Federal Ministry of Works

Mar

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI DECLARES AN END TO YEARS OF DEADLY TRAPS AND GRIDLOCK ON THE ENUGU–ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY, SETS MARCH 31 DEADLINE FOR REOPENING

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has declared that the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway is fast shedding its grim past, as the Federal Government intensifies a sweeping infrastructure upgrade across the South-East under the President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Umahi made the declaration on Monday, March 23, 2026, during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover, where he expressed confidence that the era of consistent fatal accidents, endless traffic, and public frustration along the road is coming to an end.

“I’m going round the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29th by Mr President. There are mega project that the President will be available for before May 29th and we mean it,” the Minister said.

Once regarded as one of the most dangerous highways in the region, the Enugu–Onitsha road had for years been plagued by tanker explosions, loss of lives, and economic disruptions. But Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory.

“Now this route, the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, you recall that when we came on board, everyday, people were talking about this road. There were a lot of tanker accidents, a lot of people died and so forth. But my joy is that the whole thing is a past story, because the President has swinged into action,” he stated.

The Minister disclosed that the dual carriageway, which spans 107 kilometres on each side, is undergoing a major structural shift, with a significant portion being converted from asphalt to concrete to ensure durability.

“It is not only that we are repairing this road… about half of it is going on to be concrete. I have no confidence in asphalt I continue to say it. By the time the asphalt fail we will have 50 percent of the road still intact and if it fails within the second tenure of the president then be rest assured that we will fix it,” he said.

He added that the same approach is being extended to sections in Anambra State, including the head bridge axis, where an initial asphalt design is being replaced with concrete pavement to align with modern highway standards.

“At the head Bridge we have 39k, we’re changing that to concrete so that we can have this coastal road type of road pavement there in Anambra and here in Enugu,”.

Beyond reconstruction, the project is also being enhanced with solar-powered street lighting and environmental features aimed at improving safety and sustainability.

“So that is going to happen but then not only that. We are putting solar light both for the one that was constructed before us and the one that is being done by us. Within the first one week we will have solar light up to this 1km and we continue we are also going to plant trees which is very important,” he added.

The Minister urged the people of the South-East to recognise the level of federal intervention in the region, noting that such attention to infrastructure was previously lacking.

“The people of South East have to be very grateful to Mr President. The reason is that we never had it like this. I was governor for 8 years and I can’t think of any Federal road project in Ebonyi State,” he said.

He also cautioned against divisive narratives, warning that some actors were misleading the public for selfish interests.

“I want to ask our people to be very very careful, there are people that pretend that they are helping us but they actually inciting us against government… we need to know when people are genuinely interested in our case,” he said.

Calling for sustained support for President Tinubu, Umahi described the ongoing works as part of a broader effort to correct past neglect and integrate the South-East more fully into national development.

“Let us allow this man that have started to right the wrong metted on us as the people of Southeast in the past. Let us allow him the next four years and we will be very much fully integrated,” he stated, adding, “To know the revolution that is going on in infrastructure… this is the Biafra we are looking for.”

As a major milestone, the Minister directed that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be reopened for public use on or before March 31.

“I have given the controller the authority, by the 31st or before, he should call the press to open this road, call the people of South East… let them know that this road is open for travel and that will be our Easter celebration,”.

Addressing concerns over project costs, Umahi clarified that the Ministry of Works does not unilaterally determine project pricing, noting that approvals pass through multiple regulatory layers, including the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.

“I’m not the final authority when it comes to the cost of a project, there are layers of approval, the Bureau of Public Procurement, their own stands and not my own,” he explained.

He maintained that the standard being applied to the Enugu–Onitsha project is consistent with major road projects across the country.

“The same road architecture as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway… so no discrimination with the president, everybody is the same,” Umahi said.

Jul

2025

Minister of State for Works Visits Kaduna-Abuja Expressway on Presidential Directive -Pledges Immediate Emergency Repairs In line with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR's Renewed Hope Agenda, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., on the directive of Mr. President, undertook an urgent inspection visit to the critical portion of the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway. The affected stretch, approximately 500 meters by the Federal Cooperative College at Abuja Junction in Kaduna, has been causing significant delays in the movement of people, goods, and services. This vital corridor is a major link within the nation’s socio-economic zones and its failed condition has heightened the hardship of motorists and impacted economic activities, greatly. Speaking during the inspection, the Honourable Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the road, reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to making Nigerian roads motorable and safe, despite existing funding constraints. He noted that the President has made it a priority to ensure swift interventions, where necessary, to ease the suffering of Nigerians. On behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, Goronyo assured the public that the Ministry has assessed the identified portion of the road and will commence immediate emergency repairs. This proactive measure is part of the government’s broader agenda to strengthen road infrastructure and promote an efficient transportation network across the country. The Minister, while appreciating the patience and understanding of road users, assured the public of concerted efforts to deliver quality roads and bridges for accelerated national development. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press & Public Relations. 23rd July 2025. ...

Jul

2025

Minister Inspects Damaged Flyover at Keffi, Directs Urgent Intervention The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has inspected the damaged flyover at Keffi caused by an overburdened truck carrying an excavator. The impact of the collision completely dislodged one (1) of the beams and damaged two (2) others. The on-the-spot assessment was undertaken today, Sunday, July 20th, 2025. The Minister, who was accompanied by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mal. Mohammed A. Ahmed, the Deputy Director, Design and Bridges, Engr. Musa Seidu, Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman and other officials disclosed that he had directed the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, along with a team of engineers, to visit the damaged infrastructure on the day of the incident, Thursday, 17th July 2025. Following their preliminary inspection, which revealed visible cracks on the structure caused by the force of the impact, he ordered the immediate closure of the affected carriageway of the flyover to traffic to prevent further damage, as well as mitigate risk. While one beam has fallen entirely and damaged the walkway and parapet, the other two beams, though damaged, have retained their structural integrity, according to the engineers. The underpass has been cleared, but the overpass remains closed as a precaution. Engr. Umahi, appealed to Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited, the contractor currently working in the FCT, to urgently begin the redesign and molding of a replacement beam, while salvaging the other two (2) that were partially affected. The process is expected to take approximately thirty (30) days, after which a strength test will be conducted before reinstallation. He emphasised that the integrity of the structure will be fully restored before reopening it for vehicular traffic. These emergency repairs, he revealed, will be handled through an intervention fund, pending the release of resources. He assured the general public that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is fully aware of the unfortunate incident and has directed immediate remedial action to restore the facility, which serves a critical transport corridor. He also commiserated with the families that lost their loved ones, while wishing the wounded, quick recovery. The Ministry will continue to work closely with the contractor and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a swift and safe reconstruction exercise. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations. 20th July 2025. ...

Jul

2025

FG MOVES TO PROTECT BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURE, WARNS AGAINST OVERLOADING AND NON-COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY STANDARDS The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE stated this today, July 17, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, in response to recent damages to the structural integrity of key bridges and flyovers, nationwide. Engr. Umahi cited a recent structural incident at the Keffi Flyover, which prompted an immediate technical evaluation. The investigation revealed that the damage was caused by a container-laden trailer exceeding the permitted clearance height, highlighting a national disregard for vehicle height and load regulations. “When the height or weight of what you're transporting exceeds the permitted clearance, it directly compromises the structural integrity of bridges and flyovers,” the Minister stated. He further emphasized that “These infrastructures were never designed to accommodate such abuse. A single impact from an overloaded or improperly configured vehicle can lead to multi-billion-naira damage and threaten lives, as well as properties.” The Honourable Minister also noted that the minimum standard headroom for flyovers and interchanges ranges between 5.5 and 6.5 meters. Violating this engineering requirement not only breaches federal regulations but also significantly shortens the lifespan of essential transport infrastructure. Engr. Umahi reported that no fewer than seven bridges along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway have suffered structural compromises due to similar violations. He referenced the Eko Bridge, which was damaged by fire under the previous administration and is currently undergoing rehabilitation; it is now 80% complete, thanks to expedited funding approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Addressing the state of the 3rd Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos, the Honourable Minister acknowledged the discomfort faced by commuters due to ongoing maintenance exercises as witnessed during a recent inspection and urged them to be patient, while complying with the approved standards. He reaffirmed that integrity tests are essential to ensuring the long-term safety of these structures and the millions of Nigerians who use them daily. “We appreciate the patience of Nigerians during this time. All findings from our assessments are being addressed with precision, and every repair and reinforcement is being executed according to international engineering standards. No shortcuts will be taken,” he assured. The Honourable Minister also announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with enforcement agencies, would launch a nationwide crackdown on non-compliant vehicles. This initiative includes strict enforcement of weight load regulations, clearance heights, and transport configurations across federal roads and bridges. The Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasising that bridge protection is a shared responsibility, not solely the government’s. “The bridges across Nigeria are a critical component of the nation’s economic and transport network. These structures are designed and constructed with load and height specifications. When motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, ignore these, they place undue stress on our infrastructure, leading to premature and costly damage,” he stated. Engr. Adebiyi urged transport unions, construction firms, logistics companies, and motorists to comply with the federal regulations to preserve public assets and ensure road safety. “The government alone cannot monitor every kilometre of road or every single bridge. This must be a collective effort. We are open to collaboration, sensitisation, and enforcement because Nigerians must understand that protecting our roads is in our shared interest,” he affirmed. In conclusion, the Ministry also called on all stakeholders—transport unions, construction companies, logistics operators, and road users—to join hands with the government in ensuring that the nation’s infrastructure investments are not rendered futile by negligence and lawlessness. Mohammed A. Ahmed Director, Press and Public Relations 17th June, 2025 ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jun

2022

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."

SPEECHES

Jun

2022

WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING, BASHIR NURA ALKALI, FCA, FCTI AT THE COMMISSIONING OF ISOKO RING ROAD IN DELTA STATE ON TUESDAY, 21st JUNE, 2022.

PROTOCOLS

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this significant event in the affairs of our National life. I welcome all the eminent and distinguished invited guests to the occasion of the commissioning of the second phase of the completed roads across the country.

2. On behalf of the Honourable Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Directors and Head of Units, Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, I welcome all distinguished invited Guests, the Royal Fathers and the entire people of Delta State to this event.

3. 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 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.

4. The Ministry has successfully completed several roads and maintained several bridges to ensure that road users have a rewarding road travel experience. Several other roads and bridges are at various stages of completion such as the 2nd Niger Bridge and its approach road, Dualization of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Loko-Oweto Bridge linking Nasarawa to Benue States, Dualization of Enugu-Portharcourt Expressway, Bodo-Bonny Brigde, Lagos-Ibadan Dualization project, to mention just a few.

5. We have now entered the season of completion and handover of several roads and bridges projects across the country. Recently, 5-roads were commissioned by Mr. President who was represented by the Cabinet Ministers from the states where the projects were sited such as:
Commissioning of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kotangora-Makere Road, Phases I&II in Kebbi State;
Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road Phases I&II in Benue State;
Nenwe-Oduma Road Sections I&II in Enugu and Ebonyi States;
Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi/Yobe States; and
Kano-Maiduguri Road Section II Shuwarin-Azare, with spur from Dutse to Kwanar Huguma in Jigawa/Bauchi States.

6. In this phase of the commissioning, Mr. President approved the commissioning of the following roads:

Rehabilitation of Efon Alaaye-Erinmo-Iwaraja Road In Ekiti/Osun States;
Isoko Ring Road in Delta State;

Rehabilitation of Hadeija-Nguru Road, Phase II CH 40+000-CH 73+150 Kirikasama-Nguru in Jigawa State;
Completion of Gombe-Numan-Yola Road Phase II (Gombe-Kaltungo) in Gombe State;
Construction of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section II, Phase I, (Gashua-Bayamari), Yobe State;
Rehabilitation of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section I (Nguru-Gashua) Phase II in Yobe State;
Rehabilitation of Lafia-Obi-Awe-Tunga Road in Nasarawa State.

7. As we complete the commissioning of this road here in Delta State, the train will move to Jigawa State, Nasarawa State and on to the others.

8. Our joy is that Nigerians are benefitting from the fruits of democracy and the promises made by the present Administration. These projects have created direct and indirect jobs as well as provided socio-economic benefits that the magnitude of such projects carries with it.

9. At this juncture, I welcome you all once again to the commissioning ceremony of this laudable road project in Delta State.

Thank you and God bless you.