


Umahi Inspects Mararaba–Keffi Carriageway, Keffi Flyover Project, Visits Keffi-Nasarawan Toto–Abaji Road The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry on an inspection tour of key road projects in Nasarawa State. At the site of the Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararraba-Keffi Dual Carriageway, the Minister expressed serious concerns about the pace of work and lack of adherence to engineering specifications. He informed the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company that after several warnings, the Ministry is left with no choice but to revoke the contract for the Abuja-bound carriageway. He further directed that it should be awarded to a local contractor with a proven track record, who will be mobilised to complete the concrete shoulders and other pending works. The slow pace of construction had been causing considerable hardship for road users and residents along the corridor. The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, Directors and other staff of the Ministry, representatives of the construction firms handling the various projects, and was met at the Keffi Flyover by the Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Sen. Ahmed Wadata, officials of the State Government, and other stakeholders. Engr. Umahi emphasised that the Federal Government is committed to delivering high-quality and durable road infrastructure, meeting global engineering standards and capable of serving Nigerians for decades. “We cannot continue to tolerate uncooperative contractors, who delay projects and ignore directives,” he declares. The Minister reiterated his faith in Nigerian Engineers and contractors, guaranteeing that they would deliver quality jobs comparable to international standards, when given the opportunity. He also warned that any contractor who fails to meet deadlines or flouts directives would have their contracts terminated. Engr. Umahi cautioned that “If by the 15th of December, you do not finish the scope of work, I will terminate the whole contract. We must begin to trust our local contractors. This is about discipline, quality, and integrity,” he stressed. He went further to say that “when we came on board, we reviewed the method statement for this project because we could not accept a design that would destroy an already consolidated subgrade,” Umahi explained. “We changed the design to include 20 cm of concrete on the inner shoulder and reinforced the stone base with 3.5% cement content. The sections already completed are excellent and will last for a minimum of 50 years.” The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, also admonished contractors to show greater seriousness and commitment to the timely completion of projects. He restated that the present administration is determined to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time, as well as improve the quality of life of Nigerians. Goronyo added that we must all take our responsibilities seriously. “Contractors must adhere strictly to specifications and timelines, as the Ministry will not compromise on quality and accountability,” the Minister disclosed. The Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu reported that about 50% of the project has been completed and assured that the first phase will be delivered by December 15, 2025. At the site of the Emergency Repairs of the Damaged Keffi Flyover, the Minister, accompanied by the Nasarawa State Governor, said that “two months ago, a tragic accident damaged part of this flyover, leading to loss of lives. We reported it to Mr. President, who immediately approved funds for its repairs.” On the soon-to-be-awarded rescoped Keffi-Nasarawan Toto-Abaji Road, the Minister informed the Governor and his entourage that the original contract sum of ₦73 billion covered an initial 43.65 km stretch. However, the initial scope has now been reviewed and extended to 137 km, reaching Abaji town in the FCT, following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under a special funding arrangement. In his remarks, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their interventions in the State, especially the Keffi Flyover, which was recently damaged by an overloaded truck. Senator Wadada, representing Nasarawa West and other stakeholders commended the Minister for his dedication, describing him as an “uncommon performer,” whose hands-on approach reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. They also applauded the President for being “a leader for all.” Engr. Umahi reaffirmed that all ongoing Federal projects will now adopt the revised engineering method statement, which emphasises, complete milling of old pavement, reinforcement of subgrade with stone base and cement, 20 cm concrete shoulders, and proper drainage and slope control. He also stressed that these specifications are designed to guarantee a minimum lifespan of 50 years for the reconstructed roads. “No contractor, no matter how connected, will be allowed to compromise on quality. Mr. President has done his part by approving funding; it is now our duty to ensure delivery,” the Minister emphasised. Mohammed A. Ahmed,
“Today, we can see the quality of work being done. They are recasting the entire slab, not just the affected part at a very conservative cost of ₦1.5 billion,” he added.
The Governor further noted that the Keffi–Nasarawan Toto-Abaji road is crucial to the economic development of both Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, as it serves as a major gateway for goods, services, and people. It also serves the biggest Lithium Factory in Africa, recently commissioned by Mr. President.
Director, Press and Public Relations.
12th October 2025.
Federal Government Begins Demolition Of Properties Affected By The Right Of Way On Section 1 Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway, Says Exercise Shall Have A Human Face The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator. (Engr) Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON has assured that the construction of Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway being handled by Federal Government under His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR would mark a major milestone in the Renewed Hope roadmap towards economic diversification. He gave this assurance during the flag-off of the demolition of properties affected by the right of way on section 1 of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway being handled by Hitech Construction Company Ltd. He said, the Federal Government is passionate about the plight of the people and would, in the exercise of the right of way, put a human face in the demotion of properties that were required to give way for the construction of the coastal highway, noting that the Federal Government was considering the most economically viable way to pass the coastal road without much damages. He further reassured that there would be no delay in the payment of compensation to the property owners entitled to compensation but solicited their cooperation to the timeline of the demolition exercise. He said, "We are doing some minor adjustments, and our commitment is to stay within the coastline. When the initial demolition order was passed to all the affected investors, so to speak, I graciously increased the period to another seven days and yet another 4 days, and here we are because the project stopped because of the part of this demolition, and I want to commend the likes of Mr Bolaji." While flagging -off the demolition exercise, he said, "This demolition is going to have a pure human face and so with the utmost fear of Gid, gratitude to God Almighty and commitment to the Renewed Hope agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in our infrastructural development in particular, I wish to flag-off this demolition exercise to get a right of way within the coastal corridor which is the legitimate right of the Federal Government." The Honourable Minister, however, called on all those to be affected by the demolition exercise to take it as a sacrifice for the ultimate impact of the project on the economic prosperity of the nation. He highlighted the socio- economic benefits of the project, including the money it will save for businessmen and women and the stability it will bring to the economy. For those playing poltics with the economic enhancing project, he said, "Those who are playing poltics with this can go ahead. My job is simple, just to pass the coastal road and those who are into politics can continue.." Speaking during the event, one of the affected property owners, Mr. Balaji Ariyo ( Mami Chula), said the demolition would no doubt affect his business but he had no option than to make sacrifice for the greater good of millions of Nigerians whose livelihood would be impacted by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway which has a spur that connects South to North. He urged all those to be affected by this critical infrastructure to see it as a sacrifice for the good of all Nigerians. He said," Yeah, some of us are affected, no doubt about it. But some of us are not up to 0.1% of the millions of people that we enjoy the coastal road. That's why someone like me and some others also have taken it to heart to also support Mr. President and the Honourable Minister to ensure that this road comes to life." He noted that the coastal highway has the potential to create greater vistas of opportunities for businesses and other human development initiatives that would benefit a greater number of Nigerians. He said, "As humans, those affected will feel the pain, but the future of the country must be put first.And some of us are paying the price in good faith. So we are human, we feel the pain. But at the same time, if you look at the longer picture, you realize that it's the benefit of everyone. It's more than the benefit of one person. Yes, we are sitting on a lot of money, a lot of money being recouped here. But at the same time, it is not worth the enjoyment or the free access of every other Nigerian that will apply the road. So Mr. Minister has already lectured me so well and has consoled me so many times." The demolition exercise continues as the Committee of the Federal Ministry of Works on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 1 Compensation, headed by the Federal Controller of Works Lagos State, Engr. (Mrs.) Olukorede Iyabo Kesha. works round the clock to ensure that payment of compensation to the affected property owners begins in earnest in a matter of days. ...
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS GIVES ULTIMATUM TO CONTRACTORS HANDLING THE DUALIZATION OF LOKOJA-BENIN ROAD, OBAJANA JUNCTION- BENIN IN KOGI AND EDO STATES TO SIGN THE REVIEWED CONTRACT OR FACE JOB TERMINATION - AS HON MINISTER DIRECTS THE MINISTRY TO WITHIN 7 DAYS AUDIT ALL ONGOING PROJECTS, INCLUDING PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON has directed the contractors handling sections I- IV of Lokoja- Benin, Obajana Junction- Benin roads in Kogi and Edo States to immediately sign the new contract as reviewed under the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR or face the termination of their job by the Federal Ministry of Works in accordance with the condition of service. This directive was given to the contractors in a meeting with the representatives of Mothercat Ltd, CCECC Ltd, Dantata & Sawoe Ltd, CGC Ltd and RCC Ltd held on 25th April 2024 at the Ministry's Headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja. He further directed the Ministry to, within 7 days , carry out a comprehensive audit of the ongoing projects with a view to knowing the status of work done, the capacity of personnel and equipment being used by the contractors. Speaking during the meeting, the Honourable Minister frowned at the pranks of the contractors who were part of the process of re-scoping and reviewing the contract specifications but failed to sign the review contract documents after signing that they would do the job based on the new specification. He said “The project was initially N121 billion, but before the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the project was already reviewed to about over N870 billion. When I came in as Minister, I saw that the project was over-bloated, and I refused to take the No Objection to FEC. I had to go through the road myself, and I realized that some sections of the road could not survive asphalt. So, we started meetings that took us over five months with all the contractors, and in the meetings, we agreed to re-scope the project. We re-scoped the project where we said okay, the new lanes should be done on concrete and the other ones done on asphalt. We kept the contracts up and we all signed the documents and based on signing the documents, we took it to BPP and from BPP we went to FEC, and before we went to FEC, we demanded for them to approve that they can do the job. They all gave us letters of approval.” He wondered why contractors were given jobs without having the required manpower and equipment to do the job, and warned that henceforth any contractor signing a contract must sign alongside the basic rate and timeline. He said,” So the position of the government is that if you are not signing the contracts between today and tomorrow, you will forgo the jobs. You can go to court. We will not enter into any condition for further negotiation. This contract is over N2 billion per kilometer. You don't have equipment to do the work. Let me even assure you that if you are signing the contract, you will sign it alongside the basic rates. You sign it alongside the timetable, and you deploy in three sections, or I will terminate the job. Enough of playing with the psyche of the people." He further stated that the Ministry would not allow any contractor to hold the country to ransom or to impose their conditions on the Ministry. "You don't want to work, leave the job. It's not compulsory that you must be the one to do the job. You cannot be on site, and the people are dying. The vehicles are falling down, and you're playing politics with the lives of the people. And we fold our hands and leave you for what? You can't be on site....So if you are not working, pack your things out of that site." In his remarks, the Director, Highways (SP) South, Engr. C.A Ogbuagu gave account of the technical processes undertaken by the Ministry before Federal Executive Council approved the augmentation of the project, which the contractors accepted, and letters of award were given to them. He wondered why the contractors refused to sign the new document. He said," After the FEC's approval of the argumentation, the legal department was brought in so that this new contract will now be executed so that work will continue on site. So, for about two weeks now, the draft addendum has been with the contractors, and none of them has positively responded, except RCC." The CGC in his reply, expressed commitment to the directive of the Hon. Minister and said, "for our side, and firstly for our section, and currently we are seriously working. And secondly, we have a sent the draft to the Head Office And there is any issue, we have answered them and may be later tomorrow morning, we can get the approval from them so we can go ahead." It is hoped that the other contractors will sign the new contract latest Monday 29th April, 2024. and mobilize effectively to the site. ...
BODO-BONNY ROAD: FG ORDERS JULIUS BERGER TO RETURN TO SITE WITHIN 14 DAYS OR FACE SANCTIONS The Federal government has ordered the contractor handling the Bodo- Bonny road construction to return to site within 14 days or risk appropriate sanctions. Works Minister, His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Engr. (Dr) David Umahi gave the marching order today at a meeting with the handlers of the road project, Julius Berger PLC , as well as representatives of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas NLNG and Royal Fathers from Bonny Kingdom and other members of host communities in Abuja. According to the Minister, the Bonny-Bodo road contract which was initially awarded at the cost of N120 billion in 2015, was later varied at N199 billion with a completion dateline of December 2023, which has since elapsed. The Minister deplored the unilateral stoppage of work by Julius’ Berger, describing the action as unacceptable. While rejecting in total, Julius Berger’s request for variation based on fluctuations in exchange rate and increasing cost of material, the Minister said government does not award contract based on exchange rate. He pointed out that no contractor will come to government for a downward review of the cost of any project if the exchange rate becomes one naira to one dollar, adding that government cannot anchor contract cost based on exchange rates variations. Senator Umahi was particularly unhappy that the timelines for the completion of the project were not adhered to, maintaining that if the project were completed in December 2023, as contained in the contract agreement , issues of high exchange rate and increasing cost of materials would not have arisen ‘ He however promised that he would make a presentation to Mr President and commander in Chief His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a marginal augmentation to ensure that the project is completed on or before December 2024, particularly in the Spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the love President Tinubu has for Bonny Kingdom and other host communities in the Niger Delta Region. Earlier in his presentation, the Managing Director, Julius Berger Plc Engr Dr. Lars Richter called for the variation of the contract which he said has become necessary in view of the declining value of the Naira and rising cost of construction materials in the country. The Managing Director drew the attention of the Minister to the time lag when the contract was awarded in 2015 when the exchange rate was N305 to a dollar, adding that the cost of building materials has since risen by over 1000%. Contributing, the Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Olakunle Osobu pointed out that the contract which is being funded through the Tax Credit Scheme is intended to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, calling on all parties to the project to remain patriotic as well as make the necessary sacrifices for the actualisation of the project. On their part, Roya Fathers of Host Communities led by Chief Abel Attoni, Palace Secretary, Bonny Kingdom expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the decision of the Renewed Hope administration to ensure that Bodo-Bonny road is completed. His Royal majesty applauded the commitment of the Works Minister to the road project especially coming at a time the Nation is experiencing economic difficulties. ...
FG ORDERS EVACUATION OF TRUCKS, TRAILERS FROM ABUJA-KADUNA-KANO HIGHWAY
…To provide temporary parks along the corridor
…Gives order to all trucks to leave by the end of the year
The Federal Government has constituted a Presidential Inter-Agency Committee for Evacuation of Trucks and Trailers along the Right of Way of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to ease vehicular movement and reduce damage on the shoulders of the highway before the end of the year.
The Director of Highway Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing who is also the Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Folorunsho Esan disclosed this during an inspection tour of the road.
Engr. Esan, said the ministry would provide a temporary park at Tafa, along Kaduna road, where the vehicles can park adding that the park would accommodate about 500 trucks when fully operationalized thereby helping to address the problems of road access and insecurity in the area.
According to him, “The Committee was set up by the Minister of Works and Housing, H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN with directives from Mr. President for trucks to be evacuated from the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road so that the contractors can take full possession to enable a hitch free work on the road,” he said.
He added that the purpose of the inspection was to assess areas where the trucks could be relocated to away from the Right of Way. “Also, road users can have free passage without bottlenecks. So we are here to inspect facilities that are available where trucks can now be moved to,” he explained.
Continuing, the Chairman said that Tafa axis of the road was more troublesome, but added that there was provision where the trucks would be moved to. “One of the very pronounced bottleneck is in Tafa and fortunately enough, we have an empty land acquired by Federal Road Maintenance Agency although they have not been able to do anything on it.
“But we are thinking of moving the trucks from Tafa to that plot of land after some ground improvements on the land for trailers to be able to stay without sinking,” he said.
On collaboration, he said various unions like the Tanker Drivers NARTO, NURTW, and others are in support of government to move their trucks from the road anytime the trailers park is ready along that axis.
On the collaboration with other stakeholders on moving away from the road, the representative of Petroleum Tankers Association, Comrade. Abdullahi Haruna said that the tankers drivers were ready to move immediately alternative parking space was provided. “We, the petrol tanker drivers are ready to work with the committee to evacuate trucks from the road, ‘he said.
Haruna said that there was the need to make the park conducive for the users through the provision of basic facilities like borehole, toilets and canteens.
He said, “What we are appealing for is that the palliative or temporary work should be done well. If it is good, there would be no need of planning for a permanent park, we will use this one.”
Reiterating the collaboration on moving away from the road, the District Head of Jere, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman said that he was happy about the development and assured the committee that he would mobilize and make sure that the trucks leave the shoulders of the highway when the park is ready.
“We will give the ministry and concerned stakeholders necessary support that would lead to the permanent evacuation of trucks and trailers from the road,” he assured committee.
Other members of the committee include: The Federal Roads Safety Commission, the Nigerian Army among others.
Keynote Address Of The Hon. Minister of Works And Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, San, At The 26th Meeting Of The National Council On Works With The Theme, “Road Infrastructure Development, Job Creation And National Economic Growth”
On behalf of the Federal Government, I convey the appreciation of the Ministry of Works and Housing to the Government of Rivers State and Governor Nyesom Wike, for Hosting this 2020 edition of National Council on Works.
The commitment to host this was made last year when the Cross River State hosted the 2019 edition and when nobody foresaw the outbreak of a devastating viral pandemic called COVID-19.
The impact of the disease on livelihoods and the global economy has led countries across the world into different stages of negative economic growth and recession.
The need to address the economic challenges has prompted countries and Governments to design and implement various measures and policies to keep their economies going and to reflate them.
The Muhammadu Buhari Administration developed and has started implementing an Economic Sustainability Plan, that incorporates and challenges Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ramp up activities, inspite of COVID-19; in order to provide work, increase opportunities and sustain productivity.
The Ministry of Works and Housing, as a critical infrastructure provider of the Federal Government, is one of the focal MDAs assigned with responsibilities for sustaining and expanding the economy during and beyond the COVID period.
This in part explains the theme of this year’s Council which is, “Road Infrastructure Development, Job Creation and National Economic Growth”.
While the public looks forward mainly to the quality of the Highway pavement, the Government sees a larger economic impact of infrastructure and the way it helps to legitimately distribute wealth to the people at the bottom of the pyramid.
Road construction employs a large number of the urban poor, skilled and unskilled labour and vendors who depend on daily or weekly wages.
The lockdown period was a difficult period for them and it was not surprising that as soon as lockdown eased, the Agriculture Sector and Road Construction were the first to resume work.
Eleven (11) of the biggest contractors of the Federal Government were allowed to return to work in May 2020 in 26 states.
This was closely followed by the resumption of maintenance works in 92 different locations across 24 states by FERMA.
The Government then decided to increase the scope for local content, labour and materials by:
a) Advocating for the increased use of cement, stone and concrete which are all locally available
b) Advocating for the local production of Bitumen since we have large deposits of the raw material.
I am delighted to inform you that many of these policies are at different stages of implementation with consequences on the economy.
With safety guidelines for Social Distancing, face mask and sanitation issued to construction companies, construction work has resumed almost full time across the country even though the virus is still with us.
Although the Third Quarter GDP result is still negative at -3.62%, it shows growth in the following sectors:
a) Quarrying and other minerals production 41.81%
b) Cement manufacturing 11.96%
c) Construction 2.64%
With the sustenance of construction activities, a strong contribution will be seen on the road to economic recovery.
Regarding the need to use more cement, more stone and concrete, the Ministry had to produce a design manual for Rigid Pavement in consultation with all the stakeholders in the industry.
I am happy to Report that the Sub-Committee led by the Honourable Minister of State, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, and the Director of Bridges and Design, Engr. Emmanuel Adeoye, have produced the first Rigid Pavement Manual for Nigerian Roads.
There could be no better place to unveil it than at the National Council for Works, where all State Governments and other stakeholders are present.
This should also form the basis for implementing the Government policy for more labour-intensive Road Construction to stimulate employment drive, and more use of locally available materials of stone, cement and concrete for improved economic productivity.
It is impossible to discuss roads and economic development without discussing:
a) capital appreciation of 30-40% that infrastructure provision adds to the value of land;
b) the supply chain of food, lubricants, construction materials like laterite, cement, Reinforcement (steel), Water, Energy (Diesel) that is positively affected by infrastructure;
c) the sub-specialities of subcontractors such as Lane Marking, Highway Signage and Electrical fittings,
all of which benefit from the Construction of a Road.
I am aware that all the States are executing one infrastructure project or the other and this is how it must be. I was in Rivers State recently to commission a Bridge project undertaken by the State Government.
Our collective National Spending on infrastructure will contribute in no small way to our recovery from recession, but also propel inclusive and beneficial growth.
Examples abound of the positive impact of the investment in infrastructure through a value chain of inclusive wealth distribution that is immediately activated when one of our construction sites utilises 5,000 trucks of laterites at N30,000 per truck.
Such a value chain would include the owner of the quarries, the operators in the quarries, the truck owners and truck drivers, among several others.
When one of our contractors also recently paid N500 million to his diesel suppliers, another inclusive wealth distribution value chain got activated or sustained.
In closing this speech permit me to highlight the challenges we still encounter in some states and communities with respect to claims for compensation, which hinder our contractors’ ability to work.
Challenges in the area of compensation require further collaboration and for States to play a lead role.
The need for an interactive forum between State Commissioners and Federal Ministry of Works, which will occur more frequently than the annual Council, as recently suggested by the Honourable Commissioner for Works from Kwara State will also hopefully be considered at this Meeting.
I thank you all for your attention.
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1