FG RECORDS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON KEY ROAD PROJECTS IN JIGAWA STATE In accordance with one of the eight items on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which is the enhancement of infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, a Media Tour of ongoing projects in the North West Zone has been concluded with Jigawa State. The Tour also featured the Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects in the State. The exercise showcases the Federal Government’s determination to deliver critical road infrastructure to Nigerians, with substantial progress recorded on several ongoing works and the pouring of encomiums by host communities across the states. Speaking in Gumel, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Jigawa State, Engr. Yusuf Mahmoud, disclosed that work is progressing on the Reconstruction of the Kwanar Danja–Tsalle–Hadejia Road. The project, being executed by Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Plc, is a 117-kilometre (Phase 1) reconstruction awarded in February 2022. The scope of work includes reconstruction of the existing carriageway, construction of lined drains, and installation of culverts to improve drainage, enhance road durability, and protect adjoining communities from flooding. Engr. Mahmoud explained that although the project was initially scheduled for completion in February 2025, delays were encountered due to challenges related to advance payment and budgetary provisions. He, however, noted that these issues have since been fully resolved, enabling the contractor to return to the site with renewed momentum. “It has attained about 75 per cent completion, with nearly 79 kilometres already reconstructed. Construction is ongoing simultaneously from the Gumel and Hadejia ends, with two teams (gangs) deployed to fast-track delivery,” he stated. The Project Manager of the company, Engr. Ibrahim Abubakar, confirmed that the company has mobilised extensive equipment, multiple asphalt plants, and deployed more personnel along the remaining alignments to accelerate completion. “With all challenges being surmounted, we are working with two construction gangs from both ends of the road. Our target is to complete the project before December 2026, ahead of the revised completion date of February 2027,” he confirmed. He further assured a cordial relationship with host communities, explaining that temporary work stoppages during peak rainy periods were unavoidable due to safety and technical considerations. The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gumel Branch, Salisu Muhammed, alongside another stakeholder, Mas’ud Usman, expressed satisfaction with the work, noting that travel time and cost of transportation, as well as vehicle maintenance have significantly reduced compared to the previous condition of the road. They commended the present administration for its commitment to road infrastructure development. The team also assessed progress on the Kunya–Kanya–Babura–Babban Mutum Road, a 47-kilometre rehabilitation project being executed by CRCC Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited. While briefing, the FCW, Engr. Mahmoud disclosed that the project has reached 82 per cent completion, with about 37 kilometres already rehabilitated. The remaining sections are expected to be completed within the year, following the resolution of earlier challenges. He noted that upon completion, the road will significantly boost cross-border trade due to its proximity to the Nigeria-Niger border, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and enhance regional connectivity. The Project Manager of the construction firm, Mr. Du For, highlighted the strong collaboration between Nigeria and China, assuring that the company remains committed to executing the project in tandem with approved specifications. Members of the benefiting communities on the corridor and road users thanked the Federal Government for hearing their complaints and for its inclusivity. Malam Audu Ibrahim stated that “The Government is trying and we really like the President because of the road. It has opened up business opportunities,” he added. In addition, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, Comrade Ismail Ibrahim, commissioned, on behalf of the Minister of Works, the Special Repairs of the Kano State Border–Dutse–Kiyawa–Bauchi State Border Road, an emergency intervention project approved under the 260 Emergency Road Projects. The project commenced in March, 2024 and was completed in December 2024, restoring the road from a severely deteriorated condition to a safe and motorable state. A community representative, Mustapha Isah, expressed appreciation for the quick response, while appealing for the provision of additional drainage infrastructure to address perennial flooding challenges. At the conclusion of the National Media Tour to the North-West, the Senior Special Adviser to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement, North-West, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, once again, commended the Federal Government for prioritizing road infrastructure in Jigawa State, describing the projects as critical to the state’s agrarian economy. He added that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., and all stakeholders for their sustained efforts to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure. ...

Minister ofWorks Meets World Bank Delegation on Strengthening Nigeria’s Infrastructure. The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on Friday, January 23, 2026, received a high-level delegation from the World Bank in his office for a strategic meeting focused on improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly the road sector. In his welcome remarks, the Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to the World Bank delegation for their interest in Nigerian infrastructure projects. He noted that infrastructure development remains the most critical requirement for Nigeria to attain its desired position in global economic competitiveness, emphasizing that efficient road networks are fundamental to national growth, trade, and social development. Sen. Umahi briefed the delegation on the Federal Government’s Development Management Initiative, as well as the “Build, Update and Maintain” strategy, under which the government is responsible for constructing roads while the private sector is engaged to maintain them. According to him, this model is designed to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and value for money in road infrastructure delivery. The Honorable Minister highlighted the challenges facing the road sector, noting that the cost of road construction and availability of funds became more difficult. He explained that experience has shown that roads constructed with asphalt often fail to last beyond ten years, which informed the Ministry’s decision to adopt reinforced concrete pavement as a more durable and long-lasting alternative. He identified key priority road projects currently being handled by the Ministry, including: The East–West Road, comprising over eight sections, The Enugu–Onitsha Road Project, The Kano–Jigawa–Maiduguri Road Corridor, and The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The Honourable Minister disclosed that when he assumed office, the Ministry inherited about 260 weak road links, 50 dilapidated bridges, and numerous failed road sections nationwide. To address these urgent challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved ₦20 billion for the completion of some priority road projects, many of which are currently being commissioned across the country, as observed by journalists. Sen. Umahi explained that, given current realities, long-term planning is less feasible, and the focus must be on short-term interventions aimed at completing major ongoing road projects. He stressed that funding remains a major constraint and reiterated that new projects cannot be initiated while existing ones remain incomplete. Consequently, the Honourable Minister formally requested the World Bank to consider financing road infrastructure projects through the Federal Ministry of Works via the Presidency. He explained that such funds would be committed to a number of strategic ongoing road projects for completion, with tolling mechanisms introduced to ensure sustainability and repayment. He emphasized that additional funding is urgently required to complete critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria. The World Bank delegation, led by Mr. Matthew Verghis, stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss practical ways of improving Nigerian roads, which he described as the country’s most important infrastructure asset. Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, a member of the delegation, explained that the World Bank’s overarching objective is to create jobs and reduce poverty. He stressed that infrastructure is central to poverty reduction, as it generates employment directly and indirectly across various sectors of the economy. He highlighted priority areas of interest, including the establishment of State Roads Funds, State Road Maintenance Agencies, improved flood control through effective drainage systems, and increased Private Sctor financing. Mr. Verghis further noted that the World Bank can only fund contracts that comply with World Bank procurement standards, stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and due process in project execution. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening collaboration towards the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure in Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, Esq., delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the World Bank delegation for the visit and reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Bank to achieve shared development goals. Clement Ezeora DD, Press and Public Relation. ...

SOKOTO-BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY: CCTV, STREET LIGHTING TO GUARANTEE SAFETY OF ROAD USERS, COMMUNITIES The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering safe, durable, and economically transformative road infrastructure with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, a landmark project designed to enhance national integration, trade, and security. As part of measures to guarantee the safety of road users and communities along its corridors, the project incorporates modern infrastructure features, such as a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system and street lighting. Providing background on the project on Wednesday, 21 January, 2026, the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr. Kasimu Maigwandu, explained that the Super Highway originates from Illela in Sokoto State, at the Nigeria–Niger Republic border, traversing Kebbi State in the North-West Zone, Niger and Kwara States in the North-Central, and terminates at Badagry in Lagos State, South-West, Nigeria. According to him, the project, which ranks among the most economically influential infrastructure investments in the country, aims at facilitating the efficient movement of people, goods, and services within Nigeria and across neighbouring countries such as Niger and the Benin Republic, while ensuring safer, faster, and joyful transportation. Engr. Maigwandu noted that the road cuts across numerous markets, cities, rural communities, and agricultural hubs - an intervention expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, stimulate commerce, create employment opportunities, and strengthen national security and integration. He disclosed that construction activities are progressing steadily at several locations, including Katami, Silame, Gande, Bunkari, Gada, Madi, and Illela, adding that modern construction techniques such as Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology and integrated solar street lighting are being deployed to ensure durability and enhanced safety for road users. Speaking on the progress of work, the Project Manager, Messrs Hitech Construction Company Limited, Mr. Joharn Fohan Foucice, confirmed that construction is progressing smoothly without major challenges, assuring Nigerians of the contractor’s commitment to quality workmanship and timely delivery. During a Media Tour of the project site, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North-West), Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, reassured host communities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration’s resolve to provide adequate security to enable uninterrupted and speedy completion of the project. “As you can see, there is a strong security presence around this project,” he emphasised. Hon. Yakasai expressed that the efforts and presence of security personnel have been critical to the smooth execution of the works, noting that contractors would not have been able to operate effectively without adequate security support. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for ensuring that, despite the security challenges in the region, work has continued uninterrupted since its commencement,” he added. He further explained that the concrete-paved Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway will strengthen unity and connectivity between the North-West and other regions of the country, thereby accelerating socioeconomic growth. “This road will link Ilelah, Sokoto directly to Badagry in Lagos. There are dams along the corridor that will support all-year-round farming, boost agricultural activities, and improve economic prosperity, especially in the North-West Zone with vast arable land,” he stated. The SSA-P appreciated President  Tinubu, the Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. for their extraordinary leadership and zeal in the provision of roads and bridges, noting that construction is ongoing seamlessly and simultaneously across six points on the alignment. Also present during the inspection were the Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Sokoto Branch, Engr. Abubakar Yahaya, and a Civil Society representative, Dr. Abdul Umar, who commended the contractor and the Ministry for strict adherence to quality standards. They highlighted the importance of the project’s engineering design, noting that the 20-centimetre concrete pavement thickness strictly conforms to specifications in the Bill of Quantities, ensuring durability, longevity, and value for money. In a related development, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, Comrade Muhammed Nasir Bello, on behalf of the Chairman, commissioned Emergency Repair works on the Sokoto–Tambuwal–Jega Road (Route A1), as well as Reinstatement of Washouts and Failed Sections at KM 33+050, KM 33+500, and KM 67+200 along the Sokoto–Jega–Kebbi State Border Road. The Federal Government has urged communities along the project’s corridor to continue cooperating with the Contractor to ensure the smooth execution and timely completion of this historic national investment.   ...