Federal Ministry of Works

Oct

2026

LATEST PRESS

GORONYO COMMENDS SOKOTO GOVERNOR FOR DONATING 10 HILUX VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY ALONG SOKOTO–BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, PhD, for donating 10 operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and other strategic infrastructure corridors.

The vehicles were formally commissioned and handed over to the Nigerian Army at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE.
The donation is expected to enhance the operational capacity of military personnel and other security agencies responsible for protecting construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities along the highway corridor.

Speaking during the ceremony, Goronyo described the donation as a demonstration of the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to national development and the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its landmark infrastructure projects.

The Minister emphasised that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway represents a long-standing national infrastructure vision that dates back several decades, with its conception traced to the era of former President Shehu Shagari in the 1970s. However, the vision remained unrealised for decades until the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, initiated the construction of the 1,068-kilometre highway in October 2024.

He described the project as a significant step towards translating a historic aspiration into tangible infrastructure that will connect communities, expand economic opportunities and strengthen national integration.

According to Goronyo, President Tinubu’s commitment to the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and improve connectivity between northern and southern Nigeria.
He noted that the superhighway, which traverses Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, is designed to facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, stimulate trade, create employment and open up new economic opportunities along its route.

The Minister added that the highway would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce, industry and the development of communities across the corridor.
He stressed that the successful delivery of the project would require sustained commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities.

Goronyo maintained that effective security remained essential to the timely and successful completion of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. He explained that the provision of operational vehicles would strengthen the mobility and response capabilities of security personnel deployed to safeguard the project and its surrounding communities.

The Minister highlighted other strategic infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
He explained that these projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to developing an integrated road network capable of supporting commerce, strengthening inter-state connections and accelerating national economic growth.

Rt. Hon. Goronyo further noted that the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was intended to provide durable road infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades. He added that complementary environmental and safety measures, including tree planting and solar-powered street lighting where provided for in the project, would contribute to environmental sustainability, visibility and road safety.

Goronyo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure. He acknowledged the difficult conditions under which security personnel operate and urged them to remain steadfast in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

The Honourable Minister also expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian military over the reported loss of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day. He described the loss as painful and extended his sympathy to the affected personnel, their colleagues and bereaved families, while praying for the peaceful repose of the departed and strength for their loved ones.

He further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in addressing security challenges associated with the project, particularly through assistance and coordination aimed at strengthening security operations along the highway corridor.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Federal Government’s infrastructure development agenda, Goronyo said the Ministry of Works would continue to support the implementation of strategic projects under President Tinubu’s leadership, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure their successful delivery.

He expressed optimism that the continued implementation of the Federal Government’s development programmes would bring lasting benefits to Nigerians, while acknowledging the complementary role of the Sokoto State Government in supporting infrastructure development and security.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for the donation of the 10 Hilux vehicles.

The GOC noted that the vehicles would significantly enhance the operational mobility and response capabilities of troops deployed along the highway corridor, particularly across the approximately 440-kilometre section extending through Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He explained that troops conduct regular patrols and maintain multiple deployment points along the corridor, making the additional vehicles a valuable boost to their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to support security operations and protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders involved in the project.

The GOC also commended the representative of Hitech Construction Company, retired General Sa'ad Abubakar, for the company's involvement in the project.

The event was attended by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aliyu Garba, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders.
The donation underscores the importance of sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safe and timely delivery of strategic infrastructure projects.

The Federal Ministry of Works reiterates its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to protect national infrastructure and advance the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable economic growth and development.

Mar

2017

Buhari Administration Using Infrastructure Development To Rebuild The Economy-Fashola The Federal Government under President Muhammdu Buhari is using infrastructure development as a vehicle to take the nation out of recession and rebuild the Nigerian economy; and putting the country’s resources where it is necessary for the people. The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN affirmed this during a courtesy visit on the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun as he continues his inspection tour of projects in the South-West geo-political zone. Fashola requested for collaborative effort between the state government and the Controllers of Works and Housing, appealing that they are granted access at the highest level in order for them to serve and assist the state in whatever capacity to achieve “your developmental goals politically, socially and economically” The Minister mentioned that the contractors on many of the federal roads in the state are back to construction sites and thus assisting in relating to the neighboring states of Lagos, Oyo and Ondo and further generating employment of Nigerians at the various sites. Fashola expressed appreciation for the dedication shown by the Governor Amosun in rebuilding federal roads in Ogun State and stated that the Federal Government is committed to repayment of the funds expended on federal roads. The Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Popoola, earlier said that there are 1,380 Kilometre of federal roads in Ogun State and that the Governor took it upon himself to repair some of the roads and also assisted in removing markets along the federal highways at Mowe and Ibafo. In response, Governor Amosun expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the intervention on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway stressing that the road is the busiest in the country; adding that no development could get to any place without infrastructure. He requested that Ogun State should be adequately compensated for the N123bn which had been certified as expenses on federal roads out of a total of N223bn expended. Governor Amosun said that state government would be grateful if attention could be focused on the Shagamu-Ajebandele Road reconstruction as it was done on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway; adding that federal government should urgently intervene on the Papa-Olorunsogo interchange Road and the Lagos-Abeokuta old road. ...

Mar

2017

Fashola Reiterates FG’s Commitment to Co-Operate with State Governments to Achieve Their developmental Agenda The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to assist every state in the Federation towards the achievement of their developmental agenda within the scope of the nation’s Constitution. Fashola stated this at the beginning of his inspection tour of road projects in the South-West geo-political zone with a courtesy visit on the Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose. The Minister who had travelled from Abuja by road to the state capital, Ado Ekiti said that help is on the way with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari as far as road infrastructure is concerned; adding that the President is committed to redeem the expenses of state governments on federal roads. He explained that the Federal Government is in the process of raising bonds to ensure that states get their money back. He expressed the optimism that the government at the Federal level will assist the state to achieve its agenda, as the ministry is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Finance in providing the fund required for payment to construction companies. Fashola also enjoined State Governments to treat the Federal Controllers of works and Housing in the various states as they treat Ambassadors in order to make the roads safe and motorable. He asked for seamless relationship and co-operation as the Controllers would be held accountable for the condition of federal roads within their domain. He expressed appreciation to the State Government for the provision of land for the National Housing Programme which he said would be beneficial to the state as it would provide jobs and economic opportunies for indigenes of Ekiti State. Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works, Engineer Hezekiah Kehinde, had briefed the Governor and senior officials of the State on the situation of the various Federal roads in the State. Governor Ayodele Fayose, in his response stated that for the Minister to travel by road from Abuja to Ekiti, “to feel what the ordinary Nigerians are feeling on the road” is enough statement to convince people of the Minister’s passion and commitment to improve the status of the roads and the well being of Nigerians. The Governor promised to remove the signposts which he had erected on federal roads in the state and to tone done his criticism of the Federal Government, hoping that the Minister will match words with action. Mr. Fayose asked the Minister to revisit the issue of payment to the State Government for the intervention on the Akure-Ikere-Ado Ekiti federal road on which he had done a lot and spent a considerable amount of about N2billion. ...

Mar

2017

FG To Pay Outstanding Debt Owed To The State Governments-Fashola. The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has rekindled the hope of state governments across the nation that Federal Government is working assiduously to see that in no distant time, the money incurred by the states on Federal road projects will be paid back, saying that “Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to fulfill his promise by paying all expense incurred by the state governments on federal roads.” Fashola revealled this in Osogbo while playing a courtesy call on the Governor of Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola in his office during an inspection tour to Federal government projects under his ministry in the South-West geo-political zone recently. He explained that the Federal Government is working hard to see that bond is raised so that states get their money back. The Minister stated that the purpose for the Federal government to post the Federal Controllers to the state of the federation is not to engage in rivalry game but to strengthening the cordial relations between the Federal and the state governments, therefore they are partners in progress and they must be seen as the representative of Federal Government. Fashola applauded Osun state government for its quick intervention on Gbongan-Kwara state boundary road, which will ultimately going to lead to economic recovery of Nigerians as well as reducing the travel time of the commuters plying along this corridor. In his response, the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, expressed his gratitude to the Minister and by extension to President Muhammadu Buhari for keeping to his promises since assumption of office. The governor explained the seal for his administration to embark on infrastructural development. He said “his government appreciates importance of infrastructure development as one of the ways that will improve economic activities as well as employment generation of the people, hence the government took a giant step to intervene in many road projects across the state, whether Federal Government roads, state roads or local government roads”. While at Ondo state governor’s office earlier in the day, the Minister used the visit to appeal to the government of Ondo State to co-operate with the Federal Controllers posted to the state because Federal Government realized that for Nigerians to fully feel the impact of government in terms of infrastructural development, there must be collaboration between the Federal and State governments, therefore, it must be noted that Federal Government is not in a game of rivalry with any state governments. He solicited for endurable co-operation between the state government and Federal Controllers in the state; saying that “this is necessary because development anchors on peaceful co-existence among the key actors in the system.” He concluded by saying that the Controllers in the state would be held responsible should there be any deplorable condition of Federal projects within the purview of the areas of their assignments. Fashola who was in Ondo State en-route Ekiti State said that help is on the way with the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari as far as road infrastructure development is concerned; saying that “the President is committed to refund all money spent by the state governments on federal roads.” While responding, the governor appreciated the Minister’s visit, saying that it is a sign of many good things that await the new administration in the state. He appealed to the Minister on Owo-Akungba-Okene road and said “due to its strategic position of the road needed to be dualised as this is the only road connecting South West to Northern States from the Ondo axis.” He also called on the Minister to bailout some communities who have been experiencing total blackout for more than six months. ...