MINISTER UMAHI: LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY DESIGNED TO MITIGATE, NOT CAUSE FLOODING   The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has dismissed claims that the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is responsible for flooding in parts of Lagos. He insisted that the project is designed to improve drainage and facilitate the evacuation of floodwaters from shoreline communities. Speaking during an on-the-spot assessment of the completed and ongoing sections of the Coastal Highway with Members of the National Assembly, Senior Special Assistants to the President (SSAs-P), Officials of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the media, he explained that the Ministry had earlier held discussions with Officials of the Lagos State Government on the need for dredging and other environmental mitigation measures to address flooding in the affected areas. The Minister attributed the persistent flooding largely to *indiscriminate dumping of refuse, blockage of drainage channels and manholes, and gross violations of environmental regulations* by some residents. He stressed that the highway itself is not the cause of flooding but rather part of its long-term solution. _"You can see people blocking manholes and creating hazards to the environment. Many complaints about flooding are caused by human activities, not the road project,"_ the Minister emphasised. Engr. Umahi assured stakeholders that the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, is implementing *environmental remediation measures*, including dredging, drainage improvement, and strict enforcement of the approved “Right of Way.” He warned that structures obstructing drainage channels or violating the approved setbacks would be removed. According to the Minister, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway incorporates *modern engineering features*, including adequate culverts, drainage systems, and embankments designed to manage stormwaters effectively. He further explained that the project complements other flood-control interventions such as those around the *Aqua Atlantic development and Oshodi*. Engr. Umahi informed that the visit is coming at the instance of the directive of *President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*, whose administration remains committed to protecting lives, properties, and critical infrastructure, while promoting sustainable development. The Minister announced that a *Stakeholders' Engagement* involving the Senate and House Committees on Works, the Federal Ministry of Environment, Office of the Surveyor General of the Federation, Lagos State Government, representatives of concerned Associations of Landlords and other relevant Government Agencies, is scheduled for today, Tuesday, 7 July, 2026. The engagement aims to address environmental concerns, step up awareness campaigns on environmentally friendly practices and the dangers of the unfriendly ones, as well as deepen collaborative efforts in flood management. He commended *Members of the National Assembly, the Governor of Lagos State, the Minister of Environment, SSAs-P (Community Engagement), Staff of the Ministry, and Hitech Construction Company, and other stakeholders* for their cooperation and assured residents that blocked drainage channels and refuse dumps along the project corridor would be cleared. The *SSAP on Community Engagement, South West, Moremi Ojudu,* called for collective responsibility in addressing environmental and human factors, emphasising the President's commitment to environmental sustainability. The *Director of Environmental Impact Assessment,* Federal Ministry of Environment, highlighted the growing impact of climate change and the unique environmental challenges facing Lagos. On the Environmental Impact Assessment of the Project, she confirmed that approval was given before its commencement. Commenting, the Minority Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi stated *the history of flooding in Lagos is as old as the city itself, and we have seen, as a Parliament, that the reason for the flooding is not the Coastal Highway.”*He advised that the opinions of environmental experts be adhered to in finding remedial and preventative solutions to a global problem. In their separate remarks, the *Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh*, and the *Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi* commended the Minister's swift response to Mr. President's directive. They observed that flooding existed before the commencement of the Coastal Highway, ascribing it to the effects of global warming, requiring proactive solutions. To further safeguard the completed sections of the Highway, the Minister directed the *Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare* to ensure full compliance with environmental safety standards. He also announced the recruitment of *40 personnel — 20 for day duty and 20 for night* — to monitor the highway, prevent stealing and vandalisation of road furniture, and discourage illegal dumping of refuse. Engr. Umahi concluded by guaranteeing residents along the alignment that all environmental concerns raised during the inspection would continue to receive prompt attention through sustained stakeholder engagement and effective mitigation measures.     ...

TINUBU FLAGS OFF STRATEGIC NORTH-EAST ROAD PROJECTS TO ENHANCE SECURITY, TRADE, AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama – Banki and the Dikwa – Gamboru Ngala Roads, describing them as strategic investments to restore critical infrastructure, enhance security, and drive economic growth in the North-East. Represented at the ceremony by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the President said the projects reflect his administration's campaign promise to rebuild vital infrastructure that will improve connectivity, strengthen regional integration, and promote sustainable development. The two contracts are awarded to Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd. under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, while the subcontractor is Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited. President Tinubu noted that the strategic road corridors would improve access to neighbouring Cameroon and the Republic of Chad, creating new opportunities for trans-Saharan trade and expanding cross-border commerce. He stressed that the projects would not only facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services but also improve security and support the socio-economic recovery of communities affected by insurgency. He called on all stakeholders to work closely with the people of the North East to ensure the successful execution of the projects, while assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure that stimulates economic growth and national development. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the commencement of the projects as another pointer to the Federal Government's infrastructure renewal drive. He explained that the roads are part of the administration's four legacy infrastructure projects, spread across the six geopolitical zones, and are designed to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic integration with neighbouring countries. Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., highlighted the enormous economic, security, healthcare, and tourism benefits of the projects. According to him, the roads are more than transportation infrastructure; they are strategic investments that will promote regional integration, improve livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life of the people. He commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria through sustained infrastructure development. In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, applauded the strong collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works. They described the projects as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to inclusive infrastructure development and pledged the continued legislative support of the National Assembly towards their successful completion. President/CEO of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, described the Federal Government's Tax Credit Scheme as a transformative initiative for financing critical infrastructure. He disclosed that the Dangote Group is currently executing 12 road projects valued at about ₦3 trillion under the scheme and reaffirmed the company's readiness to undertake additional projects in support of national development. He noted that quality roads and bridges stimulate economic activities, attract investment, and promote national prosperity. Dangote also commended the leadership of the Minister, describing him as "a conqueror" for his dedication and outstanding commitment to infrastructure delivery. The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, described the projects as strategically important to the economic recovery and security of the North East. He said the roads would strengthen commercial and social ties with Cameroon and the Chad Republics, while improving peace, security, and economic activities across the region. Governor Zulum expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for Borno State and the entire Zone. Speaking on behalf of the Borno State Council of Traditional Rulers, comprising the Emirates of Borno, Biu, Dikwa, and Gwoza, the Chairman of the Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa, welcomed the initiative. He expressed confidence that the projects would deliver lasting socio-economic benefits to the affected communities and assured the Federal Government of the traditional institution's full support throughout the implementation process. The flag-off of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Roads’ rehabilitation projects underscores the Administration's commitment to renewing critical infrastructure, strengthening national security, expanding regional trade, and accelerating economic transformation. Upon completion, the roads are expected to improve mobility, facilitate cross-border commerce, attract investment, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity across the North East and Nigeria as a whole.   ...

FG Inaugurates Rehabilitation of Babban Lamba–Sharam Road, Phase II in Plateau State —  Minister Bags Ngas Land’s Chieftaincy Title   The Federal Government has officially flagged off construction works on Phase II of the Rehabilitation of Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in Plateau State, restating its avowed intention to deliver critical infrastructure that promotes economic growth, regional connectivity, national development, and integration.   Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the ceremony, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the project as a strategic investment that will drive economic growth, create jobs, boost tourism and culture, and strengthen regional integration. He noted that the road forms part of the present administration’s infrastructure renewal programme being implemented across Nigeria's six (6) geopolitical zones.   Professor Yilwatda disclosed that the road is of immense national significance, linking the North Central, North East, South East, and, by extension, the South-South zones. He urged the contractor, Messrs Decency Associates (Nigeria) Limited, to ensure the project's timely completion while maintaining the highest standards of quality.   He also highlighted the historical importance of the area as the birthplace of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and the late Governor of the old Benue-Plateau State, Police Commissioner Joseph Gomwalk. He appealed to the contractor to prioritise the employment of indigenes along the project’s corridor throughout the construction period.   The APC National Chairman assured the Governor and good people of Plateau State that he would personally convey the state's gratitude and goodwill to President Tinubu. He added that he has a personal interest in seeing the road rehabilitated, given that it has remained in a deplorable condition since 1975.   In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi expressed gratitude to the Ngas community for conferring a prestigious chieftaincy title on him. He said the honour had made him a son of the soil and pledged to give the project special attention until its successful completion.   The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, while highlighting the modest achievements of the Administration in the road sector, as enshrined in the Renewed Hope Agenda, welcomed constructive criticism, stressing that he remains accountable to Nigerians and open to objective public scrutiny. He, however, cautioned against unfounded attacks, noting that genuine criticism strengthens governance and promotes better service delivery.   Engr. Umahi described the four (4) Legacy Road Projects as catalysts for growth and prosperity, and “a major bold step no past administration had dared to take,” describing President Tinubu as “God-sent, a bridge-builder and visionary leader.” He appealed to the people on the plateau to support the renewed vigour of the present administration in changing their lives for the better in many different ways.   “The changing landscape of Nigeria’s road sector is a clear manifestation of a government that truly cares for the now and future of its citizens,” according to the Minister. He informed that no part of the country can talk about marginalisation in the provision of road and bridge infrastructure because “President Tinubu is a leader for all Nigerians.”   Earlier, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang welcomed the President's representative and commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for prioritising critical road infrastructure nationwide. He described the project as “a landmark intervention that would stimulate economic activities, improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and unlock new investment opportunities across Plateau State and beyond.   Governor Mutfwang praised President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development, stating that the people of the State deeply appreciate the Federal Government's intervention. Quoting a Hausa proverb, he said: "Mai hakuri zai dafa dutse ya sha romonsa," meaning that patience begets unexpected and rewarding outcomes.   Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, pledged sustained funding and proper oversight for the sector across the country. They commended the President and the Minister for their uncommon strides in delivering durable road projects nationwide.   A former Governor of the State, and Minister, presently a Senator representing Plateau South, Sen. Simon Lalong, similarly expressed appreciation to the President for extending major infrastructure projects to Plateau State, in particular, and the North Central region, in general. He pledged the continued support and prayers of the people of the state for the administration.   During the ceremony, the paramount ruler of Ngas land, Ngolong Ngas, His Majesty Nde Jika conferred a traditional title on the Honourable Minister of Works in recognition of his outstanding contributions to infrastructure development in his domain. "I am honoured, on behalf of the Panshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Council and the Ngas Nation, to confer on you the prestigious title of Ngorot Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas). We warmly welcome you as a member of our Council of Traditional Title Holders," stated the Ngolong Ngas.   The Babban Lamba–Sharam Road,  Phase II spans 38.625 kilometres, stretching from Babban-Dungun Village to Sharam, with an additional two-kilometre spur linking Dungun to Kwai. The Ministry, under the purposeful leadership of Engr. Umahi remains committed to delivering durable, safe, and accessible roads and associated infrastructure across Nigeria in support of sustainable economic growth and national development.     ...