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.

Aug

2023

Umahi Resumes as Minister Amidst Cheers from Workers. The newly sworn-in Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has resumed at the Works Ministry. He received a rousing reception .He was received by Management Staff of the Ministry. The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mahmuda Mamman represented by the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan led Management Staff. The former Governor of Ebonyi State, and also the Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, now Minister as nominated by Mr. President immediately assumed duty after the inauguration of the Federal Cabinet by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today 21st August, 2023 at the State House Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja. Addressing a cross section of staff of the Ministry, Umahi has called for professionalism and seriousness to work, advocating for change from the existing style to new innovations and the use of local content. “I will challenge my fellow engineers on the issue of concrete technology even in the midst of forex challenge and petroleum crises, the nation is endowed with natural resources so we should be prepared for the renewed hope of the present government anchored on change’’ he said. The Minister stated that his administration is not to seat in the office but to be in the field, inspecting on going works and effecting the change we want saying that the fortunes of the nation are determined by the attitude of its professionals. “ I am not an office person, I am a field person which means, we are going to make changes, we are starting inspection tours to inspect ongoing projects and to know the ones to come up with” he said. Umahi added that he will not tolerate people who will want to reset the clock backward but people who want to be part of history stating that he is a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not Minister of Ebony State or South East alone and his best friends are those who are in line with the aspirations of Mr. President’s renewed hope and the expectations of Nigerians. He promised by the special Grace of God to replicate the good work of God in Ebonyi State to the federal roads, he urged all staff to be prepared to work for the good of all. “God gave us a lot of Grace in Ebonyi State and each time people talk about me, I say no talk about God, I don’t know how it happened. I cannot do it alone and it’s not about me but about us as a nation’’. The Minister said he will be briefed by every Departmental Head in the presence of all the staff so that all the staff will know what is on board. To this end, he charged the staff of the Ministry to put in their best and be part of history, he thanked everyone for making out time to welcome him and promised to be there for everyone. Also, the representative of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr, Folorunsho Esan joyously welcomed the Minister warmly as a professional colleague and pledged the Ministry’s unflinching support towards a successful tenure in the Ministry. In his closing remarks, the Director Highways, South West, Engr. Adedamola Kuti thanked the Minister for his show of commitment and love on his appointment, while also promising that the Ministry's staff will do their best to support his vision and mandate, he thanked all staff for coming out en -mass to welcome the Minister. ...

Jul

2023

Permanent Secretary - Mamman Charges COREN .....Halt Building Collapse Now. The Permanent Secretary FMW&H, Mahmuda Mamman has charged the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to strategize and ensure a halt to incessant building collapse in Nigeria henceforth. The Perm. Sec made this disclosure during a courtesy visit of members of the council led by its Registrar, Engr. (Prof) Adisa Bello to the Ministry’s Headquarters office in Abuja. Mr. Mahmuda Mamman speaking further said that, COREN being a Federal Government Recognized Regulatory Body is vested with the elaborate Mandate and Powers to check and control building standards in Nigeria. To this end he opined that there should be no more cases of building collapse which he frowned at and termed a bad situation that must be brought to a stop. The Perm. Sec, said there seems to be a disconnect somewhere between Nigerian Engineers and COREN and that COREN as a matter of urgency proffer an urgent solution to this situation. Mamman also advised that all Regulators in the Engineering body should come together and seek audience with the Ministry of Finance especially as regards the recent Federal Government Policy directive of self-funding for all such bodies . He further spoke to the idea of the consideration of levies as a way of generating revenues to assist the council. He thereafter charged the council to come up with implementable plans and guide lines by going back to the drawing board for them to be able to reposition COREN for better performance and impactful services to Nigerians. Mamman appreciated the visit which he said was very fruitful and he is better informed now than before on the activities of COREN, while also directing that proper checks and registration alongside mandatory monitoring be carried out on construction activities that will end up in Nigerians living in well-built solid buildings with confidence without any fear of building collapse, come rain, come sun shine nationwide in Nigeria. Earlier, the Registrar of COREN, Engr. (Prof) Adisa A Bello, said they were in the Ministry to brief the Perm.Sec on the activities of the Council for the Regulations of Engineering in Nigeria. The Registrar said COREN is a statutory regulatory organ of the Federal Government of Nigeria, established by Decree No. 55 of 1970 amended by Degree No. 27 of 1992, now Engineers (Registration). The Registrar also confirmed that by the promulgation of Decree 27 of 1992, COREN was merely a Registration body of Engineers, and it was then known as Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria. However with the expansion of its functions in 1992, which now includes Regulation and Control of the Engineering Family, COREN's name was changed to what it is now, but still retaining the acronym, COREN. Amongst COREN ‘S MANDATE ARE: It is empowered to: 1. Regulate and control Engineering practice in Nigeria with all its aspects and ramifications, 2. Ensure that Engineering is practiced by industry, Government and professionals according to acceptable and prescribed standards and abiding by the ethics and cannons of the profession 3. Ensuring that only registered Engineers head Engineering departments and Units 4. Ensuring that without proper registration with COREN, Engineering Practitioners do not progress or function beyond legally prescribed levels among other key mandates of COREN. Also in attendance were relevant Directors of Engineering Departments of the Ministry who also contributed to the very meaningful discussions. ...

Jun

2023

FMW&H Assures States of Partnership and Collaboration to Impact on the People The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mahmuda Mamman has assured states of the Ministry's willingness to partner and collaborate with them , he made this disclosure while hosting the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr Dauda Lawal in the Ministry's Headquarters office in Abuja over the weekend. The Permanent Secretary said ‘’ The Ministry is willing to collaborate and partner with states in order to make life more meaningful for all Nigerians not necessarily the people of Zamfara state because we are here to serve the interest of the country and we are also ready to do that, Your Excellency." While responding to the request of the Governor, he said, FMW&H and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) will work out a plan to be used as intervention strategy on the Funtua–Gusau Road he assured. Mr. Mamman also assert that, “We are touching lives in so many ways and we really want to touch the lives of Nigerians especially the people plying that axis”. Mr Mahmuda has also instructed, the Director, Highways and Reconstruction Engr Folorunsho Esan of the Ministry to mobilize and put necessary machinery in place to ensure that work starts from both ends of Funtua –Gusau Roads in the shortest possible time. The Governor, earlier in his remarks, thanked the Permanent Secretary for granting his request despite the short notice , he said “the reason we are here today is to seek for partnership with FMW&H in different areas of concern , I am aware of what the Ministry is dong, in touching the lives of the people across the country, l am also aware that the contract for the dualization of Funtua -Gusau Road has been signed by the Ministry. Governor Lawal said that they were in the Ministry for two reasons, first to seek for the support of the Ministry to ensure that the contract startes from the Gusau end of the road and to also draw the attention of the Ministry and FERMA to the bad portions of the Gusau –Funtua road, so that it could be fixed before the major work starts for easy movement as the road is in a very bad shape. Commenting on the Governor’s request , Engr. Esan said " Contractors are only waiting for mobilization advance and as soon as that is done, funding will not be a challenge , contractors can start from both ends of the road , there shall be no fear from whatever location they start from, either from Gusau or not ". Director, Highways Construction and Rehabilitation also said that, in 2020 Special intervention projects were signed for Zamfara roads and most of them have been completed. He said " In 2023 we have planned special intervention projects for Zamfara roads as well to make life easy for the people". ...

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Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Apr

2017

FG Commends Progress Of Work On National Housing Project

Federal Government has commenced the construction of houses across the country under the National Housing Programme. The construction works in the Phase 1 of the project tagged “2016 National Housing Programme” are at various stages of completion in the six (6) states of the North Central Zone of the country.

The Minister of state works, Power and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Baba Shehu disclosed this on Sunday 09/04/2017 during the inspection of the project in Lokoja, Kogi State. Alhaji Baba, who was on inspection tour of the projects in the six states of the North Central came to Lokoja, from Ilorin, Kwara State where he had earlier carried out similar inspection of the project.

The Minister stated that the programme which is meant to provide houses for the people and ease their accommodation problem was a fulfillment of part of the electioneering promises to the people of Nigeria by the All Progressive Congress (APC).

According to him, the programme, apart from making houses readily available and affordable for any interested members of the public, would also help to create job opportunities as different categories of people are engaged to work at the construction site of the project to earn a living.

The Minister said the initiation of the programme by the present administration was a deliberate effort to create wealth for people adding that more Nigerians stand to benefit from the 2nd Phase of the programme in 2017.

While fielding questions from journalists, the Minister expressed satisfaction at the quality of job that has been done and advised the contractors to keep it up in order to complete the work on schedule. The Federal Controller of Works, Kogi State, Architect Hajara Enesi conducted the Minister round the 76 units of the houses which according to her is made up of 24 blocks of 3 bedrooms flats, 48 blocks of 2 bedroom flats and 4 blocks of 1 bedroom flats.

The controller also disclosed that a total of 12 contractors had been engaged to handle the project in the state. She stated that the estate, when completed, would be provided with social amenities like the police post, primary school and water supply.

The Architect averred that the project, which is schedule to be completed within 5 months, is expected to be handed over to the government in the next 2 months. Some of the contractors, who spoke to the minister commended the Federal Government for initiating the programme, in which they had been engaged to eke out a living.

They however said one of the problems being faced by them on the jobs is the lack of office accommodation and the need to review the cost of the project in view of escalating prices in the market. They appealed to the government to do something about these challenges quickly to enhance quality performance.

The Minister who was accompanied on the tour by some management staff of the ministry has since left the state in continuation of the tour to Nasarawa, Benue and plateau states respectively.