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.

Dec

2022

Minister Charges Occupational Safety And Health Association To Promote Safety Awareness In Nigeria The Minster of State for Works and Housing, Hon. Umar Ibrahim El- Yakub, has charged the Occupational Safety and Health Association to be committed and dedicated to creating awareness and promoting the importance of safety at the work place and homes in Nigeria. He made this charge while declaring open the 12th International Occupational Safety and Health Association Conference and Awards event which held at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters, Abuja. The theme of the conference was "A Partnership that Works: The Role of Stakeholders Towards Safety in the Workplace." Hon. El-Yakub said, " I encourage your dedication and commitment to promoting safety in the region and I have no doubts that through your deliberations at the 12th conference, the great work you have been doing in the country over the years will be reinforced and strengthened." The Minister noted that the conference was very significant because it would be an avenue to discuss practical solutions and partnerships that could work for the safety and benefit of all in the private and public sectors in the country. El-Yakub explained that the Ministry has put in place an active and robust workplace safety and health team to oversee and promote this important aspect of our lives in the work environment. Responding on behalf of other new Fellows and Awardees, the Minister expressed gratitude for the decoration and Award received. He assured the Association of their commitment to contribute to the safety awareness and practice in Nigeria. In his remarks the President of the Nigeria Region of the Association, HRH, Dr.Olusegun Aderemi, noted that the issue of safety should be a precondition which must dominate the discourse when designing policies guiding operational procedures at work places. Dr. Aderemi explained that due to the increase in the number of work related hazards, risks and fatalities that occur due to human errors, the association has now decided to organize this conference where favorable outcomes that would lead to practical and actionable steps to curb these fatalities could be achieved. The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Sen. Babafemi Ojodu, stated that though government was expected to show a clear commitment on health and safety in the country, the private sector being the major employer of labour should also inculcate health, safety environment and best practices across every segment of their operations. Speaking further he said that Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, on the other hand, should also understand that compliance with safety best practices alongside the installation of safety instruments within their facilities would not only help address incidents when they occur but will at the same time save them the cost that would have been incurred from such disasters. In his goodwill message, the Minister of Environment, Barrister Abdullahi Mohammed who was represented by an officer from the Ministry, Mrs. Chika Okpalaka, enjoined the public to adopt environmental and health tips in the working environment such as: i. Conduct risk assessment to identify hazards and implement effective risk control measures. ii. Make sure the work environment is safe. iii. Develop and implement systems for dealing with emergences. iv. Ensure workers are provided with sufficient instructions, training and supervisors so that they can work safely. Professor George Genyi, from the Federal University, Nasarawa, in his paper titled, "The need for Partnership for all" noted that collaborating with Royal Fathers to promote safety was commendable because issues of safety and security were the responsibilities of everyone. Highlights of the occasion were: decoration of some Eminent Nigerians as Fellows and Grand Patron of the Association as well as presentation of plaques of the Honorary Fellow of the Association to them. The Awardees included: the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Hon. Umar Ibrahim El- Yakub, the Ministers of Defence, Environment and the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, the Estu Nupe, H.R.H. Alhaji Abubakar Yahaya was decorated as the Grand Patron of the Association. In addition, the kid’s safety book, tagged, "Amanda, The Smart Safety Girl "was unveiled. The book, authored by an eight-year-old Zara C. Uwalaka, has 17 basic safety tips every child must know. It was a very successful and colourful event that was well attended. ...

Dec

2022

Critical Road Interventions Is To Support Education- Fashola ...This unique internal road will remain evergreen in our minds- VC The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON has said that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works and Housing's intervention in the construction of the nation's tertiary institutions internal roads is government's commitment of improving the human condition and a critical intervention to support education. The Minister made the remarks at the official handover of the 1.2 kilometre internal road at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The Honourable Minister, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom State, Engineer Gabriel Akinwande said that with the reconstruction of the internal road at the University of Uyo and other universities, the gap of the nation's infrastructural needs was steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways as well as in schools. Speaking on the impact of the newly reconstructed roads and the quality of education, the Minister said: "It is unbeatable that quality of education will be impacted on by the quality of these infrastructure and the learning environment and that those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place." From the feedback gathered so far, Mr. Fashola said students are now expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to good condition. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudor Ndaeyo commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, saying that these internal roads were unique gifts to them and the university and also that it will remain evergreen in their memory. "The entire University community are very happy for this commissioning and handing over of these roads today. It will no doubt enhance the socio- economic life of members of the community," he said. Commending President Muhammadu Buhari, the VC said they are very grateful and would continue to display their unalloyed loyalty and support to his administration. In varied interview sessions with some students, hear their comments: Master Sito Abasi, a Law student of the institution, Miss Okiyi Grace and Lawrence Okieji of the institution all agreed unanimously that the hitherto poor condition of the roads posed serious impediments, if not death traps to both staff and students of the institution. Speaking on behalf of other students, Sito Abasi thanked President Buhari and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing for the timely completion of the road projects which took just three months. "We are now happy because some time ago, we had suffered greatly because of the poor condition of these roads but this has become history now. We say thank you President Muhammadu Buhari," he said. On his part, the Dean of Environmental Studies, Professor Ephraim Edem commended the quality of the road projects saying that they are very impressed. " All eyes can now see that the roads have added value to the campus life and we do not have fear of rain causing impediment to our movement during the rainy season," he said. ...

Nov

2022

Fashola proposes University Consultancy Services, Data Provision, Poll Results, Value Data, Printing Press for Tertiary Institutions as Alternative Sources of Funding The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN said, “University Consultancy Services, Data Provision, Poll Results, Value Data, Printing Press are value proposals for Tertiary Institutions" The Minister made the above remarks as a panellist at an event organised by Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, held at a National Summit in Abuja on tertiary education with a view to providing solutions to challenges facing the sector with a theme ‘Re-imagining Tertiary Education in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Solutions.’ Fashola also said " employees of government owned institutions who want to be autonomous is a big issue " He said Tertiary Education is on the concurrent list, meaning that States and Federal Governments can fund education in the country. Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Benjamin Akabueze while making his remarks said, ‘'There has to be a sustainable funding of tertiary education .We cant continue with the current system because it is not working and not sustainable." Professor (Mrs.) Uduak Ekpo, Department of Education Administration & Planning, University of Calabar remarked at the event, “Budget and allocation for tertiary education should go up instead of going down. Nigeria's education budget remains among the poorest in Africa." She said if lecturers run away from their core mandate of academic’s excellence through research and teaching and go into business, funding of university, education will suffer. Director Centre for Gender and Women Studies University of Jos, Professor Irene Agunloye in her remarks said, “ Education is a commodity and if you do not build the capacity of people in academics there will not be headway.“ She advised that some institutions should be made research universities in order to generate more fund . Chairman / Chief Executive Officer Channels Media Group, Dr.John Momoh said "There is need for the Academic Staff Union of Universities and Federal Government to come to agreement till both sides are happy with the negotiation." Momoh also said that universities should look for a way of generating fund from alumni and to also look for a way of outsourcing of assets of universities in order to improve funding. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) led by its current President, Emmanuel Osodeke said “ The level of poverty in Nigeria would not allow Nigerian students to pay increased tutition fees. ...

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2025

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May

2018

Protection Of National Assets: A Pinnacle To Nation’s Development

The Honourable Minister of State II for Power, Works and Housing, Surv. Sulieman Hassan Zarma, mnis, has called for community participation in the ownership of public assets and critical infrastructures in the country, stressing that people in the communities need to be sensitized to take personal responsibility for the protection of public infrastructures.

He added that at a time like this, the federal government still consider as a matter of priority, spending the nation’s meagre resources to provide its citizens with necessary and critical infrastructures.
Hassan stated that ‘It is sad to note that there are lots of damages and inadequate maintenance of these public assets which are yet to meet the need of the citizenry’.

Declaring the workshop opened, the Minister said this at a one Day Stakeholders Conference on Preservation, Protection and Community Ownership of Public Assets and Critical Infrastructure organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja.

He commended NOA for choosing the topic for discussion, adding that the forum will help inform, educate and enlighten the people on the efforts the government is making towards the provision of adequate infrastructures and the need to encourage stakeholders to cherish and preserve them for posterity.

The Minister also stated that the Ministry will continue to make concerted efforts in ensuring that the three Sectors meet up with the mandate of delivering critical infrastructures to Nigerians in the areas of improved power generation, adequate funding and resuscitation of abandoned/new road projects and provision of mass housing across the country.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, stated that infrastructure development, preservation and protection are critical element in measuring the level of development of a nation.

According to Abari, ‘’If we accept this as a fact, it then stands to reason that no nation can be said to be truly developed, unless it continues to invest not only in the development of new infrastructures, but also in the protection and preservation of existing ones’’.

The NOA boss called for collaboration and synergy between stakeholders in Nigeria’s infrastructure and the National Orientation Agency, for the protection and public ownership of national infrastructures in the country.
The function was graced with notable discussants who presented relevant papers on the topic and key note addresses.