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.

Mar

2025

**FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS’ POLICY YIELDING RESULTS ** — Mobilise to Site for 2 Weeks Before Payment of Mobilisation Fees - Umahi* The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has continued to insist that only contractors, who can deliver are needed to work on Nigeria roads. This is to guarantee that road projects are not abandoned by recalcitrant contractors. He stated this while inspecting ongoing works on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) that starts from the Zuba Interchange (CH0+000) and ends at the Western Bypass (CH165+500) in Kaduna, the Kaduna State Capital with an additional four (4) kilometres from Zuba towards Gwagwalada on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway. Forty (40) kilometres (dual) will be on rigid pavement (concrete). According to the Minister, the company, Messrs Infoquest International (Nig.) Limited has proven its capacity to deliver quality jobs on record time, seeing how far they have gone within a month of signing the contract. “This is without being paid the initial 30% mobilisation fee as against what has been the previous practice,” he emphasised. He stressed that the Ministry’s decision that every contractor must be at the site and working for at least two weeks before the mobilisation fee is paid, is the way to go for sustainable project development and delivery. Commending the quality of work, the Minister urged Resident Engineers/Engineer’s Representatives on other projects, across the country, to be vigilant in ensuring that the correct composition of the stone base is achieved, stressing that a standard stone base must contain at least 70% stone, hence the name and 30% dust. “Any deviation from this ratio will compromise the road’s structural integrity, leading to premature failure,” he observed. Engr. Umahi also reiterated that the Abuja-Kano Dual Carriageway is so dear to Mr. President’s heart, being a vital corridor linking the North to the southern parts of the country, as well as neighbouring countries of Cameroun, Niger, and Benin Republics. While promising that the remaining portion of the entire alignment, Section III (Zaria-Kano), which is at the Kano end of the project, will soon be approved and awarded, he advised that reinforced concrete overlay be completed on the underlying structures before the commencement of the rainy season. It would be recalled that this was the project that was unnecessarily delayed for many years by Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC (JBN) and courageously terminated by the Ministry, some months ago, Umahi explained. "This project is the heartbeat of Mr. President because of its economic value. We are committed to ensuring its timely completion, and by the first week of March, we will begin laying an eight-inch continuous reinforced concrete pavement," the Minister stated. He reiterated that “The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to quality infrastructure development, ensuring that all projects under the Ministry’s supervision must meet the highest standards and be completed on schedule.” He added that interested companies must adhere to international standards and recommended practices in road construction or exit the scene. The Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of the construction firm, Mr. Joseph Abougaoude disclosed that the company took the challenge to start the work without any payment of mobilisation fees because it is capable and, most importantly, its belief in the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He promised to deliver the contract following standards and on record time. He went further to acknowledge the Minister’s proactive leadership, adding "My promise is that I will not let you down. I take this project as a challenge and accept my role in ensuring its success. I am fully committed to this project and will push ahead to meet expectations." While fielding questions from reporters on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the status of Julius Berger vis-a-vis contract with the Ministry, the Minister confirmed that before the end of the year, the entire first section of the Highway will be completed and that JBN is not sidelined from the Ministry’s contracts but, on the contrary, they are still working for the Ministry on other road infrastructure projects like the Bodo-Bonny Road, some major bridges in Lagos, as well as other places in Nigeria. He commended the new leadership of the company for aligning with the policies of the Ministry and respecting professional engineering standards. ...

Feb

2025

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS/ MTN MEETS ON QUALITY AND SPEEDY DELIVERY OF ENUGU - ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY PROJECT FUNDED BY MTN UNDER TAX CREDIT SCHEME,FIXES COMPLETION DEADLINE FOR 10TH MAY 2026 AS HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE REDUCTION OF COST OF CEMENT TO N7,000 BY MANUFACTURERS GIVEN THE INCREASED ECONOMIC REBOUND THROUGH MR. PRESIDENT’S SUSTAINED REFORMS The meeting of the Federal Ministry of Works with MTN and RCC Company Nig. Ltd over the slow funding and execution of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway by MTN under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme, held at the Ministry's headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja on 26th February 2025 has ended with the following resolutions: A - The construction of Enugu-Onitsha dual-carriageway must be completed by 10th May 2026. B - MTN shall be held responsible should the road fail after construction on account of shady job by the contractor. C - There will be no variation or VOP on the project and RCC must note that going forward, the operation of VOP in their projects must be in accordance with the procedure contained in the Conditions of Contract and not at the whims and caprices of the contractor. D - MTN not to sacrifice their responsibility of funding the project at the altar of MTN's business profit as this will wittingly or unwittingly inhibit speedy delivery of the project and inpune on the public perception of the will of government to ensure logical completion of the project. E - There must be a commitment in writing between MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works that this offer is predicated on these conditions herein set out. There must be a commitment because the more the job delays, the more there is variation. Speaking during the meeting, which had in attendance, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Mohammad Bello Goronyo Esq, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. O.O Adebiyi, the representatives of MTN, the Managing Director of RCC Company Nig Ltd and his team, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON reiterated that the Federal Ministry of Works is unwavering in its commitment towards ensuring that the contractor handling the project, and in this case MTN that is handling the project under the Tax Credit Scheme is made to ensure quality and speedy delivery of the project. He wondered why an official of MTN could go on his way to insinuate that the directive made by the Federal Ministry of Works that RCC Ltd should stop using materials that could derail the quality outcome of the job amounted to a sabotage of the projects of Mr. President in South East. He said,: "We have to put the records straight that this ministry has the responsibility to ensure quality delivery of work by contractors. And the contractor in this case is MTN". He recounted the various inspection visits he made to contractors' project sites and how this had caused them to brace up for ensuring quality and speed in project delivery. He said of MTN's Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project, "We went through what MTN was doing. We discovered that they were using peeled sand to do the job. I'm an engineer. I'm not a history graduate. I'm a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and I've spent all my life in the field. And we gave a directive, which is in line with the general conditions of contract, that should stop using such sand but go back, and use river sand, which we paid for." The Honourable Minister emphasized the need for RCC Nig Ltd to play by the rule in project variation. He decried as unacceptable a situation where RCC could do a job of N38 billion and demand for a VOP N14 billion and said that going forward such indulgence by contractors in the name of inflation would not be tolerated. He used the medium to call on the manufacturers of cement, which is a key element in the construction industry, especially on the use of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, to please reduce the cost of cement to N7,000 as the price of dollar has drastically reduced, the cost of petrol is coming down and efforts are being made by Mr. President to fix the road. He said, "I'm happy that the policies of Mr. President, are working. Today, a dollar is about N1,400. And let me use the opportunity to express dissatisfaction with the cost of cement. Our contractors have called and complained that they wanted to move back to asphalt. We are using this medium to tell the cement manufacturers that at the time, the dollar was almost N2,000, they increased cement from N7,500. Why should today that the President has brought dollar to stability to about N1400, and is still going down, why should cement be selling for N9,500? We are requesting cement manufacturers to bring down the cost of cement to N7,000. If after one week they don't do that, I have to complain officially to Mr. President." In their separate remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Works and the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works estolled the stance of the Federal Ministry of Works on the policies that would not only fast track job execution but also guarantee value for money and quality project outcome. They urged the contractor to cooperate with the new paradigm under the Renewed Hope administration and work towards delivering the Enugu-Onitsha dual-carriageway on a record time so that Mr. President could commission it for public use. The representative of MTN in his vote of thanks expressed the readiness of MTN in working towards realizing the delivery of the project within the agreed timeline. ...

Feb

2025

FG FLAGS OFF DUALISATION OF AJAOKUTA JUNCTION - OKENE - OKPELLA - AUCHI - EKPOMA - BENIN ROAD IN KOGI AND EDO STATES -Road Construction under President Tinubu has 50-100 Years Guarantee Sequel to the termination of the contracts for Sections II, III, and IV of the Dualisation of Obajana Junction - Benin Road due to non-performance and effluxion of time, last year, and their re-award, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has flagged off the said projects. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, 19th February in Ekpoma, Edo State. During the flag-off ceremony, Engr. Umahi gave a brief pathetic history about the road, which moved Mr. President to order a permanent solution on the road using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology with a 50-100 years guarantee. According to him, hitherto, commuters and motorists have been going through hardship due to its failure and high traffic volume, hence the dire need for its dualization. He stated that the project has lingered for too long with attendant consequences on the road users. He added that he has been visiting the road since his assumption of duty and has held several meetings with the former contractors but nothing changed. Upon reporting back to Mr. President, he ordered for immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the suffering, which led to the termination of three (3) out of the four (4) sections of the entire alignment. As an adjoining part of the East-West road, it is very dear to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Umahi posited. It is, as well, a vital link to the Federal Capital (Abuja) and other Northern States with the South-East, South-West, and South-South geo-political zones of the country, thereby helping to connect and improve economic activities. He commended the Governor and the good people of Edo state for the display of team spirit on the project. Umahi disclosed that the Governor does not only supervise State Government works but extends his monitoring to those of the Federal Government. He also expressed his gladness for the governor’s humble disposition and for the quantum of projects going on in the state within a spate of 100 days in office, which was being celebrated on the same day. While appreciating Mr. President for his concern for the plight of the people plying the road, as well as those living along its corridor, the Minister pleaded with them for patience during the duration of the construction of the additional lanes and reconstruction of the existing alignment. He directed the contractors to expedite action on the work, as delays will not be tolerated. In his remarks, the representative of Mr. President and Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo praised Mr. President and the Minister of Works for coming to the aid of the people of Edo State. According to him, with this kind gesture of Mr. President, light has entered the state. He promised, on behalf of his people, unalloyed support for Mr. President’s re-election in 2027. Also, the Governor of Kogi State being represented by the Deputy Governor thanked Mr. President for the fatherly gesture, assuring him of reciprocity during the elections. In a Goodwill Message, the former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Sen. Adams Oshomole hailed the magnanimity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the untiring spirit of Engr. David Umahi, while thanking God for witnessing the day. It is worthy of note that the dualization of Lokoja - Benin Road is in four Sections, but three sections of the road project fall under Edo State. Section II starts from Okene to Auchi, which is about 63.70km long; Section III starts from Auchi – Ehor, which is about 54.224km long, and Section IV, which starts from Ehor - Benin is about 67.9km long. The Section I (Obajana Junction-Ajaokuta Junction) of the project, which is ongoing, is being handled by Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd. They were also awarded Section II, while Section III is being given to Messrs Bua Construction (Nig.) Ltd. and IV to CBC (Nig.) Ltd. ...

LIVE ACTIVITY FEED

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2021

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, MR BABATUNDE FASHOLA, SAN, AT THE PROJECT COMPLETION AND HAND OVER FLAG OFF ON THURSDAY 25TH NOVEMBER, 2021 AT KOKO/BESSE LGA, KEBBI STATE

On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring good tidings to the peoples and Governments of Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States, who will be impacted by the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road that our President will hand over today.

My principal message to you all is that this is the first of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact.

In this phase of completion Mr. President has approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities.

The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities which we flag off today in Kebbi will be in:

a) Jigawa for Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States.

b) Bauchi for Section III covering 106.3 x 2 Kilometers between Azare and Potiskum , connecting Bauchi and Yobe States.

c) Benue for Vandeikya-Obudu Cattleranch Road covering 24 Kilometers connecting Benue and Cross River States.

d) Ebonyi for Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States.

These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.

This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the Sukuk funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads.

The Sukuk is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold.

I want to express gratitude of our Government to the investors in the Sukuk and thank the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support.

Our gratitude to the Debt Management Office is deep and continuing for their role in previous SUKUKS which have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the Sukuk we are expecting.

To our staff and contractors who have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion I also say thank you, as I cannot fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the host communities where these projects pass through or are hosted.

I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government.

Ladies and Gentlemen, none of these would have been possible without the support of Ministers in the Federal Executive Council during debates over the projects.

To all Ministers in the first term and this current term, I express gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Housing for your support.

To the President and Vice President who preside for long hours over the Council meetings, your leadership is now bearing fruits and the evidence of change is now manifesting.

Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi bear witness and there is more to come.

Thank You.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING

SPEECHES

Dec

2020

Keynote Address Of The Hon. Minister of Works And Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, San, At The 26th Meeting Of The National Council On Works With The Theme, “Road Infrastructure Development, Job Creation And National Economic Growth”

On behalf of the Federal Government, I convey the appreciation of the Ministry of Works and Housing to the Government of Rivers State and Governor Nyesom Wike, for Hosting this 2020 edition of National Council on Works.

The commitment to host this was made last year when the Cross River State hosted the 2019 edition and when nobody foresaw the outbreak of a devastating viral pandemic called COVID-19.

The impact of the disease on livelihoods and the global economy has led countries across the world into different stages of negative economic growth and recession.

The need to address the economic challenges has prompted countries and Governments to design and implement various measures and policies to keep their economies going and to reflate them.

The Muhammadu Buhari Administration developed and has started implementing an Economic Sustainability Plan, that incorporates and challenges Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ramp up activities, inspite of COVID-19; in order to provide work, increase opportunities and sustain productivity.

The Ministry of Works and Housing, as a critical infrastructure provider of the Federal Government, is one of the focal MDAs assigned with responsibilities for sustaining and expanding the economy during and beyond the COVID period.

This in part explains the theme of this year’s Council which is, “Road Infrastructure Development, Job Creation and National Economic Growth”.

While the public looks forward mainly to the quality of the Highway pavement, the Government sees a larger economic impact of infrastructure and the way it helps to legitimately distribute wealth to the people at the bottom of the pyramid.

Road construction employs a large number of the urban poor, skilled and unskilled labour and vendors who depend on daily or weekly wages.

The lockdown period was a difficult period for them and it was not surprising that as soon as lockdown eased, the Agriculture Sector and Road Construction were the first to resume work.

Eleven (11) of the biggest contractors of the Federal Government were allowed to return to work in May 2020 in 26 states.

This was closely followed by the resumption of maintenance works in 92 different locations across 24 states by FERMA.

The Government then decided to increase the scope for local content, labour and materials by:

a) Advocating for the increased use of cement, stone and concrete which are all locally available

b) Advocating for the local production of Bitumen since we have large deposits of the raw material.

I am delighted to inform you that many of these policies are at different stages of implementation with consequences on the economy.

With safety guidelines for Social Distancing, face mask and sanitation issued to construction companies, construction work has resumed almost full time across the country even though the virus is still with us.

Although the Third Quarter GDP result is still negative at -3.62%, it shows growth in the following sectors:

a) Quarrying and other minerals production   41.81%
b) Cement manufacturing                               11.96%
c) Construction                                                  2.64%

With the sustenance of construction activities, a strong contribution will be seen on the road to economic recovery.

Regarding the need to use more cement, more stone and concrete, the Ministry had to produce a design manual for Rigid Pavement in consultation with all the stakeholders in the industry.

I am happy to Report that the Sub-Committee led by the Honourable Minister of State, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, and the Director of Bridges and Design, Engr. Emmanuel Adeoye, have produced the first Rigid Pavement Manual for Nigerian Roads.

There could be no better place to unveil it than at the National Council for Works, where all State Governments and other stakeholders are present.

This should also form the basis for implementing the Government policy for more labour-intensive Road Construction to stimulate employment drive, and more use of locally available materials of stone, cement and concrete for improved economic productivity.

It is impossible to discuss roads and economic development without discussing:

a) capital appreciation of 30-40% that infrastructure provision adds to the value of land;

b) the supply chain of food, lubricants, construction materials like laterite, cement, Reinforcement (steel), Water, Energy (Diesel) that is positively affected by infrastructure;

c) the sub-specialities of subcontractors such as Lane Marking, Highway Signage and Electrical fittings,

all of which benefit from the Construction of a Road.

I am aware that all the States are executing one infrastructure project or the other and this is how it must be. I was in Rivers State recently to commission a Bridge project undertaken by the State Government.

Our collective National Spending on infrastructure will contribute in no small way to our recovery from recession, but also propel inclusive and beneficial growth.

Examples abound of the positive impact of the investment in infrastructure through a value chain of inclusive wealth distribution that is immediately activated when one of our construction sites utilises 5,000 trucks of laterites at N30,000 per truck.

Such a value chain would include the owner of the quarries, the operators in the quarries, the truck owners and truck drivers, among several others.

When one of our contractors also recently paid N500 million to his diesel suppliers, another inclusive wealth distribution value chain got activated or sustained.

In closing this speech permit me to highlight the challenges we still encounter in some states and communities with respect to claims for compensation, which hinder our contractors’ ability to work.

Challenges in the area of compensation require further collaboration and for States to play a lead role.

The need for an interactive forum between State Commissioners and Federal Ministry of Works, which will occur more frequently than the annual Council, as recently suggested by the Honourable Commissioner for Works from Kwara State will also hopefully be considered at this Meeting.

I thank you all for your attention.