Federal Ministry of Works

Feb

2026

LATEST PRESS

FG COMMISSIONS REHABILITATED SECTIONS OF GWADA-SHIRORO ROAD, RESTORES CONNECTIVITY AND SAFETY IN NIGER STATE AND BEYOND

The Federal Ministry of Works has officially commissioned the completed critically failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road Section 1 in Niger State, alongside Emergency Repairs of Embankment Washouts and the Construction of a 2-Cell Box Culvert on the same alignment. The projects are part of the 260 Emergency/Special Intervention Projects carried out, nationwide, by the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in order to salvage the nation’s road network. It signals a significant milestone in restoring connectivity, safety, and economic activities in the affected areas.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, which forms an integral component of a National Media Tour, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in Niger State, Engineer Eyitayo Aluko, welcomed members of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), community leaders, residents, members of the press, and other stakeholders. He informed the gathering that he represents the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE in the State, describing the intervention as “two projects in one.”
Engineer Aluko explained that the ceremony site was previously a critical failure point on the road, where a one-cell pipe culvert had collapsed due to its flawed design and overburdenedness. The collapse of the culvert severely disrupted the movement of people, goods, and services, moving in and out of Gwada town into a major challenge for commuters and residents.

“Before our intervention, movement through Gwada was a nightmare. The pipe cover here was inadequate and eventually collapsed. We had to intervene urgently,” said the Controller. According to him, the Ministry improved the infrastructure by replacing the collapsed one-cell pipe culvert with a two-cell box culvert measuring 2.0m x 2.0m, significantly enhancing water flow capacity and structural stability, and durability. He noted that the project has since been completed and traffic has fully resumed.
In addition to the construction of the culvert, the FCW disclosed that several failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road were rehabilitated to improve travel time, road safety and reduce wear and tear of vehicles. The scope of work included embankment washout remediation, construction of the box culvert, laying of stone base, granular course, and asphalt surfacing.
The projects were awarded to Messrs Wise Spin Limited and Messrs High Dee Construction Limited, and have been substantially completed and put to use.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Representative of COREN, Engineer Dr. Bala Saliu, who is also the Chairman of the Engineering Regulation Committee of COREN, Niger State Chapter, commended the intervention, describing it as professional, timely, and impactful.

“This intervention speaks for itself. The project has been put to use, and you can see the community's happiness. Despite how remote this area is, its economic and social importance cannot be overemphasised,” he further noted.

He added that similar critical areas exist across Niger State and expressed confidence that the Federal Government would continue to intervene to ease the challenges faced by commuters and residents.

The Secretary General, NSE, Minna Branch, Engineer Abubakar Kawu also praised the delivery of the two projects. He described the Gwada–Shiroro Road as a strategic route that required urgent attention.
“This timely intervention has significantly reduced road accidents and increased socioeconomic activities. This road leads to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, a major contributor to power generation in Nigeria,” he recalled. He further stated that the road rehabilitation would positively impact the power and energy sectors, while affirming that the project meets required engineering standards and professional regulations.

The Mai Anguwa (Ward Head) of the immediate benefiting community, Alhaji Alhassan Zarumi, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government for extending the nationwide road intervention initiative to his people. He described the road as a former “death trap” and emphasised its importance as a link to the Shiroro Power Station and other surrounding towns and villages.

“If this place were not repaired, I wonder if we would be passing here today. Now, we can move freely and safely. We thank the Federal Government, the Engineers, and the contractors for a job well done,” he said.

In his remarks before performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Chapter, Comrade Uriah Tsado Gana, thanked President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for ensuring the successful completion of the project.

The Team visited ongoing works on the Bida–Lemu–Wushishi–Zungeru Road, Phase 1, which commences from Yesso Junction in Bida Town to Yazhigi. Giving an update on the progress of work, the FCW revealed that the road shoulders are being constructed with 200mm thick concrete, and that approximately 16 kilometers of asphaltic binder course have been completed out of the 29.5-kilometer project length - representing about 40 percent completion. He added that the contractor is actively on site and is expected to complete the binder course within the next two months, after which the asphaltic wearing course will be applied.

The Project Manager of Gerawa Global Engineering Limited, Engineer Adam S. Adam, corroborated the update and highlighted initial challenges faced during project execution, including security concerns and attempted kidnappings. He disclosed that with the support of the Ministry, community leaders, and security stakeholders, these issues have been fully resolved and work is ongoing. “We are now working day and night. The problems have been resolved completely, and the quality of work speaks for itself,” he stated.

Also present was the NSE official, Engineer Aliyu, who attested to the project’s compliance with engineering standards and professional ethics, giving kudos to the company handling the work.

The Ministry continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing national road infrastructure with the execution of major highway projects across Niger State, aimed at improving connectivity between the Northern and Southern parts of the country, guaranteeing safety, and enabling socio-economic development. Another strategic project underway in the State is the Jebba–Mokwa–Bokani Junction Road (Section II), which forms part of the Trans-Sahara Road Network, linking Lagos in the South West geopolitical zone to Northern Nigeria through Kwara State.

The route is a vital artery that carries heavy volumes of articulated traffic on a daily basis. And the project is redesigned as a Dual Carriageway with a pavement structure consisting of 7.3-metre-wide asphaltic concrete carriageways on each side, complemented by 3.0m and 2.75m wide surface-dressed shoulders. The pavement layers include a 200mm thick sub-base, 275mm stone base, and two asphaltic concrete layers of 75mm binder course and 50mm wearing course.

The road section commences at the northern end of the River Niger Bridge in Jebba and terminates at the Bokani Junction, with a total length of 46.0 kilometres. It involves the construction of an additional carriageway that intersects the existing one at various alignments, traversing farmlands, settlements, and diverse terrains, including hills, valleys, streams, and ridges. Interchanges will also be constructed at major intersections to facilitate free-traffic flow. The project is being executed by Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited.

In addition, the Federal Government is presently rehabilitating the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road (Section I), also a major transportation link connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria and a vital route for the movement of industrial and agricultural goods. The road has suffered severe deterioration over the years, characterized by deep potholes, failed carriageway sections, frequent accidents, and prolonged travel time.

Section I of the project stretches 94.987 kilometres from Minna to Tegina, comprising a 10.90km dualised urban section within Minna town and an 84.087-kilometre single carriageway through inter-urban and non-urban areas. The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of the single-carriageway sections and overlay of the existing dual carriageway, which remains in fair condition. The road traverses about eighteen communities, including Maikonlele, Kuyi, Gusase, Zungeru, Akusu, Garum Gabas, and Gatako, terminating at Tegina.

The existing infrastructure includes several pipe and box culverts, as well as seven bridges, many of which are slated for repair and maintenance due to siltation and structural degradation. The project is being handled by Messrs Develevo (Nigeria) Limited in partnership with Messrs HMF Construction Limited.

Similarly, Section II of the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road, covering the Tegina–Kontagora axis, is also receiving intervention. This section is a single carriageway extending from Tegina to Kontagora, with its zero chainage at a Y-Junction off the Mokwa–Makera–Kaduna State border road and terminating at the Kontagora roundabout. The road passes through several semi-rural communities, including Gimi, Babban Gona, Mariga, Bobi, Beri, Tungan Ahmadu, Tadali, and Machanga.

The existing carriageway, though originally constructed to standard specifications, has suffered erosion of shoulders and deterioration of pavement in several sections. The project includes the replacement of substandard culverts, desilting of existing drainage structures, and maintenance works on six bridges along the corridor to ensure structural integrity and improved hydraulic performance. The contractor handling this section is Glamor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

Upon completion, these projects are expected to significantly reduce road accidents, shorten travel time, improve the movement of goods, both industrial and agricultural, and strengthen economic activities across Niger State and its neighbours. The Administration remains committed to delivering quality road infrastructure that enablers of national growth and improves the quality of life of Nigerians. Road users, members of the benefiting communities along the corridors visited, and different stakeholders were full of praises to Mr. President’s infrastructure renaissance.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations.
1 February, 2026.

Jan

2026

Minister ofWorks Meets World Bank Delegation on Strengthening Nigeria’s Infrastructure. The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on Friday, January 23, 2026, received a high-level delegation from the World Bank in his office for a strategic meeting focused on improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly the road sector. In his welcome remarks, the Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to the World Bank delegation for their interest in Nigerian infrastructure projects. He noted that infrastructure development remains the most critical requirement for Nigeria to attain its desired position in global economic competitiveness, emphasizing that efficient road networks are fundamental to national growth, trade, and social development. Sen. Umahi briefed the delegation on the Federal Government’s Development Management Initiative, as well as the “Build, Update and Maintain” strategy, under which the government is responsible for constructing roads while the private sector is engaged to maintain them. According to him, this model is designed to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and value for money in road infrastructure delivery. The Honorable Minister highlighted the challenges facing the road sector, noting that the cost of road construction and availability of funds became more difficult. He explained that experience has shown that roads constructed with asphalt often fail to last beyond ten years, which informed the Ministry’s decision to adopt reinforced concrete pavement as a more durable and long-lasting alternative. He identified key priority road projects currently being handled by the Ministry, including: The East–West Road, comprising over eight sections, The Enugu–Onitsha Road Project, The Kano–Jigawa–Maiduguri Road Corridor, and The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The Honourable Minister disclosed that when he assumed office, the Ministry inherited about 260 weak road links, 50 dilapidated bridges, and numerous failed road sections nationwide. To address these urgent challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved ₦20 billion for the completion of some priority road projects, many of which are currently being commissioned across the country, as observed by journalists. Sen. Umahi explained that, given current realities, long-term planning is less feasible, and the focus must be on short-term interventions aimed at completing major ongoing road projects. He stressed that funding remains a major constraint and reiterated that new projects cannot be initiated while existing ones remain incomplete. Consequently, the Honourable Minister formally requested the World Bank to consider financing road infrastructure projects through the Federal Ministry of Works via the Presidency. He explained that such funds would be committed to a number of strategic ongoing road projects for completion, with tolling mechanisms introduced to ensure sustainability and repayment. He emphasized that additional funding is urgently required to complete critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria. The World Bank delegation, led by Mr. Matthew Verghis, stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss practical ways of improving Nigerian roads, which he described as the country’s most important infrastructure asset. Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, a member of the delegation, explained that the World Bank’s overarching objective is to create jobs and reduce poverty. He stressed that infrastructure is central to poverty reduction, as it generates employment directly and indirectly across various sectors of the economy. He highlighted priority areas of interest, including the establishment of State Roads Funds, State Road Maintenance Agencies, improved flood control through effective drainage systems, and increased Private Sctor financing. Mr. Verghis further noted that the World Bank can only fund contracts that comply with World Bank procurement standards, stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and due process in project execution. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening collaboration towards the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure in Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, Esq., delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the World Bank delegation for the visit and reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Bank to achieve shared development goals. Clement Ezeora DD, Press and Public Relation. ...

Jan

2026

SOKOTO-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY: CCTV, STREET LIGHTING TO GUARANTEE SAFETY OF ROAD USERS, COMMUNITIES The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, durable, and economically transformative road infrastructure with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, a landmark project designed to enhance national integration, trade, and security. As part of measures to guarantee the safety of road users and communities along its corridors, the project incorporates modern infrastructure features, such as a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system and street lighting. Providing background on the project on Wednesday, 21 January, 2026, the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr. Kasimu Maigwandu, explained that the Super Highway originates from Illela in Sokoto State, at the Nigeria–Niger Republic border, traversing Kebbi State in the North-West Zone, Niger and Kwara States in the North-Central, and terminates at Badagry in Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria. According to him, the project, which ranks among the most economically influential infrastructure investments in the country, aims at facilitating the efficient movement of people, goods, and services within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries such as Niger and the Benin Republic, while ensuring safer, faster, and joyful transportation. Engr. Maigwandu noted that the road cuts across numerous markets, cities, rural communities, and agricultural hubs - an intervention expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, stimulate commerce, create employment opportunities, and strengthen national security and integration. He disclosed that construction activities are progressing steadily at several locations, including Katami, Silame, Gande, Bunkari, Gada, Madi, and Illela, adding that modern construction techniques such as Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology and integrated solar street lighting are being deployed to ensure durability and enhanced safety for road users. Speaking on the progress of work, the Project Manager, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited, Mr. Joharn Fohan Foucice, confirmed that construction is progressing smoothly without major challenges, assuring Nigerians of the contractor’s commitment to quality workmanship and timely delivery. During a Media Tour of the project site, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, reassured host communities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s resolve to provide adequate security to enable uninterrupted and speedy completion of the project. “As you can see, there is a strong security presence around this project,” he emphasised. Hon. Yakasai expressed that the efforts and presence of security personnel have been critical to the smooth execution of the works, noting that contractors would not have been able to operate effectively without adequate security support. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for ensuring that, despite the security challenges in the region, work has continued uninterrupted since its commencement,” he added. He further explained that the concrete-paved Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway will strengthen unity and connectivity between the North-West and other regions of the country, thereby accelerating socioeconomic growth. “This road will link Ilelah, Sokoto directly to Badagry in Lagos. There are dams along the corridor that will support all-year-round farming, boost agricultural activities, and improve economic prosperity, especially in the North-West Zone with vast arable land,” he stated. The SSA-P appreciated President Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. for their extraordinary leadership and zeal in the provision of roads and bridges, noting that construction is ongoing seamlessly and simultaneously across six points on the alignment. Also present during the inspection were the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Sokoto Branch, Engr. Abubakar Yahaya, and a Civil Society representative, Dr. Abdul Umar, who commended the contractor and the Ministry for strict adherence to quality standards. They highlighted the importance of the project’s engineering design, noting that the 20-centimetre concrete pavement thickness strictly conforms to specifications in the Bill of Quantities, ensuring durability, longevity, and value for money. In a related development, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, Comrade Muhammed Nasir Bello, on behalf of the Chairman, commissioned Emergency Repair works on the Sokoto–Tambuwal–Jega Road (Route A1), as well as Reinstatement of Washouts and Failed Sections at KM 33+050, KM 33+500, and KM 67+200 along the Sokoto–Jega–Kebbi State Border Road. The Federal Government has urged communities along the project’s corridor to continue cooperating with the Contractor to ensure the smooth execution and timely completion of this historic national investment. ...

Jan

2026

EMERGENCY ROAD INTERVENTION COMMISSIONED AS SSA-P LEADS STAKEHOLDERS ON NATIONAL MEDIA TOUR TO INSPECT KOGI PROJECTS As part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to deliver quality infrastructure across the nation, ensure the effective execution of Federal road projects, and improve safety on critical highways, the Federal Ministry of Works, on 12 January 2026, undertook an inspection of key road projects in Kogi State. The visit covered the ongoing reconstruction works on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, Section III (Abaji–Koton Karfe), and included the formal commissioning of the Itobe–Ayingba Road Emergency Intervention Project. The event, part of the Ministry’s National Media Tour across all geopolitical zones, brought together key stakeholders, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, members of the Press, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and other stakeholders. It featured the inspection of ongoing Federal road projects and the commissioning of an emergency intervention project in the State, the first stop in the North Central zone. During the inspection, Dr. Essiet highlighted the strategic importance of the Abuja–Lokoja Highway as a key link between Northern and Southern Nigeria. She assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved sustained funding for critical road projects nationwide and urged contractors to accelerate work, while upholding high-quality standards. She commended host communities and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), for their cooperation with traffic management and diversion measures. She also disclosed that security arrangements are being strengthened to enable nighttime construction, where required, to accelerate project delivery. Engr. Zira Adamu, Engineering Representative (ER) on the project, provided technical insights, explaining that the construction involves a composite pavement system comprising rigid (concrete) and flexible (asphaltic) pavements. He stated, “Eight kilometres of rigid (concrete) pavement have been completed, while 13.8 kilometres of asphalt binder course have been achieved. Overall project completion currently stands at 10.21 per cent, with approximately 66.67 per cent of the project timeline elapsed. The contract sum for the project is ₦89,888,414,585.20.” He added that the project was initially awarded on 24 March, 2022 with a completion period of three years, noting that progress has been largely affected by traffic management and security challenges along the corridor. The project is being executed by two contractors, with Messrs Geld Limited/Triacta (Nigeria) Limited handling one carriageway (Lokoja- Bound) and Trucrete Solutions Limited managing the Abuja-bound section. The Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, Engr. Patiko Musa, assured the public that construction work is ongoing, adding that additional equipment and work gangs are being deployed to accelerate progress. Similarly, the Itobe–Ayingba Road Special Intervention Project, a 1.6-kilometre emergency repair completed at ₦972 million, was commissioned on behalf of the President by the SSA-P. The project is part of the 260 emergency interventions carried out nationwide to address critically failed sections of inherited projects by the present administration. With 2,064 road and bridge projects inherited, emergency repairs on the most hazardous sections remain a top priority. The Itobe–Ayingba Road is a vital federal highway linking the Eastern, Central, and Western parts of Kogi State and connecting with the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road. It serves key industrial corridors, including the largest iron and steel plant and one of the largest cement factories in Africa, playing a critical role in commerce, transportation, and socio-economic development. The scope of work executed included site clearance and scarification, provision of lateritic sub-base and crushed stone base, asphaltic binder and wearing courses, cut-and-patch of potholes, desilting of drainage systems, and installation of road markings. The project received commendations from representatives of the Kogi State Government, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lokoja Branch, and the host communities, who expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges. Community leaders confirmed that the intervention has significantly reduced road accidents and improved safety and economic activities. At the Dualisation of Lokoja - Benin Road, Section I, Phases 1 & 2 (Lokoja - Okene), after receiving briefings by the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Kogi State, Engr. Musa Patiko and the Project Manager, Messrs CCG (Nig.) Limited, the SSA-P expressed dismay at the slow pace of work, urging the Contractor to put in more effort, while assuring that funding constraints would be met. The host community complained about the menace of dust buildup occasioned by the construction work and the company was admonished to be health-conscious and environmentally friendly in their operations. As a proactive measure to surmount the security issues affecting the pace of work on some projects, the SSA-P met with the Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, who promised to provide 24-hour security cover to any construction company, on demand. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Kogi State, Engr. Abdulsalam Sagir, while thanking the present administration for the various projects in the state, asked for more. The Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lokoja Branch, Engr. Adanu Emmanuel and a representative of Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Conscience of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Lokoja, Mr. Idris Miliki Abdul urged the contractors to abide by the specifications and timelines of their respective contracts. Other projects inspected by the Team include the Rehabilitation of Abuja - Lokoja Expressway, Sections 4a and 4b, and the Special Repair of Lokoja - Ganaja Road. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2024

FORMER MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, DR CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU WAS A GREAT TRAILBLAZER AND SHINING LIGHT TO HIS PEOPLE. HE MARKED THRESHOLDS IN INTELLECTS, INTEGRITY, INDUSTRY, AND PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

-SEN. UMAHI

BEING A TRIBUTE PRESENTED IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY, LATE DR. CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU, CON, BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. SEN. NWEZE DAVID UMAHI, CON, DURING A TRIBUTE NIGHT HELD AT YAR’ADUA CENTRE, DATED 4TH NOVEMBER 2024.

I received the sad news of the passing of my dear brother, His Excellency, Dr. Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu, CON with profound shock and a deep sense of loss. His call to eternal glory on the 11th day of April 2024 at the age of 72 years was received with grief and deep sorrow.

Dr. Christopher Onu was a great trailblazer and a leadership light in Uburu Community and Ebonyi State, where I hail from. He was not just a mentor to me, he was a kinsman whose positive marks inspired great leadership motivations to his people. He was charming in character and charismatic in leadership. While alive, he marked a threshold in intellects, integrity, industry, and passion for excellence in all his endeavours; he was a great illustrious son of Uburu Community who made an immeasurable impact in nation-building and service to humanity.

Though he departed at the prime of his leadership and service to humanity, we shall forever cherish the values he bequeathed and the gains of the service he rendered as pioneer elected Governor of Abia State, former National Chairman of the All People’s Party (APP), first Presidential flagbearer of APP, former Honourable Minister of Science and technology and a host of other services he rendered to his community and the nation. Our consolation and fortitude are in the assurances that he lived the true purpose of life, which is service to God and humanity.

My deepest condolences go to his dear wife, children, the entire family of HRH, late Eze David Abba Onu, Eze Adu l of Uburu, and the government and people of Ebonyi State. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

As he makes his journey to immortality, I pray for God's eternal mercies upon him and divine fortitude and comfort to all of us who are impacted by this irreparable loss.

Thanks, and God bless you.

SPEECHES

Apr

2025

WELCOME REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, ENGR. OLUFUNSO O. ADEBIYI FNSE, DURING THE MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS DECISIONS REACHED IN 29^TH NCW FOR THE PREPARATION OF 30TH EDITION OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

PROTOCOLS

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this Mid-Term Review Meeting in preparation for the 30th National Council on Works (NCW). I extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Works for approving this important gathering, which is a vital step towards ensuring the successful implementation of resolutions from our previous deliberations.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the Nasarawa State Government for the support and hospitality towards the hosting of the meeting in the State Capital. My gratitude equally extends to our distinguished stakeholders who have taken the time to be part of this crucial discourse.

RATIONALE FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING

This Mid-Term Review Meeting serves as a statutory activity critical to tracking the progress made in implementing key resolutions from the 29th National Council on Works, which was held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, from 15th to 18th July 2024. As we approach the 30th NCW, it is imperative that we take stock of our achievements, challenges, and the way forward.

The main objective of the maiden Mid-Term Review/ Preparatory meeting is to provide a veritable and suitable platform for critical Stakeholders in the road infrastructure Sector to have a robust national consideration on the dynamics and emerging issues concerning the sector, while the specific objectives for convening the meeting include to:

Assess the progress of newly deployed initiatives in the construction and maintenance of Nigerian road, especially the “Concrete pavement alternative”;
Examine access to alternative funding sources for argumentation of government scarce resources, especially leveraging on the Public Private Partnership models in construction and e-tolling of economic routes for maintenance of road infrastructure;
Evaluating the progress made so far in the implementation of key decisions reached during the 29^th edition of the NCW held at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State in July, 2024
Identity and benchmark constraints and challenges as well as do a SWOT analysis and make recommendations on the way forward; and
Make holistic recommendations and come up with a roadmap to guide Stakeholders in the preparation of a detailed Status of Implementation Report” for presentation at the 30^th Edition of NCW.

The discussions at this plenary session will set the tone for the deliberations of our six dedicated Desk Review Groups, which have been carefully structured to cover key technical and policy aspects of infrastructure development.

The Desk Review Group on Policy Formation and Implementation Decisions is expected to analyze policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms guiding infrastructure projects, evaluating their effectiveness and proposing necessary adjustments to enhance policy coherence and sustainability.

The Desk Review Group on Institutional Strengthening Decisions will examine strategies for enhancing the capacity and efficiency of institutions responsible for infrastructure development, focusing on governance structures, inter-agency collaboration, and workforce competency.

The Desk Review Group on Alternative Technologies Decisions is tasked with exploring innovative construction methodologies and materials that offer cost-effective, durable, and sustainable solutions in road and infrastructure development.

The Desk Review Group on Technical and Operational Decisions will assess engineering standards, project execution models, and maintenance strategies, ensuring that technical best practices are integrated into the sector’s operational framework.

The Desk Review Group on Alternative Funding Mechanisms Decisions will evaluate existing and emerging financing models, identifying viable options for sustainable funding of infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships, concessional funding, and other financial instruments.

Finally, the Desk Review Group on Rule of Law and Good Governance will review compliance with legal and ethical standards in the sector, ensuring adherence to procurement laws, transparency, and accountability in project implementation.

As we embark on this review process, I urge all technical experts, policy advisers, and stakeholders present to engage in robust discussions, leveraging data-driven insights and global best practices to enrich our deliberations. The recommendations from this session will serve as the foundation for policy refinement, institutional reforms, and strategic decision-making at the forthcoming 30th NCW.

In this regard, we have invited three distinguished Resource Persons from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Central Delivery and coordinating Unit (CDCU), the Budget and National Economic Planning and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to share their expertise and insights. Their contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and provide strategic direction for achieving our collective goals.

I extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his unwavering leadership and commitment to infrastructure transformation in Nigeria. Let us remain focused on our collective mission to build a resilient, innovative, and well-governed infrastructure ecosystem that will drive national development. I look forward to insightful contributions and practical resolutions that will enhance the effectiveness of the Works Sector.

CONCLUSION

As we engage in fruitful deliberations over the next few days, I encourage all participants to be proactive, open-minded, and solution-driven. The impact of our discussions here will go a long way in shaping the deliberations of the 30th NCW and, ultimately, the trajectory of infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Thank you, and I wish us all productive deliberations.