


REVVING UP PROGRESS: HISTORIC FLAG-OFF OF LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY IN CROSS RIVER STATE The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator David Umahi Nweze, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on behalf of the Federal Government has officially launched Sections 3A & 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River State on Monday, April 14th, 2025. The event which was held in Calabar, marks the beginning of a monumental infrastructure project aimed at connecting eight coastal states across Nigeria. In his speech, the Honourable Minister highlighted the project's groundbreaking nature, describing the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as not just another road but a symbol of progress for Nigeria. Engr. Dr. Umahi reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to completing the highway on schedule, with the project set to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth in the affected regions. He also reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's dedication to fulfilling his promises on infrastructure development. Senator Umahi praised Hitech Construction Ltd. for their outstanding work and for their partnership in delivering this significant project that will benefit not only Calabar but the entire nation. Governor Prince Bassey Otu, representing President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, spoke passionately about the historical importance of the project. He expressed deep gratitude to the federal government for initiating such a transformative project in an area long deprived of modern infrastructure. Governor Otu emphasized that the completion of the road would improve connectivity and open up significant economic opportunities for Cross River State, fostering long-term growth and development. Bello M. Goronyo, Esq. Honourable Minister of State for Works, who was also in attendance, spoke about the fulfillment of promises made during President Tinubu’s campaign, noting the critical infrastructure needs of underserved regions. He expressed gratitude for the continued support from local communities and emphasized the collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments in achieving national progress. Mr. Danny Aboud of Hitech Construction Ltd., the project contractor, assured attendees of the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality road. He discussed the use of innovative concrete pavement technology that will ensure the durability and longevity of the highway. Aboud also emphasized the significance of engaging local Labour and businesses, contributing to regional socio-economic development and job creation. In his goodwill message, Engr. Pius Edet Ankpo, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Cross River State, expressed sincere gratitude to the Federal Government for initiating the project. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership and acknowledged the historic nature of constructing a road through forested terrain. Ankpo also advocated for the reinitiation of other key federal road projects in the state, such as the Ikom–Odukpani Junction and Calabar–Itu road, which have faced delays. He urged the Federal Government to prioritize these projects to ensure ongoing development in Cross River State. Mr. Asuquo Ukpanyang, the Youth Liaison Officer for the state, conveyed the excitement and anticipation of local communities regarding the project. He emphasized that it would not only create jobs but also drive economic participation, improving residents' standards of living. Ukpanyang stressed the importance of involving local populations to ensure the project’s success. Prominent figures such as Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, an Elder Statesman, and Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central, also delivered powerful goodwill messages. Both leaders expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and shared how the hopes of Cross Riverians are being renewed through this project. They pledged strong support for the initiative, recognizing its transformative potential for the region. Prof. Nyong commended the Federal Government’s commitment to lasting development in the South-South, while Senator Williams highlighted the project’s role in unlocking new trade and economic opportunities for Cross River State and neighboring regions. Additional goodwill messages were delivered by Former Senator Ita Giwa and Hon. Gift Johnbull, SSA to the President on Committee Engagement. Senator Giwa praised the federal government for spearheading the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, noting its potential to create new economic opportunities. Hon. Johnbull echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader importance of the project in line with President Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to nationwide infrastructure development. Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, also addressed the audience. He expressed full confidence in the project’s success and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is completed to the highest standards, benefiting not only Cross River State but the entire nation. His remarks reinforced the Ministry of Works’ dedication to providing the necessary oversight and support for the project’s successful execution. The launch of Sections 3A & 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway signals a transformative infrastructure project that will greatly enhance the lives of Nigerians, particularly in the South-South region. With the combined efforts of the Federal Government, state authorities, contractors, and local communities, the successful completion of this critical initiative is assured. The project is set to be a key driver of Nigeria’s long-term economic growth, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s infrastructure development.
FEDERAL MINSTRY OF WORKS ADOPTS MORE WORKEABLE MEASURES TO END DELAYS OF CONTRACTORS IN PROJECT DELIVERY, EXPRESSES COMMITMENT TO CREATIVITY, INNOVATIONS AND THINKING OUT OF THE BOX TO MEET THE ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OF NIGERIANS As part of strategic infrastructure development masterplan of the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Federal Government has adopted workeable measures to end the old order of unnecessary delays in the execution of road infrastructure projects by contractors and has taken steps to rejig the monstrous contract price variation clause which has been a major clog in the wheel of progress of project execution over the years. This was contained in the briefing of the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON, during a meeting with contractors handling Federal Government's projects, held at the Ministry's Headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja on 10th June 2024. The Honourable Minister expressed the urgency of thinking realistically, creatively, innovatively, and thinking out of the square to overcome the funding challenges that face road infrastructure development in Nigeria. He narrated, " When the Renewed Hope administration came on board on 29th May 2023, Mr. President inherited over 2600 ongoing projects from the past administration amounting to over N15 trillion, out of which only about N2 trillion was certified and paid. And so we now have ongoing projects of N13 trillion, including budgetary projects, NNPCL, SUKUK, Presidential Initiative Development Projects, other Tax Credit Scheme Projects of NLNG, MTN, Dangote, BUA, Mainstream and projects under EPC +F, PPP" He stated that the aftermaths of fuel subsidy and the forex forces affected drastically the contract cost elements and pricing of which Variation on Price( VOP) could not provide a remedy especially for jobs awarded so many years ago, and where VOP on contracts was sometimes hitting 500%. He further stated that in looking for a solution, the Ministry sought for and got Mr. President's approval to give an envelope in the 2024 budgetary provision to keep all the inherited projects alive, believing that more funding of such projects could come by thinking outside the box. The new projects under the 2024 projects, including the constituency projects of the National Assembly, also have poor budgetary allocations. In tackling responsibly the challenges of funding, price variation, and delays in projects delivery, the Honourable Minister introduced responsive approaches which were adopted as the Ministry's measures to overcome the challenges of road infrastructure development in Nigeria. Such measures include but are not limited to reviewing the VOP clause to ensure workability in line with the economic realities, making it a policy that all contractors handling two carriageway projects (with the exemption of the 3 legacy projects) must first complete one side of the two carriageways and thereafter continue with the second part subject to availability of fund, advancement of funds after award of contract is subject to conditions contained in the bid document, going forward. Other measures adopted were that contractors must have a timeline for project delivery, and every contractor shall have a duty to maintain the road under construction until the entire project is completed and delivered. A deadline shall be given for all ongoing projects, and with time, all projects that have no funding shall be stood down, but projects will be selected Zone by zone or State by State for funding. In applying these measures, he emphasized that all contractors will be treated equally. "One thing that is our policy is that no contractor in the Ministry of Works will be treated differently. Whether you're an indigenous contractor or you're a foreign contractor, insofar as you can turn cement to the right grade and place it rightly. You're a good contractor; we check, and it's good." The Honourable Minister noted the various projects completed by contractors and other major ones to be ready for commissioning from July, 2024 and directed the Directors in charge of each Geo-Political Zone to officially and publicly commission the various projects completed in their respective Zones. He further directed that committees made up of the Ministry's Engineers and the Media correspondents be set up to pay inspection visits to the respective zones to assess the level of project performance in all the federal government projects being handled by the Federal Ministry of Works under the Renewed Hope administration. ...
RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION COMMITTED TO COMPLETING THE ABUJA-KADUNA- KASTINA-KANO FEDERAL HIGHWAY, COMMENCES DESIGN OF SOKOTO -BADAGRY ROAD The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON has reiterated the commitment of Federal Government under the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to completing the Abuja- Kaduna-Katsina- Kano Federal Highway within a record time. He stated this during a courtesy visit of the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani to his office, Mabushi-Abuja, on 7th May 2024. Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister said he had the directive of Mr. President to present a programme that could see to the completion of the project within the next one year. He assured the Governor that the project, which was inherited from the past administration, would be started in three sections as soon as possible. He said, "We are going to have the first section of 38 kilometers by 2, (which is 76 kilometers,) done by Dangote Group of Companies on Tax Credit and it's going to use concrete to do it. We will allow the next 82 kilometers for Julius Berger to handle. And then the last 20 kilometers by 2, (which is 40 kilometers) for BUA to handle and to also use concrete to do that. And I can assure you that the job will start in these three sections within this month of May." The Honourable Minister commended the Governor for the peace and development being witnessed in Kaduna State under his administration despite inherent challenges. "I want to commend you very highly. In spite of the challenges you have in your State, you have started extremely very well. And God will be with you. God will provide the means because you mean well for the nation, for your people in Kaduna State and in fact, for everyone who is living in Kaduna State. I want to commend you. I commend you for the peace of the State, the unity of the State and the oneness of the State, irrespective of religion "He further stated that the President's directive on designing 1000 kilometers Sokoto- Badagry Highway was being handled with dispatch by the Federal Ministry of Works, noting that the project would cover the old African trade route of Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos States, connecting to Badagry. He also stated that a proposal was being made to link the South East to the North through the Trans Sahara Highway that would have a spur passing through Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and end in Abuja. On his part, the Governor of Kaduna State extolled the vision and will of the President of Nigeria in revolutionizing road infrastructure, which is a catalyst for the socio- economic development of the nation, and the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Works which has changed the narrative in the development of road infrastructure in Nigeria. He said," I have to commend him for his effort. Since his assumption to office, he has made us proud, because he has done extremely well, and because he has been able to follow the blueprint of our President, who has promised everyone when he was elected, that he would take development to every part of Nigeria, irrespective of those that elected him or not. And of course, that is the agenda, that is the Renewed Hope. Today, we are proud to say that development is reaching everywhere in Nigeria." He commended the President's initiative to construct Lagos-Calabar road and the Sokoto-Badagry road, noting that the projects would enhance the socio-economic potential of the country when completed. He emphasized the importance of Federal Government's intervention on the Eastern Bypass in Kaduna State, the Mando-Benigwari road connecting the North-West. He said that the road was of prime importance for agricultural programmes in the North. "And for all of us in Northern Nigeria, you will agree with me that farming is very important. And what we really want is creating opportunities for people that are in the rural areas. That will certainly help, particularly our farmers, linking our farms with markets. Our people believe in this infrastructure to support our farmers. ...
GOVERNOR UBA SANI COMMENDS WORKS MINISTER OVER INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, URGES COMPLETION OF KEY PROJECTS. Kaduna state Governor Senator Uba Sani, has commended the Honourable Minister of Works His Excellency Engr. Dr. David Umahi over his efforts on Infrastructural development across the Country. The Governor made this remark during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works in his office in Abuja. Sani praised the progress being made on various road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, Sokoto-Badagry Road, and Kaduna- Zamfara –Sokoto as well as the Zaria to Kaduna, Makurdi-Enugu Road amongst others. The Senator the described the Abuja –Kaduna road to link to four (4) states with enormous benefit to cities and rural communities. He also urged the Minister to complete the Eastern bypass in Kaduna and the Mando – Birnin- Gwari Road, which was promised by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his campaign visit to Kaduna. Senator Sani commended the Minister for separating the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road project, which will now be constructed by Dangote, BUA, and Julius Berger through the Tax Credit Scheme. He expressed his excitement over the project's completion within the next one year as directed by President Tinubu. In his remarks, the Honourable Minister assured Senator Sani that the projects will be completed as scheduled and thanked him for his support and encouragement. He also commended Senator Sani for his leadership role in bringing everyone together irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations and commitment to the development of Kaduna State and the nation at large. The meeting reinforced the Federal Government's commitment to Infrastructural development and its determination to leave a lasting legacy in Nigeria's path to development. ...
Road Commissioning: FG - financed Road linking Ekiti -Osun State opens, speedy Commercial and Transport activities expected
The Federal Government -financed road linking Ekiti -Osun State has been commissioned, the road is expected to boost both commercial, social and developmental activities across the two states.
The Efon Alaaye -Erinmo-Iwaraja Road links the three towns of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State , Erinmo and Iwaraja in Osun State.
The road linking the two states was commissioned and handed over to the states in Efon Alaaye Ekiti State amid hopes that the new infrastructure will help reduce road fatalities, ease mobility and spur trade within the two states as well as with their neighbouring states.
President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the road on Thursday, June 16, 2022 . The event was attended by government officials , transport operators, members of parliament and traditional chiefs draped in colourful regalia.
*President Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo said, "As you can all see, we are handing over today a 22 kilometre Road, which links the three towns of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State and Erinmo and Iwaraja in Osun State."
Buhari remarked " By linking Ekiti and Osun State together, this road becomes a critical component of our national road network.''
President Buhari further remarked, " This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business. This is because the travel time of averagely One hour before construction has now been reduced to 20minutes with the completion of the road.''
The Representative of the Minister of Works and Housing , the Zonal Director South West in the Ministry, Engr. Ademola Kuti remarked, "The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities which is flagged off today in Ekiti will also be in : Delta State for Isoko Ring Road Section II covering Aviara -Uzere, Jigawa State for Phase II of Hadejia - Nguru covering Kirikasama -Nguru, Gombe State for Phase II of the Gombe -Numan -Yola Road covering Gombe- Kaltungo , Yobe State for Section II and Phase I of the Nguru -Gashua -Bayamari Road covering Gashua to Bayamari ; Section I, Phase II covering Nguru to Gashua and Nasarawa State for Lafia-Obi-Awe -Tunga Road."
Fashola continued, "These projects represent major investment in road transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity."
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr.Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by the Controller of Works Ekiti State, Engr.Ishaq Lawal said, "As part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s developmental agenda of addressing road infrastructural development across the length and breadth of Nigeria, the Federal Government as a policy direction has focused on the completion of several on-going projects to stimulate economic development, job creation and promoting local content. The focus is to link the major arterial roads to refineries, ports, tertiary institutions and high volume commercial centres with a view to reducing travel times, vehicle maintenance costs, safety and security of commuters etc."
The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi who represented the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr.John Kayode Fayemi said, " We thank God that the job has been completed after 40years . We thank Buhari for attending to the calls of the people and the contractor has done a good job."
The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele remarked " I will say on behalf of the Senate Committee on Works that the Contractor has passed oversight test and the contractor must also ensure that all safety measures on the road including adequate road signage and lane markings should be engraved on the road. I congratulate Federal Government and those involved in the project."
The Chairman of Efon Local Government Area Ekiti State, Engineer Bode Adetunji expressed joy over the completed and commissioned road. He remarked, " Efon is a town for over forty years that has no outlet, but now we have a road linking us to the outside world. We thank the contractor for a good job , Minister of Works and Housing and President Buhari for the project."
His Royal Highness Obalufon Alayemore , Oba Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare Agunsoye II , the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye said, "Onbehalf of the community and the people involved in the road rehabilitation, I say thank you to the Federal Government. We want the Government to continue to maintain the road so that we can enjoy the road for a long time."
His Royal Highness Awaraja of Iwaraja Ijesa Oba Sunday Ibironke , Samoyekon I remarked, " I just want to commend the Controller and the Minister , the job is wonderful and good. "
The Managing Director of Kopek Construction Limited, Engr Issam Feghali that handled the project commented, "There was no road in Efon Alaaye before the construction started, moreso the topography but we have achieved alot . We appreciate the efforts of the people for their cooperation and better funding from Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN."
The Head of Market Association in Efon Alaaye, Chief ( Mrs). Gbadamosi Olayemi, said, " We are happy with the road , goods and people can move into Efon, with the road we can now get to Ilesha and Ife in no time."
The Unit Chairman Efon Alaaye Motor Transport Union , Emmanuel Sere Ogun have this to say, " The road has become the fastest route for commuters and we don't spend much money on vehicle repairs anymore."
Senior Motor Mechanic in the area ,Mr. Adedeji Adewale expressed his satisfaction with the project, " The beauty and aesthetics of the town has been greatly improved with the new road and the harrowing of 15years going through rough road is over."
One of the leading farmers in Efon Alaaye, Timothy Agbalajobi said, " We are happy with the handing over , God bless Fashola and Federal Government. We no longer have problems moving our produce from farms to town. Issues of breakdown of vehicles with our produce getting delayed is over."
Remarks by The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN Represented by Zonal Director Highways (C&R), Engr. Wasiu Adetayo at The Commissioning and Handover Ceremony on Saturday 18th June, 2022 at Birniwa, Jigawa State
On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring good tidings to the peoples and Government of Jigawa State, who will be impacted by the Hadeijia-Nguru Road, that our President will hand over today.
My principal message to you all is that this is the first of the second phase of project Completion and Handovers our country will be witnessing as we progress further in this season of completion and impact which started in the last quarter of 2021.
In this second phase of completion Mr. President has also approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities.
The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities Jigawa will be in:
a) Delta for Isoko Ring Road Section II covering Aviara – Uzere.
b) Yobe for Section II and Phase I of the Nguru – Gashua – Bayamari Road covering Gashua to Bayamari; Section I, Phase II covering Nguru to Gashua.
c) Nasarawa for Lafia – Obi – Awe – Tunga Road.
d) Gombe for Phase II of the Gombe – Numan –Yola Road covering Gombe – Kaltungo.
These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.
They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.
This occasion affords the opportunity to restate that in addition to other innovative sources of funding, our Budgetary provisions are also being diligently applied to complete projects such as these.
I want to express deep gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support.
To our staff and contractors who have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion I also say thank you, as I cannot fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the host communities where these projects pass through or are hosted.
I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government.
Ladies and Gentlemen, none of these would have been possible without the support of Ministers in the Federal Executive Council during debates over the projects.
To all Ministers in the first term and this current term, I express gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Housing for your support.
To the President and Vice President who preside for long hours over the Council meetings, your leadership is now bearing fruits and the evidence of change is now manifesting.
Ekiti/Osun, Delta, Gombe, Yobe, and Nasarawa among several other States bearing witness and there is more to come.
Thank You.
BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE, H.E. MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING AND STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 127-KILOMETRE, 3-LANE, SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY (NIGER STATE COMPONENT) OF THE 1,068-KILOMETRE SOKOTO - BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY IN MINNA, WEDNESDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER, 2024
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PICTURES FROM DAY 2 OF THE 29TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS
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