Federal Ministry of Works

Jun

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI SHOWCASES FEDERAL PROJECTS IN EBONYI, SAYS SOUTHEAST IS GRATEFUL TO TINUBU AS EBONYI SET TO DEMONSTRATE ITS APPRECIATION TO THE PRESIDENT ON MONDAY

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, on Saturday, June 13, 2026 led a Federal Government delegation headed by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on an inspection of ongoing federal road projects across Ebonyi State, using the occasion to highlight what he described as the unprecedented infrastructure transformation taking place under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during the inspection, Umahi showcased several strategic federal projects across the state and the Southeast, explaining that the region remains deeply grateful to President Tinubu for the tangible evidence of inclusion, fairness and development.

At the Calabar - Abuja project sites, the Minister explained the strategic importance of a major flyover under construction along the Trans-Sahara Super Highway corridor.

“Let me say that this is the point where the Trans-Sahara Route takes a bend. The essence of this flyover is to resolve the conflict at this point,” he said.

According to him, the Federal Government has already made provision in the 2026 budget to connect the corridor directly to the Ebonyi State capital.

“The road going to the capital city, which is 18km from this point, is included in the 2026 budget, and the Federal Government will undertake the connection to the city centre.”

Umahi stressed that despite funding challenges, work would continue uninterrupted across project sites.

“Of course, the contractor has not been paid, but we are creditworthy. All contractors being owed will be paid. There should be no stoppage of work because we want to see if we can commission this project by December. The cost is ₦25 billion.”

The Minister described the projects as only a glimpse of what President Tinubu is delivering in the Southeast.

“This is just the beginning. You will see remarkable projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South-East. When we talk about the gains of the South-East under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some people who do not understand what we are talking about will continue to criticize us.”

He declared that the people of the Southeast have taken notice of the President’s interventions and are prepared to openly express their appreciation.

“The people of the South-East are very appreciative of what the President is doing. By Monday, under the leadership of the Governor of Ebonyi State, we will demonstrate this appreciation when we adopt the President as our sole candidate and, of course, the Governor.”

Umahi was emphatic about the region’s political direction.

“Let it be known that Ebonyi State is not obedient because we want to catch up with the rest of the country, and we will never be obedient. What happened before was an accident of history. It will not repeat itself.”

The Minister also provided updates on the flagship Trans-Sahara Super Highway, revealing that a ₦668 billion contract has already been awarded and construction is progressing steadily despite the rainy season.

“The project is about 28% completed. We are not stopping because of the rains. Work continues, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s concrete road technology.”

Tracing the history of the corridor, Umahi said the project was originally conceived during the colonial era but remained unrealized for decades.

“We presented the concept to the President, a man divinely called to do the impossible. What was once a colonial dream is now being realized more than sixty years later.”

He described the highway as a critical economic route that will connect Nigeria to neighbouring countries while unlocking agricultural and industrial opportunities across the country.

“The President is fulfilling that vision, and I am very happy because this is a major trade corridor. It connects us to Cameroon and serves as a transport route for rice-producing areas in Cross River, Benue, and Ebonyi States.”

Highlighting the broader economic vision behind the President’s infrastructure agenda, Umahi said the four legacy projects of the Tinubu administration are far more than roads.

“As I have always said, the four legacy projects of Mr. President are not merely road construction projects; they are investments.”

Drawing comparisons with advanced economies, he explained that infrastructure investment remains one of the most effective tools for stimulating economic growth.

“Infrastructure investment is critical. In countries such as the United States, whenever there is an economic downturn, governments invest heavily in roads and bridges because such investments stimulate growth across other sectors of the economy. That is exactly what the President is doing.”

He further pointed to visible projects already completed or nearing completion across Ebonyi and neighbouring states, including major bridges, flyovers, dual carriageways and the Dangote Tax Credit Road Project.

“We are grateful to the President and pleased with the work being done by our Governor.”

Reaffirming the Southeast’s support for President Tinubu, Umahi said the region now sees clear evidence of inclusion in federal infrastructure investments.

“The South-East has been included. Inclusiveness, fairness and equity are what we have always sought, and today we can point to tangible evidence of that inclusion.”

The Minister also noted that having a Minister of Works from the Southeast has helped ensure the region’s needs receive the attention they deserve.

“Without a Minister of Works from the South-East, we might not have secured all that has been achieved.”

He added:

“We can proudly say that while we may not be the first beneficiaries of federal road investments, we are certainly no longer the last.”

Providing updates on President Tinubu’s four signature legacy projects, Umahi highlighted progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Corridor and other strategic national routes.

According to him, the administration’s infrastructure programme is designed to create jobs, support agriculture, expand regional trade, attract industries and unlock new economic opportunities nationwide.

“The four legacy projects are investments designed to transform the Nigerian economy.”

He explained that plans along the corridors include dams, irrigation systems, power infrastructure, agricultural settlements, housing developments, factories, hotels and renewable energy facilities.

“The benefits are extensive and include both direct and indirect employment opportunities for Nigerians.”

The Minister ended with a strong endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, God brought you. God will continue to guide and preserve you. We stand with you for the years ahead.”

Addressing contractors handling federal projects in the state, Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to quality and durability.

“The moment you do not execute the work properly, it will be obvious. If you do it well, it will reward you. The method is the same, the principle is the same, and the quality is the same. We are using Grade 40 concrete.”

He revealed that the 51-kilometre Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River road project, valued at ₦53 billion, is nearing completion, with one section already over 90 percent completed and another at about 60 percent completion.

The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Government has included the extension of the road to Akam in the 2026 budget, where the newly approved South-East Army Depot is located.

He added that additional contractors are already working along the Enugu axis and that a new flyover has also been planned at Okposi to improve traffic flow and enhance connectivity in the area.

Apr

2025

REVVING UP PROGRESS: HISTORIC FLAG-OFF OF LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY IN CROSS RIVER STATE The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator David Umahi Nweze, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on behalf of the Federal Government has officially launched Sections 3A & 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River State on Monday, April 14th, 2025. The event which was held in Calabar, marks the beginning of a monumental infrastructure project aimed at connecting eight coastal states across Nigeria. In his speech, the Honourable Minister highlighted the project's groundbreaking nature, describing the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as not just another road but a symbol of progress for Nigeria. Engr. Dr. Umahi reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to completing the highway on schedule, with the project set to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth in the affected regions. He also reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's dedication to fulfilling his promises on infrastructure development. Senator Umahi praised Hitech Construction Ltd. for their outstanding work and for their partnership in delivering this significant project that will benefit not only Calabar but the entire nation. Governor Prince Bassey Otu, representing President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, spoke passionately about the historical importance of the project. He expressed deep gratitude to the federal government for initiating such a transformative project in an area long deprived of modern infrastructure. Governor Otu emphasized that the completion of the road would improve connectivity and open up significant economic opportunities for Cross River State, fostering long-term growth and development. Bello M. Goronyo, Esq. Honourable Minister of State for Works, who was also in attendance, spoke about the fulfillment of promises made during President Tinubu’s campaign, noting the critical infrastructure needs of underserved regions. He expressed gratitude for the continued support from local communities and emphasized the collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments in achieving national progress. Mr. Danny Aboud of Hitech Construction Ltd., the project contractor, assured attendees of the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality road. He discussed the use of innovative concrete pavement technology that will ensure the durability and longevity of the highway. Aboud also emphasized the significance of engaging local Labour and businesses, contributing to regional socio-economic development and job creation. In his goodwill message, Engr. Pius Edet Ankpo, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Cross River State, expressed sincere gratitude to the Federal Government for initiating the project. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership and acknowledged the historic nature of constructing a road through forested terrain. Ankpo also advocated for the reinitiation of other key federal road projects in the state, such as the Ikom–Odukpani Junction and Calabar–Itu road, which have faced delays. He urged the Federal Government to prioritize these projects to ensure ongoing development in Cross River State. Mr. Asuquo Ukpanyang, the Youth Liaison Officer for the state, conveyed the excitement and anticipation of local communities regarding the project. He emphasized that it would not only create jobs but also drive economic participation, improving residents' standards of living. Ukpanyang stressed the importance of involving local populations to ensure the project’s success. Prominent figures such as Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, an Elder Statesman, and Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central, also delivered powerful goodwill messages. Both leaders expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and shared how the hopes of Cross Riverians are being renewed through this project. They pledged strong support for the initiative, recognizing its transformative potential for the region. Prof. Nyong commended the Federal Government’s commitment to lasting development in the South-South, while Senator Williams highlighted the project’s role in unlocking new trade and economic opportunities for Cross River State and neighboring regions. Additional goodwill messages were delivered by Former Senator Ita Giwa and Hon. Gift Johnbull, SSA to the President on Committee Engagement. Senator Giwa praised the federal government for spearheading the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, noting its potential to create new economic opportunities. Hon. Johnbull echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader importance of the project in line with President Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to nationwide infrastructure development. Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, also addressed the audience. He expressed full confidence in the project’s success and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is completed to the highest standards, benefiting not only Cross River State but the entire nation. His remarks reinforced the Ministry of Works’ dedication to providing the necessary oversight and support for the project’s successful execution. The launch of Sections 3A & 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway signals a transformative infrastructure project that will greatly enhance the lives of Nigerians, particularly in the South-South region. With the combined efforts of the Federal Government, state authorities, contractors, and local communities, the successful completion of this critical initiative is assured. The project is set to be a key driver of Nigeria’s long-term economic growth, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s infrastructure development. ...

Apr

2025

WORKS MINISTER, SEN UMAHI ASSESSES STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE UNDERWATER ELEMENTS OF BRIDGES THAT LINK LAGOS ISLAND TO MAINLAND -- Federal Controller of Works Lagos Absolved of Professional Negligence, Resumes Work as Investigation Reveals the Closure of Independence Bridge Lagos Was an Honest Mistake The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON has inspected the substructure and other underwater elements of Third Mainland bridge, Eko bridge, Carter bridge and Independence bridge to assess the structural integrity of some of the structures as well as appraise the progress of work on the bridge elements whose maintenance has been generously commenced by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. In his press briefing after the inspection visit to the four bridges on 5th April 2025, the Honourable Minister of Works, expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of underwater works done on the 3rd Mainland bridge and Carter bridge handled by Julius Berger Plc as well as Eko bridge and Independence bridge handled by Buildwell Nig Ltd. He commended the contractors for the milestone completion recorded by them but frowned at the continued tampering of the underwater piers and pile caps of the bridges by people despite warnings. He made particular reference to the most recent case of a ship that capsized at Eko bridge waterway, hit and destroyed the underwater pier and pile cap of the bridge, thereby causing a big threat to the structure of the bridge. He also made mention of unlawful dredging going on in the waterways of 3rd Mainland bridge where the dredger destroyed the pile cap of the bridge. "We have inspected the 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge handled by Julius Berger to know what is happening below the deck, and we are satisfied with the work they're doing. I can say that the work on the 3rd Mainland Bridge is about 50 percent completed, and that of Carter Bridge is about 70 percent completed. We didn't visit Iddo Bridge because it's a small work, and it's not as dangerous as what is happening under the deck of Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Part of Julius Berger's work is to reinstate the deflected slab in the 3rd Mainland bridge. We don't have deflection in Carter bridge and this is the reason why we closed the 3rd Mainland bridge against big trucks, and so they ( contractors) are insisting that they have a new design to tackle that because it's a very delicate work and they want our designers to go with them to Germany and look at the new design and then give approval, and so I've approved for that to happen." Underscoring the importance of the underwater elements to the substructure of a bridge, the Honourable Minister explained, "The pile caps are like the legs to human beings. What the pile cap and the pies are to the bridges are what the legs are to human beings. So imagine a vehicle hitting one of your legs." Narrating what happened during his inspection to the bridge, he said, "And so I immediately directed divers to be deployed, and I went to the smaller boat to monitor the level of damages below the water, occasioned by this dredger that hit the pile. And I was very shocked. A whole one pile was totally removed. And what is holding that particular section is only the rods. So, some of the rods are removed. So it's like a whole leg of somebody is cut off." He appealed to the Governor of Lagos State to consider the need to shut down the waterways between the Carter bridge and Eko bridge because of the risk occasioned by the impact of the capsized to underwater elements. "Let me appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to please enforce that the waterways between Carter Bridge and the Eko Bridge be closed because the dredger that hit the pile caps and the piles tumbled and they got sunk. So what is safe is for that section of the waterways to be closed down. And so I'm alerting all the authorities of the Navy, the Lagos State government, they have always been very proactive. This section of the waterway needs to be closed down immediately." He emphasized the danger of dredging sand along the bridge areas. He said, "The dredging of sand along seas and rivers is very dangerous because all the piles in Lagos State were executed through skin friction, which means that it is the sand that is holding the piles and holding the bridge. At the Third Mainland Bridge, we have installed a camera to observe what is going on top and also under the bridge. And so we're going to be looking at that for the bridges in Lagos even though it's quite a lot of cost. The Honourable Minister, who also visited the ongoing construction of Section I of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project by Hitech Construction Company Ltd, was full of joy for the quality and level of work the contractor has attained. Speaking at Chainage 13, where shore protection was being considered to be done, he said the President's bold decision to invest on infrastructure at this time of economic challenges, shows his practical political will to transform economic limitations to possibilities. The Honourable Minister highlighted the great investment and tourism opportunities that would be generated upon the completion of sections of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He said, "And, of course, we also have foreign investment in this, because 70% of this project is dollar-based, on loan as low as 2.5% single digit interest. And so, what is the problem if I can recover this money in 10 years? We're going to have a relief station along the corridor where we will have supermarkets, small clinic, towing vans, parking lots for cars and trucks and so on and so forth. We are going to have trees all through the route and, of course, solar lights and CCTV cameras. So, it's going to be a sight to behold. I want Nigerians to be very clear that the President is replicating what you see in the Western world, and people are saying don't do it." He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the vision underpinning the Renewed Hope agenda on road development, noting that where an individual's land is affected by the ongoing road infrastructure revolution, it is for the overriding public interest. He described as misleading and fictitious, the claim by one Mrs Ifeoma that she invested over $215m on her land on the right of way at Chainage 18 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and urged those darkening counsel without knowledge to visit the location and see that no single structure was built there except a gate which has been removed to give way for construction work. Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Works has absolved the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Olukorede Keisha of any negligence in her duty, noting that the findings of the Federal Ministry of Works revealed that the error in the procedure for the closing of Independence bridge, Lagos that caused the regrettable grid lock was an honest mistake, but with an intention to save lives. He has directed the Federal Controller of Works to resume work with immediate effect. ...

Apr

2025

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, SUCCESSFULLY REPAIRS AND REOPENS THE FAILED SECTION OF INDEPENDENCE BRIDGE LAGOS, INTRODUCES POLICY OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT/FEEDBACK MECHANISM BEFORE APPROVAL FOR CLOSURE OF FEDERAL ROADS NATIONWIDE In keeping with the abiding sense of responsibility and proactiveness of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has fixed the failed section of Independence bridge, Lagos, which was closed for repairs on 2nd April 2025, and which closure caused untold hardship to Lagosians due to gridlock, necessitating the visit of the Honourable Minister of Works on 3rd April 2025 less than 24 hours of the incident. In his speech to mark the opening of the bridge for traffic, the Honourable Minister said it was God's grace and enablement that informed the timeous success recorded in fixing the bridge. He noted that the reason for the closure of the bridge was not for pleasure but for a technical failure of the approach slab, which affected the strength and utility of the bridge. He, however, expressed displeasure that the right procedure for the closure was not followed, and that was the reason why the public was taken unawares. He said, "So, the reason for the closure was not for pleasure. It was because it became very dangerous for commuters to use the place. But we didn't do it in the right way. And now, we had a design for the project, and I've looked at the design that we intended to use by using God's wisdom and grace and experience, and we have agreed to redesign the project. It's going to be redesigned as one span in a bridge." He thanked Mr. President for his purposefulness in leadership that inspires passion, responsiveness, and proactiveness in handling matters that affect Nigerians. He also thanked the Governor of Lagos State, the engineers of the Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos, the contractor handling the bridge repair (Buildwell Nig Ltd), and Hitech Nigeria Ltd. for their cooperation and support and assistance that saw to the successful reopening of the bridge. He equally thanked Lagosians, the press and other well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders who showed concern over the plight of Nigerians affected by the closure of the bridge. He said, "So, we remain grateful to Mr. President. We also thank the Governor for his intervention and understanding and the information given to Lagosians that has drastically reduced bottlenecks all over the lsland. We are grateful. We are grateful for Hitech. Hitech gave us a lot of support, materials, and equipment. We are very thankful to Hitech. All through the night, they were bringing materials, they were bringing equipment. We also thank very highly our partner Buildwell, in this expert bridge. I absolve them of any blame in this circumstance. I'd rather thank them. They have been working in the past three days and nights, and we are grateful for their cooperation and for the partnership that has helped us to restore this bridge. And, of course, to Chief Elumelu and some other prominent Nigerians like Dangote, for their calls and encouragement. They even requested that they send their planes to carry us, and we said no" The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to roll out a new policy direction on measures to follow before a federal road is closed nationwide. He stated that going forward, a feedback mechanism through stakeholders' engagement would be a condition precedent that must take place before approval for closure of federal bridges/roads of essential utility such as those in Lagos State. He mentioned among others that the person seeking such closure must state "what is to be done on that place and then will state the technical problems and the technical solution. He will be able to put up all these exposures to the public. So, we request comments from the public and tell them how long it is going to last. And so, with this feedback, everybody is in the know, and then we'll be able to do that." ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jan

2022

Director Engineering, Olurinola Bows Out Of Service In Style

.... He is a Seasoned Engr - Perm Sec

Engineer Julius Sunday Olurinola, Director Engineering Services in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 meritoriously completed the mandatory 35 years in the Nigeria civil service and bowed out graciously. He joined the civil service as a Pupil Engineer in the Federal Ministry of Works in 1987.

Babangida Hussaini, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry described him as a seasoned engineer whom he has worked with for a period of about six years. Hussaini spoke during the send-forth reception organized for the retiring Director by the staff of the Department of Engineering Services of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary said “I have worked with him and I must say I enjoyed his professionalism and timeliness in the manner he addressed some engineering issues in the Ministry.”

Hussaini commended Olurinola for his contribution to the Renewable Energy (on –grid) in the Ministry saying, “With this achievement and many others, you are leaving the service with your integrity and respect intact.” he said.

As an Engineer in the employ of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Julius served as Director and Head of Department Engineering Services and Director (Electrical) in the same Engineering Services Department.

He held these positions all in the then Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Federal Ministry of Power Works and Housing, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Engineer Olurinola, as Director Engineering Services was responsible among others for; overseeing design, specification of standards, preparation of contract document for all engineering projects in building services and engineering infrastructure for roads, electricity and water in public buildings and housing estates.

Goodwill messages and encomium were poured on him by Staff of the Ministry both serving and retired all pointing to his kindness, professionalism, commitment and versatile knowledge in the Built industry, roads and housing.

A former Retired Director of Engineering Services of the Ministry, Engr Sunday Umanah described Engineer Julius as a versatile engineer and a great achiever.

According to him, as a versatile engineer he represented the Ministry in several engineering for a creditably.

“He has at a point, represented the Ministry in the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria Energy Support Programme on Renewable Energy (on –grid), Energy Efficiency,” he said.

Engineer Olurinola was also involved in many adhoc assignments in the Ministry's projects namely: the Kuje prototype housing estate; 6 No. New Federal Secretariat Buildings in each of the geopolitical zones of the country; Prototype housing estate in Suleja, Niger State; Prototype housing estate, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State and in the provision of Solar lighting system in slum upgrade project in Rivers and Kano States and many more.

In his response, Engineer Olurinola attributed his success to the support of the Honourable Minister, the Honourable Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. He said: “Their leadership, mentorship and guidance was the major boost that kept me on. I am very privileged to have served under their able leadership.”

To his colleagues and other staff of the Ministry, he said they were very supportive. “God has made them a special set of people for the support they have given me all through as a Director and Head of the Department.

SPEECHES

Mar

2021

The Highway Development Management Initiative Ministerial Notice Delivered By H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, San At The Conference Hall Of The Ministry Of Works And Housing On Tuesday, 22nd March 2021

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our Permanent Secretary has already welcomed you all to this event, the official ministerial notice of the commencement of the Highway Development Management Initiative (HDMI).

What remains for me to do is to get on with the business of issuing the notice for the HDMI to commence the procurement process; after a few preliminary remarks.

As you all know, one of the early initiatives of the Buhari administration was to improve the ease of doing business, and it is no secret that infrastructure was going to be an important driver of this initiative.

Since 2015, the administration has made no pretence about its commitment to improve the stock of infrastructure both in qualitative and quantitative terms in many sectors from roads and bridges, to rail, airports and seaports to mention a few.

Currently the government is executing over 700 different contracts which aggregates to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 13,000 km of roads and bridges across all the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

As a result of the size of the undertaking, there is an increasing and unsatisfied demand for funding to finance these projects to completion and to maintain them.

There is also the need to finance other complementary services like weigh bridges, rest houses, towing vehicles and road furniture which seem better suited for the commercial initiative of the private sector.

In the interim, government is constrained to borrow, offer tax credit, increase her revenue mobilization capacities in order to sustain this massive infrastructure renaissance.

This is the background to the HDMI which is another effort to mobilize private capacity, resources, and entrepreneurship into the Nigerian highway sector; and hopefully convert roads from just social assets into assets of commercial opportunities and enterprise.

The HDMI is made up of 2 categories namely the Value-added Concessions (VAC) and the Unbundled Assets Approvals (UAA).

The UAA provides opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that are available along the ROW while under the VAC the road pavement and entire right of way is concessioned for development and management by the concessionaire .

The VAC will be rolled out in phases, and this First Phase involves 12 roads namely:

1. BENIN – ASABA (125KM);

2. ABUJA – LOKOJA (193KM);

3. KANO – KATSINA (150KM);

4. ONITSHA – OWERRI – ABA (161KM);

5. SHAGAMU – BENIN (258KM);

6. ABUJA – KEFFI – AKWANGA (122KM);

7. KANO – MAIDUGURI (lot 1 Kano-Shuari 100KM ;

lot 2 Potiskum-Damaturu 96.24KM )

8. LOKOJA – BENIN (270KM);

9. ENUGU – PORT HARCOURT (200KM);

10. ILORIN – JEBBA (129KM);

11. LAGOS – OTA – ABEOKUTA (80KM);

12. LAGOS – BADAGRY (79KM)

These 12 roads were carefully chosen to ensure that each of the 6 (SIX) geo political zones are covered.

They aggregate in total to 1963.24 km which is 5.6% of the 35,000 km Federal road network.

The initial capital investments that we foresee is something in the order of NGN 1,134,690,048,000.76 and the employment potentials are an estimated 50,000+ direct jobs and 200,000+ indirect jobs.

The process started on the 17th June 2020 with legislative consultation to get parliamentary support and endorsement which I believe was successful and we are assured that if there is need for legislative support, the response will be reasonably swift.

It was followed by a Stakeholder consultation (webinar) which held on the 25th June, 2020 with Over 1,173 participants including critical stakeholders such as legislative representatives, representatives from the executive, prospective concessionaires, road users, media and industry experts; a market sounding session was also held on the 31st August, 2020 with 162 participants.

In the course of this journey, we have struck strategic partnerships with some high-profile brands who have offered their services in various aspects of the project development such as KPMG, UK NIAF, Lagos Business School etc.

We look forward to further exploring and strengthening these partnerships and the clear terms of the relationships will be notified to the public in due course as they are important to the success that we expect.

As published, not only has the right of way of the 12 roads been fully gazetted, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) , as a regulatory body for concessions of this nature, has issued the Certificate of Compliance for the Outline Business Case that is necessary to commence the process.

On the 3rd of March 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the highest executive decision-making organ of the Nigerian Federal Government was notified about the commencement of the procurement process.

In order to ensure competitiveness and to guarantee transparency, a procurement portal has been developed to serve as the interface with the public and manage the HDMI from Procurement to Implementation.

The portal will provide:

a. An interface that will provide the public all the information they need to know about the Initiative. It will give access to relevant documents, news updates, videos and so on;

b. E-procurement – The management of the PPP procurement process of the VAC and the process of approvals and permits under the UAA;

c. Vendor Market Place – This has specifically been included to promote local businesses and vendor partnerships with prospective concessionaires.

Therefore, let me say to all those who have been writing letters of inquiry, making offers of interest on the HDMI, offering to provide services like tolling, weigh bridge, rest houses and so on; we are sorry we cannot respond to those letters in order to maintain the integrity of this process and to keep the playing field level.

To all of you and to those who have not written or called, the day is now upon us, the venue is fixed and I have the pleasure to announce that the HDMI portal https://hdmi.worksandhousing.gov.ng/) will open on Monday the 29th March, 2021.

The portal will be open for all HDMI related functions as earlier stated and most importantly the RFQ application for the VAC which will be officially advertised on the same day.

Please visit the portal and I wish you all a very interactive and rewarding experience.

Let me repeat that all our transactions will be done through this portal and we will not entertain any personal inquiries to me or to any of our staff who have correspondingly been mandated not to entertain such requests.

Let me conclude by saying that we expect a vibrant process and a successful one that unleashes the commercial opportunities on Nigerian highways from paved roads, to clean and well-maintained highways, proper signage and route assurance signs, rest houses and commuter support for emergencies like vehicle towing and repairs.

We expect a splendid and safer commuting experience for all users of these roads as a result of the HDMI.

I thank all members of the Ministry and the ICRC and our partners especially KPMG and UKNIAF who worked tirelessly to bring us so far and urge them to prepare for more hard work in weeks and months ahead in order to bring this initiative to conclusion. More grease to their very hardworking elbows.

Thank you all.

Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN
Honourable Minister for Works and Housing