Federal Ministry of Works

Sep

2026

LATEST PRESS

FG EMBARKS ON DECISIVE EMERGENCY INTERVENTION ON BENIN-ASABA EXPRESSWAY

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has kick-started the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin–Asaba Highway under the Ministry’s “Operation Rescue” initiative, aimed at restoring safe, smooth, and uninterrupted movement along the critical corridor. The intervention, to be carried out by the Ministry, through the hiring of equipment and direct implementation, is a demonstration of its determination to address the severe deterioration of sections of the road and bring immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses, and the affected communities. He made this known during the inauguration of *"Operation Rescue Benin -Asaba Expressway”* at Benin City, Edo State on Thursday, 24 September, 2026. The Benin–Asaba Highway is a strategic Federal Highway that commences at AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminates at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, with a distance of 125km. It was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the immediate past administration but the handing over of the site was performed by the present one in March, 2025. However, it has since been proven that the Concessionaire lacks the technical and financial capabilities to execute the project. This was established by the *Independent Engineer (I.E.)* for the project, *Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited*.* Considering the plight of road users and the continued deterioration of the concessioned road, the I.E. advised the Ministry to urgently take all necessary steps to save it from further deterioration, avert further gridlock, assuage the suffering of motorists, as well as save the Federal Government from embarrassment.

Engr. Umahi has personally been monitoring the implementation of the concession project, through several site visits and issued instructions via the I.E. for the *Concessionaire* to stick to the Ministry’s standards and methodology, which were not complied with leading to the worsening of the road condition. Hence, the Ministry’s intervention to save the critically failed sections of the Expressway, through the deployment of equipment and personnel.

The Federal Ministry of Works, according to the Minister, is poised to alleviate the hardship being experienced by road users and communities on the corridor, alike. He reiterated that the Federal Government would not allow the condition of a major national artery to continue to undermine economic activities, the movement of people, goods, and services, as well as the safety of road users and the host communities. He stressed that the emergency intervention is focused on achieving immediate traffic relief, while providing a sustainable engineering solution to the identified problem spots.

According to him, the intervention is also being driven by the overriding need to protect public interest and ensure that Nigerians using the road are not left to bear the consequences of the deteriorating infrastructure occasioned by the lapses of the *Concessionaire.* The Minister emphasised that *” this is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users.”* He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to restoring critical road infrastructure across the country and ensuring that emergencies receive prompt and decisive attention.

*“Operation Rescue”* is about immediate action, restoration of movement, and protection of the travelling public and communities along the corridor. *“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,”* the Minister asserted.

Engr. Umahi called on road users and people along the corridor to cooperate with the Ministry’s officials and traffic-management personnel, as emergency works commence, assuring them that the Ministry would continue to monitor progress and take all necessary measures to minimise hardship during the period of the intervention. “*I am pleading with motorists to exercise patience, observe traffic-management directives and drive cautiously around active construction zones,* he stated.

Engr. Umahi highly commended President Tinubu's concern over the well-being of citizens, reiterating that *”the Ministry remains committed to restoring the Benin–Asaba Expressway to a safe, functional and durable condition in the overall interest of Nigerians and the national economy."*

Before this, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo had demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of his people during the protest in August, 2026 caused by the bad state of the road by immediately identifying with the situation and dispatching his Chief of Staff to appeal for calm and reassure the affected communities and motorists of immediate remedial action. Speaking at the Ceremony, His Excellency appreciated the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his prompt and decisive intervention, as well as the Minister of Works for his continued commitment to the provision of road infrastructure across the country.

The Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Charles Anaogu, expressed much gratitude for the immediate response in restoring the all-important road. *”It is a well-desired action to better the lives of the people of Delta State and the general public,* he added.

The *representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),* applauded the President for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region. He also commended the Honourable Minister for his steadfastness to the welfare of the people of the zone and Nigerians, at large.

Delivering the Welcome Address earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the rescue operation as very timely in reinstating the critical transportation corridor connecting communities, facilitating mobility, commerce and trade between Edo and Delta States with the other parts of the country. Therefore,*its importance cannot be overstated,”* she noted.

The occasion was graced by lots of dignitaries and Goodwill Messages were delivered by the Deputy Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Rt. Honourable Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Youth Leader of Ikpaba Hill Community, and other stakeholders, who unanimously eulogised the Federal Government’s proactive response.

May

2025

WORKS MINISTER,SEN. UMAHI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR ON THE 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF HIS RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION, DESCRIBES HIM AS A LEADER WITH ENDURING COMMITMENT TO A PROSPEROUS NIGERIA It is with a deep sense of responsibility and profound pleasure that I congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on this auspicious occasion of the 2-year anniversary of his Renewed Hope administration. . 2. Your Excellency,our dear President,we are delighted by the momentum in your administration's vision to give our nation a strong sense of identity and to build the future and potential of her people. Within the shortest record time,your administration has made incredible marks in changing the inhibitive narrative of leadership deficits that hamper national progress; you have remained unwavering in tackling a range of accumulated and deeply rooted problems of poor infrastructure and other socio-economic challenges that face the nation. 3. In the works sector, the Renewed Hope agenda of revolutionizing the road infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians is bearing fruit. Within two years in office, you have given unprecedented attention to the road infrastructure through emergency interventions to failed roads and bridges nationwide, increased funding of inherited ongoing projects, introduction of policies and innovations that guarantee quality,speed and value for money, and initiative to construct legacy projects that will expand the transportation ecosystem and turn around Nigeria's economy for sustainable prosperity. You are indeed a leader with enduring commitment to a prosperous Nigeria. 4. As we celebrate this eventful anniversary full of great accomplishments, we pray to God Almighty to continue to bless and prosper your vision to put Nigeria on the path to irreversible progress. Once more congratulations, Mr. President. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi,CON,FNSE FNATE Honourable Minister of Works ...

May

2025

FG PRIORITISES EMERGENCY WORKS ON BENIN–SAPELE ROAD, REAFFIRMS SWIFT INTERVENTION ON FAILED OBAYANTOR STRATEGIC AXIS The Federal Ministry of Works has reiterated its commitment to urgent intervention on the severely deteriorated Benin–Sapele Road, particularly the section leading towards Obayantor in Edo State. This pledge follows a formal appeal by the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), which highlighted the road’s deteriorating condition and its serious socio-economic impact. During a strategic meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., who represented the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE expressed concern over the insecurity and economic paralysis stemming from the road’s poor condition. In his remarks, Goronyo stated: “I have listened with a heavy heart to your presentations. The kidnappings along that corridor, the economic losses, and the direct threat to food security are not palatable. This is not just about roads; it's about national stability and the well-being of our people. I assure you that the Ministry, under the leadership of Engr. Umahi is committed to acting swiftly and decisively.” The Managing Director of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Adekanmbi Samuel gave a detailed account of the challenges along the 24-kilometre stretch, emphasising the insecurity, economic dislocation, and impact on agriculture and power infrastructure. He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergency declaration on food security. Earlier, the Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Bede Obioha, who stood in for the Permanent Secretary, acknowledged the urgency of the issues raised and commended the spirit of cooperation. “We welcome engagements like this as they help us identify critical gaps. This Ministry remains responsive and committed to resolving transport-related challenges, wherever they occur,” he affirmed, assuring that the concerns raised would be captured for prompt action. ...

May

2025

FG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE EXPANSION OF ABUJA (MARARRABA)-KEFFI ROAD PROJECT -ASSURES OF COMPLETION BY JUNE 2026 The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of the Abuja (Mararraba)-Keffi Section of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway. This was the outcome of the inspection conducted on the project site today, Saturday, 10th May 2025 by the Honourable Minister of State for Works (HMS), Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi and other officials. While fielding questions from the media, the Minister confirmed that the project constitutes Section I of the contract, which spans 43.65 kilometres on one side and totals 87.3 kilometres for both carriageways. According to him, this road corridor is a critical segment of the larger Abuja–Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu–Port Harcourt route designed to enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic activities across the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Rivers States. Commenting after the inspection, Goronyo expressed satisfaction with the current pace of work, having achieved 42% completion. He remained optimistic that by the June 2026 dateline, the project would be completed, assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering life-transforming infrastructure that will enhance economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and enhance the quality of life. “This is a commendable progress. Our goal is to ensure that the full stretch from Abuja to Port Harcourt is completed by June 2026. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for prioritising this critical and life-changing infrastructure that would significantly enhance the national economy and facilitate the movement of goods and services,” the Minister disclosed. He also assured that funding will not hinder the project’s execution. “This is a priority project under a special funding arrangement. Once certified payment claims are submitted, the Ministry is ready to process and disburse funds without delay,” he further stated. Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) for the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman provided a technical update on the project. It features a two-way six-lane structure with outer shoulders but lacks inner shoulders, which the reconstruction aims to improve for better traffic flow and safety. According to him, they have done the site clearing, and scarification, while the stone base and binder coarse are at 80% completion. “We are also advancing work on the median drains and rigid shoulders,” he said. Acknowledging challenges posed by high traffic and densely populated areas along the corridor, the Controller disclosed that they are partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a free flow of traffic while carrying out their job. He also informed the audience that the contractor has resorted to working only at night in critical areas to minimise disturbances to public activities during the daytime. The Project Manager, China Habour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd. (CHEC), Mr. Ronald Liao, expressed confidence that with the support from the Ministry and relevant stakeholders, the company will deliver the project in a record time, according to the project’s design. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Sep

2021

Road Blockade: FG Appeals to Truck Drivers for Understanding on Bida -Lambata Ongoing Work

The Federal Government has appealed for understanding of truck drivers on the ongoing construction work on Bida-Lambata road, saying that government is committed to deliver a quality work that will stand the test of time for the benefit of the users.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini made this appeal over the weekend.

Hussaini was reacting to the blockade of a section of the Bida -Lambata and Suleja - Minna roads by some articulated trucks drivers in Niger State, protesting that government should expedite action to complete the ongoing construction to ease their difficulties in using the roads.

" I am appealing to the truck drivers for understanding of the efforts of the Federal government in fixing this road. This Bida-Lambata road is among the many other ongoing projects across the nation which the government prioritised to deliver," he said.

Hussaini also noted that the rehabilitation work has not reached the sections that collapsed but the Contractor has been directed to do palliative work on all such sections while the contruction progress as scheduled.

He however lamented that the contractor has been denied access to the road due to blockade by the tanker drivers.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari gives premium to providing road infrastructure across the country as a way of improving the social and economic well-being of the people.

He assured the truck drivers that the Federal Government through the Federal Controller of Works in Niger State is working round the clock with the contractors on site to ensure not only timely completion but to deliver a qualitative road that would stand the test of time.

SPEECHES

Nov

2019

DPRS Council of Works Remarks

Introductory Remarks by The Director Planning Research & Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Dr. Famous S. Eseduwo at the On-going 25th Meeting of The National Council on Works at Calabar on Monday, 25th November, 2019.

PROTOCOL

I am delighted, on behalf of the Organizing Committee, to welcome you to the 25th Meeting of the National Council on Works with the theme: “INFRASTRUCTURE AS THE PARHWAY FOR PROSPERITY”, holding here in Calabar, Cross River State from today, Monday 25th to Thursday 29th November, 2019.

2. I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, the Honourable Minister of State Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu FNSE, the Permanent Secretary Mohammed Bukar, the Directors and entire staff of the Ministry for their support in organizing this meeting.

3. As you are aware, the Meeting of the National Council of Works is an annual event and the highest policy formulating organ of the Works sector where stakeholders in the Works sector deliberate on issues concerning the Sector.

4. It is important to highlight that the council meeting is signaled by a two day technical meeting of Directors and the Permanent Secretaries Meeting. Our responsibility is to create a solid and resourceful foundation by diligently reviewing the memoranda submitted and fine-turning the recommendations for presentation to Council through the Meeting of Permanent Secretaries.

5. I urge all Directors present to own up to the process and show the right attitude and commitment towards heralding a successful Council Meeting.

6. At this juncture, I will like to assure you that all necessary arrangements have been put in place by the Ministerial Organizing Committee (MOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to ensure the success of this year’s Council Meeting. The secretariat is available for any possible assistance.

7. Once again, I welcome you to the 2-day brainstorming session preceding this year’s National Council Meeting on Works and also wish you all a fruitful deliberation.
Thank you.