Federal Ministry of Works

Aug

2026

LATEST PRESS

PRESIDENT TINUBU’S REFORMS ARE YIELDING RESULTS, SAYS UMAHI, AS FG FLAGS OFF 122KM KADUNA (MANDO)–BIRNIN GWARI ROAD

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has affirmed that the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are yielding results across the country, with strategic road infrastructure driving economic growth, improving security, reducing hunger and reconnecting communities.

The Minister made the statement on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the 122KM Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road at the Afaka Mando Arena in Kaduna State. He described the project as another fulfilled promise by President Tinubu and a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity, stimulating commerce and expanding economic opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We are using this road infrastructure to fix the economic problems we met on ground, we are using road infrastructure to fight the insecurity we met on the ground, we are using road building to fight hunger we met on the ground, we are using this road infrastructure to fight the injustices we met on ground where some state had no federal project like Plateau, Gombe, Ebonyi and even Kaduna.”

Umahi emphasized that the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road is one of President Tinubu’s promises fulfilled, noting that the project will significantly reduce travel time between Northern Nigeria and Lagos while opening up new economic routes. “By doing this road the president is shortening the distance between the north and Lagos. This is the shortest route to Lagos State. Because by the time it gets to Birnin Gwari, it leads to Niger then it connects Kwara, Osun, Oyo, and Lagos. What more can we say this is a very important road.”

The Minister also recalled the security challenges that once characterized the Abuja–Kaduna road, affirming that the reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna Road has changed the narrative. “I was told that before now it was a bad idea traveling from Abuja to Kaduna because of countless attacks but it is now a thing of the past since the Abuja-Kaduna road project started.”

Responding to claims that the Federal Government is abandoning existing roads in favour of new ones, Umahi dismissed the criticism, citing several major rehabilitation projects currently underway across the country.“People say that we are doing new roads and abandoning old roads, is this 122km a new road?… Is the Sokoto to Zamfara down to Funtua down to Zaria, is it a new road, is the Enugu to Onitsha costing the President 350 Billion, is it a new road? The road from Makurdi to 9th Mile, is it new? The Bodo Bonny road, is it new? And the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road.”

He further noted that road infrastructure remains the foundation for national development, explaining that investment in roads stimulates every sector of the economy. “When a road is built it is a catalyst. It is a GDP that grows other GDPs. When a road is built insecurity is minimized, there is an agricultural revolution. When a road is built there is an increase in commerce and education and that is what this Divine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is doing.”

Umahi also congratulated Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for securing presidential approval for a 50-kilometre internal light rail project valued at $868 million. “Governor let me congratulate you a very big one internal light rail in Kaduna State has been approved by the President, it is a 50km light rail worth $868 million. This is a big one, you’re a goal getter.”

Calling for responsible democratic engagement, the Minister urged critics of the administration to offer constructive criticism that will help government improve service delivery. “Democracy is by choice, the people criticizing us should be constructive, it should not be insulting, deceitful, or saying mundane things. I can testify that when you criticize us constructively we have always gone to attend to such.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented at the ceremony by the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, who reaffirmed the President’s commitment to the people of Birnin Gwari.

Governor Sani recalled that before becoming President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Birnin Gwari despite the severe security challenges in the area and promised to reconstruct the Kaduna–Birnin Gwari Road and restore lasting peace to the community. He noted that the flag-off of the project is a clear demonstration that the President keeps his promises.

Commending President Tinubu, Governor Sani explained that no previous administration has shown the level of commitment to Northern Nigeria demonstrated by the current President.“No President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has done what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done for us here in Northern Nigeria and I challenge everyone to come up with anything contrary to what I am saying. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done a lot for us. We thank him for the love for the North, for the love for humanity, for the love for progress.”

Also speaking, the Emir of Birnin Gwari, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Zubairu Jibril Maigwari II, commended President Tinubu and the governors of the affected states for the significant gains recorded in the fight against insecurity, noting that farmers have returned to their farms after years of fear and displacement.

Jul

2026

UMAHI, EKITI GOVERNOR DISCUSSES STRATEGIC ROAD SECTOR DEVELOPMENT The Honourable Minister of Works, David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has restated the Federal Government's commitment to equitable infrastructure development across Nigeria, adding that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is ensuring that no state is left behind in the delivery of road and bridge projects. He also attributed the overwhelming support for the ruling party to the visible achievements of President Tinubu's administration, particularly in the area of infrastructure development. He noted that the President has demonstrated fairness in the distribution of road projects across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, stressing that communities that had previously gotten little or no Federal Government road intervention are now benefiting. The Minister recalled that during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, there were no significant federal road projects in the state, adding that similar situations existed in Ekiti and several other states. He commended President Tinubu for changing the narrative through his inclusive approach to nationalist development. Engr. Umahi assured the Governor that all subsisting contracts in Ekiti State would be executed strictly in accordance with engineering principles and measurements, emphasising that contractors were selected transparently, in line with the Public Procurement Act. He further asserted that the Ekiti State Government would be kept fully informed to enable effective monitoring of project implementation. He further reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to delivering durable and high-quality road infrastructure that will enhance economic activities, improve connectivity, and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. Speaking earlier, the Governor of Ekiti State expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister for the numerous road infrastructure interventions in the State. He recalled that following his appeal to the President, through the Honourable Minister, approval was granted for the reconstruction of the Ado–Iyin–Aramoko road, a project that had remained uncompleted for several years despite repeated promises by successive administrations. He noted that contractors were mobilised to the site within weeks of the approval, demonstrating the President's commitment to prompt project execution. Governor Oyebanji also stated that the swift commencement of the project generated widespread appreciation among the people of Ekiti State and strengthened public confidence in the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development. He also thanked President Tinubu for approving the construction of the Ado–Ijan–Ikole Road, describing it as another strategic route that will significantly improve transportation and economic activities within the State and beyond. The Governor disclosed that, since the creation of Ekiti State nearly three decades ago, no administration has demonstrated such a remarkable level of commitment to the state's infrastructure development as the current one. According to him, the people of Ekiti now have a renewed sense of belonging as a result of the Federal Government's numerous interventions in roads and other critical sectors. Oyebanji described his visit to the Ministry as one of appreciation, conveying the gratitude of the people of Ekiti State to the President and the Honourable Minister for their dedication to improving the nation's road landscape. The meeting further underscored the strong collaboration between the Federal Government and Ekiti State Government in advancing infrastructure development for the benefit of citizens and national economic growth. ...

Jul

2026

MINISTER UMAHI: LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY DESIGNED TO MITIGATE, NOT CAUSE FLOODING The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has dismissed claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos. He insisted that the project is designed to improve drainage and facilitate the evacuation of floodwaters from shoreline communities. Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the completed and ongoing sections of the Coastal Highway with Members of the National Assembly, Senior Special Assistants to the President (SSAs-P), Officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the media, he explained that the Ministry had earlier held discussions with Officials of the Lagos State Government on the need for dredging and other environmental mitigation measures to address flooding in the affected areas. The Minister attributed the persistent flooding largely to *indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blockage of drainage channels and manholes, and gross violations of environmental regulations* by some residents. He stressed that the highway itself is not the cause of flooding but rather part of its long-term solution. _"You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding are caused by human activities, not the road project,"_ the Minister emphasised. Engr. Umahi assured stakeholders that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, is implementing *environmental remediation measures*, including dredging, drainage improvement, and strict enforcement of the approved “Right of Way.” He warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or violating the approved setbacks would be removed. According to the Minister, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates *modern engineering features*, including adequate culverts, drainage systems, and embankments designed to manage stormwaters effectively. He further explained that the project complements other flood-control interventions such as those around the *Aqua Atlantic development and Oshodi*. Engr. Umahi informed that the visit is coming at the instance of the directive of *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*, whose administration remains committed to protecting lives, properties, and critical infrastructure, while promoting sustainable development. The Minister announced that a *Stakeholders' Engagement* involving the Senate and House Committees on Works, the Federal Ministry of Environment, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, Lagos State Government, representatives of concerned Associations of Landlords and other relevant Government Agencies, is scheduled for today, Tuesday, 7 July, 2026. The engagement aims to address environmental concerns, step up awareness campaigns on environmentally friendly practices and the dangers of the unfriendly ones, as well as deepen collaborative efforts in flood management. He commended *Members of the National Assembly, the Governor of Lagos State, the Minister of Environment, SSAs-P (Community Engagement), Staff of the Ministry, and Hitech Construction Company, and other stakeholders* for their cooperation and assured residents that blocked drainage channels and refuse dumps along the project corridor would be cleared. The *SSAP on Community Engagement, South West, Moremi Ojudu,* called for collective responsibility in addressing environmental and human factors, emphasising the President's commitment to environmental sustainability. The *Director of Environmental Impact Assessment,* Federal Ministry of Environment, highlighted the growing impact of climate change and the unique environmental challenges facing Lagos. On the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Project, she confirmed that approval was given before its commencement. Commenting, the Minority Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi stated *the history of flooding in Lagos is as old as the city itself, and we have seen, as a Parliament, that the reason for the flooding is not the Coastal Highway.”*He advised that the opinions of environmental experts be adhered to in finding remedial and preventative solutions to a global problem. In their separate remarks, the *Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh*, and the *Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi* commended the Minister's swift response to Mr. President's directive. They observed that flooding existed before the commencement of the Coastal Highway, ascribing it to the effects of global warming, requiring proactive solutions. To further safeguard the completed sections of the Highway, the Minister directed the *Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare* to ensure full compliance with environmental safety standards. He also announced the recruitment of *40 personnel — 20 for day duty and 20 for night* — to monitor the highway, prevent stealing and vandalisation of road furniture, and discourage illegal dumping of refuse. Engr. Umahi concluded by guaranteeing residents along the alignment that all environmental concerns raised during the inspection would continue to receive prompt attention through sustained stakeholder engagement and effective mitigation measures. ...

Jul

2026

TINUBU FLAGS OFF STRATEGIC NORTH-EAST ROAD PROJECTS TO ENHANCE SECURITY, TRADE, AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama – Banki and the Dikwa – Gamboru Ngala Roads, describing them as strategic investments to restore critical infrastructure, enhance security, and drive economic growth in the North-East. Represented at the ceremony by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the President said the projects reflect his administration's campaign promise to rebuild vital infrastructure that will improve connectivity, strengthen regional integration, and promote sustainable development. The two contracts are awarded to Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd. under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, while the subcontractor is Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited. President Tinubu noted that the strategic road corridors would improve access to neighbouring Cameroon and the Republic of Chad, creating new opportunities for trans-Saharan trade and expanding cross-border commerce. He stressed that the projects would not only facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services but also improve security and support the socio-economic recovery of communities affected by insurgency. He called on all stakeholders to work closely with the people of the North East to ensure the successful execution of the projects, while assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure that stimulates economic growth and national development. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the commencement of the projects as another pointer to the Federal Government's infrastructure renewal drive. He explained that the roads are part of the administration's four legacy infrastructure projects, spread across the six geopolitical zones, and are designed to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic integration with neighbouring countries. Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., highlighted the enormous economic, security, healthcare, and tourism benefits of the projects. According to him, the roads are more than transportation infrastructure; they are strategic investments that will promote regional integration, improve livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life of the people. He commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria through sustained infrastructure development. In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, applauded the strong collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works. They described the projects as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to inclusive infrastructure development and pledged the continued legislative support of the National Assembly towards their successful completion. President/CEO of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, described the Federal Government's Tax Credit Scheme as a transformative initiative for financing critical infrastructure. He disclosed that the Dangote Group is currently executing 12 road projects valued at about ₦3 trillion under the scheme and reaffirmed the company's readiness to undertake additional projects in support of national development. He noted that quality roads and bridges stimulate economic activities, attract investment, and promote national prosperity. Dangote also commended the leadership of the Minister, describing him as "a conqueror" for his dedication and outstanding commitment to infrastructure delivery. The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, described the projects as strategically important to the economic recovery and security of the North East. He said the roads would strengthen commercial and social ties with Cameroon and the Chad Republics, while improving peace, security, and economic activities across the region. Governor Zulum expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for Borno State and the entire Zone. Speaking on behalf of the Borno State Council of Traditional Rulers, comprising the Emirates of Borno, Biu, Dikwa, and Gwoza, the Chairman of the Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa, welcomed the initiative. He expressed confidence that the projects would deliver lasting socio-economic benefits to the affected communities and assured the Federal Government of the traditional institution's full support throughout the implementation process. The flag-off of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Roads’ rehabilitation projects underscores the Administration's commitment to renewing critical infrastructure, strengthening national security, expanding regional trade, and accelerating economic transformation. Upon completion, the roads are expected to improve mobility, facilitate cross-border commerce, attract investment, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity across the North East and Nigeria as a whole. ...

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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.