Federal Ministry of Works

Dec

2025

LATEST PRESS

FG Temporarily Opens Completed Stretch of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to Traffic

In a significant milestone towards enhancing accessibility and connectivity across Nigeria, the Federal Government has temporarily opened the 30-kilometre completed Section I, Phase 1 of the 47.474-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to traffic. This development is aimed at easing traffic congestion during the upcoming festive periods and providing a world-class road infrastructure for Nigerians. The Honorable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, opened it to traffic on Friday, 12 December, 2025, on behalf of Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the legacy projects under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to transform the nation's transportation landscape. The project, which spans across nine states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, is expected to bring numerous benefits, including increased tourism potential, job creation, regional integration, shoreline protection, and improved economic prosperity,” says Engr. Umahi.

The temporarily opened stretch commences at the Ahmadu Bello Way Junction in Victoria Island and terminates at the Eleko Village Junction in Lekki, Lagos State. The road, which was awarded to Hitech Construction Africa Limited, features a reinforced rigid pavement dual-carriage highway with accompanying drainage and culverts, median barriers, street lighting, and the relocation of public utilities.

The project is being funded under the EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction + Financing) model, which allows the contractor to handle both construction and financing. The total cost of the project is N1,067,887,381,148. 61K (one trillion, sixty-seven billion, eight hundred and eighty-seven million, three hundred and eighty-one thousand, one hundred and forty-eight naira, sixty-one kobo).

The Minister, while commending the contractor and relevant stakeholders, noted that the occasion is a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to delivering on its campaign promises. "This project is a critical component of our efforts to improve the living standards of Nigerians and provide a world-class infrastructure that will enable economic growth and development," the Minister stated.

The Highway is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, particularly in the region. It provides a seamless and efficient transportation system, reducing travel time and increasing connectivity between Lagos and other towns along the West-East Coast.

The entire project, which is being executed in phases, is already recording significant progress with work ongoing at the Akwa Ibom and Cross River States end of the corridor.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Rafiu Adeladan, noted that the project is a demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to improving the nation's infrastructure. “This project is a critical component of our effort to drive economic growth and development, and we are committed to delivering it to Nigerians on time,” he reiterated..

Engr. Olufemi Dare, Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Lagos State, outlined the project's objectives, highlighting its potential to create jobs, improve access, and boost the economy. He described the project as a game-changer for the region, capable of transforming the lives of the people.

Engr. Dany Abboud, Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Africa Limited provided an update on the project's progress, noting that work commenced 20 months ago and sand filling has been completed on the remaining 17.474 kilometres of the alignment. “The entire stretch of 47.474km is expected to be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026, he reassured Nigerians. He expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to the delivery of the iconic highway on time and with minimal disruptions. He, however, advised motorists to exercise caution, while using the road, as workers would still be on site completing some aspects of the project.

The event was also graced by His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan, the Oniru of Iruland, other traditional rulers, community leaders, as well as members of the host community. The Oniru expressed gratitude to the President for the temporary opening of the road. He further acknowledged the significance of the project to the region and appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government in bringing this vital infrastructure to his people.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event, including Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman, Conference 57 of Chairmen, Lagos State, and Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South West, drummed the importance of the highway in promoting regional integration and economic growth.

Abiodun J. Owonikoko SAN, Team Leader, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s Federal Government Legal Team, briefed the gathering on the litigations surrounding the project, disclosing that 27 court cases were filed against the Federal Government, out of which 7 major ones had been won, with most of the remainder being settled out of court

Sen. Barinada Mpigi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, pledged that the National Assembly is in support of the President in ensuring the project's completion, through adequate appropriation and oversight.

The epoch-making event is a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth, underscoring the need for continuity.

*Mohammed A. Ahmed*
Director Press and Public Relations.
13 December, 2025.

Jun

2024

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES FINAL FUNDS FOR THE COMPLETION OF BODO-BONNY ROAD, TASKS JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC ON DECEMBER DEADLINE FOR PROJECT DELIVER As Honourable Minister Berates RCC for Leaving the Site Despite being Funded, Issues A Seven-Day Ultimatum to Remobilize of Risk Job Termination 1. In furtherance of the resolve of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to bring to a conclusive end the perennial transportation challenges in Bodo-Bonny, South South of Nigeria and thus enhance the socio-economic prospects of the two communities of Rivers State, the Federal Government has approved the total and final sum of N280 billion for the completion of Bodo-Bonny road project. This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON during his inspection visit to the project site this 19th June 2024. He warned that the contractor handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, must work round the clock to beat the project delivery timeline of December 2024. 2. The Honourable Minister expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, insisting that the amount of money paid needed to correspond with the project completed. He, however, enjoined the contractor to ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline as Federal Government would not approve further funds for the project for any reason of variation whatsoever. "And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It's a package, and it's called lump sum final completion package to Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach their name. It has been 11 years, and we don't want it to exceed this year. And so it is in your interest that you cooperate, " He further added during the site visit, " I will be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is there anything that the Minister of Works and NLNG will do to fast track this engagement so that we can arrive at the destination by the 15th of December 2024?". The Honourable Minister commended Mr. President’s commitment towards the completion of the road project. He praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the cooperation and uprightness of NLNG funding the project. 3. Similarly, the Honourable Minister has expressed dismay over the attitude of RCC handing 15km East West Road (From Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) for their inordinate delay on the project despite receiving mobilization for the job and warned that Federal Government would not entertain any request for Variation on Price (VOP). "We are very sad with the manners and behaviours of this contractor, RCC. The federal government has paid over 40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometer has been completed. And let me make it very clear that the cost we have given on the review of this project does not attract any VOP. There is no VOP on the project as far as the rates are concerned now." He decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed intention to source funds to maintain the road for the time being pending when the company remobilizes to the site. "So, we have to see where we can search for funds and get any contractor around here to maintain the road. We need to maintain the road. We need to pity the people. It's not acceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job. 4. Other projects inspected by the Honourable Minister were the dualization of East-West Road section II (sub section II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) being handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood damaged locations along the dualization of East-West Road (section II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd. 5. In their words of commendation to Mr President, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District. Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi who was part of the inspection visit and the spokesperson to the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, Professor Jasper Jumbo thanked the President of Nigeria for the great difference his administration has brought in the Nigeria's road infrastructure trajectory. They appreciated the Honourable Minister of Works for handling the mandate of the Ministry of Works with an exceptional sense of passion and professionalism. Sen. Nwaebonyi said, “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate once again the performing Minister of Works who is doing wonderfully well on all our roads across the nation. This is one of them, the Bodo-Bonny Road. And I believe that with this constant supervision, the contractors will live up to expectations and deliver the job within a record time." Professor Jasper Jumbo said, "And I must commend your patriotism. I must commend your professionalism. One thing that this administration has shown us is that we enlisted people of credibility and people of integrity. I commend Mr. President, for bringing such a minister that is committed to giving Nigeria the best. This is the practical aspect of Renewed Hope. 6. The NLNG representative and manager Government Relations, Dienye Godson also thanked Mr. President and his team for the will to complete the project. "I must commend the Honourable Minister for all the efforts he has put in. He has spent several weeks and obviously has been very patient. And that has led us to where we are today. So, as a company, we are happy. So, at this stage now, we'll go back and go through our own internal processes to ensure that we provide as much support as we can to the government." In his assurances on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the project manager stated, "We will not lean back, and we'll continue and expedite the re-mobilization of this project to ensure our full commitment. And as you rightly have said, Honourable Minister, we as partners in progress must have all hands-on deck." ...

Jun

2024

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, SEN UMAHI CELEBRATES EID AL-KABIR WITH THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN EBONYI STATE, ENJOINS ALL NIGERIANS TO IMBIBE THE VIRTUES OF SACRIFICE,CHARITY, HARMONIOUS CO-EXISTENCE WHICH ARE THE LESSONS OF EID AL-ADHA The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has urged Nigerians to reflect on the religious significance of Eid al- Kabir and the reinforcing values of sacrifice, gratitude, charity and compassion, devotion and unity among one another, and quest for national harmony which are the hallmarks of the Festival of Sacrifice celebrated by the Muslim faithfuls all over the world. He gave this advice when the Muslim community in Ebonyi State and other stakeholders came to solidarize with him in his residence in Abakaliki on this important holiday in the Islamic calendar. The Honourable Minister commended the sense of unity and love among the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba communities who are Muslim faithfuls in Ebonyi State and charged them to continue to support and pray for the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who is working magnificently to return the country to the part of honour and glory. He further urged them to continue to support the administration of the Governor of their host State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB GGCEHF, who has remained inclusive and steadfast in the discharge of his People's Charter of Needs. "President Tinubu is trying very much to help this country. We know that things are hard. And if he doesn't do what he's doing, in the future, we may not have a country called Nigeria. So, the much his disciples can help, they try to help. That's why I rushed home, so that I will join my government, to assist you people, to buy food, to celebrate. And so, I want you to pray for Mr. President and pray for our Governor. In Ebonyi State, there's no discrimination, whether Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or other tribes. We are one people." Similarly, the Honourable Minister celebrated with former State Executive Council members and other stakeholders who visited to bid him welcome to the State on the Salah holiday. He charged them to continue to be very loyal, responsive, and supportive to the administration of Mr. President and that of the Governor of Ebonyi State, noting that the APC administration at the Federal and State levels is working concertedly and inclusively to meet the yearnings of Nigerians. "Let's try to know that we are a community of one people. Let's try to know that North, South, Central is just for the convenience of our political administration. Let's be united, for if you are segregated, you are not helping the government." He commended the State Government and the stakeholders for the peace in the State. "I want to commend you people and commend the government again for the peace that is in the State. And I want you to continue to support and pray for him." In his response, the spokesman to the Muslim faithfuls, Alhaji Idris Datti Suleiman thanked the Honourable Minister of Works for his usual sense of benevolence to the Muslim community. He particularly thanked him for the huge Salah gifts and donations he made to them, including the women, youths, and others whom they represented in the visit. He assured the Honourable Minister of the unwavering support and solidarity of the Muslim community in Ebonyi State to the administration of Mr. President and that of their host Govermor. "Permit me to say the truth. I was born and brought up in Ebonyi. I grew up here. We have so many Honourable Ministers since the creation of Ebonyi State to date. No one has shown such a kind gesture as you, the Honourable Minister of Works. Not any Minister has ever invited the Muslim faithfuls in his house to celebrate a Muslim festival. In fact, your own is quite unique because you invited us at a time that every Nigerian needed help. Thank you sir" ...

Jun

2024

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS INSISTS NIGERIAN ROADS MUST LEAD THE ECONOMIC REVOLUTION AGENDA OF PRESIDENT ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR AS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTS A MEGA TWIN FLYOVER TO FREE YEARS OF HEAVY CONGESTION AT EMENE IN ENUGU STATE, TO GIVE IMPETUS TO COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-EAST. In his passion to work day and night, workdays and public holidays to meet the desire of Nigerians in having an enduring network of road infrastructure that will stimulate Nigeria's economy, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON made it today, Sunday, 16/06/2024 to Enugu State to inspect some Federal Government's projects in the State. This is coming after his marathon inspection visits to some Federal Government's projects in Lagos State, including the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway yesterday, where he announced the decision of the Federal Government to reduce the entire corridor of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, from phase two, section two of the coastal route to effective pavement of 55km including the train tracks. Upon arriving Enugu State, the Honourable Minister visited the ongoing reconstruction of the collapsed New Artisan bridge at Enugu-PH Expressway, Enugu capital city. He moved to inspect the ongoing construction of a 23-span mega twin flyover bridge at Emene in Enugu State. This flyover bridge is described as the best thing that never happened to the people of Enugu and neighbouring States until the coming on board of the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who saw the need to decongest the traffic ridden axis of Enugu city to give way to stronger socio-economic competitiveness within the region. It would be recalled that the road which links to many suburbs within the State and the neighbouring States has for many years been a nightmare for vehicles, some of which ply the route through Benue State to far parts of Northern Nigeria and some others to parts of South-South through Cross River State. The administration of Mr. President thought it expedient, in keeping with his agenda of robust economic revolution for a sustainable future of our country, to construct for Enugu State a mega twin flyover that will beat the elegance and utility of all flyovers ever built in South-East. This flyover, when completed, will change the face of Enugu State, attract trade and investment to the State, reduce accident and insecurity, improve safety and increase patronage to the economic facilities, including Airports in Enugu and Ebonyi States, and that of other neighbouring States. Mr. President means well for Nigeria and is determined to revolutionize the economy through road infrastructure development. The Honourable Minister has this as a task that must be accomplished. He knows the job. His passion to deliver is unequalled. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2021

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, MR BABATUNDE FASHOLA, SAN, AT THE PROJECT COMPLETION AND HAND OVER FLAG OFF ON THURSDAY 25TH NOVEMBER, 2021 AT KOKO/BESSE LGA, KEBBI STATE

On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring good tidings to the peoples and Governments of Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States, who will be impacted by the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road that our President will hand over today.

My principal message to you all is that this is the first of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact.

In this phase of completion Mr. President has approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities.

The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities which we flag off today in Kebbi will be in:

a) Jigawa for Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States.

b) Bauchi for Section III covering 106.3 x 2 Kilometers between Azare and Potiskum , connecting Bauchi and Yobe States.

c) Benue for Vandeikya-Obudu Cattleranch Road covering 24 Kilometers connecting Benue and Cross River States.

d) Ebonyi for Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States.

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.

They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.

This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the Sukuk funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads.

The Sukuk is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold.

I want to express gratitude of our Government to the investors in the Sukuk and thank the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support.

Our gratitude to the Debt Management Office is deep and continuing for their role in previous SUKUKS which have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the Sukuk we are expecting.

To our staff and contractors who have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion I also say thank you, as I cannot fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the host communities where these projects pass through or are hosted.

I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government.

Ladies and Gentlemen, none of these would have been possible without the support of Ministers in the Federal Executive Council during debates over the projects.

To all Ministers in the first term and this current term, I express gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Housing for your support.

To the President and Vice President who preside for long hours over the Council meetings, your leadership is now bearing fruits and the evidence of change is now manifesting.

Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi bear witness and there is more to come.

Thank You.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING

SPEECHES

Dec

2020

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.