Federal Ministry of Works

Oct

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI HIGHLIGHTS IMPACT OF TINUBU’S LEGACY PROJECTS, SAYS INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS ARE TRANSFORMING NIGERIA

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has highlighted the progress and transformative impact of the major infrastructure projects being executed by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration, describing them as strategic investments aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s transportation network, strengthening national connectivity and stimulating economic growth.

Umahi said this on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, in Abuja, during a *Press Conference,* where he updated on the Tinubu Administration's *four Legacy Road Projects,* ongoing federal road interventions, completed projects, procurement processes, and the Ministry’s efforts to ensure value for money in the development of infrastructure.

The Minister identified the four legacy projects as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja Highway (the Trans-Saharan Route/North-South connectivity corridor, and the Dualisation of Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri Road.

According to him, the projects were conceived as strategic national infrastructure to connect all six (6) geopolitical zones, facilitate the movement of people and goods, open up economic opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s long-term development.

Giving an update on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi disclosed that Section 1, covering 47 kilometres, has been completed, while significant progress has also been recorded on Section 2, covering approximately 55 kilometres.

He explained that pavement works on Section 2 were nearing completion, while major flyovers, overpasses and underpasses were being constructed to address complex traffic, environmental and engineering challenges along the corridor.

The Minister said some parts of the alignment had to be redesigned to accommodate existing and planned rail, road and industrial infrastructure, particularly around the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport axis. He stressed that the objective was to develop an integrated transportation system rather than an isolated road project. On the Ondo State axis, Umahi explained that the alignment was redesigned in some locations because of difficult terrain, deep pits and challenging subsoil conditions. He said the redesign was aimed at ensuring durability, safety and cost-effectiveness, with substantial filling and ground improvement works ongoing in some areas.

The Minister further disclosed that President Tinubu had directed that the continuation of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway be aligned with the existing East-West Road in parts of the Niger Delta area.

He described the decision as a strategic engineering intervention that would address the increasing impact of flooding and climate change on the vital infrastructure. According to him, critical sections of the East-West Road would be raised to accommodate present and anticipated flood levels and ensure the continued functionality of the strategic route.

Umahi also dwelled on the importance of the Construction of the Benin City Bypass and other sections of the littoral corridor in reducing congestion and improving movement across the South-South zone.

On the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Minister said the project was designed to establish a major economic corridor linking Ilelah in Sokoto State with Badagry in Lagos State. He noted that various sections of the highway were at different stages of construction, with significant progress recorded across the Sokoto, Kebbi, Oyo, Ogun and Badagry axes, while those of Niger and Kwara States are commencing soon.

Umahi said the strategic importance of the project is beyond road construction, noting that the corridor would unlock agricultural, industrial, tourism and other economic opportunities. He added that the Federal Government was exploring opportunities for complementary investments, including agriculture, housing, tourism and other economic activities along the major infrastructure corridors.

Speaking on the third legacy project, the ancient Trans-Saharan Route, Engr. Umahi explained that it was designed to strengthen connectivity between the coastal axis and the northern parts of the country, thereby facilitating the movement of people, goods and services across the South-South, South East and North Central geopolitical zones.

He disclosed that substantial progress had been recorded on the initial sections, while additional sections had been approved to make the corridor more economically viable and attractive to potential financiers.

On the fourth legacy project, the Minister said the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Biu-Maiduguri single carriageway is being expanded as a major northern connectivity route. He explained that the scope had been extended to cover an additional spur from Jos to Ibi in Taraba State, with design and procurement processes ongoing.

Responding to questions from journalists on the number of completed projects, the Minister listed several major road and bridge projects completed or ready for commissioning across the country. Among the projects, he mentioned Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Kwanar Danja-Hadejia Road, the Kaduna-Pambeguwa Road, the Lafia Bypass, the Bodo-Bonny Road with Bridges along the Opobo Channel, among many others.

He also listed the completed first lot of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Gombe-Potiskum rehabilitation project, sections of the Azare road linking Jigawa and Bauchi, the five-span Ampoha Bridge, the 23-kilometre, 23-span flyover project at Ekpoma-Benin axis, and a three-span, 75-metre dualised bridge structure.

Umahi further disclosed that several sections of the Lagos-Badagry and Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Shagamu-Ore corridors had been completed, while other sections were at advanced stages of completion.

He assured journalists that the Ministry was updating its compendium of completed and ongoing projects. “*We have quite a lot of projects. We have completed projects and we have ongoing projects. We are updating the compendium and it will be made available on the Ministry’s website and circulated to the public,”* he assured.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Ministry of Works' increasing adoption of concrete pavement on major highways, saying the need for greater durability and reduced maintenance costs is driving the policy.

According to him, the Ministry is developing infrastructure that would serve Nigerians for several decades and provide better value for public resources. He reiterated that concrete pavement provides longer durability guarantees, when properly designed and constructed, compared with the recurring maintenance challenges associated with conventional asphalt pavement.

Addressing questions concerning the procurement process for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Umahi explained that the Ministry followed an applicable procurement framework. He said the special procurement approach was necessitated by the unique engineering requirements of constructing a major highway through a difficult coastal terrain.
According to him, the Ministry identified the need for a contractor with a proven track record in executing similar coastal infrastructure and subsequently made a recommendation to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). He disclosed that the BPP reviewed the recommendation and gave its clearance, while the Federal Executive Council remained the final approving authority.

Umahi said the Ministry subjected the contractor's bid to scrutiny by comparing proposed rates with prevailing market prices for materials and other inputs. He stressed that both indigenous and expatriate contractors were subjected to the same pricing and evaluation principles.

*“We put everybody on the same platform. We sent the proposals to the Bureau of Public Procurement. They reviewed it and where they felt that the rates went beyond their expected maxima, they called our attention to it, and we reviewed the rates accordingly,”* he explained.

The Minister also disclosed that substantial progress had been recorded on the Outstanding Sections of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, with all the sections completed except the Jere-Kaduna portion advancing steadily. He revealed that the Ministry is installing solar-powered lighting along the 375-kilometre Expressway to improve night visibility, thereby enhancing safety and security. He also said that the improved condition of the highway, alongside security interventions, was contributing to safer and more efficient movement along the corridor.

The Minister disclosed that the Ministry had commenced an *“Operation Rescue”* on the Benin-Asaba Expressway following challenges associated with the road and its existing concession arrangement. He said the Federal Government had intervened to restore mobility, while plans were being developed for a comprehensive reconstruction of the entire alignment, using continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). He stressed that Nigerians should not continue to suffer because of unresolved contractual or concession-related issues.

The Minister, particularly, highlighted the Federal Government's increased infrastructure investment in the South East, saying the Tinubu Administration had demonstrated a clear commitment to reintegrating the hitherto neglected zone into the national infrastructure development programme. He said several major road projects had either been approved, commenced, or completed by the present administration.
Umahi, who is from the zone, said it might not have the highest number of federal projects compared with other geopolitical zones, but it was no longer being left behind.

*“We can't continue to live in denial. What we have been crying for is being given. The people of the South East are being fully reintegrated into the national infrastructure development plan,”* he emphasised.

He cited the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, the rehabilitation of the 1st Niger Bridge, ongoing construction of major Bypasses and other federal road projects in the zone as evidence of the administration's commitment.

The Minister maintained that infrastructure development should be viewed from the perspective of national integration rather than regional politics. He stated that the Federal Government's infrastructure agenda was intended to ensure that every part of Nigeria benefited from strategic investments in roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure.

On the Tax-Credit Scheme’s projects inherited from the previous administrations, Umahi explained that the Federal Government had taken proactive measures to address them, especially where private-sector partners were no longer able to sustain previously approved financing arrangements.

He warned contractors, who had received mobilisation or project funds but failed to deploy the funds on the work that the Ministry would take appropriate steps to recover such funds. He stressed that accountability, performance and value for money remained central to the Ministry's project execution strategy.

The Minister also addressed the ongoing intervention on the First Niger Bridge, explaining that measures were being introduced to improve traffic management and protect the structural integrity of the bridge. He said the Ministry was installing appropriate traffic management infrastructure, CCTV cameras and other security measures at its Asaba and Onitsha ends. According to Umahi, the measures were necessary because bridges are designed primarily for dynamic as opposed to static loads, explaining that prolonged traffic gridlock can create additional structural and safety challenges. He said remedial works, repainting and other maintenance activities were also being undertaken to ensure the long-term usage of the structure.

Umahi further explained that the Federal Government's road development strategy included environmental considerations, such as the planting of trees along major highways and the installation of solar-powered street lighting. He said the initiative would help improve visibility and the environment, provide shade, and contribute to the reduction of harmful emissions along major transport corridors.

The Minister also linked infrastructure development to the broader economic reforms of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu Administration, saying improved roads and connectivity would support agricultural production, industrialisation, trade, commerce, tourism and investment. He maintained that the Federal Government's infrastructure investments were part of a broader strategy to move economic growth from the macroeconomic level to the grassroots.

On the financing of the major legacy projects, Umahi assured Nigerians that the Federal Government had put mechanisms in place to ensure that the projects are adequately funded to completion.
He revealed that significant portions of the projects had been funded, while loan-financing arrangements were being implemented for the remaining components.

He noted that the administration was determined not to embark on projects without ensuring that there was a credible financing mechanism for their completion.
*“We don't start what we will not finish. And we will not finish what we have not started,”* he stated.

The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to completing inherited projects, while simultaneously delivering new strategic infrastructure under the Tinubu Administration. He said the legacy projects were not merely road construction schemes but long-term investments designed to transform Nigeria's economic landscape, improve connectivity, strengthen national integration and security, and create opportunities for millions of Nigerians.

In his closing remarks, the *Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Mohammed Aminu Ahmed, FCNA,* expressed appreciation to the Minister, members of the media, and all participants for attending. He commended the media for its continued partnership with the Ministry in informing Nigerians about government infrastructure projects and encouraged it to continue to provide constructive criticism on the Ministry's activities.

Mar

2020

FG Steps Up Road Infrastructure In Tertiary Institutions The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to bridge the infrastructural gap across the country and in all sectors as it continues its internal road intervention project to boost education and make the learning environment more conducive for students. The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, expressed the government's commitment to bridging infrastructural gap while handing over a newly reconstructed 1.33 kilometres internal road by his Ministry at the Federal University Oye, Ekiti State. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Fashola who was represented by the Ekiti State Federal Controller of Works Engr. Ishaq Lawalsaid that the intervention in internal roads construction within tertiary institutions is currently going on in 43 tertiary institutions, out of which 18 had been fully completed by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and admonished the school authority to ensure that the asset was maintained and not abused. The students of Federal University Oye, expressed renewed enthusiasm with regard to attending classes and becoming more zealous in the pursuit of their academic career as a result of the reconstructed road. Earlier In his welcome remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Kayode Shoremekun, thanked the federal government and the Ministry of Works and Housing for the reconstruction of over 1 kilometre internal road within the campus to ease vehicular movement and other activities. He urged the Minister not to abandon the school in subsequent budgetary provisions as more projects were begging for attention. He also appealed to the federal government to continue to partner with the school towards ensuring the provision of necessary social amenities to cater for over twenty thousand students of the university. The occasion was witnessed by top government officials and management staff of the institution. ...

Mar

2020

Loko-Oweto Bridge A Major Intervention By Buhari Administration In Linking Nigeria - Fashola * As Minister inspects the 2.2 km Bridge linking the East to the North of the country * Says when finished, will reduce journey time from the East to the FCT and impact positively on cost, ease of doing business * Loko-Oweto, 2nd Niger Bridges across two largest rivers in Nigeria to improve national integration, coexistence – Fashola * Now Loko is London because of this Bridge, says Emir of Loko, expresses profound gratitude to Buhari The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, at the weekend inspected the progress of work on the Loko-Oweto Bridge linking Nasarawa and Benue States describing it as a major Bridge intervention by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in linking the various regions of the country together. Fashola, who spoke with newsmen after inspecting the 2.2kilometre Bridge which crosses the River Benue, said the Bridge was a strategic transport route to connect the Northern part of the country to those coming from the Eastern part adding that it would reduce drastically the travel time between the two regions. The Minister told newsmen at the interaction, “This is a Bridge that connects North and South of Nigeria, Oweto in Benue and Loko in Nasarawa, which links you to the Federal Capital Territory. So this is a major strategic transport route to connect this part of the country and all those coming from the East of Nigeria”. He said anyone familiar with the territory of Benue State would also know that from Oturkpo, going to Oturkpa and to Ogbulafor, one would link the East of Nigeria. “So this is going to reduce the journey time between the Eastern Region of Nigeria and the Federal Capital, through Nasarawa and neighbouring states by many hours”, he said. Noting that the journey from the East to Abuja takes sometimes a whole day or more, Fashola declared, “Now, you can make this connection in about six hours from the East of Nigeria to Abuja. So, this is a major impact on business, reducing cost, time and improving the ease of doing business”. “When I came here in 2016, only one side of the Bridge was completed; now, the entire bridge is completed. The only work that remains now is the connecting roads to link the Bridge to the towns”, the Minister said adding that the road from Oturkpo to Oweto has been completed, with only three and half kilometres remaining to link the Bridge to the road on the Benue side. He said although there is still some work to be done on the Loko side with about 74 kilometres of connecting road to complete, vehicular traffic has commenced on the road because of the evident shortness of the link adding that it has now become a major route for transporting yams and other agricultural produce from Benue State to Nasarawa and to other parts of the North. Emphasizing the objective of the Bridge intervention by the Buhari administration, Fashola declared, “This is the Bridge that crosses River Benue while the 2nd Niger Bridge is also going on. They are the two major Bridge interventions across the two largest rivers in Nigeria to improve national integration and further improve national coexistence in the country”. “The last time I visited here no vehicles was passing because the connection was not complete. But what has happened now is that even as the road remains uncompleted we see trucks moving through because the road is evidently shorter”, the Minister said adding that it is going to develop into a major economic route for Nigeria, especially for farm produce from farmers and other agricultural produce. The Minister also noted that there are now street lights on the Bridge, explaining that when it was still combined with Power, the Ministry thought it wise to address the issue of electricity so that the host community would also benefit from the project which, according to him, is now a few months to completion. “We are a few months away from its final completion”, the Minister told newsmen adding, “You can also see now that there is street light; there was no electricity when we came here in 2016; of course we were then a combined Ministry of Power, Works and Housing. So we also addressed the electricity solution so that this community can also benefit”. Noting that there is still work to be done and the need to secure required resources against the backdrop of the current global economic challenges, the Minister, however, expressed delight that a lot of progress has been made, adding, “I want the work to be finished quickly, the government wants it finished like yesterday; the President wants to hand it over day before yesterday”. In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Loko, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo Umar, expressed delight at the visit of the Minister and the Minister of State and also the pace of work on the Bridge saying the people of the Loko Community were pleased that the project would open the community up and boost economic and social activities between them and other parts of the country. Describing the project as the biggest in Nigeria at the moment, the Emir expressed profound gratitude to the Muhammadu Buhari administration saying the project has turned the Loko Community into a busy vehicular link route between the Eastern part and the Northern part of Nigeria. “The Loko community is extremely happy with the Muhammadu Buhari government because of this project. From Loko here, you can see the movement of vehicles. Though the project is yet to be completed, you can see more than 500 vehicles passing from the North to the East and from the East to the North”, the obviously elated traditional ruler said. He said the route was hazardous before the project commenced because, according to him, the journey was made by boat across the river Benue, adding, “But you can see now that only the small part that remains to join the road to the Bridge but yet if you are here you cannot believe the economic activities that are going on across the Bridge on a daily basis.” “If you are here in this community, you will see that now Loko is another London because of this Bridge. That is why we are very grateful to the Government of Muhammadu Buhari,” he said. Accompanying the Minister on the over six hours journey from Abuja, were the Minister of State, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, Directors of the Ministry including the Director Highway, Construction and Rehabilitation,Engr. Oluyemi Oguntominiyi, his Bridges and Designs counterpart, Engr. Emmanuel Adeoye, the Federal Controller of Works Nasarawa State, Engr. Wasiu Taiwo and Special Advisers as well as journalists from the Electronic and Print Media. ...

Mar

2020

1.8km Loko – Oweto Bridge To Boost Economic Activities In Nigeria Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, has said that completion of the 1.8km Loko -Oweto Bridge in Nasarawa and Benue States will boost economic activities in Nigeria. He said this when he was on an inspection tour of the bridge construction site over the weekend. According to Fashola, the Loko- Oweto Bridge being a major strategic transport road connecting the Northern part of the country and all those coming from the Eastern part would develop into a vital economic route inclusive of transportation of agricultural produce. Fashola also said that the Oweto part of the bridge is in Benue state while Loko is in Nasarawa state, noting that the bridge would reduce the long hours that were normally spent on journeys from the East to the Federal Capital as well as the Northern part of the country. “This is a major impact on business reducing the cost of time and improving the ease of doing business,” Fashola said. The Minister, while stating that the Loko- Oweto Bridge also crosses River Benue disclosed that work was currently going on at the Second Niger Bridge. According to Fashola, the two major bridge interventions done by the Buhari administration would improve national integration, bring further co-existence and interaction among Nigerians. Walking on the bridge with journalists, Fashola said street lighting was a feature added to the bridge. He mentioned that the Ministry had to ensure the communities were connected to electricity for it to achieve the street lighting of the bridge, saying it has given the communities the privilege of enjoying electricity which they had lacked before the intervention on the road and bridge began. Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, urged the Managing Director of Messrs Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited (RCC), Nabeel Esawi, to employ a method that would fast track the completion and timely delivery of the link roads between Loko and Oweto to the bridge. The Federal Controller of Works , Nasarawa State, Engr. Taiwo Wasiu who conducted the Ministers and journalists round the bridge said that the Ministry would do the needful to make sure the bridge was completed and delivered at the right time. On behalf of the Loko community, the Emir of Loko, Alhaji Ahmed Sabo Umar, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria for the construction of the bridge and road network. He said that the bridge would enable his subjects to transport their farm produce safely to other communities as against paddling of canoes which was hazardous to their lives previously. He said that the bridge and road network had linked his community with other parts of the country, noting that motorists ply the route daily as construction was on-going. ...