Federal Ministry of Works

Mar

2026

LATEST PRESS

National Media Tour: FG Intensifies Renewed Hope Agenda with Strategic Road Projects Across Nasarawa State

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its intention to improve road infrastructure across the country as part of efforts to enhance economic growth, connectivity, and ease of movement for Nigerians. This assurance was reiterated during the continuation of the Federal Ministry of Works’ nationwide media tour and commissioning of emergency and special intervention projects in Nasarawa State.

Speaking during the tour, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed, stated that the projects are part of the Federal Government’s strategic efforts to rehabilitate critical sections of its road network under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He explained that upon assuming office in May 2023, the present administration inherited 2,064 ongoing road projects, many of which had been abandoned due to funding challenges, and an inherited debt burden of about ₦13 trillion.

According to him, the Federal Government consequently prioritised 260 emergency and special intervention projects across the country to address critically failed sections of federal roads and areas affected by flooding and other natural disasters.
“These projects were initiated to quickly restore critical road and transport links to ensure seamless movement of people, goods, and services across the country,” Ahmed said.
He noted that the intervention projects are being executed under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, is part of the administration’s broader infrastructure development drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

One of the projects commissioned during the tour was a 6-kilometre section of the road linking Agyaragu town to Sabon Kwara in Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa South Senatorial District, Nasarawa State. The contractor, A.A. Albasu (Nigeria) Limited, commenced construction in November, 2022 and completed it in November, 2023. The project forms part of a 10.5-kilometre corridor serving the surrounding communities.

The construction works included earthworks, excavation and removal of existing culverts, and excavation to the required depth to receive blinding. Other works carried out include the provision of pipe culverts and lined drains, 200mm thick naturally occurring lateritic sub-base course materials, 100mm thick crushed stone base course, asphaltic concrete wearing course, surface dressing on shoulders, and lane markings.

Providing technical details of the project, the Federal Controller of Works in Nasarawa State, Engr. Ishaku Mamri, explained that the road had previously been in a deplorable condition, causing significant hardship for road users, residents, and traders, who rely on the route to transport goods and access nearby towns. He disclosed that the rehabilitated section was constructed to a standard width of 7.3 metres with shoulders, and that it includes approximately 4 kilometres of drainage infrastructure to ensure durability and effective water management. “The road was awarded in November, 2022 and completed in 2023. It has since been in use by the community and has significantly improved movement within the area,” he added. Engr. Mamri noted that residents have expressed appreciation for the intervention, while also appealing for the completion of the remaining four (4) kilometres of the alignment.

As part of the Media Tour, Engr. Ahmed Tijjani Aminu, a representative of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lafia Branch, Engr Simon Obagu were present. Also present was the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nasarawa State Council, Comrade Salihu Mohammed Alkali, who performed the official commissioning of the project, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works.

The media tour also included a visit to the ongoing Lafia Bypass project site, a 15.8-kilometre alternative route designed to ease traffic congestion within Lafia metropolis by providing a faster corridor for commuters travelling between Abuja, Makurdi, and the eastern parts of the country.

According to the Project Engineer for Messrs China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), Engr. Tijani Olalekan, the contract, which had previously stalled after being awarded by the past administration, fully recommenced in February, 2024 under the current administration and has now reached over 80 percent completion. It is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

The scope of work includes site clearance and earthworks, construction of hydraulic structures, sub-base, stone base, stone pitching, lined drains, asphaltic concrete binder course, as well as the relocation of electrical poles along the project’s corridor.

The Commissioner of Works, Housing, and Transport, Nasarawa State, Hon. Mu’azu A. Gosho, commended the contractor for the quality of work. Also present were the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lafia Branch, Engr. Simon Obagu, Engr. Ahmed Tijjani Aminu, representing COREN; the NUJ Chairman in Nasarawa State, Salisu Mohammed Alkali; and community members, who all expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work executed.

At the Nasarawa–Toto axis, officials also visited ongoing rehabilitation works on the Keffi–Nasarawan Toto–Abaji road, a strategic route aimed at improving connectivity between the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, and other neighbouring states.
The Controller explained that the road project, originally awarded in 2018, experienced delays due to inadequate funding but has since gained momentum following renewed commitment from the Federal Government.

The FCW further revealed that the project has been restructured into phases, with the initial Phase 1 nearing completion under the 2025–2026 budgetary provisions, while Phase 2, involving concrete pavement construction is set to commence, soon. The Federal Government recently approved the second phase of the project covering approximately 129.3 kilometres at a cost of about ₦203 billion, further underscoring the administration’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s road and transport infrastructure.

The Project Manager, Mr. William, as well as the Site Engineer, Engr. Daniel Aleyemi, assured the team of quality work, while expressing optimism that the project would be completed before the end of the month.

The Director of Information and Public Relations emphasised that road infrastructure development remains a central pillar of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly under the priority area focused on expanding and improving the national infrastructure. He noted that the administration is also advancing four (4) Legacy Road Projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Calabar–Abuja Super Highway, and the Dualisation of Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road, all aimed at transforming connectivity and stimulating economic development across the six (6) geopolitical zones of the country. All the roads will be on concrete pavements with solar street lighting and railways.

The nationwide media tour, he added, is designed to promote transparency, allow journalists and professional bodies to verify the quality of ongoing works, and enable Nigerians to see firsthand the progress being made in the delivery of critical infrastructure.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to sustaining the momentum in road construction, reconstruction, expansion, and rehabilitation to support economic growth, national integration, and improved quality of life for Nigerians.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations.
7 March, 2026.

Sep

2023

Umahi Announces Intention of Works Ministry to Face Dualized Roads .....We have N431B ready for contractors– Minister of Works The Honourable Minister of Works Engr David Nweze Umahi has announced the Ministry’s intention to focus on most of the dualized roads across the country. He said, “Why we are here now is to announce our intention to face most of the dualized roads in the country.” The Minister made these remarks while meeting with all contractors handling road dualization projects and all zonal Directors of the Ministry at the Ministry's Headquarters office in Abuja, today. “I want to remind you that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is funding 50% percent of the contract sum and that funding goes up to 2025, “he said. Umahi said “we have N431B of money that is ready for contractors to clear but there is no certificate for it , if you are doing a job under Phase 1, make effort to make claims , if your job involves augmentation go back to your Regional Director for understanding before I sign the certificate , any certificate I sign now , I have to take account for it even when I have left office “. The Minister tasked the contractors to stick to one lane if their job has not gone up to 50% completion; he said he had also come up with Performance Bond meaning that all new projects would be guaranteed for 10years. He urged all contractors that have built roads that cannot last up to ten years to write to the Ministry to either stop work or rebuild the road to last 10years, the Minister warned contractors that he would not listen to stories of failures on the roads due to overloading, he enjoined all the contractors to cooperate with him on building roads with concrete technology as it was done both in India and Singapore. Earlier, Engr. Umahi told the contractors and stakeholders to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, he said this Administration has 18,000kilometre of roads and inherited a contract sum of about N14.1 trillion and out of which N4trillion is being paid in all those projects, some of the projects have lasted between 10 to 20years. The Minister said some contractors have jerked up the contractor sum by hundred percent and that is the reason they are not getting paid. “We are going back to the original concept of the projects and the necessity of any additional works and also see how we get a fair deal, expecting an endorsement from the Ministry of what is not acceptable to Nigerian Society of Engineers is not possible “The Minister said. Engr. Umahi also confirmed that “Mr President understands road infrastructure, If I come before him with a contract of N44B reviewed to N144B contract sum, I must be able to provide details of how the cost came about “. ...

Sep

2023

FG To Review All Road Projects with Augmentation - Umahi Minister of Works Sen. (Engr). David Nweze Umahi has made it known that he will review all projects having augmentations. He made this statement while granting an interview with Pressmen during the Inspection tour of the reconstruction of Bende - Ohafia - Arochukwu road section I in Abia State on Thursday September 7, 2023. The Minister explained why he wants to review the projects, though not as proof, but because he wants to have the knowledge why a project is being reviewed. His words " I have directed that all the regional Directors will work with my team of consultants to review all the projects that are having augmentation. It's not a proof but l want to answer many questions about a project for example project awarded in many number of years for say 2 billion is now ten billion l should be able to answer that. " I seek for knowledge to know why projects are being reviewed, whether it will ever have augmentation, l want to unravel the augmentation even though BPP would have approved it. if I feel the augmentation is not necessary, I will bring down the cost. He added. Umahi said that the review of the augmentation is to also help him to answer Mr President, the National Assembly, the Nigerian masses and the Press so he will be able to defend what ever augmentation that arises. While answering questions on whether the success story of his Ebonyi state advocacy on concrete technology being replicated across the country will be supported, he said, that depends on the stability of the road for instance in the Northern part of the country the use of asphalt can be used but not in all situations. " Depending on the stability of the road like in the North we can do asphalt, but that is not to say concrete cannot be used. With asphalt in the Northern part of the country, that will last for ten years, if you use concrete it will last for fifty years". Engr. Umahi expressed happiness with the pace of work in the areas that the contractor is handling. Speaking earlier, the contractor, M/S HARTLAND NIG. LTD. explained that the contract was awarded in 2020 with total number of forty-five kilometer and they could only conclude on 4km of the road. ...

Sep

2023

Umahi To Collaborate with South-East Governors in Road Infrastructural Development of The Region. The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi has expressed optimism that collaboration with the South-East Governors will transform the region’s road infrastructural development, thereby bringing an end to the perennial issue of failed roads and none motorable roads in the region. Umahi made this statement when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti and his counterpart, the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba respectively during his ongoing inspection tours of Federal Road projects in the region. The Minister at each visit listed and narrated all the federal road projects in the state and pleaded for collaboration and synergy to getting the work done which he says will bring development and boost socio-economic and commercial activates in the region. “We have 11 federal road projects ongoing in Abia state and up to ten in Enugu state and all of them are going on well, some are on Tax credit Scheme, while others on MTN sponsorship, some others on Sukuk, they all have funding and the ones on budget we will do something about it to make sure the roads are put in use for our people, get us informed if you notice anything wrong and I suggest the appointment of an SSA on federal roads, this will help to get you informed well on any issue that may delay work” He said. Umahi took time to explain to them FG's new proposal on what it calls Brown Field and Green Field Projects which he noted will bring to an end the issues of dragging for refund on money spent by state government in constructing federal roads in their states, this is rather an easy agreement and transparency incorporated. “You can do federal roads if you want but no refund for now from federal government because there is no money, but I suggest you key in into what we call Green field or Brown Field Road Projects. You construct a new road you toll it get your money and we start to share the profit, or you take up a constructed road, to maintain it, you toll get your money and we share the profit, we can talk more on it” he said. The Minister introduced the use of concrete pavement technology as a better option on road construction in the region considering the soil texture of the region, more so that it’s cheaper, safer and it lasts longer than asphalt without maintenance for a longer time. “It is safer doing it on concrete and it’s cheaper, Asphalt is good, but it will not last long. I believe strongly that if we start using it in the region it will help us because water does not disturb it rather it makes it stronger without much maintenance but it's durable having stayed for long” he said. He pledged his support for states in delivering the dividend of democracy to the citizens and the nation at large saying the federal government came prepared and determined to ensure that a significant milestone is achieved in providing good road network across the nation. He directed the Federal Controllers of Works in the States to always be in close contact with Governors and must brief them on any project to be executed in the state and also to speak up freely if there is any challenge that needs state attention. Also, to check insecurity on the highways, the Minister encouraged the Governors to clear roadsides at least up to fifty (50) meters inside which he said will give a clear vision and feasibility in case of any emergency and can also be used for agricultural crops that doesn’t grow tall. Responding, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti welcomed the Minister for his visit which he said came right in time as the new government prepares to embark on some road projects in the state and promise to key into rigid pavement technology. He congratulated him on his appointment describing it as a well-deserved appointment considering his antecedents in infrastructural development in Ebonyi State and urged him to replicate same in the South-East and the Nation at large, for the benefit of all. Responding the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah warmly received the Minister and commended his immediate response to visiting federal road projects in different states across the Nation describing it as desirable. The Governor thanked him for his innovation on the use of concrete pavement which he affirmed was a good idea that is worth keying into and that he too shall introduce and use it as well. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jan

2020

My Candid Opinion Of Ministry Of Works And Housing In 2019

The year 2019 was a remarkable one for Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. During this year, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, was reappointed as the Minister For Works and Housing by the President Muhammadu Buhari after demerging the Ministry which in his first tenure included the Ministry for Power. No sooner had he resumed, he swung into action. This culminated into impressive accomplishments in terms of construction, rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Among these accomplishments recorded in 2019 are the ongoing reconstruction works on major bridges, arterial roads and rehabilitation, which includes:

* Emergency Repairs of Existing Niger Bridge at Onitsha/Asaba; Owerri Dual Carriageway (close to Madonna) in Anambra State ; Construction of Ojutu Bridge on Erinle River, Ilobu,. Osun State.
* Emergency Repairs of Failed Section of Ijora - Apapa Flyover and Approach Road by Leventis in Lagos
* Reconstruction of Ohan & Moro bridges in Ilorin - Igbeti Road
* Emergency Repairs of Washout at Kwaita Bridge along Abuja - Lokoja Expressway
* Reconstruction of 3No. Insurgent damaged Bridges in the North East

In addition, another feat achieved by the ministry is the collaboration with the Federal Government in the expansive spending on Federal projects across the nation, which has not left any state in Nigeria today without a Federal Government visible road project. Recently , officials of the Ministry works , took a tour the erosion control project at the Ekpoma stretch of the dual carriageway from Obajana to Benin City.

It is also pertinent to note that the Ministry of Works and Housing with its critical stakeholders ; the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and some road contractors handling national projects, in one of the organizational sublime strides, prepared a document which contained the action plan to fix failed portions of federal highways and arterial roads in respect to the recently celebrated yuletide. The document contained 123 roads billed for rehabilitation or already undergoing repairs.

These rehabilitation projects cut across the 6 geo-political zones of the country. Among the roads billed for rehabilitation were the Abuja-Kaduna road at Km 4,5,15,16,18 and 30, Gombe-Biu, Wukari-Benue, Benin-Asaba, Benin-Sapele, Ibadan-Ogbomosho, Onitsha-Owerri dual carriage way to mention but a few.

In the Housing sector, the Ministry brought to the fore, the Pilot National Housing Programme. This has led to a nationwide Housing construction currently at various completion stages in 34 states of the Federation.

In addition, 1000 certificates of occupancy in respect of Federal Government landed properties nationwide were approved and signed and the beneficiaries were duly informed in four national newspapers; Thisday, Leadership, Nation and Daily Trust.

The Ministry is not resting on its oars in terms of effective delivery of its duties and mandates to the states as well as accountability to the people of Nigeria.

Okere Grace Onyinyechi
IT Student with Federal Ministry of Works and Housing

Speeches

Oct

2017

Remarks By Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At The 20th Monthly Power Sector Operators Meeting Held In Owerri, Imo State

Once again it is my pleasure to chair this monthly meeting to review the progress we have made from our last monthly meeting in Lagos in September, and to collectively engage the challenges that lie ahead in our roadmap to incremental, stable and uninterrupted power.

At our meeting in September, we received reports of:
a.   The successful connection of power to Magboro, Ibafo and neighbouring communities in Ogun state who had not been connected for about 10 years.
b.   Provision of more meters to customers in Ijeshatedo, particularly on Ajijedidun Street, Adamolekun Street and Abiola Alao Streets where 196 out of 244 customers had been metered.
c.   We also got reports of the progress that has been made to restore power to 16 out of 36 communities in Ondo North (Akoko Communities) and the challenges in Okitipupa.

Another other piece of information that is worth sharing is the conviction of one Okechukwu Anoke by the Federal High Court Abakaliki and sentencing him to 3 years’ imprisonment for tampering with electricity fittings.

We welcome this judicial support to stop corruption in the power sector, enforce the law and promote liquidity in the sector. This comes on the heels of similar support from no less an office than that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria who has issued practice directions for the full enforcement of Arbitration clauses in power contracts so as to take such cases out of the tedium of regular trial and place them in the hands of commercially sensitive adjudicators.

On behalf of the entire sector we welcome the intervention in the Court of Appeal in the case involving the tariff review.

The order of the Trial Court which declared the tariff setting process illegal has been reversed and the case is now to be tried afresh.

Before I leave the issue of the critical role of the judiciary and law enforcement in the power sector, let me point out that the efficacy of the practice directions issued by the CJN for the strict enforcement of Arbitration clauses does not rest with the Judicial officers alone.

The Nigerian Bar Association has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that Arbitration clauses are enforced. This is because it is often the Lawyers, not the clients, that file and initiate processes that invoke the jurisdiction of the Court.

It seems to me that there might be something that potentially crosses the line of ethics which should arouse the interest of the Bar Association if one of its members fails to avail a client of his rights under an Arbitration agreement.

That said, I will proceed to inform members that in the last month, we have recovered 100MW from the damaged Afam IV Power Plant which was inoperative since January 2015.

Similarly, TCN has energized the Jebba-Kainji 2nd 330KV line and the 2nd Ajaokuta-Abuja 330KV line both of which were inoperative since 2015.

In the last month also, specifically on Wednesday 4th October 2017, the Federal Executive Council approved the verified sum of Federal Government MDA debts of N25.9Billion, and its payment by setting it off against the debts owed by the DisCos to NBET.

You will be receiving official communication of how these have been applied to reduce debts owed by DisCos to NBET.

We are also making promising progress in recovering debts due from international Customers and you will be notified of how much has been received when the appropriate accounts confirm that they have received value for the credits we have been notified of.

It is against this background that I now move to the challenges which we still have to overcome; the more pressing of which is how the DisCos can quickly increase their capacity to take power and distribute to the consumers.

I think that this is the issue that is captured in your letter of 27th September 2017 titled, ‘Federal Government of Nigeria’s Initiatives in the Electricity Sector and the Impact on Electricity Distribution Company Activities,’ which was addressed to NERC and copied to me.

Let me commend DisCos for the decision to channel their complaints to NERC by a jointly signed letter. This is a welcome departure from the previous order and it is to be encouraged.

The substance of Government initiatives which prompted that letter can be summarised as follows:

a.   Provision of meters to consumers through licensing of meter suppliers
b.   Provision of more power to consumers through licensing of eligible customers
c.   Provision of Independent dedicated Power to Universities
d.   Promotion of the deployment of more solar power through mini-grids
e.   Expansion of the Distribution Network of the DisCos so that they can take about additional 2,000 MW of power now available for supply

Without a doubt, the initiatives are targeted at improving service to the people. In your letter under reference copied to me, you expressed concerns about the impact of these initiatives on your businesses.

It is not my understanding that you oppose them, which is commendable.

It is my understanding that you fear that you will lose some income or some customers if Government proceeds; and on the question of meters, you seek to have technical compatibility with what the licencee will operate.

In respect of possible investment in Distribution equipment you seek that Government should route the investment through the DisCos.

Understandably you are concerned about investment recovery and in your views, the solution is a tariff review.

While your concerns about business viability, financial stability and cost recovery are well understood and indeed supported by the Electric Power Sector Perform Act of 2005 (EPSRA) which Government will respect; I must point out that Government’s focus is also strong on the issue of service to the people.

There must be a balance somewhere in the middle.

As far as the promotion of solar and other sources of independent power are concerned, please note that not only are they supported by the ESPRA, they are consistent with our Paris Climate Change Agreement Obligations and with emerging global practice.

DisCos have nothing to fear about solar. It is a space in which they are entitled to play but in which they cannot exclude others from playing.

The ESPRA did not contemplate a monopoly for any licensee unless it is expressly stated in the license.

As for channelling investment into Distribution assets through the DisCos, Government has not yet taken a position on what the best way forward will be.

However, Government is clear that a solution must be found quickly to the inability of DisCos to take about 2000 MW of power that will imminently increase as we get more incremental power.

But the point that must be made is for all of us to remember that, Government is a 40% shareholder of the DisCos (on behalf of the Federal, State, Local Governments and Workers) and therefore has a self-benefitting interest in the wellbeing and efficiency of the DisCos.

Most importantly, the concerns contained in the letter under reference can and will be managed through consultations which NERC has been undertaking to my knowledge. Consultations will help to build consensus about how best to serve customers, instead of festering gulfs of Disagreement.

At this preliminary stage therefore, you letter and concerns focus first on the business, while the Government initiatives focus more on service.

Consensus should give us both; the service and the business.

Still on the matter of DisCos, my attention has been brought to the fact that Yola DisCo has not been actively participating in the affairs of your association.

My position about your right and freedom to associate has been publicly stated and so is the right of the Government to associate or dissociate with you by lack of recognition or grant of recognition.

Because rights are not absolute and because they impose duties, all I need say is that we must respect the right of Yola DisCo to also choose whether it wants to associate or not. That is a duty we all have if we must enjoy the freedom and right to associate.

I will also want to report the successful holding of our National Council on Power, the 3rd in the series hosted by Plateau State who used the opportunity to present Rural Electrification Road Map to all of us.

I will like to thank Governor Simon Lalong for hosting us , and all of you for participating and urge that you follow up with the State Governments to assist you in enforcing the law against energy theft, right of way protection, metering of state government offices and buildings, the verification and prompt settlement of bills.

Finally, I would like to refocus our attention to the order signed by the NERC which reduced the timeline for making (New) Electricity connections from 145 days to 40 days.

While DisCos are also expected to comply and file reports of compliance to NERC and copied to my office, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has advised that the focal DisCos that will affect Nigeria’s ease of doing business rating will be Lagos, Ikeja, Kano and Kaduna because of the sample size that the population they serve represent.

Thank you for your attention.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing

Monday 9th October 2017