OYEBANJI DECLARES OPEN 30TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS   - MINISTER COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU AND EKITI GOVERNOR FOR INFRASTRUCTURE STRIDES  The 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) officially commenced in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji declaring the event open on Thursday, 4th November 2025. The Council, which drew participation from Honourable Commissioners of Works and Permanent Secretaries from the 36 States of the Federation, focused on advancing transparency, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure delivery across Nigeria. In his address, Governor Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress recorded by his administration in road construction and rehabilitation, describing it as a “road revolution” that has opened up communities, enhanced connectivity, and improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. He reaffirmed Ekiti State’s commitment to infrastructural excellence and inclusive development, noting that hosting the NCW was a recognition of the State’s growing reputation for innovation and good governance. “Since inception, our administration has made deliberate efforts to invest in infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and social development,” he stated. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his interventions on Federal roads in our State, which we have complemented through the repair of the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki dual carriageway,” he added. The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FANTE, represented by the Minister of State, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., commended both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for their shared commitment to infrastructure renewal. He described their collaboration as a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s success in fostering synergy between the Federal and State Governments for sustainable national development. The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Government and the good people of Ekiti State for graciously hosting the 30th Council. He commended the Governor for providing an enabling environment for collaboration and dialogue, describing Ekiti as a hub of responsible governance and infrastructural innovation. He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has empowered the Ministry to deliver transformative projects that enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and restore public confidence. He particularly applauded Governor Oyebanji for the successful completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport, describing it as a landmark project that has repositioned the State for economic growth and investment. Reflecting on the Council’s theme, “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” the Minister emphasised the need for a renewed mindset in public service and infrastructure delivery. He stressed that discipline builds trust, transparency ensures accountability, and innovation drives sustainability in modern engineering. He further revealed that the Ministry is adopting advanced technologies, including digital project monitoring, geotechnical mapping, drone-assisted planning, and the use of climate-resilient materials, to meet Nigeria’s evolving infrastructure needs. “Infrastructure is more than concrete and steel or asphalt, it is the backbone of our economy and a bridge to opportunities. “Through discipline, transparency, and innovation, we will deliver roads that reflect our people’s aspirations,” he promised. The Council, chaired by the Minister of State reviewed 67 memoranda, out of which 62 were adopted. These memoranda had undergone robust deliberations during the three-day Technical Sessions preceding the main event, which included Meetings of Directors and other Stakeholders, as well as those of the Permanent Secretaries. The meetings underscored enhanced policy coordination, institutional strengthening, innovation-driven engineering, and transparency in project delivery. Among key resolutions reached were: * Adoption of a National Monitoring, Evaluation and Control (MEC) Framework to ensure value-for-money and accountability. * Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to publish project details and progress updates on official websites for transparency. * Approval for the constitution of a National Road Infrastructure Coordination Committee (NRICC) to harmonize efforts across agencies and prevent duplication of contracts. * Recommendation for increased adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in road and bridge infrastructure. * Endorsement of the use of solar street lighting and climate-resilient construction materials in line with national sustainability goals. * Call for inter-ministerial collaboration between the Federal Ministries of Works, Transportation, and that of Innovation, Science, and Technology to drive digital innovation and smart transport systems and  * Support for FERMA’s Direct Labour Unit to strengthen rapid road maintenance response nationwide. In a Vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for hosting the high-level meetings. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works and the Minister of State for making the NCW a reality. He also commended the latter for his exceptional dedication in presiding over the final session and lauded the Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, their Permanent Secretaries, and all Stakeholders for the constructive engagements and teamwork exhibited throughout the week-long event. The 30th National Council on Works concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to promoting transparency, fostering innovation, and strengthening discipline in the delivery of sustainable infrastructure across Nigeria. “The NCW has come up with far-reaching resolutions that will reposition the road sector for greater efficiency and accountability,” he concluded. The Council announced that the 31st National Council on Works will be hosted by Sokoto State in 2026, subject to confirmation.  Mohammed A. Ahmed  Director, Press and Public Relations. 7th November 2025. ...

95% OF NIGERIANS DEPEND ON ROAD TRANSPORT — PERMANENT SECRETARY The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, has disclosed that approximately 95 percent of Nigerians rely on road transport for their movement and the transportation of goods and services across the country. Engr. Adebiyi made this known, while delivering his Address at the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works, which opened today, 3rd November 2025, at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He explained that despite the development of other modes of transportation such as rail, air, and water, road transport remains the dominant means of mobility in Nigeria — a situation that places enormous pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure. “The resultant effect is heavy traffic volume and rapid deterioration of our pavements caused by heavy-duty vehicles and cargo movements,” he stated. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the completion and effective utilisation of the national rail network would significantly reduce road congestion, improve safety, and enhance economic efficiency. “If rail transport becomes fully operational and reliable, many Nigerians would prefer to travel by train. It is cheaper, safer, faster, and less stressful,” he disclosed. Engr. Adebiyi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for hosting the milestone event and for the warm hospitality extended to delegates. He noted that holding the Council meeting in Ado Ekiti was symbolic, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the state’s infrastructure development strides. He also lauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., for their exceptional leadership and untiring commitment to improving the nation’s road network, ensuring transparency in project implementation and management, and upholding professional standards in engineering practice. The theme of the 30th National Council on Works, “Discipline, Transparency, and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to entrench integrity, accountability, and creativity in infrastructure management and delivery. According to Engr. Adebiyi, the theme reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring value for money in public projects through ethical practices, openness in procurement, and the adoption of modern technologies to achieve durable and sustainable infrastructure. He further called on all delegates and other stakeholders to engage in constructive deliberations during the Technical Sessions to develop practical strategies that will enhance service delivery, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote economic diversification through efficient road networks. The meeting brought together Commissioners for Works from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, representatives of professional bodies, contractors, and other key stakeholders in the works and infrastructure sectors. In her remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs. Emily I. Sounde, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government and good people of Ekiti State for hosting this important national event in such a calm, secure, and beautiful environment. She described Ekiti State as “a wonderful land, where nature’s beauty meets tranquility,” noting that the hospitality extended to delegates made the state a truly fitting venue for this year’s Council meeting. Mrs. Sounde emphasised that the National Council on Works remains a veritable platform for formulating policies and strategies that guide the growth and performance of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policy formulation, robust data systems, continuous research, and stakeholder engagement — all in line with national priorities and global best practices. She encouraged delegates to use the opportunity of the forum to evaluate current policies, identify implementation gaps, and propose actionable strategies to improve service delivery and sustainability in the works sector. The Director further commended the Honourable Ministers of Works, the Permanent Secretary, and all delegates for their leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the nation’s infrastructure development. Speaking earlier, the Director of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State Ministry of Works, Engr. B. J. Oke, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ethical governance, transparent procurement processes, and sustainable infrastructure delivery. He stated that “As we commence this important engagement, let us approach our deliberations with discipline in thought, transparency in purpose, and innovation in action — for these remain the enduring foundations of progress in Nigeria’s engineering and works sector,” he stressed. The 30th National Council on Works will continue in Ekiti State tomorrow through Friday, with active participation from Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Engineers, Contractors, and other key stakeholders from across the Federation. Mohammed A. Ahmed Director, Press and Public Relations. 3rd November 2025. ...

TINUBU BUILDING ROADS THAT CAN LAST 50 TO 100 YEARS — Says UMAHI The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable road infrastructure capable of lasting between 50 and 100 years. He made this statement during a follow-up inspection of ongoing works on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) on October 28, 2025. Speaking to newsmen, Engr. Umahi explained that the Ministry is adopting modern construction methods and using materials that ensure road longevity and sustainability under varying climatic and traffic conditions. “You cannot achieve a better California Bearing Ratio (CBR) by simply bringing laterite on the road. The existing subgrade, which has consolidated over years of traffic, has a stronger bearing capacity than a new one. That is why we are changing the approach — we are insisting on milling, stabilising, and strengthening, rather than removing old asphalt layers and replacing them with new materials,” the Minister stated. He praised the contractor, Messrs Infiouest International Limited for the quality of work done so far, noting that the project’s design is among the most advanced in the country. He further explained the engineering method being applied to ensure lasting results. “Wherever we have potholes within the carriageway, we don’t just patch. We treat the entire section using a stone base and, where necessary, stabilise it with cement. On the shoulders, we excavate about 10 centimeters below the existing asphalt, refill with a stone base slightly above the level, and compact properly. This ensures stability and prevents water from undermining the structure,” he revealed. Engr. Umahi emphasised that proper milling and concrete reinforcement at critical points are key to extending the life span of Nigerian roads. “Our design now prioritises rigid pavement (concrete roads) for major highways, while flexible pavements (asphaltic roads) are being phased out gradually. Where asphalt is used, we are introducing concrete shoulders to enhance strength and prevent failure. The goal is to ensure that no section of the road fails prematurely,” he further explained. The Minister also cautioned Engineers and Contractors against tampering with existing asphalt layers that are structurally stable. “Asphalt has a designed lifespan of about 25 years. When it is milled and recycled properly, it can serve even longer. We must adopt international best practices and stop unnecessary replacement of strong materials,” he advised. Engr. Umahi concluded by reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that all ongoing projects meet the highest quality standards and deliver value to Nigerians. “We are building roads that will stand the test of time — roads that will last 50 to 100 years, save public funds, and promote economic growth, he affirmed. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammed Goronyo, Esq., has also reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, remains fully committed to improving the road infrastructure across the nation. He commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his dedication and hands-on approach in the field, particularly in mentoring and inspiring young Engineers to contribute, meaningfully, to national development. The Director of Highways, Special Projects (North), Engr. Olufemi  Adetunji, also commended the pace and quality of work being executed by the Contractor, noting that the Minister’s consistent inspection visits are helping to ensure timely and high-standard project delivery. In his remarks, the Chairman of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Joseph Aboue Jaoude, stated that the company has deployed about 300 units of equipment to the project to ensure efficient operations and the delivery of quality work within schedule. Similarly, the Special Assistants to the President (S.A.-P) on Community Engagement, North Central and North West Zones, Dr. Abiodun and Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai appreciated the efforts of the current administration in transforming the nation’s road network, describing the progress as a true reflection of the President’s commitment to development and quality service delivery to the Nigerians.   ...