 19th July, 2024
PROTOCOL
I am delighted to welcome you on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Works to the 29th Meeting of National Council on Works with theme “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.
The National Council on Works is a meeting of all the relevant stakeholders in the Works Sector to proffers new ideas and solutions to the challenges of moving the sector and the country forward. The theme of this year’s Council “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda” is critical for our national development and well-being. Infrastructure is the backbone of any nation’s economy, providing the necessary support for economic activities and societal progress. Unlocking these potentials and opportunities is essential for sustainable development and the prosperity of our country.
As we gather here in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, we have the opportunity to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that can enhance our infrastructure. Our discussions and deliberations over the next few days will focus on identifying key areas of improvement, leveraging technology, and ensuring that our infrastructural development is inclusive and sustainable. This council meeting provides a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and developing actionable plans that will drive the Renewed Hope Agenda forward.
Proper infrastructure development is not just about building roads and bridges but also about ensuring that these structures are resilient and beneficial to all Nigerians. We must also ensure uniformity in infrastructural standards across the Federal, State and Local levels, fostering a cohesive approach to development. Our focus should be on creating infrastructure that can withstand future challenges, including climate change and urbanization pressures. It is crucial that we incorporate sustainable practices and innovative solutions to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of our infrastructure projects.
I urge all participants at this meeting to engage actively, share your valuable insights, and collaborate towards developing concrete solutions that will unlock the full potential of our infrastructural development. Let us work together to create a framework that supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Enjoy the moment and hospitality of Ebonyi State. I wish you a happy deliberation.
Thank you.
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE, H.E. MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING AND STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 127-KILOMETRE, 3-LANE, SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY (NIGER STATE COMPONENT) OF THE 1,068-KILOMETRE SOKOTO - BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY IN MINNA, WEDNESDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER, 2024
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PICTURES FROM DAY 2 OF THE 29TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS
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