*FG COMMITS TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH MAJOR CONTRACT AGREEMENTS — UMAHI* The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians. The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows: 1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State, 2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States, 3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and  4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States. Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated. The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country. Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines. Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation. He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery. Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows: 1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00 Length: 122 Kilometres 2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited, Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77 Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) 3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90 Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and  4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93 Length: 73 Kilometres All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide. The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development. ...

FG SIGNS MoU AGREEMENTS ON LEGACY ROAD PROJECTS WITH MESSRS HITECH AND INFIOUEST UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU’S INFRASTRUCTURE RENEWAL AGENDA The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, today signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between it and two (2) construction companies — Messrs Hitech Africa Limited and Infiouest International Limited — as part of the Renewed Hope Administration’s ongoing legacy road projects across the country. The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, was attended by the Honourable Minister of Works, the Permanent Secretary, Directors, and representatives of the contracting firms led by their Managing Directors. Speaking during the event, the Minister, H. E. Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE described the occasion as another milestone in the transformation of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector. According to the Minister, many people initially doubted and criticised the projects, but today they have seen the reality. “These projects are not just road projects; they are investments that will stimulate economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance national development and integration,” he stated. The Minister also highlighted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in transforming campaign promises into tangible developmental projects across the nation. He appealed to the people of the South-East and the South, generally, to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his 2027 re-election bid, describing the people of the zone as “ a people of wisdom.” The Minister commended the Contractors handling the four (4) Legacy Road Projects for their professionalism, commitment, and adherence to engineering specifications and timelines. He noted that despite initial criticisms of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Nigerians are now witnessing its immense economic value and engineering excellence. “When we started the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, many doubted its feasibility, but today the project has become a beauty to behold and an economic catalyst for Nigeria,” the Minister opined. Engr. Umahi revealed that Section II of the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway (Trans- Saharan Route) spans from the Ebonyi State Border -Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa States, while Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway passes through Oyo State, and Section V of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway goes through Akwa Ibom State. Work is progressing steadily on the other sections in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. He explained that Section V of the Coastal Highway traverses extremely difficult terrain, with over 70 percent of the route located in deep swampy soil requiring extensive excavation, filling, and reinforcement works. “This is not an ordinary road project. It is an investment that will last for 100 years with minimal maintenance,” he added. The Minister further disclosed that the average cost per kilometre for the standard dual carriageway remains competitive despite the complex engineering requirements, including reinforced pavement structures, concrete drainage systems, culverts, and other road architecture. Speaking on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, the Minister stated that the project demonstrates Mr. President’s commitment to equitable infrastructure distribution across the six geopolitical zones of the country. He also highlighted the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure durability and quality in all road projects, stressing that contracts under the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC+F) model would not be subject to arbitrary cost reviews, except under clearly established unforeseen circumstances. Senator Umahi reiterated that the Federal Government would provide 30 percent counterpart funding for the projects, while the remaining would be sourced through a structured funding arrangement. He added that the roads upon completion would eventually be tolled to guarantee sustainability and return on investment. The Managing Director of Hitech Africa Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, assured the Federal Government of the company’s readiness to deliver the projects within and even ahead of the 36-month completion timeline. “Hightech remains fully committed to delivering these projects to international standards, even better than what has already been achieved on Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway,” he stated. He added that the company is eagerly waiting for the commissioning of the completed Section I in Lagos State, reaffirming the contractor’s commitment to quality, speed, and excellence. The Ministry reassured its determination to continue delivering durable and economically beneficial road projects, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR. The Minister used a popular proverb to encourage appreciation for hard work and dedication, saying: “When a lizard falls from a tall tree and nobody applauds it, it applauds itself.” The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu  Adeladan described the projects as hallmarks of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape and commended the Minister for his leadership and dedication to repositioning the road sector. The Agreements were signed by the Permanent Secretary, on behalf of the Ministry, while the Managing Directors signed for their respective contracting companies. They include; 1. Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Superhighway, Section II: Ebonyi State Border - Benue - Kogi - Nasarawa States  2. Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Section IV: Oyo State  3. Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 5: Akwa Ibom State and  4. Dualisation of Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road, Section 2: Gombe - Biu. “What we are doing today represents the President’s commitment to changing the face of infrastructure in Nigeria. Since the coming of the Minister, the road sector has witnessed tremendous transformation, and we are confident that these projects will be delivered within the stipulated timelines,” he stated. Also speaking during the event was the Director, Highways, Bridges, and Design, Engr. Musa Sa’idu, who oversees the Legacy Road Projects, stated that the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s strategic infrastructure development programme, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, GCFR.  He disclosed that the agreements signed cover a new alignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Akwa Ibom State, spanning approximately 82.8 kilometres of Dual Carriageway; Section IV of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway covering about 180 kilometres; and the Biu-Gombe section of the Akwanga-Maiduguri corridor covering approximately 125 kilometres. ...

UMAHI HANDS OVER NEW CARTER BRIDGE PROJECT TO CCECC, TO SHUT DOWN ONE CARRIAGEWAY OF EKO BRIDGE ON SUNDAY  The Federal Government has officially handed over the construction of a brand-new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of Nigerians. The event took place at Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, Lagos State, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, said the decision to reconstruct the bridge became necessary after years of alarming structural investigations revealed worsening defects beneath both the Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge. According to the Minister, investigations into the underwater structural elements of the bridges began as far back as 2013, with another assessment carried out in 2019. The reports, he said, showed that the defects were increasing at what experts described as “geometrical progression.” “The past administration commissioned investigation of what was happening with the structural elements below the water, and that was in 2013. And the very disturbing defects were noticed in Carter Bridge and 3rd Mainland Bridge,” Umahi stated. He explained that upon assumption of office, the present administration immediately engaged geologists and specialist divers to conduct further underwater investigations, which confirmed that some piles supporting the bridges had already shifted from their pile caps. “It’s just like the hip of the leg is cut off,” the Minister explained while describing the severity of the damage. Umahi said extensive consultations were held with bridge experts, stakeholders and members of the National Assembly, including foreign professionals, to determine the best solution. Experts, according to him, advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost almost twice the amount required to build a completely new structure. Following detailed technical analysis, the Federal Government approved the construction of a new modern bridge. He revealed that part of the new Carter Bridge will feature a world-class cable-stayed design to improve navigation and add aesthetic value to Lagos. “We decided that a section of this Carter Bridge will be a cable bridge. You see the cable bridge we see overseas, very beautiful, and that is to enhance our navigational activities,” he said. The Minister disclosed that the project is expected to last 36 months. He praised President Tinubu for what he described as bold leadership and commitment to infrastructure renewal across the country. “So we are here to commend the president, president of first, president of infrastructure, the president of second tenure,” Umahi declared. The project, valued at N545 billion, will be financed through a combination of Federal Government counterpart funding and external borrowing, with 30 percent to be paid by the Federal Government and 70 percent sourced externally. Umahi further stated that due process was strictly followed in selecting the contractor, noting that seven firms were invited while six submitted bids, including Julius Berger. According to him, CCECC emerged as the most technically and commercially viable company. “The CECC was technically and commercially most viable. And that’s why the BPP recommended them and the Federal Executive Council has awarded the project to them,” he said. Formally handing over the site, the Minister directed the company to immediately mobilize to site while assuring Nigerians that the Ministry would closely monitor the project monthly to ensure compliance with all technical and safety standards. “By the authority of our president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and with gratitude to God Almighty, it is our prayers that this which the president had started, that will last 36 months… It is the president that has started this work, and God will give him enablement and the second tenure to complete this project to the glory of God,” Umahi added. Meanwhile, the Minister also announced an emergency closure of one carriageway of the Eko Bridge following severe structural damage caused by illegal sand miners. He disclosed that illegal dredging activities around the bridge led to the destruction of several supporting piles after miners struck one of the pile caps with a barge. “When they knocked the pile cap, they broke three piles. And when they were trying to remove the barge, they broke another two,” he said. Umahi explained that the damage has weakened a section of the bridge, resulting in dangerous cracks and structural instability that could threaten lives if urgent action is not taken. As a precautionary measure, he directed that one full carriageway of the Eko Bridge be shut down by midnight of Sunday, May 10, 2026, while the unaffected carriageway remains open to traffic. “We will not allow people to endanger their lives. We are a responsible administration,” the Minister said. He further disclosed that the Federal Government has already designed an emergency technical solution involving the lifting of an entire bridge span to expose and repair the damaged sections beneath. According to him, Buildwell Construction, which has extensive experience handling bridge lifting operations on the Eko Bridge, will execute the emergency repairs alongside underwater structural investigations by specialist divers. The Minister assured Lagosians that President Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and directed that the matter be treated as an emergency. “President said I must be in Lagos to examine it and then treat it as an emergency situation. And that is what we are doing,” Umahi stated. He appealed for patience and understanding from residents, assuring Nigerians that the administration remains fully committed to protecting lives and preserving vital national infrastructure. “We are solving problems we didn’t create, but that’s why you voted for us, and that we are going to be working day and night,” the Minister said.   ...