Federal Ministry of Works

Federal Ministry of Works (FMW)

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Welcome To Federal Ministry Of Works.

Minister Federal Ministry Of Works Engr. David Umahi.

Road Construction Inspection Tour.

Road Inspection.

Road Construction Inspection Tour.

Road Inspection.

Road Construction Inspection Tour.

Oct

2025

LATEST PRESS

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.”
“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.

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.
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.

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,
Director, Press and Public Relations.
12th October 2025.

Jan

2024

WORKS MINISTER DEBUNKS CLAIM OF FRAUDULENT PAYMENT OF FUNDS TO A MICTOFINANCE BANK, SAYS IT IS A DISTRACTION * To work with Governors to certify job completion before payment to contractors The Honourable Minister of Works Sen. Engr. Nweke David Umahi, CON, has debunked the claim that funds for construction of roads was fraudulently paid into a Microfinance Bank contrary to extant regulations. According to the Honourable Minister, “Let me also use the opportunity to debunk something that is ongoing in the social media. I don't know what they call the group, Is it Tracta Budgit or something which claims they're monitoring the budget of federal government; said that we paid 8.7 billion to the microfinance bank. Speaking to some journalists today in Rivers State during the inspection of the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway being reconstructed by Arab Contractors Ltd, Sen. Umahi disclosed that the organisation “went ahead and said, that the 8.7 billion were paid against a number of projects in Ekiti State, in Kaduna State, Kastina State and Borno State between June and September, 2023. The Honourable Minister while debunking further the erroneous claim by Tracka Budgit stated that as at June 2023, “he was in the Senate. So, if they are correct, it means the contracts would have been awarded while I was still a Governor, so not a minister.” Concerning the payments to a Microfinance bank, the Minister explained that as at July, “I was in the Senate Up to the 20th of August”. He, however explained concerning the payments to a Microfinance Bank that “when a contractor has done his or her work, the money becomes his money. He can say pay it to any bank of his choice." Sen. David Umahi described as very mischievous the claim by the organisation stating that they should have investigated “whether the job was done, that is the only right they have. But they don't have the right to say where a contractor will say his money will be paid. He submitted therefore that “whether it's paid in microfinance bank or macrofinance bank, what is paramount to establish if the funds were rightly paid for good work done.” The Honourable Minister averred that it was an attempt to distract his commitment to delivering on the Renewd Hope Agenda of President Tinubu for the road sector development in Nigeria. “And so, it's just a distraction. And then, some of the bank contractors are using them to fight back. But I refuse to be distracted, he restated. On his efforts to ensure quality delivery of road projects through partnership with the States, Sen. Umahi said “let me also say that in all the states, it's our policy that the state governors, through their appointed officials, must mark off any project, especially the emergency, palliative projects. According to him “when a contractor has completed a job, no matter how big it is, my advice is for the state governor to come to the site and look at it and then mark off the job before he gets to office for payment. He strongly affirmed that “Where this procedure is not done, I will not sign any generated certificate”. ...

Jan

2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION ON COURSE, DIRECTS RELEASE OF FUND TO TACKLE CRITICAL ROADS IN ALL THE GEO-POLITICAL ZONES OF THE FEDERATION The Hon. Minister of Works has reassured Nigerians that the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is on course in it's determination to rejig the road infrastructure which is a key catalyst for the actualization of the needed economic growth and development of our nation. The Hon Minister gave this indication in Markurdi, Benue State on 25th January 2024 during his inspection visit to the Keffi- Akwanga- Lafia-Makurdi road reconstruction project via Maraba, New karu, Asokoro, Ado, Goran road, the Lafia By-pass and the dualization of the Markurdi- Otukpo - 9th Mile Enugu road projects. He thanked the President of Nigeria for approving the release of funds for the commencement of work on the critical highways across the six goe-political zones, including the Abuja- Kaduna- Zaria - Kano highway, the Lagos- Ibadan expressway and the two by-pass roads at the 2nd Niger Bridge. ”So let me use this opportunity to also thank Mr. President. Just about three days ago, he approved that work should immediately commence in many sections; in Abuja,- Kaduna,-Zaria- Kano road. It's a very good and cheering news for me. We were having some problems with funding. But Mr. President has solved that problem and directed the immediate release of funds so that the projects will continue. The same thing is applicable to the Lagos Ibadan and the 2nd Niger Bridge two bypasses. Mr. President has directed the immediate release of money for the projects. As you see me, I am rejoicing like a newborn baby.” Speaking during the inspection visit to the Markurdi axis of the road, the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Fr. Hyacinth Alia called for support to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.He described the President's national development plan as purposeful and progressive and with the propensity of promoting sustainable and stable national development. He praised the new spirit of dedication and quality service delivery in the Federal Ministry of Works and expressed hope that Nigeria would experience a new dawn in road infrastructure development under the Renewed Hope administration. ”We are quite pleased that you are beginning the second phase of Abuja- Keffi - Lafia 9th Mile Enugu road. I'm very excited to hear that you have already incorporated the prayers we presented to you" "We thank Mr. President for his thoughtfulness and good heart for the common masses. He's someone who doesn't like to see people suffer. He spends sleepless nights to ensure that we get it right at this administration. We remain quite indebted to him.” The Honourable Minister of Works undertook a driving distance of about 446 Km from Abuja to Enugu through the bad spots of Otukpo- Nsukka- Uboloafor Enugu road and that afforded him the opportunity to give policy direction to the Engineers and contractors on site on the new initiatives on scopping and construction and on the dimensions of Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). He also identified areas within the major junctions of the road project that require flyovers, especially the axis after Abacha Barracks in Abuja and the Markurdi axis of the road project, where road users experience heavy traffic. ...

Jan

2024

WORKS MINISTER, SEN UMAHI HARPS ON PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN BRIDGING THE GAP ON FINANCING OF NIGERIA'S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE, MEETS GOVERNOR KEFAS OF TARABA STATE, ALHAJI ALIKO DANGOTE AND HON. NDUDI GODWIN ELUMELU In keeping with the road infrastructure initiatives of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has been engaging with concessionaires and other private sector organizations on the need for private sector investment on our road infrastructure as done in advanced economies of the world. This informed the closed door meeting the Hon. Minister of Works had with the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the founder and CEO of Dangote Group of Conglomerates, Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, and Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, former Minority Leader, Federal House of Representatives. It would be recalled that the Hon. Minister of Works in his zeal to change the ugly narrative of road infrastructure in Nigeria had set up three committees to work on the contracts executed by some concessionaires with the Federal Ministry of Works with a view to reviewing the scope and cost implications of the projects they undertook to execute under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). This private sector initiative will fastrack road infrastructure revolution and bring order, accountability, and profitable entrepreneurship to the operations, management, and maintenance of Federal Highways. The Governor of Taraba who retired as a military professional was a one-time chairman Governing Board of Directors Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) before he became Governor. The founder and CEO Dangote Group is one of Africa's foremost captains of industry who have made ambitious investments in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria and he has shown manifest commitment in the transformation of Nigeria's infrastructure through long- term investment in strategic sectors of Nigeria's economy, including financial services, and infrastructure development. Hon Ndudi G. Elumelu is a well-travelled politician and contemporary public administrator, and also a product of Harvard Business School, Boston. It is hoped that investors, local and international, and other organized bodies would take advantage of the will power of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope administration and the private sector experience and professional capacities of the Hon. Minister of Works to invest in the over 35,000 Km of the national road network being managed by Federal Government of Nigeria as this road network carries more than 70% of the vehicular traffic, making it a critical infrastructure for the movement of goods and services across the nation. This initiative will trigger economic development, job creation, local content development and wealth creation for Nigerian population. Mr. President mean business with his efforts to prosper our country and make it the pride of the African continent. Your support is critical. ...

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Jul

2024

OTHER NEWS

Jun

2021

Works And Housing Staff Receives 2021 Public Service Awards

Four staffers of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing have received 2021 Public Service Awards for diligence, commitment and dedication to service.

The recipients of the award were; Arc. Suara Akinola, Deputy-Director, Special Projects Unit, Engineer Ebere Izunobi, Assistant Director, Highway Planning and Development, Haruna Rakiya of the Public Building and Housing Development and Anemba Terhemeni of the Human Resources Management Department.

The Award was in commemoration of 2021 Public Service Week organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation annually.

The Director Human Resources of the Ministry, Abdullahi Umar Utono presented the awardees to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babangida Hussaini, after they had been honoured by the Head of Service of the Federation at a ceremony in Abuja.

Receiving the awardees, the Permanent Secretary, Babaginda Hussaini congratulated and charged them to work harder in order to justify the award saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Permanent Secretary described the award as an acknowledgement of one’s outstanding service to the Ministry in particular and the nation in general.

“Once you are recognized and awarded, you do not have a hidden place anymore. More is expected of you and please do not rest on your oasis.” He said.

Hussaini said that he was satisfied with their nomination for the prestigious award because he could attest to their competence and commitment to duty. “If I have to do the exercise again, I will select the same four officers for the award because they are tested and trusted,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Human Resources Management, Umar Utono said that the committee set up by the Ministry to evaluate nominees for the award did a thorough job in bringing up the four nominees for the award, adding that they were selected based on the input from their various Departments.

“Their selection met the criteria we look forward to in Civil Servants. We commend their contributions and urge them to work harder,” he said.

Utono also said that the award would serve as amotivation to other Civil Servants to work harder in order to benefit from subsequent awards.

Responding on behalf of the Awardees, the Deputy-Director, Special Project Unit, Arc. Suara Akinola thanked the Permanent Secretary for nominating them for award, saying that they will do more to justify his trust on them.

“It is a call to do more and I am pledging on behalf of the other awardees our total commitment to do more and that our selection for the award was not a mistake by the Ministry. We shall work harder to win more awards,” he said.

SPEECHES

Jul

2019

Remarks By H.E President Muhammadu Buhari At The Meeting With Mr Joe Kaeser, Ceo/President Siemens AG At The State House On Monday 22nd July 2019

1. Thank you all for coming today and for the roles you have all played in planning what we hope will be a significant project to dramatically improve the quality of our electricity supply.

2. I recall my meeting in late August, last year, with Chancellor Merkel here in Abuja, when both our Governments committed to future cooperation to support economic growth and development in Nigeria. We were clear that fixing the power sector was a key priority for this administration.

3. It was during that event that Mr Joe Kaeser, CEO of Siemens AG committed to working with Nigeria to develop a feasible roadmap to modernise our electricity grid with support from the German Government.

4. We all know how critical electricity is to the development of any community or indeed any nation. And in Nigeria, whilst we are blessed to have significant natural gas, hydro and solar resources for power generation, we are still on the journey to achieving reliable, affordable and quality electricity supply necessary for economic growth, industrialization and poverty alleviation.

5. Ladies and Gentlemen, there have been many attempts at solving the electricity problem in our country. Previous Governments have explored State funded solutions through the ill prepared National Independent Power Projects. They also explored the installation of large emergency power projects. There was also the partial privatization of the power generation and distribution sectors.

6. These various interventions to solving the electricity problem have yielded an imbalance between the amount of power generated and the amount available for consumers. Despite over 13,000 megawatts of power generation capacity, only an average of 4,000 megawatts reliably reaches consumers.

7. Now, we have an excellent opportunity to address this challenge.

8. This Government’s priority was to stabilise the power generation and gas supply sector through the Payment Assurance Facility, which led to a peak power supply of 5,222 MW. Nonetheless, the constraints remained at the transmission and distribution systems.

9. This is why I directed my team to ask Siemens and our Nigerian stakeholders to first focus on fixing the transmission and distribution infrastructure – especially around economic centres where jobs are created.

10. Whilst it was evident that more needed to be done to upgrade the sub-transmission and distribution system, our Government was initially reluctant to intervene as the distribution sector is already privatised.

11. I am therefore very pleased with the positive feedback from private sector owners of the distribution companies, who have all endorsed Government’s intervention to engage Siemens on this end-to-end plan to modernise the electricity grid.

12. Our goal is simply to deliver electricity to Nigerian businesses and homes. My challenge to Siemens, our partner investors in the Distribution Companies, the Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Electricity Regulator is to work hard to achieve 7,000 megawatts of reliable power supply by 2021 and 11,000 megawatts by 2023 – in phases 1 and 2 respectively.

13. After these transmission and distribution system bottlenecks have been fixed, we will seek – in the third and final phase – to drive generation capacity and overall grid capacity to 25,000 megawatts.

14. With our strong commitment to the development of Mambilla Hydroelectric and the various solar projects under development across the country, the long-term power generation capacity will ensure adequate energy mix and sustainability in the appropriate balance between urban and rural electrification.

15. Our intention is to ensure that our cooperation is structured under a Government-to-Government framework. No middlemen will be involved, so that we can achieve value for money for Nigerians. We also insist that all products be manufactured to high quality German and European standards and competitively priced.

16. This project will not be the solution to ALL our problems in the power sector. However, I am confident that it has the potential to address a significant amount of the challenges we have faced for decades.

17. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is our hope that as the power situation improves, we will improve investor confidence, create jobs, reduce the cost of doing business and encourage more economic growth in Nigeria.

18. I thank you for coming today, particularly those of you who have had to come from outside Nigeria. I wish you all safe stay in Abuja and safe journeys back home.

19. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.