REJOINDER: PAYMENT OF ALL CONTRACTORS BY 20TH DECEMBER, 2025 The attention of the Federal Ministry of Works has been drawn to a distortion of information in the media, especially Channels Television, where it was alluded that the Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE said that all local contractors will be paid by 20th December, 2025. Let it be on record that the Minister of Works does not speak for the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is in charge of all payments to contractors handling Federal Government projects. However, the true position of facts is that the Minister of Works on Thursday, 4th December, 2025, while inspecting ongoing works on the three (3) Sections of the Mararraba-Keffi Expressway, which are some of the NNPC Tax Credit projects taken over by the Ministry in terms of funding, commended the contractors for the excellent work and assured them that after verification by the Independent Corruption and other Related Practices Commission (ICPC), the Ministry, through the Ministry of Finance, will commence the payment of all generated certificates before the 20th of December, 2025. He also appealed to Contractors handling such projects not to stop work in any part of the country. Inasmuch as the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to pay most of the verified inherited debts, the Federal Ministry of Works is not in a position to set a deadline for payment nor to speak on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. The media is hereby invited to correct such misinformation. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations. 6th December, 2025. ...

FG Decries Road Vandalism, Reaffirms Commitment to Record Completion of Abuja-Kano Expressway The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects across the country, warning that such irresponsible acts threaten the lifespan and safety of critical national infrastructure. Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., issued the warning on Saturday, 8th November 2025, during a holistic inspection visit to the Outstanding Sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway project, where he condemned the destructive activities of some hoodlums along the completed and active sections of the road. The Minister, in particular, decried instances of individuals removing safety railings, damaging concrete pavements, or converting portions of the highway into refuse dumps and drying grounds—especially around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State. “Maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility,” Goronyo stated. “We have observed people cutting through newly completed road sections or tampering with vital components. These acts of vandalism must stop immediately,” he warned. In this vein, he urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and ensure that such national assets are protected from misuse, adding that the government’s huge investments in road development must be safeguarded for future generations. “The Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committing enormous resources to the building of durable roads across the country. Every act of vandalism or road abuse undermines national progress and the deployment of taxpayers’ money to other critical national priorities,” the Minister emphasised. Reaffirming the government’s resolve to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway within record time, Goronyo described the project as a flagship of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance trade, promote unity, and strengthen economic integration between the Northern and Southern regions of the country. He disclosed that the Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) of the project, spanning 144 kilometres, is progressing steadily across several active sections - from Tungan Maje and Jere to Katari, Kakau, Gonigora, and Agogo Junction—with significant work already completed in drainage, reinforcement, and the construction of the shoulders. “So far, about 26 kilometres of continuous rigid concrete pavement and 15 kilometres of binder and wearing course have been completed,” the Minister revealed. “The President has made it clear that funding will not be a constraint. It is now a matter of work and getting paid,” he informed the contractor, Messrs. Infiouest International Limited. In line with the President’s directive for durable infrastructure, the Acting Director, Highways, Bridges and Design at the Ministry, Engr. Musa Sa’idu explained that the project design was upgraded from flexible (asphalt) to rigid (concrete) pavement, capable of lasting for about a century and withstanding the stress of heavy-duty and overloaded vehicles. He further disclosed that a recycling approach is being used to strengthen the substructure, by mixing milled asphalt with stone base and cement to improve durability and minimize environmental impact. Mr. Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager of the company, reaffirmed their commitment to engineering excellence and set a target, adding that work is progressing seven days a week, with plans to introduce night shifts to accelerate completion. “We are determined to deliver this project ahead of schedule. The government has demonstrated exceptional consistency in funding, and we are matching that commitment with performance,” Turner assured. Concluding the inspection tour at the additional location of the Kano end of the alignment, the Minister reiterated that the Abuja–Kano Expressway remains one of the most strategic road corridors in the nation, symbolising Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal, national security, and economic prosperity. “This project is dear to the President’s heart. It is not just a road - it is a lifeline for trade, social and political integration, as well as national unity. Every Nigerian must play a part in protecting it,” Goronyo declared. Earlier at the end of Section II (Kaduna-Zaria), which has been completed and handed over by the previous contractor, the  Minister detoured to inspect another ongoing construction work on the Unguwar Iliya-Bagudu-Kwantakaran-Tsiga-Bakori Road with Kadabo Bridge in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, which has an approximate length of 17.3 kilometres, starting from Tsiga Town and passing through the Barde community. The scope of work includes the construction of a single carriageway and three reinforced concrete bridges. Briefing the Minister on the Project, the Federal   Controller/Engineers’ Representative, Engr. Muhammad I. Matinja and the Project Manager for Messrs. Halis Matrix Limited, Engr. David Omotosho expressed optimism about the progress of work, assuring that it will be completed on time and according to its design. **Mohammed A Ahmed, ** Director Press and Public Relations.  9th November 2025. ...

OYEBANJI DECLARES OPEN 30TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS   - MINISTER COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU AND EKITI GOVERNOR FOR INFRASTRUCTURE STRIDES  The 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) officially commenced in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji declaring the event open on Thursday, 4th November 2025. The Council, which drew participation from Honourable Commissioners of Works and Permanent Secretaries from the 36 States of the Federation, focused on advancing transparency, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure delivery across Nigeria. In his address, Governor Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress recorded by his administration in road construction and rehabilitation, describing it as a “road revolution” that has opened up communities, enhanced connectivity, and improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. He reaffirmed Ekiti State’s commitment to infrastructural excellence and inclusive development, noting that hosting the NCW was a recognition of the State’s growing reputation for innovation and good governance. “Since inception, our administration has made deliberate efforts to invest in infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and social development,” he stated. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his interventions on Federal roads in our State, which we have complemented through the repair of the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki dual carriageway,” he added. The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FANTE, represented by the Minister of State, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., commended both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for their shared commitment to infrastructure renewal. He described their collaboration as a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s success in fostering synergy between the Federal and State Governments for sustainable national development. The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Government and the good people of Ekiti State for graciously hosting the 30th Council. He commended the Governor for providing an enabling environment for collaboration and dialogue, describing Ekiti as a hub of responsible governance and infrastructural innovation. He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has empowered the Ministry to deliver transformative projects that enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and restore public confidence. He particularly applauded Governor Oyebanji for the successful completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport, describing it as a landmark project that has repositioned the State for economic growth and investment. Reflecting on the Council’s theme, “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” the Minister emphasised the need for a renewed mindset in public service and infrastructure delivery. He stressed that discipline builds trust, transparency ensures accountability, and innovation drives sustainability in modern engineering. He further revealed that the Ministry is adopting advanced technologies, including digital project monitoring, geotechnical mapping, drone-assisted planning, and the use of climate-resilient materials, to meet Nigeria’s evolving infrastructure needs. “Infrastructure is more than concrete and steel or asphalt, it is the backbone of our economy and a bridge to opportunities. “Through discipline, transparency, and innovation, we will deliver roads that reflect our people’s aspirations,” he promised. The Council, chaired by the Minister of State reviewed 67 memoranda, out of which 62 were adopted. These memoranda had undergone robust deliberations during the three-day Technical Sessions preceding the main event, which included Meetings of Directors and other Stakeholders, as well as those of the Permanent Secretaries. The meetings underscored enhanced policy coordination, institutional strengthening, innovation-driven engineering, and transparency in project delivery. Among key resolutions reached were: * Adoption of a National Monitoring, Evaluation and Control (MEC) Framework to ensure value-for-money and accountability. * Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to publish project details and progress updates on official websites for transparency. * Approval for the constitution of a National Road Infrastructure Coordination Committee (NRICC) to harmonize efforts across agencies and prevent duplication of contracts. * Recommendation for increased adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in road and bridge infrastructure. * Endorsement of the use of solar street lighting and climate-resilient construction materials in line with national sustainability goals. * Call for inter-ministerial collaboration between the Federal Ministries of Works, Transportation, and that of Innovation, Science, and Technology to drive digital innovation and smart transport systems and  * Support for FERMA’s Direct Labour Unit to strengthen rapid road maintenance response nationwide. In a Vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for hosting the high-level meetings. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works and the Minister of State for making the NCW a reality. He also commended the latter for his exceptional dedication in presiding over the final session and lauded the Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, their Permanent Secretaries, and all Stakeholders for the constructive engagements and teamwork exhibited throughout the week-long event. The 30th National Council on Works concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to promoting transparency, fostering innovation, and strengthening discipline in the delivery of sustainable infrastructure across Nigeria. “The NCW has come up with far-reaching resolutions that will reposition the road sector for greater efficiency and accountability,” he concluded. The Council announced that the 31st National Council on Works will be hosted by Sokoto State in 2026, subject to confirmation.  Mohammed A. Ahmed  Director, Press and Public Relations. 7th November 2025. ...