WORKS MINISTER ORDERS TERMINATION OF CONTRACT WITH LEVANT CONSTRUCTION LTD ON BENIN- SAPELE-WARRI ROAD PROJECT FOR NON-PERFORMANCE DIRECTS JOINT MEASUREMENT. DESCRIBES AS ABSOLUTELY UNFOUNDED MALICIOUS AND UNCHARITABLE SPECULATIONS THAT THE NORTH IS BEING MARGINALIZED ON ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION The Honourable Minister of Works,His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has ordered the termination of the contract with Levant Construction Ltd on the reconstruction of Benin-Sapele-Warri Road (Section 1: Benin - Imasabor) being executed under Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, due to non-performance. In a briefing after a meeting with the Chief Executives of GELD Construction Ltd and SKECC Nigeria Ltd over the delay in the execution of the Benin-Sapele-Warri road project held in his office, Mabushi-Abuja on 17th June 2025, and which had in attendance, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo Esq, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works, Engr.Olufunso Adebiyi, and directors of key departments, the Honourable Minister  expressed disapproval over the failure and/or neglect of Messrs Levant to live up to expectation in their contractual duties in respect of the section of the road awarded to them. He stated, “We have three sections there. We have the Levant section. Unfortunately, Levant has not lived up to expectation. We even had to intervene and beg the Governor of Edo State to please get the worst sections of that route done. We divided the worst sections into two and told Levant to concentrate on one part. While the Governor of Edo State intervened,which I think is about 23 kilometers for N35 billion, and that section the Governor of Edo State intervened is ongoing very well, Levant has since left site. We gave them a series of warning letters. We also gave them the last termination notice. When a termination notice is given to you, it is for you within 14 days to go back to the site and begin to do those things you were not doing. This time is for them to remobilize to the site and for them to work, but they did not respond." He directed the Permanent Secretary get the job properly terminated and write them a letter for a joint measurement, and also to write their bank to request for repayment of the APG failing which the matter would be taken to EFCC. The Honourable Minister, however, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the discussion with SKECC Nigeria Ltd and Geld Construction Ltd over the need for them to step up work on the respective sections of the road project being handled by them. He commended the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency,Rt Sen. Monday Okpebholo for their interventions on some kilometers of that road project. “I have called the Governor of Delta State, and I commend him for the very beautiful work he's doing. Three flyovers at the same time, beautiful flyovers. In this country, we need such beauties. We have also learned from that design. So we appealed to him to get any contractor within that zone to put ten kilometers with reinforced concrete. He has accepted to do that. So I commend him very highly, which means that the Governor of Edo State is intervening in that section, and the Governor of Delta State is intervening in that section. We are grateful to them." On the jobs by Messrs SKECC and Messrs Geld, the Honourable Minister stated, “SKECC has about one kilometer which they started with milled asphalt, yes the money in the budget for SKECC within their own section, NNPC allocation, is exhausted. But we are pleading with them to go back and remedy this one kilometer that they have milled the existing asphalt." For Messrs Geld, he said, "Geld has accepted to go back to their own section, and we've agreed to review their project to cater for the unforeseen circumstances that they encountered. So they are going back to the site, and we've agreed to work very well with them. And we're happy about that. And the second job they have, which is  Lokoja-Abuja road, we've also agreed that they should go back to the site and review the project, because as of today, the asphalt cost is 9,000 per square meter, whereas  asphalt is about 30,000 per square meter. So they are going back to the site on trust, and we're going to do that. And then you get to Itoki – Ikorodu road, which is 34 kilometers. We've agreed with them on all the  issues. They are going back to the site, and I thank Mr. President for his interest in all the projects in the federation.” While reacting to  statements by some groups who purport to  speak on behalf of Northern Elders and who alleged that the Federal Ministry of Works is doing more projects in the South than in the North, the Honourable Minister debunked such impressions as false and misleading, noting that the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has been consistently inclusive in the implementation of road and bridge projects across the six (6) Geo-Political zones, both in the execution of the inherited ongoing road projects and in the distribution of the Renewed Hope road Legacy Projects. While recounting  the numerous ongoing projects  in the north, he stated, “ In this ministry, we don't count where anybody came from. We don't count where projects are cited. We are using the example of Mr. President who came on board. He took all the inherited projects of the ministry and continued to go with them. He didn't want to know  the lopesidedness of the projects. For example, this Tax Credit of NNPC is only 5% in South West and 4% in South East, Niger State has 26% alone. So, he didn't want to care about where these inherited projects are. He had to, as a very unique leader, take over the entire thing, and he's going on with them. And so we should stop looking at a project as it's coming from the North, it's coming from the South because the Southern people use the roads of the North, and the Northern people use the roads of the South. So we should see ourselves as one people one country, this is very important.” Also responding to other uninformed criticisms on the distribution and funding of projects across the Zones, he said, "they talked about Second Niger Bridge. They talked about Lagos-Ibadan. They said Lagos-Ibadan is ₦195 billion. What they didn't know is that ₦195 billion is the total contract sum from the past administration, and that what this administration is putting to complete the project is only ₦33 billion. So it's not ₦195 billion. They talked about Second Niger Bridge. This section II A is ₦134 billion, and section II B is ₦174 billion. Now, if you look at the projects in the North, just to properly inform the people, you look at Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria- Kano road, Sections I and III. It's ₦252 billion. 30% is already paid for that job. And it's being done with the same quality of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The job is ongoing. Section II is 164 kilometers, and it is ₦525 billion. And it's being done with concrete, the same quality of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Mr. President has approved 30% payment, which is   ₦152 billion, and work is ongoing. You come and see the project that was awarded in March 2023, which is the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina-Kaduna, a total of 750 kilometers, totaling initial cost of ₦825 billion. That project is ongoing.There was no shovel on the project before we came on board. It's Mr. President that is doing the project. In Sokoto axis, by August, CBC would have completed about 50 kilometers on Continuously Reinforced Concrete, the same quality Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. We have the Mothercat. We have the Tracta. We have the Sectraco working, major top companies that are doing the project. We have Zaria-Nkru project, which is 152 kilometers.That project is ongoing. We have the project that covers the BUA Tax Credit, which is 256 kilometers, that is going through Jigawa, Kano, Katsina. It's also under BUA Tax Credit. We have the Kano Northern Bypass. That project is ongoing. We have Section l of Kano-Maiduguri, 100.9 kilometers by Tracta. That project is ongoing. We have the Dikwa project, which is 52 kilometers in Borno State. That project is ongoing under Dangote Tax Credit.You have the Bama project in Borno State, which is 49 kilometers. That project is ongoing under Dangote Tax Credit. We have section V of the Kano - Maiduguri project being done by CCECC, that project is ongoing. We have the fourth Renewed Hope Legacy Project of Mr. President, which is the Akwanga- Jos-Bauchi-Gombe Superhighway, 439 kilometers. We are completing the design by the directive of Mr. President. It was on flexible pavement. President said, "No, I want it double carriageway, three lanes each, concrete pavement. We have the Maraba-Keffi project, 43 kilometers by two, ₦73 billion by China Harbor. That project is ongoing. We have the Makurdi down to 9th mile Enugu, 260 kilometers by two, which is about a billion U.S. dollar project. That project is ongoing. We have the Manado project in Kebbi State. That project is ongoing. Time will fail me to read out the projects that Mr. President is doing in the North and also doing in the South. So, when you look at the four legacy projects of the President, the North has 52%, and the South has 48%. Let me tell you something. People talk about Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. Yes, we procured Section I, which is ₦1.068 trillion, 30% has been paid. We procured Section II, which is the flyovers of Section I and Section II, passing through Dangote Refinery, passing through swamp, which is about ₦1.6 trillion. Yes, we have procured Section III A and III B, which is the end of the project, in Akwa Ibom and  Cross River, which is about ₦1.33 trillion. When you aggregate this thing, this is about 3 point something trillion Naira. But then you get to Kebbi, we have 258 kilometers of one carriageway, which we procured for about ₦958 billion, only one section. The second carriageway is going to FEC. So, when you put the two together, you have about ₦2 trillion on the Kebbi axis alone. Then Sokoto is 120 kilometers, where my brother, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, hails from. We've already procured ₦454 billion for the 120 kilometers. And by the time you procure the second one, you're almost about a trillion. So, the two together are about ₦3 trillion. It is done with the same quality of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The one that's coming from Cross River to Ebonyi, to Benue, to Kogi to Nasarawa, to Abuja,  Section I has  been procured which is ₦362 billion for 118 kilometers. It is being procured, and we are just reviewing it to include an additional 5 kilometers of road because of underlying factors. So, Mr.  President is very committed. I've never seen such a unique President." For those who criticize the pace of work on Eleme-Onne project, which is also a Tax Credit project, the Honourable Minister  explained, "When we came on board, the total cost was ₦156 billion for 30 kilometers of the road, and plus decompile towards Akwa Ibom section of the East West road, and then also a bridge at Aleto, and then four flyovers. One flyover has been started at refinery junction, and then Aleto Bridge is ongoing, very beautiful design, 80-meter span there, which is a beauty to behold. Let me say that the contractor, RCC, after the initial fight with them,they are behaving very well and doing  beautiful work now. People were saying that we did not complete one carriageway. We've completed one carriageway. But they now say, oh, if you've completed, why are you doing asphalt on the same carriageway? If you go and check where we are doing asphalt on the same carriageway, you will find out that it is on the location of the flyover. We are not supposed to do that. But because we wanted a seamless traffic movement, we said, "Okay, come and do asphalt in those locations." The Honourable Minister expressed commitment to the Ministry’s mission of restoring the confidence of Nigerians on the road infrastructure nationwide and thus make the people appreciate the transformational power of the renewed Hope administration of Mr. President.  Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works ...

SEN. UMAHI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT TINUBU ON DEMOCRACY DAY, HAILS HIM AS A CHAMPION OF DEMOCRACY. I am delighted to on behalf of the management of the Federal Ministry of Works, convey our profound felicitations to a champion of democracy and vision bearer of the Renewed Hope Agenda, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on this auspicious commemoration of the 26th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, this 12th June 2025. 2. Your Excellency, we are enthused to celebrate this remarkable event courtesy of your rewarding leadership stewardship. Your struggle for the redemocratization of Nigeria and your emergence as the 5th democratically elected President of the 4th Republic are a clear indication of God’s unction in your enduring vision to achieve the purpose of our democratic journey which is economic prosperity and social justice. History will be kind to you for raising dispassionate standards and taking bold decisions that will return our country to the path of greatness in the continent of Africa. 3. In the works sector, you have made gratifying progress in deepening and fast-tracking the gains of democracy through your record-breaking accomplishments in road infrastructure, which are distributed equitably across the 6 Geo-Political Zones. You have continued to blaze the trail in the passionate delivery of enduring infrastructure, which is critical for the nation’s developmental progress,especially your initiative to expand the nation's road network and interconnect the major economic corridors through the four Renewed Hope Legacy Projects.  Under Your Excellency, we savour a brand new era of regenerative democracy where the institutions and authorities work deliberately and collectively to achieve a nation of equal opportunities irrespective of tribe, religion, or social class. For this, we salute the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary, which are the pillars of our democracy. 4. May God continue to prosper the aspirations of Your Excellency and grant you the grace and enablement to achieve all that you desire for the nation. Please accept the warmest congratulations, esteemed regards, and best wishes of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON,  Honourable Minister of Works ...

DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE In a historic ceremony marking the successful completion of two years in office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government officially commissioned the completed 30-kilometre portion of the 40.7- kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Phase 1, Section I and several others, as well as flagged off the construction of new roads, in the Southern region, symbolically. The event, which was held in Lagos on Saturday, 31st May 2025, was performed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It brought together eminent government officials including; the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Borno, Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi and Edo States, Captains of Industry, Contractors, Traditional Rulers and other Stakeholders Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE; the Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq; Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Senator Godswill Akpabio; and other distinguished guests. In his opening remarks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR reflected on the bold strides made during his two years in office, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He identified the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a flagship project that encapsulates the commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of economic transformation. Despite initial skepticism, the project has become a beacon of progress, connecting nine coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. It is projected to contribute up to US$12 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP within its first decade. The President emphasised that the project will ease transportation, reduce costs of travel and vehicle maintenance, as well as travel time, and drive growth across agriculture, industry, tourism, marine, and commerce while creating thousands of jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerians. He described the progress as clear evidence of purposeful leadership delivering tangible results. Speaking, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, praised the scope and significance of the project, describing the highway as a game-changer that not only connects nine littoral states but also unlocks vital trade and industrial corridors. He echoed the anticipated economic impact, reaffirming that the project will reduce transportation costs, shorten travel times, stimulate local economies, and create extensive employment opportunities for Nigerians. He appreciated the President for the vision and leadership, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for its consideration and approval and the Minister of Finance for providing the counterpart funding.  The Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national development through the provision of critical infrastructure. He emphasised that enhancing connectivity and fostering regional integration remain vital pillars for sustainable prosperity. Delivering a Goodwill Message, the Senate President lauded the transformative potential of the project, spotlighting the strategic partnership between the government and private sector entities such as Hitech Construction Company. He described the highway as a “backbone for economic revitalisation” that will attract investment and create new avenues for economic empowerment. Other goodwill messages echoed these sentiments and much more. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, commended President Tinubu’s resilience and clarity of purpose, recognising the highway as a powerful symbol of leadership that delivers on its promise. He expressed pride in the project’s pivotal role in national development and economic progress. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a legacy of visionary leadership and focused execution. He underscored its visible socio-economic impact through improved interstate connectivity and increased commercial activity, stressing that the project will significantly improve lives and economies across southern Nigeria. Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, FNSE warmly welcomed all dignitaries and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President. He celebrated the milestone as a monumental achievement, noting that the highway will benefit not only the state on its alignment but the entire nation. He also emphasised that the project stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and a shared national vision for a more prosperous future. Others completed road and bridge projects in the Southern part of the country that was symbolically commissioned by the President including; i. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Phase 1, Section I (Shagamu-Ibadan) in Ogun and Oyo States, ii. Ikorodu-Shagamu Road in Lagos and Ogun States, iii. Lagos-Badagry Expressway (Agbara Junction - Nigeria-Benin Border in Lagos State, iv. Dualisation of East-West Road, Section II, Subsection I, (Eleme Junction-Ahoada in Rivers State, v. Upgrading of 15km of the East-West Road (Eleme Junction-Onne Port Junction) in Rivers State, vi. Construction of a New Bridge to Replace the Near-Collapsed One at Akpoha in Ebonyi State, vii. Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Enugu-Lokpanta) in Enugu State, viii. Reconstructed Collapsed Bridge at New Artisan Market in Enugu on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and  ix. Alesi-Ugep Road (Iyamoyung-Ugep) in Cross River State. While those that were flagged off, also symbolically, included; i. Rehabilitated Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Edo States, ii. Nembe-Brass Road, Section II in Bayelsa State and  iii. Section (107 Kilometres) of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway in Enugu and Anambra States.  Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed Director, Press and Public Relations. ...