Apr

04

2025

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, SUCCESSFULLY REPAIRS AND REOPENS THE FAILED SECTION OF INDEPENDENCE BRIDGE LAGOS, INTRODUCES POLICY OF STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT/FEEDBACK MECHANISM BEFORE APPROVAL FOR CLOSURE OF FEDERAL ROADS NATIONWIDE

In keeping with the abiding sense of responsibility and proactiveness of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has fixed the failed section of Independence bridge, Lagos, which was closed for repairs on 2nd April 2025, and which closure caused untold hardship to Lagosians due to gridlock, necessitating the visit of the Honourable Minister of Works on 3rd April 2025  less than 24 hours of the incident.

In his speech to mark the opening of the bridge for traffic, the Honourable Minister said it was God's grace and enablement that informed the timeous success recorded in fixing the bridge. He noted that the reason for the closure of the bridge was not for pleasure but for a technical failure of the approach slab, which affected the strength and utility of the bridge. He, however, expressed displeasure that the right procedure for the closure was not followed, and that was the reason why the public was taken unawares. He said, "So, the reason for the closure was not for pleasure. It was because it became very dangerous for commuters to use the place. But we didn't do it in the right way. And now, we had a design for the project, and I've looked at the design that we intended to use by using God's wisdom and grace and experience, and we have agreed to redesign the project. It's going to be redesigned as one span in a bridge."

He thanked Mr. President for his purposefulness in leadership that inspires passion, responsiveness, and proactiveness in handling matters that affect Nigerians. He also thanked the Governor of Lagos State, the engineers of the Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos, the contractor handling the bridge repair (Buildwell Nig Ltd), and Hitech Nigeria Ltd. for their cooperation and support and assistance that saw to the successful reopening of the bridge. He equally thanked Lagosians, the press and other well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders who showed concern over the plight of Nigerians affected by the closure of the bridge. He said, "So, we remain grateful to Mr. President. We also thank the Governor for his intervention and understanding and the information given to Lagosians that has drastically reduced bottlenecks all over the lsland. We are grateful. We are grateful for Hitech. Hitech gave us a lot of support, materials, and equipment. We are very thankful to Hitech. All through the night, they were bringing materials, they were bringing equipment. We also thank very highly our partner Buildwell, in this expert bridge. I absolve them of any blame in this circumstance. I'd rather thank them. They have been working in the past three days and nights, and we are grateful for their cooperation and for the partnership that has helped us to restore this bridge. And, of course, to Chief Elumelu and some other prominent Nigerians like Dangote, for their calls and encouragement. They even requested that they send their planes to carry us, and we said no"

The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to roll out a new policy direction on measures to follow before a federal road is closed nationwide. He stated that going forward, a feedback mechanism through stakeholders' engagement would be a condition precedent that must take place before approval for closure of federal bridges/roads of essential utility such as those in Lagos State. He mentioned among others that the person seeking such closure must state "what is to be done on that place and then will state the technical problems and the technical solution. He will be able to put up all these exposures to the public. So, we request comments from the public and tell them how long it is going to last. And so, with this feedback, everybody is in the know, and then we'll be able to do that."

Mar

24

2025

Flag-off of the 125-KM Benin-Asaba Dual Carriageway: A Game Changer in Road Development

The Federal Government has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Expressway, a vital road corridor in the southern part of the country. The event, which took place on Sunday, 21st March 2025, was performed on behalf of the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by the Edo State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo.

In his Address, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE disclosed the project's significance in enhancing transportation, economic growth, and regional integration. He highlighted the Federal Government's commitment to improving road infrastructure as a means of boosting national development and integration, noting that the partnership driving the project would enhance the safety and efficiency of travel while unlocking the economic potential of the region. “This project will generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and an improved standard of living for the people. I urge all stakeholders to work, collaboratively, to ensure the successful and timely completion of this critical infrastructure,” the Minister stated. He also added that "The Benin–Asaba Expressway Project, is more than a road. It is an ambitious Dual Carriage, solar-lit that is to be fully funded by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement."

On behalf of the government and good people of Edo and Delta States, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his leadership and unwavering support for infrastructure development in the region and the nation, at large. He also commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for modifying an alternative funding option, outside the national budget, that would guarantee the timely execution of Federal road projects. He officially handed over the Engineering Design and Instruments of Authority for the contract to the Concessionaire, Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited, while canvassing for support in the 2027 Presidential polls.

In their various Goodwill Messages at the epoch-making ceremony, the Governor of Delta State, represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Monday Onyeme, the Senator representing Edo North and former Governor, H.E. Adams Oshiomole, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State and representative of the Transport Union, eulogised Mr. President for the life-changing project, promising to vote for him in 2027, overwhelmingly. The Governor also pleaded with Mr President to extend the alignment to the Onitsha Bridge.

In his closing remarks, the Governor of Edo State commended the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu has prioritised road construction as a catalyst for economic transformation. He acknowledged the efforts of the Ministries of Works and Finance in driving infrastructure renewal across the country. “The impact of quality infrastructure cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which socio-economic growth and development are built. I commend President Tinubu’s administration for its visionary leadership in making this project a reality,” the Governor stressed.

The flag-off of the Benin-Asaba Expressway is a giant leap in Nigeria’s journey towards bequeathing a modern, efficient, and well-maintained road infrastructure to the citizenry. The Federal Government remains resolute in completing this project on schedule, ensuring that citizens and businesses benefit from improved connectivity and its associated economic opportunities.

The Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) is a strategic infrastructure development programme of the Federal Ministry of Works designed to encourage private sector participation in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Federal highways across the country. Through this Initiative, the government aims to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and financial sustainability, ensuring that all stakeholders - the government, private investors, and road users - benefit from improved road networks.

As a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, HDMI is structured to attract long-term sustainable investments for the expansion, modernisation, and effective utilisation of Nigeria's road infrastructure. It facilitates the design, construction, operation, management, and maintenance of Federal highways, ensuring that all infrastructure and assets within the designated rights of way are efficiently developed and maintained, leveraging private sector expertise and funding.  It further seeks to enhance road quality, improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and ultimately create a safer and more reliable road transportation network for Nigerians and other users.

The Benin-Asaba alignment, a 125-kilometre Dual Carriageway beginning from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminating at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, serves as a major link between the South-East, the South-South and some parts of the South-West of Nigeria. It is a vital artery connecting vibrant economic regions of the country.

The total project cost required for the rehabilitation and value-added concession of the Expressway will be funded by the Benin - Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited - Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited Consortium (APPNLC) with a 30-month completion period.

In attendance were many stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, Directors-General of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the Edo State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, Party and Opinion Leaders, Market Women, Transport Workers, to mention but a few.

Mar

02

2025

**FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS’ POLICY YIELDING RESULTS **
— Mobilise to Site for 2 Weeks Before Payment of Mobilisation Fees  - Umahi*

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has continued to insist that only contractors, who can deliver are needed to work on Nigeria roads. This is to guarantee that road projects are not abandoned by recalcitrant contractors. He stated this while inspecting ongoing works on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) that starts from the Zuba Interchange (CH0+000) and ends at the Western Bypass (CH165+500) in Kaduna, the Kaduna State Capital with an additional four (4) kilometres from Zuba towards Gwagwalada on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway. Forty (40) kilometres (dual) will be on rigid pavement (concrete).

According to the Minister, the company, Messrs Infoquest International (Nig.) Limited has proven its capacity to deliver quality jobs on record time, seeing how far they have gone within a month of signing the contract. “This is without being paid the initial 30% mobilisation fee as against what has been the previous practice,” he emphasised. He stressed that the Ministry’s decision that every contractor must be at the site and working for at least two weeks before the mobilisation fee is paid, is the way to go for sustainable project development and delivery. Commending the quality of work, the Minister urged Resident Engineers/Engineer’s Representatives on other projects, across the country, to be vigilant in ensuring that the correct composition of the stone base is achieved, stressing that a standard stone base must contain at least 70% stone, hence the name and 30% dust. “Any deviation from this ratio will compromise the road’s structural integrity, leading to premature failure,” he observed.

Engr. Umahi also reiterated that the Abuja-Kano Dual Carriageway is so dear to Mr. President’s heart, being a vital corridor linking the North to the southern parts of the country, as well as neighbouring countries of Cameroun, Niger, and Benin Republics. While promising that the remaining portion of the entire alignment, Section III (Zaria-Kano), which is at the Kano end of the project, will soon be approved and awarded, he advised that reinforced concrete overlay be completed on the underlying structures before the commencement of the rainy season. It would be recalled that this was the project that was unnecessarily delayed for many years by Messrs  Julius Berger (Nig.) PLC (JBN) and courageously terminated by the Ministry, some months ago, Umahi explained.

"This project is the heartbeat of Mr. President because of its economic value. We are committed to ensuring its timely completion, and by the first week of March, we will begin laying an eight-inch continuous reinforced concrete pavement," the Minister stated. He reiterated that “The Federal Government remains resolute in its commitment to quality infrastructure development, ensuring that all projects under the Ministry’s supervision must meet the highest standards and be completed on schedule.” He added that interested companies must adhere to international standards and recommended practices in road construction or exit the scene.

The Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer of the construction firm, Mr. Joseph Abougaoude disclosed that the company took the challenge to start the work without any payment of mobilisation fees because it is capable and, most importantly, its belief in the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He promised to deliver the contract following standards and on record time. He went further to acknowledge the Minister’s proactive leadership, adding "My promise is that I will not let you down. I take this project as a challenge and accept my role in ensuring its success. I am fully committed to this project and will push ahead to meet expectations."

While fielding questions from reporters on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the status of Julius Berger vis-a-vis contract with the Ministry, the Minister confirmed that before the end of the year, the entire first section of the Highway will be completed and that JBN is not sidelined from the Ministry’s contracts but, on the contrary, they are still working for the Ministry on other road infrastructure projects like the Bodo-Bonny Road, some major bridges in Lagos, as well as other places in Nigeria. He commended the new leadership of the company for aligning with the policies of the Ministry and respecting professional engineering standards.

Feb

20

2025

FG FLAGS OFF DUALISATION OF AJAOKUTA JUNCTION - OKENE - OKPELLA - AUCHI  - EKPOMA - BENIN ROAD IN KOGI AND EDO STATES 

-Road Construction under President Tinubu has 50-100 Years Guarantee

Sequel to the termination of the contracts for Sections II, III, and IV of the Dualisation of Obajana Junction - Benin Road due to non-performance and effluxion of time, last year, and their re-award, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has flagged off the said projects. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, 19th February in Ekpoma, Edo State.

During the flag-off ceremony, Engr. Umahi gave a brief pathetic history about the road, which moved Mr. President to order a permanent solution on the road using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology with a 50-100 years guarantee. According to him, hitherto, commuters and motorists have been going through hardship due to its failure and high traffic volume, hence the dire need for its dualization. 

He stated that the project has lingered for too long with attendant consequences on the road users. He added that he has been visiting the road since his assumption of duty and has held several meetings with the former contractors but nothing changed. Upon reporting back to Mr. President, he ordered for immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the suffering, which led to the termination of three (3) out of the four (4) sections of the entire alignment.
As an adjoining part of the East-West road, it is very dear to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Umahi posited. It is, as well, a vital link to the Federal Capital (Abuja) and other Northern States with the South-East, South-West, and South-South geo-political zones of the country, thereby helping to connect and improve economic activities.
 
He commended the Governor and the good people of Edo state for the display of team spirit on the project. Umahi disclosed that the Governor does not only supervise State Government works but extends his monitoring to those of the Federal Government. He also expressed his gladness for the governor’s humble disposition and for the quantum of projects going on in the state within a spate of 100 days in office, which was being celebrated on the same day.

While appreciating Mr. President for his concern for the plight of the people plying the road, as well as those living along its corridor, the Minister pleaded with them for patience during the duration of the construction of the additional lanes and reconstruction of the existing alignment. He directed the contractors to expedite action on the work, as delays will not be tolerated. 

In his remarks, the representative of Mr. President and Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo praised Mr. President and the Minister of Works for coming to the aid of the people of Edo State. According to him, with this kind gesture of Mr. President, light has entered the state. He promised, on behalf of his people, unalloyed support for Mr. President’s re-election in 2027. Also, the Governor of Kogi State being represented by the Deputy Governor thanked Mr. President for the fatherly gesture, assuring him of reciprocity during the elections.

In a Goodwill Message, the former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Sen. Adams Oshomole hailed the magnanimity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the untiring spirit of Engr. David Umahi, while thanking God for witnessing the day.

It is worthy of note that the dualization of Lokoja - Benin Road is in four Sections, but three sections of the road project fall under Edo State. Section II starts from Okene to Auchi, which is about 63.70km long; Section III starts from Auchi – Ehor, which is about 54.224km long, and Section IV, which starts from Ehor - Benin is about 67.9km long.

The Section I (Obajana Junction-Ajaokuta Junction) of the project, which is ongoing, is being handled by Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd. They were also awarded Section II, while Section III is being given to Messrs Bua Construction (Nig.) Ltd. and IV to CBC (Nig.) Ltd.

Feb

18

2025

Over 35,000 Kilometres of Federal Roads Need Alternative Funding - Goronyo

The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has noted that over 35,000 kilometres of the Federal Government road network across Nigeria could not be funded through Annual Budgets alone, hence the need to source for alternative funding outside the government’s coffers.

Goronyo stated this on Monday, 17th February, 2025, while addressing the Management and Staff of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Kogi State Field Office at Lokoja during a maiden visit alongside the MD/CEO, Engr Chukwumeka Agbasi.

He reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is determined to fix all the roads to ensure a drastic reduction in the level of unemployment, rate of crimes, and insecurity. According to him, " Let me commend President Tinubu, GCFR for his determination.
I have never seen a President so committed to sustaining physical assets nationwide. The administration gives priority to various road projects scattered across the country. This shows that he is a patriotic Nigerian. He is undertaking these projects so that our economy can be improved, and the rate of unemployment, poverty, and crimes will be reduced. We are seeing the Super Highways from Ilelah to Sokoto to Badagry and another from Lagos to Calabar."

Goronyo, who commended the staff of FERMA for their resilience and hard work over the years, noted that despite insecurity, and inadequate funding, Nigerians have been commending them for their excellent work. He urged them to bear with the Ministry of Works over their entitlements, disclosing that their requests for adjustment and increment in consequential salaries have been forwarded to the Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission for consideration and approval.

Speaking further on funding for the maintenance of roads, Goronyo stressed that "about 35,000 kilometres of roads cannot be funded and maintained overnight. We have to look for alternative sources of funding so that we can continue to maintain our physical assets, which are the roads. 
We have to create new ways of funding and new alternatives. He assured that the Government is focused on ensuring that projects are completed in a timely and efficient manner with robust oversight and contractors’ compliance. 
He also added "I am calling on all of you to support us to ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu succeeds in his mandate to deliver on the 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda. We must put Nigeria first before our interests. Let us fix our roads, we must think positively."

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of FERMA, Engineer Chukwumeka Agbasi commended the Ministry of Works for its determination to ensure that the 8-point agenda of President Tinubu are realised, especially road projects across the country. 
He informed the Staff that before the end of the year, there would be an increment in their salaries and appealed to them to continue to support and partner with the Ministry to achieve their targeted goals.

In his remarks, Engineer Muktar Abdurahim, the Officer in charge of the Kogi Field Office, informed the Minister that the office has thirty-seven (37) staff with 25 permanent and twelve (12) casual workers. He disclosed that Kogi State has sixteen (16) Federal Government roads with a total of 1,263 kilometres, emphasising that the 2024 nationwide flood incident did not affect any of the roads in the state.
  
Engr. Abdulrahim revealed that out of six (6) roads under construction in the state, five (5) have been successfully executed, while one (1) is at 60% completion. He informed the  Minister that they are facing challenges such as insecurity, and hyperinflation on the cost of construction materials, amongst others.

Furthermore, the Director, North Central Zone I, Engr Omotayo Awodun commended the Federal Government’s commitment to fixing all the Federal roads across Nigeria, especially those in his zone, he also applauded the leadership style of the Honourable Minister of Works for his innovation, where new techniques and stricter supervision are being enforced, like what we are witnessing, today.

Jan

20

2025

EIGHT-POINT AGENDA OF MR. PRESIDENT LINKED TO GOOD ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE - Umahi

The Honourable Minister of Work, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNTI has reiterated that the availability of good road network is instrumental to achieving food security, ending poverty, improving security, enhancing economic growth and job creation. He affirmed this, while opening a two-day retreat organised for Highways Engineers and management staff of the Ministry with the theme, “Ensuring Delivery of Mr. President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development” on 17th January, 2025 in Abuja.

According to Engr. Umahi, the massive infrastructural development embarked upon by the present Administration across the entire six (6) geo-political zones of the country is premised on stimulating the economy and improving the lives of the citizenry. He re-affirmed the present administration's commitment towards the reconstruction and rehabilitation of failing major highways across the zones, which will provide robust road infrastructure, as well as alleviate the sufferings of the citizens.

He also added that the retreat, which is aimed at enhancing optimum service delivery, efficiency, and unity in the delivery of road projects, nationwide, is expected to help participants ensure that the government gets value for money expended on all projects. While urging participants, especially the Ministry’s supervisory staff, to make the best use of the retreat to sharpen and improve their technical capabilities, he expressed optimism that they would acquire enough resources to help in delivering Mr. President's 8-point agenda.

The Minister, who earlier maintained that bad roads are tantamount to keeping people in prison, as it hinders their movement, also called on Highway Engineers to change their _modus operandi _and work professionally, imbibing internationally recommended engineering standards and practices, to achieve the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. He directed that henceforth, contractors must mobilise to the site before requesting for mobilisation fee. Acknowledging the need for continuous capacity building for Engineers, as an enabler for improvement in service delivery, he promised that such exercises would be institutionalised. He, as well, directed all Federal Controllers of Works (FCW) to dismantle all speed calming devices/measures (speed breakers or bumps) on Federal highways in their respective states, insisting that there is nothing wrong in mounting such bumps but there should be approval and standard design and specifications guiding such endeavours.

In his Goodwill Message, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE thanked and welcomed the Honourable Ministers for approving, as well as gracing the occasion. He called for rapid transformation in service delivery in the road sector. The Permanent Secretary, however, formally presented to the Honourable Ministers, a team of transformed Engineers, who are willing to support the government achieve its Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Muhammadu Bello Goronyo, Esq., eulogised the personality of the Minister, whom he revered and referred to as a go-getter, intelligent, hardworking and highly professional. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholder for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of the present administration, particularly in the provision of critical road infrastructure.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon, Akin Alabi enjoins the Ministry to put in more effort, so that our roads work for the citizens, while the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, called on the need to engage the members of the National Assembly (NASS) to ascertain that correct appropriation is made to accommodate all Nigerian roads. He concluded by saying that the good works of the Ministry are an indication of support for Mr. President’s Agenda.

The retreat was facilitated by a panel of experts delivering insightful presentations on critical topics. The panelists included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, representative of the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Francis Useni, the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Eze and retired directors from the Ministry such as Engineers Bala Danshehu, Bola Aganaba, J. A. Yusuf, A. A. Adebiyi and Olufemi Oyekanmi. Their Sessions covered Compliance with Procurement Laws, Prudent Use of Resources, Project Planning and Alignment with President Tinubu’s Eight-Point agenda.

Discussions were centred on the composition of the Site Management Team; Project Planning; Resolving Bill 1; Direct Labour Policy; Inter Relationship between Engineers; Adherence to the Rules of Law and lastly, Funding of Projects. It was agreed that the Ministry should return to its original structure; waiver for recruitment of young Engineers is to be pursued to bridge the gap of shortage of staff; there is no free money in Bill 1 anymore; the issue of direct labour was stepped down, as extant laws do not support it, more so, to avoid conflict of interest with the Federal Emergency Road Management Agency (FERMA). It was rather agreed that FERMA should be strengthened to effectively carry out its mandates. The Ministry was advised to lobby for the establishment of a Federal Highways Authority; Participants were admonished to eskew backbiting and learn to bond with each other, as well as to forgive one another.

As takeaways from the Retreat, participants were asked to reduce the use of emergency contracts; publish all contracts on the Ministry’s websites, including the names of the contractors, and value for money expended on every project; ensure that effective from 2025, categorisation of contractors will start and no longer portfolio or envelop contractors. To avoid unnecessary embarrassment, Officers need to apply extant rules in discharging their duties. The year 2025, being a year for enhanced performance for Mr. President, priority projects will be tracked by the second quarter of 2026, which should be ready for commissioning.  Participants also were urged to ensure that Nigeria roads are motorable, especially that of Abuja - Kaduna, a vital artery linking the South to the North of the country. Civil Servants were, as well as urged to guide and support politicians in performing their jobs.
 

Jan

09

2025

Project Inspection: Minister Chides Contractor

In continuation of his inspection of projects in the South-South geopolitical zone, the Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE visited ongoing works on the Dualisation of East-West Road, Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) and the Construction of Multiple Box Culverts at Flood Affected Areas on East-West Road, Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) in Rivers and Bayelsa States, yesterday, Wednesday, 8th January, 2025.

Engr. Umahi disclosed that he was highly impressed with the quality of work on Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) by Messrs Setraco (Nig.) Ltd. but directed them to speed up the process through the addition of more resources to the job. He reminded them that the April, 2025 delivery date remains sacrosanct. He directed that due to the nature of the soil in the areas affected by floods, where box culverts are being constructed, continuously reinforced concrete pavement  (CRCP) should be used. The affected area is about 2.3 kilometres.

The Project Manager of Setraco, Engr. Isaa Michel, while appreciating the Minister for the site inspection and the savory, as well as unsavoury comments, promised to hasten the pace of work, to meet the dateline.

The Minister was also at the site of the Construction of Multiple Box Culverts on the East-West Road being handled by Messrs Rock Result (Nig.) Ltd., where he praised the standard of work but frowned at the level of work achieved. He expressed his disappointment with the pace, stating that the contract was scheduled for finishing by November, 2024 but was extended to December and is still uncompleted. He, therefore, gave the contractor up till the end of January, 2025 to complete it or it stands revoked.

Engr. Umahi informed the contractor that the provision of roads and bridges remains a top priority of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Revolution of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He advised them to up their games or be left at the bus stop
 

Dec

21

2024

SEN. UMAHI COMMENDS WORK PROGRESS ON LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY PROJECT, RECOUNTS PROSPECTS OF RENEWED HOPE LEGACY PROJECTS TO  NATION'S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY.

-SAYS, PROJECT REVIEW ON AWARDED SECTIONS OF THE COASTAL HIGHWAY IMMINENT TO FACTOR ADJUSTMENT IN ALIGNMENT AND DELIVERABLES

The progress and quality of work   being done on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project has been commended as a signature of excellence and innovation on road infrastructure development by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. This commendation was made by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON, when he paid inspection visits to Sections I and II of the project in Lagos being handled by Hitech Construction Company Ltd on 20th December 2024.

Speaking on  the deliverables of the investment, the Honourable Minister stated that the contract would  be reviewed  to accommodate landmark features that would  add value to the socio-economic potentials of the project. "We're going to plant trees. And of course, we are going to also have some lay bay. We can decide every five kilometres we have a lay bay where we connect all our CCTV cameras. And then we have vehicles and the security within the cabin there, so that the response time will be like 10 minutes. I'm sure that you've witnessed what we did at Third Mainland Bridge. That's what we intend to replicate in all our highways. And so the entire stretch of 750 kilometers to Calabar will be under CCTV, powered by solar. And then every five kilometers or 10 or 15, as we may agree, we will have portal cabin where we have security posts, no blocking of the roads, we have a viewing centre, and then you view the entire stretch left and right. We will agree on the number of kilometers, depending on the capacity of the cameras." On the imperative of the contract review,  he further stated," The service lane was never envisaged, CCTV camera was never envisaged. There was no single item of work, like we're having in all the projects from the removal of topsoil, not to talk of the removal of debris.

He praised the vision  of Mr. President in initiating legacy  projects that would  connect  the critical economic corridors and boost  transportation ecosystem in the 6 Geo- political Zones. He noted that the four Renewed Hope legacy projects and the inherited ongoing projects were on course and that milestone  project execution was adopted to ensure a sense of equality  among  the 6 Geo-Political Zones. He said that  some of the sections of the projects  being executed nationwide, including  the inherited ongoing projects, would  be ready for commissioning  by May 2025.  "Work is progressing on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. We have the Sokoto- Badagry Superhighway. Work is seriously in progress on the project. The first 120 km, work is going on Sokoto. It has been procured. And work is going on by Hitech, using concrete. 
And then, you have the Kebbi section, 250 km. Work is also going on there. And so, we believe strongly that we'll be able to have about 20 km in both sections to commission by May 29th. In section one of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in South West, we are very sure that we'll commission the first 20 km in section one and 10 km in section two." He commended the intervention of Mr. President in the area of funding  of the projects despite his interventions in other critical priority sectors of the economy. "The President has given very serious attention to road infrastructure. Don't forget that this Coastal Highway and, of course, the four Legacy Projects all have the train track incorporated. The construction of the train track for this section I is going to take off in 2025. So this is what we are doing. And we believe strongly that the President is going to give the nation of Nigeria the road infrastructure that they have been yearning for."

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Olukorede Kashia recounted the experiences encountered at the commencement of the project  but expressed confidence in the timely  delivery  of the project by  the contractor handling  the project. "We encountered a lot of issues which were not foreseen because they were really covered. Like I said earlier, when you're doing a preliminary design, you cannot do a borehole at every meter. So when you do, at one meter, you do another one at 20 meters. So, in the process of executing the project, we encountered a lot of refuse dumps. It was like this place was like Olushosun, where they dump dirt to the magnitude of about five meters depth in some places. And then the contractor has carted away all that and then replaced it with good soil. That's sand filling from the ocean, as you can see, good sand filling, and then we had to wait a little."  Others  who spoke during  the event were the Acting Director of Highways Road Design, Engr. Saidu Musa and the Managing Director of Hitech Construction Company Ltd, Dany Abboud
 

Dec

17

2024

Adebiyi Takes Over from Kofarmata as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works

Engr. Olufunsho Olusesan Adebiyi has taken over as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works from Yakubu Adams Kofarmata, Ph.D, Tuesday, 17th December, 2024. The handing over ceremony, which was brief, took place on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024.

While addressing Management and Staff, the outgoing Permanent Secretary commended them for working with him, harmoniously, also appealed to them to extend the same to his successor to enable him to succeed in his new assignment.

He pleaded, "I beg of you, extend the same hands of cooperation, support and comradeship to him and I am sure you will never regret it.”
In his acceptance speech, the incoming Permanent Secretary applauded the outgoing for his excellent track record, while in office, noting that many of the Ministry’s staff have learnt a-lot from working with him.

He added that Kofarmata has always been there for the Staff of the Ministry day in, day out towards ensuring that the proper things were done.

While soliciting for equal or more dedication and cooperation, Adebiyi disclosed that the challenges facing the Ministry and the country, at large, are enormous, insisting that only when all hands are joined together, would they be tackled. According to him, "I want to assure you that I will do my best by the grace of God. The challenges are enormous before us and I am sure that we would overcome them, together.”

He emphasized that one of the challenges  being faced by the Ministry is the allegation of lopsidedness in the geopolitical spread of projects, stressing that one region will accuse the Ministry of not having as much as the others and the others would, likewise, do the same. Adebiyi assured that with God, the issues would be resolved, amiably.

The Permanent Secretary pleaded that "I want to appeal to all of us to ensure that we strive toward delivering on the mandate of Mr. President to provide critical road infrastructure, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Engr. Adebiyi is being redeployed from the State House, while Kofarmata is reporting to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for further posting.
 

Dec

06

2024

SENATE COMMENDS POLICY DIRECTION AND INNOVATIONS OF THE RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION IN WORKS SECTOR, BACKS ACTIONS TO HOLD CONTRACTORS ACCOUNTABLE.
-AS JULIUS BERGER RISKS WARRANT OF ARREST FOR DISREGARDING LEGISLATURE’S INVITATION

In an investigative hearing of the Senate Committee on Works on contractors’ slow pace of work on the Odukpani-Aba-Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene and other sections ending at Benin, including the Odukpani-Itu Highway, the Eket Bypass, Port Harcourt - Ahoada, Ahoada - Kaiama, and Port Harcourt - Onne Junction Sections of the East-West Road, carried out by the Senate Committee on Works held at the Senate building, National Assembly Complex on 5th December 2024, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Distinguished Senator, Barinada Mpigi has commended the bold steps of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in tackling the challenges that inhibit road infrastructure development in Nigeria.

In the meeting which had in attendance, the members of the Committee, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, with his management team and concerned contractors including, CCECC, RCC, SAMATECH, GITTO and SETRACO, the Senate Committee Chairman stated that the Senate is prepared to fully back actions that hold contractors accountable and put an end to practices that delay the impact of this administration’s infrastructure delivery goals. He maintained that Nigerians deserve nothing short of the best in our road infrastructure deliverables and urged stakeholders to uphold their responsibilities in this regard.

He commended the Federal Ministry of Works for the technical innovations they have brought to the construction industry and warned that it was no longer business as usual for contractors to collect tax payers’ money and would delay in completing the projects they contracted to do or do a substandard job. He said, “In addition to his technical innovations, Senator Umahi has demonstrated remarkable decisiveness in identifying and addressing non-performing contracts. His actions in revoking underperforming agreements and ensuring that public funds are redirected to more capable contractors reflect a deep commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration. This agenda prioritizes infrastructure as the backbone of economic revitalization, and we, in the Senate, will support every step taken to ensure its success.” He decried the hardship contractors’ behaviour has caused road users. “This deplorable condition has resulted in devastating consequences. Precious lives have been lost, not just on the highway but also among those forced to seek alternative routes through treacherous river crossings. The tragic accident near the Mini Itu bridgehead in Odukpani Local Government Area, which claimed five lives, is a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue.” He warned that the era of such behaviours of contractors had gone. “Contractors, including RCC, have received substantial funds, including the N15 billion that was injected into this project, yet delivery remains elusive. The other stretch of the East-West Road has contractors like RCC, Setraco, and Gitto who have been paid billions, yet the pace of work is far from acceptable.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works thanked the Senate leadership, Senate Committee on Works and indeed the 10th NASS for placing a watch on the contractors to ensure value for money, speedy and quality delivery of all the road projects of this administration. He commended the President of Nigeria very highly for giving priority attention to the completion of the inherited ongoing projects and for the vision that informed the initiative to construct the four Legacy projects cutting across the 6 Geo-Political Zones. He noted the impediments to the execution of the ongoing projects but assured that Mr. President was tackling the situation. He said, “It's very rare for a President to come on board, and he decided to ignore new projects and decided to take on all the inherited projects and do them at the same time. It's very rare.” On funding, he said, “And we have a country where we want to make an omelet, but we don't want to strike an egg. The projects of roads can    not and will never be executed to the satisfaction of the public by using budgetary allocations. There must be different kinds of funding. These different kinds of funding must have to come from either bond or loan to do the job. But the public is saying, no, the President is taking a loan. But, the President is taking a loan to invest in infrastructure development. And that's what every developed country follows. 

He spoke of the efforts made by the Ministry on the Odukpani-Aba-Odukpani-Ikot Ekpene road, “And so we modified it and then put more stronger sub base and then we increased the thickness of the asphalt pavement so that we can finish the existing pavement as quickly as possible. But the new carriageway, if we have money, will be done on the rigid pavement. This is the reason. And so we have to agree with them. They have to make a promise before the Senate that they will mobilize on three sections doing exactly the same work.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Works has given Julius Berger Plc ultimatum to appear before it on 6th December 2024. In a motion moved and adopted during the investigative hearing, the Senate resolved that it would have no option than to issue a warrant of arrest on Julius Berger Plc should it fail to appear before it as scheduled. Moving the motion, a member of the Committee, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong said, "Messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Limited is not here. Now, my understanding is that Messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc bidded, was selected, and awarded this job. Funds from taxpayers across this country were disbursed to them. Our understanding is that they showed up on site for a brief period and have since abandoned the site. It is our collective resolve as a committee that under the new Minister's rule, Julius Berger should be produced to this committee in 24 hours by 2 p.m, the 6th of December, 2024, a failure of which will lead to our invoking our constitutional powers and issuing a warrant of arrest on messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc” 
 

Dec

03

2024

CALL ERRING CONTRACTORS TO ORDER...
GORONYO CHARGES FERMA.

The Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Works, HMSW, Mohammed Bello Goronyo Esq, has charged the Managing Director/ CEO of Federal Emergency and Roads Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), to warn contractors who fail to deliver on their contract awards to desist. 
He said the era of abandoning projects is over. These contracts are awarded and paid through the tax payers money who desire value for their money. 
The list of defaulting Contractors must be made available to the Headquarters not later than next week. He also proposed the need for a strong Technical Committee that will criss-cross the country to monitor FERMA projects with a view to ascertaining the quality of their deliveries.

The Honourable Minister made these remarks on Monday 2nd November, 2024, during his familiarisation tour of the South West section of FERMA, where the State Coordinators made presentations before the HMSW on the progress, challenges and expectations in the cause of the discharge of their duties.

Goronyo commended the Federal Road Management Engineers, ( FRME), from the South-West States, assuring them that all issues raised will be looked into to make FERMA great and successful. 
He was quick to add that though the challenges are real, huge and enormous, they are not insurmountable. “The country must tighten up its belt and combat the challenges frontally. 
We have been drawing from a well without water for so long. We now have a President who is willing to face the challenges head on without complaining. We must be ready to support one another and do things differently. We must all support His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on his mandate.” He remarked.
The HMSW pledged to pay unscheduled visits to contract sites to have a first hand knowledge of the commitment of contractors to projects, while also assuring that Staff Welfare is a paramount issue of concern which will not be toyed with.
 

Nov

29

2024

Nigeria - China Partnership: Driving Growth and Development

The Honourable Minister of State for Works (HMSW), Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq has applauded the partnership between Nigeria and China as a driver of growth in infrastructure, transportation, mining and knowledge transfer. Speaking at the CAETE Exhibition in Africa (Nigeria) and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Expo in Abuja on November 28, 2024, Goronyo emphasised the nations' shared commitment to sustainable development through strategic cooperation.

The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), which aims to increase infrastructure’s GDP contribution from 30-35% to 70% by 2043, prioritising investments in transportation, energy, healthcare and water systems. He noted China’s significant role in projects like the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, Lagos - Ibadan Expressway and renewable energy initiatives, which have boosted connectivity, commerce and local capacity. He also stressed the importance of green infrastructure, smart cities, and innovative financing mechanisms to ensure sustainability and urged for greater technical training and public-private partnerships.  

 “I am delighted to share Nigeria's strides in redefining its infrastructure landscape through the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP). This long-term strategic framework prioritises investments across key sectors, including transportation, energy, water, irrigation and healthcare infrastructures,” the HMSW further emphasised. NIIMP will promote innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, as well as enhance collaboration with global partners like China to deliver on sustainable and inclusive infrastructure. Through this plan, it is hoped that Nigeria will build robust infrastructure, which will drive industrialisation, improve the quality of lives and position the nation as a hub for trade and investment in Africa. This is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his Keynote Address, the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Sen. Abubakar Sa’id Alkali, commended the progress achieved in the rail, road and maritime sectors through a Nigeria-China collaboration. The Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Yu Dun Hai described the partnership as a model for South-South cooperation with transformative projects like the Abuja - Kaduna Railway, which showcase the potential of engineering and technology.

The event reaffirmed the role of Partnerships in fostering economic growth, regional integration and sustainable development, which align with one of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s vision of enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth. 

The Chairman of the Chinese Community in Nigeria, Mr Erie Ni emphasised that the event is of key importance and would deepen the relationship between the two countries, fostering immense innovation, growth and sustainable development. He stated that "over the years, China and Nigeria have been involved in a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship as Chinese enterprises, engineers and investors have been privileged to contribute to Nigeria's development in various sectors including construction, telecommunications, energy and transport." 

The Director General and Global Liaison, the Nigeria – China Strategic Partnership Reached by the Two Countries, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe reiterated the need for enhanced collaboration, cultural exchange and trade to cement a prosperous future for both nations
 

Nov

06

2024

GORONYO MEETS MANAGEMENT AND BOARD OF FERMA
— Advocates Openness and Stakeholders’ Engagement

The Honourable Minister of State (HMS), Federal Ministry of Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq has urged the Management of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to give regular updates to the National Assembly and other Stakeholders, in order to bridge communication gaps. The HMS gave this charge at a meeting with the management of FERMA and Members of its Board led by the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi, today, Wednesday, 6th November, 2024 in Abuja.

The meeting, which was the continuation of a prior one held in Kano on Monday, 4th November, 2024 is aimed at articulating a work plan with a clear roadmap for FERMA activities nationwide. It was also to address the fallout of the invitation by the National Assembly, where the need to upscale communication between the two was emphasised; the need to always bring Board Members up to speed with the activities of the Agency; grey areas observed in the non-implementation of the 2024 budget, as well as drawing a template for all on-going FERMA projects with a view to embarking on a visit to all the geo- political zones to access projects being undertaken by the Agency.

He appreciated the Management of FERMA and the Board for the visit, promising that more of such engagements will be held to bring the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.
 

Nov

04

2024

Notice of Termination of Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna)

Based on non-compliance with reviewed cost, scope and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna),  today, 4th November, 2024.
The decision, which is borne out of several months of going back and forth without any meaningful progress was reached at a   Management meeting of the Ministry. The Ministry has in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail.

Nigerians may wish to know that the Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three (3) Sections was awarded to the company on 20th December, 2017 and flagged off by the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, H:E. Babatunde Raji Fashola at an initial  sum of N155.748,178,425.50 billion(One Hundred and Fifty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred Forty-Eight Million, One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Five naira Fifty Kobo) on 18th June, 2018.
Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria - Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President  Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other and finally, the present Minister of Works directed for the redesigning and re-scoping of the Section I of the contract. The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), while the remaining with asphaltic pavement. Approval for the Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38 (thirty-eight) kilometres on concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127 (one hundred and twenty-seven) kilometres remained with the substantive contractor. The Phase 1 was flagged off on 17th October, 2024 with a 14-month completion period.

Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the Ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc from the sum of N797,263,523,738.87 (seven hundred and ninety-seven billion, two hundred and sixty-three million, five hundred and twenty-three thousand, seven hundred and thirty-eight naira  eighty-seven kobo) to N740,797,204,173.25 (seven hundred and forty billion, seven hundred and ninety-seven million, two hundred and four thousand , one hundred and seventy-three naira twenty-five kobo) was granted by FEC on 23rd September, 2024 and conveyed to the company on 3rd October, 2024.
 
As due to the socio-economic importance the road as a vital artery connecting Abuja, the FCT to the North, the Ministry conveyed the approval for a Final Offer on the Abuja - Kaduna Dual Carriageway to the company on 23rd October, 2024, stating that it should agree, in writing, to accept the reviewed contract sum of N740,797,204,173.25 (seven hundred and forty billion, seven hundred and ninety-seven million, two hundred and four thousand , one hundred and seventy-three naira twenty-five kobo) within seven (7) days or risk the termination of the said contract. 
It is a sad commentary on the Company that rather than accepting the offer, they tinkered with the Bills of Quantities, as well as that of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation via a letter to the Ministry dated 29th October, 2024. The company was summoned for a meeting with the Management of the Ministry, today, 4th November, 2024 but refused to show up, hence the termination of the contract  based on effluxion of time and non- performance.
 

Oct

29

2024

TRENDING STATEMENT OF A MAN PURPORTING TO BE ADDRESSING THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS MISGUIDED, SELF SERVING AND VICIOUS PROPAGANDA TYPICAL OF A PROXY SPEAKING FOR NONCONFORMING CONTRACTORS.

The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has been drawn to a trending statement of a man purporting to be addressing the Honourable Minister of Works over the state of roads in Nigeria and which was credited to the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Hon. Engr. Aderemi Abasi Oseni. The Honourable Minister views this unprovoked attack as an inconceivable embarrassment demeaning to his person and the Federal Ministry of Works as neither he nor his Permanent Secretary was in such a meeting where the said Chairman of House Committee on FERMA was said to be addressing the Honourable Minister of Works. 

In a news conference dated 28th October 2024, the Honourable Minister stated that it was no doubt akin to darkening counsel without knowledge for the Honourable Chairman, House Committee on FERMA to vilify  him  over the bad state of Federal roads inherited from previous administrations numbering over 2,604  without deferring to the records of various interventions made by the Renewed Hope administration which have made a great difference in the public transport trajectory of Nigeria. The Honourable Minister has however chosen to refrain from joining issues with the said House Committee Chairman on FERMA because of the respect he has for the hallowed institution of the National Assembly, the Senate President and the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives. He said, "For the respect of Mr. Speaker, and of course the Senate President and the National Assembly that I belong to, I will refrain myself from joining issues with him. He said, I have failed, and if a blind man is to assess you, your guess is as good as mine because if he has no knowledge of anything, then his knowledge becomes his god so I will not join issues with him.”

He views the action of addressing him as if he was before the House Committee on FERMA as deliberate, ill-motivated, misguided, self-serving and nothing  but a vicious  propaganda typical of a proxy representing  the interest  of nonconforming  contractors  who have constituted themselves  into adversaries against  the Federal Ministry of Works for insisting  on best practices in project pricing, variation on price and foreign exchange  differentials. There is no doubt  that the vituperations of the House Committee Chairman on FERMA were from the abundance  of his heart, but to say that all the roads across the country have failed for the failure of the Honourable Minister of Works  to address the  existing road  with the resources  approved or for his failure  to deploy  the N300 billon supplementary fund approved for him or that he is concentrating his energy on the less priority  issues shows that the House Committee Chairman on FERMA either has little  knowledge of the volume of  road infrastructure deficits inherited from successive administrations and cost requirements for road construction or that he deliberately  refused, ignored and neglected to appreciate the Renewed Hope administration's intervention milestones or he is playing to the gallery on the prompting of the nonconforming contractors. He said," And let me say to him that the projects Mr. President inherited were a total of 2,604 projects. As of May 29, 2023, the total cost was N13 trillion. That's what the President inherited and a debt to contractors of N1.6 trillion. And when you look at the variation by the reason of the subsidy removal, by the reason of the floating of the dollar, you'll find out that if you review all these projects, you will see that you will get over N19 trillion for the total ongoing projects. Mr. President did what no other President has done. He manifested all the projects in the 2024 budget with the hope to give him time to look for resources, including loans, to do these projects. I wasn't in that meeting where the Honourable House member was said to be addressing me, and there is no way I was going to complain of resources to fix our roads because Mr. President has given very special attention to the Federal Ministry of Works. He has paid so much attention to the sufferings of Nigerians vis-a-vis the road situation, and the Ministry is not the only Ministry  in Nigeria. Mr. President  has a lot of other challenging situations and competing demands, yet he has given priority attention  to the Ministry of Works" 

He noted that the utterances of the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA were no doubt aimed at inciting  the public against  the government that brought  him on board as it is a common sense that a person of his level and profession ought  to know the method  statement required of road construction. He said, “There is no way you expect some projects that have lasted 20 years, 18 years, 17 years to be done in one year. And if he says he's an engineer, he should try and understand the processes that are involved in the Ministry of Works. It's different from his procurement of fertilizer with his constituency project. They are two different things. You have to go to the field, you have to measure the project, you have to design it, and you have to do in-house procurement to look at it.” He further said, “The method deployed in the construction will require you to do earthwork, to compact etc and if you don't give it one month and you start to put stone base and asphalt, it will fail. So, those times that you are preparing the sub-grade, the sub-base, the base course before the pavement, what do you call it? It is not valued by people like him as progress made"

Furthermore, the Honourable Minister views it as a gross violation of parliamentary procedure for the Chairman of the House Committee on FERMA to invade the legislative powers of the Senate and House Committees on Works which have been carrying out oversight functions on the Ministry and are conversant with the achievements and challenges of the Ministry. He carpeted the Chairman of House Committee on FERMA for acting outside  the  legislative competence  of his committee.  Highlighting the modest achievements of the ministry across the six Geo-Political zones, the Honourable Minister thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the unprecedented attention he has given in bridging the funding gap on the inherited projects. He said, “What we did is that we used over 90% of these funds to keep all the inherited projects alive as directed by Mr. President because a project has to be alive and in the budget before you can look for funds to assist it to be completed. That's what we've done, and so for those who are bitter that we have no projects to award to them, this is the reality.” He further said, “ Over 2,600 projects plus 330 supplementary projects plus the new projects in 2024 is not a tea party. It requires commitment, and it requires dedication, which we are doing. We work on Saturday, Sundays, and Public Holidays, and  somebody will say we are giving attention to less priority issues without mentioning those less priority issues that we are giving attention to.”
 

Apr

06

2025

WORKS MINISTER, SEN UMAHI ASSESSES STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE UNDERWATER ELEMENTS OF BRIDGES THAT LINK LAGOS ISLAND TO MAINLAND

-- Federal Controller of Works Lagos Absolved of Professional Negligence, Resumes Work as Investigation Reveals the Closure of Independence Bridge Lagos Was an Honest Mistake

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON has inspected the substructure and other underwater elements of  Third Mainland bridge, Eko bridge,  Carter bridge and Independence bridge to assess the structural integrity of some of the structures as well as appraise the progress  of work  on the bridge elements whose maintenance  has been generously commenced by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

In his press briefing after the inspection visit to the four bridges on 5th April 2025, the Honourable Minister of Works, expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of underwater works done on the 3rd Mainland bridge and Carter bridge handled by Julius Berger Plc as well as Eko bridge and Independence bridge handled by Buildwell Nig Ltd. He commended the contractors for the milestone completion recorded by them but frowned at the continued tampering of the underwater piers and pile caps of the bridges by people despite warnings.  He made particular reference to the most recent case of a ship that capsized at Eko bridge waterway, hit and destroyed the underwater pier and pile cap of the bridge, thereby causing a big threat to the structure of the bridge. He also made mention of unlawful dredging going on in the waterways of 3rd Mainland bridge where the dredger destroyed the pile cap of the bridge.  "We have inspected the 3rd Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge handled by Julius Berger to know what is happening below the deck, and we are satisfied with the work they're doing. I can say that the work on the 3rd Mainland Bridge is about 50 percent completed, and that of Carter Bridge is about 70 percent completed. We didn't visit Iddo Bridge because it's a small work, and it's not as dangerous as what is happening under the deck of Third Mainland Bridge and Carter Bridge. Part of Julius Berger's work is to reinstate the deflected slab in the 3rd Mainland bridge. We don't have deflection in Carter bridge and this is the reason why we closed the 3rd Mainland bridge against big trucks, and so they ( contractors) are insisting that they have a new design to tackle that because it's a very delicate work and they want our designers to go with them to Germany and look at the new design and then give approval, and so I've approved for that to  happen."

Underscoring the importance of the underwater elements to the substructure of a bridge, the Honourable Minister explained, "The pile caps are like the legs to human beings. What the pile cap and the pies are to the bridges are what the legs are to human beings. So imagine a vehicle hitting one of your legs." Narrating what happened during his inspection to the bridge, he said, "And so I immediately directed divers to be deployed, and I went to the smaller boat to monitor the level of damages below the water, occasioned by this dredger that hit the pile. And I was very shocked. A whole one pile was totally removed. And what is holding that particular section is only the rods. So, some of the rods are removed. So it's like a whole leg of somebody is cut off."  He appealed to the Governor of Lagos State to consider the need to shut down the waterways between the Carter bridge and Eko bridge because of the risk occasioned by the impact of the capsized to underwater elements. "Let me appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to please enforce that the waterways between Carter Bridge and the Eko Bridge be closed because the dredger that hit the pile caps and the piles tumbled and they got sunk. So what is safe is for that section of the waterways to be closed down. And so I'm alerting all the authorities of the Navy, the Lagos State government, they have always been very proactive. This section of the waterway needs to be closed down immediately." He emphasized the danger of dredging sand along the bridge areas. He said, "The dredging of sand along seas and rivers is very dangerous because all the piles in Lagos State were executed through skin friction, which means that it is the sand that is holding the piles and holding the bridge. At the Third Mainland Bridge, we have installed a camera to observe what is going on top and also under the bridge. And so we're going to be looking at that for the bridges in Lagos even though it's quite a lot of cost.

The Honourable Minister, who also visited the ongoing construction of Section I of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project by Hitech Construction Company Ltd, was full of joy for the quality and level of work the contractor has attained. Speaking at Chainage 13, where shore protection was being considered to be done, he said the President's bold decision to invest on infrastructure at this time of economic challenges, shows his practical political will to transform economic limitations to possibilities. The Honourable Minister highlighted the great investment and tourism opportunities that would be generated upon the completion of sections of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He said, "And, of course, we also have foreign investment in this, because 70% of this project is dollar-based, on loan as low as 2.5% single digit interest. And so, what is the problem if I can recover this money in 10 years? We're going to have a relief station along the corridor where we will have supermarkets, small clinic, towing vans, parking lots for cars and trucks and so on and so forth. We are going to have trees all through the route and, of course, solar lights and CCTV cameras. So, it's going to be a sight to behold. I want Nigerians to be very clear that the President is replicating what you see in the Western world, and people are saying don't do it."

He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the vision underpinning the Renewed Hope agenda on road development, noting that where an individual's land is affected by the ongoing road infrastructure revolution, it is for the overriding public interest. He described as misleading and fictitious, the claim by one Mrs Ifeoma that she invested over $215m on her land on the right of way  at Chainage 18 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and urged those darkening counsel without knowledge to visit the location and see that no single structure was built there except a gate which has been removed to give way for construction work. 

Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Works has absolved the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Olukorede Keisha of any negligence in her duty, noting that the findings of the Federal Ministry of Works revealed that the error in the procedure for the closing of Independence bridge, Lagos that caused the regrettable grid lock was an honest mistake, but with an intention to save lives. He has directed the Federal Controller of Works to resume work with immediate effect.

Mar

25

2025

FG Flags Off Access Road to Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A), Reinforces Commitment to Infrastructure Development

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works has officially flagged off the Construction of a 17.55-Kilometre Access Road to the Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2A) in Asaba, linking the South South Zone to the South East. This milestone event underscores the administration’s unwavering dedication to enhancing national road infrastructure and fostering economic growth.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works Engr (Sen) David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE lauded the host State Government for its commitment to infrastructure development, emphasising that governance is about improving the lives of the people. He commended the Edo State Governor’s proactive approach to addressing road infrastructure needs, acknowledging the numerous ongoing projects, including three major flyovers in Warri town. "Your state is a construction site. You have demonstrated that leadership is about responsibility, not excuses. Instead of blaming the Federal government, you are taking proactive actions. That is highly commendable," he stated.

Engr. Umahi further highlighted the Federal Government’s broader vision for road infrastructure, revealing that multiple strategic road projects are either ongoing or in the pipeline, nationwide. These include the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Benin-Asaba Expressway, the Sokoto-Gusau-Katsina-Kaduna corridor, the East-West Road, the remaining section of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, amongst others. He assured that the 9-kilometre extension of the just-flagged off Reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba Expressway to the 2nd Niger Bridge requested by the State Government has been approved.

To ensure the security and sustainability of the newly constructed roads and bridges, the Government has implemented advanced surveillance measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras along the Access Roads and the Bridge. These cameras will be linked to the offices of the Governors of the concerned States to monitor activities and prevent vandalism. Additionally, the project will incorporate solar-powered streetlights to enhance visibility and security.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to prioritising inherited projects and delivering impactful infrastructure to Nigerians. He emphasized that under President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, road projects nationwide are receiving unprecedented attention, ensuring seamless connectivity and economic progress.

"All major road projects inherited by Mr. President are ongoing. He has given them priority attention. This administration believes in continuity and results, not political excuses," he stressed.
The project, he continued, is part of a broader national infrastructure strategy aimed at connecting key economic zones and improving transportation efficiency. The government has assured that funding is secured, with 30% of the contract sum ready to be paid, while strict timelines and performance monitoring will be enforced to ensure timely delivery.

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, while acknowledging the presence of dignitaries at the occasion, stated “It is an honor and privilege to stand before you today, representing His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This occasion is not just about flagging off a road project—it is a testament to this administration’s unwavering commitment to economic development, national integration, and infrastructure renewal.

“The construction of the Access Road is a major step towards strengthening our nation’s connectivity. This road will ease movement, facilitate trade, and enhance economic opportunities for the people of Delta, Anambra, and beyond. It is yet another proof that under this administration, infrastructure development remains a top priority for fostering economic growth and national unity. I want to, especially, commend the government and people of Delta and Anambra States for their collaboration in ensuring the success of this project. Your support and cooperation are crucial in making this vision a reality. Infrastructure development is not just the responsibility of the Federal Government requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the State Governments, Local Communities, and Private Sector Partners,” says the President.

The Governor added “To our esteemed contractors, I urge you to ensure the highest standards of quality and timely completion of this project. This is not just a road; it is a legacy of progress that will serve generations to come.”

He extended his gratitude to all present-the traditional rulers, community leaders, and all who have contributed in one way or another to the realisation of the initiative. “Your support and dedication to the success of this project reflect our shared commitment to building a better, more connected Nigeria.
As we look forward to its completion, let us all continue to work together for the development of our great nation,” Governor Oborevwori concluded.

Mar

10

2025

WORKS MINISTER UMAHI COMMENDS HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU, TASKS STAKEHOLDERS ON COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT TO ACHIEVE  SHARED GOALS.

CONGRATULATES SSA TO PRESIDENT ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SOUTH-EAST FOR HER COMMITMENT TO ENHANCING HUMAN EMPOWERMENT AND PROMOTING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has praised the efforts of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in developing critical competencies that will improve health care and other service delivery in Nigeria's health care related academic institutions. 
The Honourable Minister made this commendation during the flag-off of a health care programme on free cancer screening, free eye testing, free dialysis, and skills up empowerment  programme for the people and residents of South East organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement South East, Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Nweze, in conjunction with David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu, held at the university premises on 8th March 2025. 

The Honourable Minister, who represented the President of Nigeria during the event, said the Federal Government was committed to providing enabling infrastructure and the most conducive learning environment in our universities. He recounted the various interventions of Mr. President to David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, which was incidentally built by the Honourable Minister when he was the Governor of Ebonyi State and which law establishing it and naming it after the founder, David Umahi, was passed by the 10th National Assembly under the Renewed Hope administration. 
He said, "I thank Mr.  President, so much for the asphalting of this institution, the building of the hall that is here, and so many things, including the uninterrupted power  supply enjoyed  by the university." He expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon.Prince Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB GGCEHF and his dear wife, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru for their commitments to the advancement of learning and excellence in the university. "Greet the Governor and his dear wife for me." I am going to support their commitments to this institution when I make my donation. Tell the Governor that I appreciate his subvention to this federal institution, which  he gives every month." 

The Honourable Minister commended the SSA to the President on Community Engagement, South-East for the thoughtful motivations of her programme which he said was a wakeup call to all stakeholders, public and private institutions to show collaborative support to the government to achieve shared goals in health care delivery. "And so, what you are doing beyond Ebonyi State for the entire South-East and extending it to the entire Nigeria is commendable. Congratulations on your commitment. Congratulations on this programme" He pledged his continual support to the university to enable it to realize its goals of achieving unmatched excellence in their health care facilities such as Radiology Centre, Cancer Centre, Eye Centre, Kidney Centre, Maternal and Childbirth Centre.

Speaking  during the event, the representative of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Her Excellency, Princess Patricia Obila, who is also the Deputy Governor  of Ebonyi State, extolled  the initiative of the SSA on Community Engagement to give the people access  to quality health care and life changing empowerment and assured of the commitment  of the State Government in supporting  the Federal University of Health Sciences  in the State  in realizing  the objectives of its establishment.
"We have committed so much, both money, a lot of commitment, and still, this government is also highly determined and committed to giving all the enabling environment to make sure that any programme concerning health is given the total support it deserves."

Earlier in her address, the SSA to the President on Community Engagement said she initiated the health care outreach and skill up empowerment programme for South-East communities to add value to the laudable initiatives of Mr. President's administration, which is aimed at stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Nigerians. 
She said, "I recognize that access to quality health care is a fundamental human right, and it is our responsibility to ensure that every individual in the South-East has access to it, regardless of their background or financial situation. Our medical outreach initiative, which we have earlier started, is a multifaceted programme that will provide a range of free medical services, including cancer screening, free eye screening, and medical classes to the first 200 patients. We have also provided dialysis treatment for one year for all the 97 Local Government Areas in the South-East. My office will equally be flagging off the skill up South-East programme, which focuses on empowerment of the people and residents of South-East through fashion and entrepreneurship." She further assured, "Our participants will have access to modern tailoring facilities, mentorship, and guidance from industrial experts. 
We are not only empowering our youths through skill acquisition, but we are also providing them with the opportunity to develop their business plans and pitch their ideas. This will enable them to become entrepreneurs and job creators, contributing to the economic growth and development of our region." She thanked immensely the collaborations of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences and solicited for more collaborations from public spirited individuals and bodies to enable her to attain the aspirations of her office in raising capacities and enhancing self reliance in South-East 

Feb

26

2025

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS/ MTN MEETS ON QUALITY AND SPEEDY DELIVERY OF ENUGU - ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY PROJECT FUNDED  BY MTN UNDER TAX CREDIT SCHEME,FIXES COMPLETION DEADLINE FOR 10TH MAY 2026 AS HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE REDUCTION OF COST OF CEMENT TO N7,000 BY MANUFACTURERS GIVEN THE INCREASED ECONOMIC REBOUND THROUGH MR. PRESIDENT’S SUSTAINED REFORMS

The meeting of the Federal Ministry of Works with MTN and RCC Company Nig. Ltd over the slow funding and execution of the Enugu-Onitsha  Expressway by MTN under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme, held at the  Ministry's headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja  on 26th February 2025 has ended  with the following resolutions:

A - The construction of Enugu-Onitsha dual-carriageway must be completed  by 10th May 2026.

B - MTN shall be held responsible should the road fail after construction on account of shady job by the contractor.

C - There will be no variation or VOP on the project and RCC must note that  going forward, the operation of VOP in their projects must be in accordance with the procedure contained in the Conditions of Contract and not at the whims and caprices  of the contractor.

D - MTN not to sacrifice  their responsibility of funding the project at the altar of MTN's business  profit as this will wittingly or unwittingly inhibit speedy delivery of the project and inpune on the public perception of the will of government  to ensure logical completion of the project.

E -  There must be a commitment  in writing between MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works that this offer is predicated on these conditions herein set out. There must be a commitment  because  the more  the job delays, the more there is variation.

Speaking  during the meeting, which had in attendance, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Mohammad Bello Goronyo Esq, the Permanent Secretary  of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. O.O Adebiyi, the representatives of MTN, the Managing Director of  RCC Company Nig Ltd and his team, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON reiterated  that the Federal Ministry of Works is unwavering in its commitment  towards  ensuring  that the  contractor handling  the project,  and in this case MTN that is handling the project under the Tax Credit Scheme is made to ensure quality and speedy delivery of the project.

He wondered  why an official of MTN could go on his way to insinuate that the directive made by the Federal Ministry of Works that RCC Ltd should  stop using materials  that could derail the quality outcome of the job amounted to a sabotage of the projects  of Mr. President  in South East. He said,: "We have to  put the records straight that this ministry has the responsibility to ensure quality delivery of work by contractors. And the contractor in this  case is MTN". He recounted the various  inspection visits he made to contractors' project  sites and how this had caused  them to brace up for ensuring quality  and speed in project  delivery. 

He said of MTN's Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project, "We went through what MTN was doing. We discovered that they were using peeled sand to do the job. I'm an engineer. I'm not a history graduate. I'm a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and I've spent all my life in the field. And we gave a directive, which is in line with the general conditions of contract, that should stop using  such sand but go back, and use river sand, which we paid for."

The Honourable Minister emphasized  the need for RCC Nig Ltd to play by the rule in project variation. He decried as unacceptable a situation where RCC could do a job of N38 billion and demand for a VOP N14 billion and said that going  forward such indulgence by contractors in the name of inflation would not be tolerated.

He used the medium to call on the manufacturers of cement, which is a key element  in the construction industry, especially on the use of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, to please reduce  the cost of cement to N7,000 as the price of dollar has drastically reduced, the cost of petrol is coming down and efforts are being made by Mr. President to fix the road. He said, "I'm happy that the policies of Mr.  President, are working. Today, a dollar is about N1,400. And let me use the opportunity to express dissatisfaction with the cost of cement.

Our contractors have  called and complained  that they wanted to move back to asphalt. We are using  this medium to tell the cement manufacturers that at the time, the dollar was almost N2,000, they increased cement from N7,500. Why should today that the President has brought dollar to stability to about N1400, and is still going down, why should cement be selling for N9,500? We are requesting cement manufacturers to bring down the cost of cement to N7,000. If after one week they don't do that, I have to complain officially to Mr. President."

In their separate remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Works and the Permanent Secretary  Federal Ministry of Works estolled the stance of the Federal Ministry of Works on the policies that would not only fast track job execution  but also guarantee value  for money and quality project outcome.

They urged the contractor to cooperate with the new paradigm under the Renewed Hope administration and work towards  delivering  the Enugu-Onitsha dual-carriageway on a record  time so that Mr. President could commission it for public use. The representative of MTN in his vote of thanks expressed  the readiness of MTN in working  towards  realizing the delivery of the project within  the agreed timeline.

Feb

19

2025

Minister Applauds FERMA Staff for Determination and Resilience 

The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has complimented the determination and resilience of the management and staff of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in the discharge of their responsibilities. He stated this on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, while addressing staff of the Agency in Lafia, headquarters of the North Central Zone, during a one-day familiarisation visit and inspection of ongoing works on the Keffi-Gitata-Shendam/Plateau State Border road in Nasarawa State.

Goronyo acknowledged the resourcefulness of the FERMA’s personnel in fixing Nigeria's roads despite the inadequacy of annual budgetary allocations. He disclosed that pressures are being mounted on the Agency now, more than ever, from various quarters to maintain the roads despite the mergre resources.

Goronyo cited as an example the Lokoja - Abuja Dual Carriageway,  sections of which are in bad shape, prolonging travel time from 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours.
In contrast, the Minister revealed that his journey from Abuja to Lafia was smooth, as well as joyful due to the good road. He said "This is hope being renewed and everybody must be on their toes. The President is determined to move the nation forward and we must support him to actualise his vision and mission."

The Minister, who emphasised the determination of the Ministry of Works to resolve all the challenges being faced by the staff, stressed that they should ensure they sensitize the public against packing and abandoning vehicles, especially trucks on the roads. He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to support the Ministry’s efforts by safeguarding Federal roads across the country. 

He informed them that the Managing Director/CEO is addressing issues related to their welfare, while urging them to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that the Agency continues to deliver on its mandate.

The Minister added that the stakeholders across the country have been commending the Agency for their dedication and patriotism in maintaining Nigerian roads despite challenges of funding and security in some parts of the country. He noted that the Government alone cannot maintain all the roads due to the high level of deterioration, calling for a collective effort to ensure safer and motorable highways.

Goronyo urged the road users, as well as benefiting communities to protect the infrastructure by not digging holes or creating demarcations. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is ready and determined to ensure that all Nigerian roads are in good conditions for improved economy and assets.

The Minister also reiterated the Federal Government's resolve to enhance road maintenance and urged all stakeholders to support the administration's initiatives aimed at achieving safe and durable roads, nationwide.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO, FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasiuu, Ph.d expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the rehabilitation projects in Nasarawa State. He reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to delivering high-quality roads and enhancing travel experience, in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

Engr. Agbasi also guaranteed field workers training and retraining to equip them with 21st-century construction trends.

He added that despite issues of insecurity in the North Central zone, they should not relent in their collective efforts to maintain Nigerian roads.

He stated that FERMA is doing its best despite inadequate funding, stressing that it will soon take delivery of brand-new equipment, while the grounded ones would be repaired and put into use.

Also, in his opening remarks, the Zonal Head of North Central II, covering Benue, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa States, Engr Halilu Umama highlighted the strategic importance of the region as a vital link between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He noted that many projects in the zone are being executed through direct labour between 2022 to 2024 and he outlined major challenges including the high costs of construction materials, equipment rental, low budgetary allocations, and road abuses such as the erection of illegal speed breakers and encroachments on Federal highways.

In his Closing Remarks, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer for Nasarawa State, Engr. Aliu Muhammad voiced gratitude for the progress made in the past seven (7) months. He commended the leadership of the Ministry and that of FERMA for their commitment to improving road infrastructure and ensuring better conditions for field workers.

Jan

21

2025

INFOQUEST NIG LTD WAS NEVER AWARDED ANY CONTRACT ON ABUJA- KADUNA ROAD AS FALSELY AND MALICIOUSLY REPORTED IN A PUBLICATION OF DAILY TRUST NEWSPAPERS OF 21/01/2025.

-DAILY TRUST TO RENDER UNRESERVED APOLOGY TO FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS FOR UNJUSTIFIABLE FALSEHOOD

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Nweze David Umahi CON has rebutted in strong terms  the unwarranted, false,  misleading, and damaging report published in Daily Trust  Newspapers of  21st January 2025, which falsely represented the Federal Ministry of Works as having awarded a section of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road dualization to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd.

In a press conference held on 21st January 2025 at the Conference Hall of the Honourable Minister of Works and attended  by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Barr. Mohammed Bello Goronyo, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Folunso  O. Adebiyi and  key directors of the Ministry, the Honourable Minister, described as mischievous, insensitively misleading and injurious the statement credited to him in the said publication, where he was wrongly quoted to have said that  Infoquest Nigeria Ltd secured a "No objection" of N252.89 billion from the Bureau of Public Procurement ( BPP) for the rehabilitation of a section Abuja- Kaduna- Zaria-Kano road and where they described  the Ministry as having awarded  the said contract to an obscure company.

He made it clear that the Ministry had no business relationship with Infoquest Nigeria Ltd. He further made it known that the company that has a contractual relationship  with the Ministry on the said project is Infiouest International Limited and that the company  is corporately active and is absolutely in compliance with all legal requirements and regulations set by the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

He berated the mischief  created  by the publication as a deliberate orchestration by a cartel to malign the Ministry, undermine  the efforts of the Renewed Hope administration in revolutionizing  road infrastructure  development and demarket the company that has proven capacity in road construction. He demanded from Daily Trust Newspapers a public apology to the Federal Ministry of Works to be published in at least 5 national dailies for unjustifiably publishing falsehood against the Ministry of Works.

The Honourable Minister also alluded  to the mischiefs and deliberate misrepresentation of facts contained in the sponsored publications made in several  national dailies by Julius Berger Plc recently on the reason why they reneged in their contractual obligations in respect  of the section of  Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road they were handling before  it was determined.  

He  wondered why the coordinated onslaught of falsehood, blackmail, gangup by adversaries to the policy of government just because of the Ministry's insistence on a new order of  value for money, quality assurance and best practices  in project pricing and execution. He urged the public and the press to join in this desirable fight against national sabotage by some contractors.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Works said he was delighted  by  the proactiveness and resoluteness  shown by the Ministry in decapitating  the intentions of those who made the false publication against  the Ministry which according to him was intended to distract  the Ministry and undermine its confidence before Nigerians. He called  on the media operators not to allow themselves  to be used by the fifth columnists to publish unfounded reports to undermine  the Renewed Hope agenda but should always crosscheck  their information  with the appropriate authority so as to let out only the truth to the public.

In his vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary described  the press briefing as thoughtful and timely. He  harped  on the importance of development journalism and urged the media to always uphold  the truth in their professional duties of information dissemination rather than allow themselves to be used as a tool in the hands of enemies of our national development.

Jan

16

2025

DISCOUNTENANCE THE BASELESS  RUMOUR THAT THE 3RD MAINLAND BRIDGE IS JERKY AND DEFECTIVE AS A DECEPTIVE  PROPAGANDA FROM THE FIFTH COLUMNISTS

The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has been drawn to a widely  circulated  but baselessly and maliciously orchestrated   rumour that the 3rd Mainland  bridge  is shaky and defective. The rumour,  for all intents and purposes, is nothing but an untactful falsehood by the fifth columnists whose mission is to undermine  the confidence and solidarity reposed  on the works  sector  of the Renewed Hope administration  by Nigerians.

The Honourable Minister of Works had upon getting wind of this needless rumour and, for the benefit of the doubt, deployed a team of engineers led by the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha to inspect the entire length and width of the bridge  measuring 11 kilometers  with a view to ascertaining if by the whiskers  anything went amiss with the 3rd Mainland bridge. The report is the same; that the bridge  is hale and hearty, and its integrity is undoubtedly intact

Members  of the public are therefore  enjoined  to disregard  the false rumours making  the rounds on the state of the 3rd Mainland bridge. The Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has demonstrated  unprecedented commitment  to the revampment of the inherited road infrastructural deficiencies. The 3rd Mainland bridge, including other iconic bridges in Lagos, has received priority intervention by Mr. President knowing  their vitality to the road communications and transportation ecosystem in Lagos and beyond. That is why the superstructure, the substructure, and other underwater elements  of the 3rd Mainland bridge are receiving profound  repairs by the Renewed Hope administration.

The Federal Ministry of Works is up to task and speed  in changing  the narratives in the road infrastructure development in Nigeria. The code is quality, speed, and value for money, and you can be sure that the roads done by the Renewed Hope administration can stand the test of time. God bless the Federal Republic  of Nigeria.
 

Jan

09

2025

Umahi Inspects Sections of East-West Road, Enugu - Port Harcourt Expressway and Bodo - Bonny Road
 - Sets Clear Expectations for Contractors, Urges Swift Action to Meet Infrastructure Deadlines

The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, while expressing satisfaction with the quality of work on the East-West Road, Section III (Eleme Junction - Onne Junction), has directed the Contractor, Messrs Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) to deploy more resources to hasten the pace of work or face re-scoping and re-award of the contract.

The Minister gave the warning yesterday, Wednesday, 8th January, 2025, while inspecting the progress of work on the project. He reminded the contractor that he has up to the end of April, 2025 to deliver a section of the carriageway.

Engr. Umahi, began the inspection of ongoing road projects in the South East and South South geopolitical zones on Tuesday, 7th January, 2024 with the Enugu - Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Umuahia - Aba). He applauded the contractor, Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Ltd. on the quality of work but instructed them to deploy in two more sites to speed up the construction and, most importantly, meet the set dateline.

The Minister was also on Section IV (Aba - Port Harcourt) of the same alignment being handled by Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). He expressed displeasure over the slow pace of work, noting that they have only been able to access N7, 000,000,000:00K (Seven Billion Naira) out of the N21,000,000,000:00k (Twenty -One Billion Naira) provided for the project, last year. Consequently, he instructed the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Rivers State to issue a warning to the contractor, promising to terminate it, if there are no improvements in the tempo of work. 

The tour of duty also took the Minister to the Bodo-Bonny Road, where he, again, voiced discontent with the level of work achieved. He prodded the Contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc (JBN) to upscale their deployment of men, materials and machines, despite working throughout the Yuletide holidays. The project, a critical component of the South-South zone’s infrastructure development, is a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island. 

At all construction sites visited, Engr. Umahi stressed the urgency to meet deadlines, emphasising that all Federal contractors must intensify their efforts to ensure the timely realisation of projects, in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, succinctly captured in the Renewed Hope Agenda. The essence is to improve connectivity, as well as stimulate socio-economic growth, he further explained.

The Minister issued clear directives to Federal Controllers of Works to present at least four (4) completed projects, each, for commissioning from February to 20th May, this year. "The expectation is that every Controller delivers on his mandates, according to specifications and time allotted. There is no room for further delays," he declared.

In light of the delay in the delivery of some projects, the Minister cautioned that the Ministry is poised to take decisive action. "The Ministry will not tolerate delays. Any contractor, who does not meet his contractual obligations, will face consequences, cumulating into a 14-day Notice of Termination of Contract," he added, emphasizing that such actions would apply to all underperforming contracts.

Despite the challenges, he reassured Nigerians that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR remains fully committed to the completion of inherited projects, as well as the four (4) Legacy Projects he initiated. “The President has not abandoned these projects. It is the contractors, who have delayed the work. This year, we will be stricter in ensuring that projects are completed on course,” he assured.

Engr. Umahi guaranteed that the Ministry will continue to closely monitor all ongoing projects, ensuring that they align with President Tinubu’s vision for accelerated national growth and development. He concluded by calling for greater teamwork from all stakeholders in the management and delivery of road and bridge projects. "We all need to work together - government, contractors and the general public towards ensuring that deadlines are met. No contractor should collect government funds and fail to deliver on their promises. Henceforth, we will be more observant and take necessary actions towards ensuring the successful completion of these projects," he reasserted.
 

Dec

18

2024

FG COMMITTED TO EXECUTING PROJECTS THAT WILL BETTER THE LIVES OF NIGERIANS - GORONYO

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, HMSW, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has reiterated the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment to providing quality infrastructure designed to improve the living conditions of the Nigerian people, through well thought out and strategically delivered projects.

Goronyo made this statement on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024, at the official commissioning ceremony of solar- powered streetlights along Sultan Abubakar International Airport Road in Sokoto, Sokoto State, stating that, amongst other benefits, the streetlights will create visibility, improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of the community, ease travel stress on the road users, as well as mitigate security challenges.

While also maintaining that the project is very strategic because it is both an entry point for travelers to Sokoto through the Airport and the fact that Sokoto is the coordinating nerve center of the adjoining states of Zamfara and Kebbi, the HMSW insisted that the commissioning aligns effectively with the vision of President  Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He described the President as a committed, astute and patriotic leader, who is all out to ameliorate the living conditions of Nigerians, as well as to right the many wrongs of yester years.

He congratulated the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and communities within the corridor for having the streetlights, also urged them to take ownership of the project and full advantage of the inherent opportunities.

The Managing Director/CEO, Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA) Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, described the project as iconic and of strategic importance to Sokoto, as it will enhance travel experience and the economic lives of the people being capable of prolonging their trading time.

The Honourable Minister and the MD/CEO, thereafter, led other dignitaries and stakeholders to commission the Sokoto - Ilela Road, recently rehabilitated by FERMA. It is about 58 kilometres, linking Sokoto to the border town on the Nigeria-Niger Republic border. The Minister described the project as very strategic, as it is capable of providing employment opportunities, as well as curbing threats of insecurity. He, however, warned that the palliative works were done through taxpayers’ money, warning that Government will not continue to fold its arms, while road users, especially articulated vehicles damage it without paying. “Vehicles found damaging the roads will be impounded and made to pay for it before they are released, to serve as deterrent to others,” Goronyo further warned.
 

Dec

11

2024

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS MEETS WITH BUREAU OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (BPP) HARPS ON NEW PARADIGM OF SEAMLESS BUREAUCRACIES TO END DELAYS IN PROJECT EXECUTION

As part of efforts to end delays in the implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda on the road sector development, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze Umahi, CON has had a partnership discussion with the management of the Bureau of Public Procurement. (BPP) on the need for a new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies in public procurement processes for efficient and timely project delivery. 

In a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja on 10th December 2024, the Honourable Minister stated that for the works sector to achieve greater prospects in innovation, efficiency, and economy in the road infrastructure revolution agenda of the present administration and to best respond to the citizens’ yearning for road sector intervention, there must be a deliberate effort to remove all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the Bureau of Public Procurement. He noted the core mandates of the Bureau, which among others are to foster accountability, consistency in pricing, effectiveness in contract execution, and value for money, and urged them to see delay as one of the greatest inhibitors of the objectives of the establishment of the Bureau. "We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the Ministry to Fastrack delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration. When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes." He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians.

On his part, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun commended the Honourable Minister  for the purposeful initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Works under his watch and assured him of enhanced synergies with the Ministry so that the noble objectives of the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the works sector would be achieved. He said, “The interesting thing about you is that you don't fail in your duty, which I have observed. You start, you end with something that is unique about you, and you're passionate about what you want to do. We are glad when you extended the invitation for us to come here. We know you see BPP as a worthy partner towards ensuring that Mr. President's objectives in respect of road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and well-accounted.”

He thanked the Honourable Minister for the initiative to hold the meeting to discuss areas of procurement challenges. He said, “We are here to hear your challenges, and for us to also hear our own challenges and reach an understanding of how to make sure we work together to achieve the same goal for logical completion. From my experience in this job over the years, works is an arm of government that Nigerians see every day. They talk about it every day. If there is the agency or Parastatal or Ministry that if things fail, then all Nigerians will shout against Mr. President, it is the Ministry of Works. So we place serious premium on closely working with you to ensure we deliver on the mandates in a way that value for money is achieved, in a way that sustainability of what we have on ground is improved upon and even the quality of the roads that we deliver. I think our partnership with you, Your Excellency, is that the quality of the roads that we see must return back to the days when we constructed a road that 25 years later is still intact.”

The meeting was attended by directors of key departments of both the Ministry and the Bureau, including Engr. Bede U. Obioha, Director Highways Bridge and Design, Engr. Musa Saidu, Acting Director Highways Road Design and Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation Federal Ministry of Works, as well as Nasir M. Bellow, Isaiah G. Yesufu, Janet McDickson, Directors of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
 

Dec

04

2024

GORONYO COMMISSIONS ROAD PROJECT IN LAGOS

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, HMSW, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq, has on Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024 commissioned a recently recovered critically failed road at Ijora Causeway situated within the Apopa- Ijora Local Government Area of Lagos State. 
The road, built on rigid pavement through direct labour, was completed up to about 80% under the supervision of the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

Speaking at the occasion, the HMSW noted that the road will impact positively on the economic well-being of the community, it will also help to mitigate youth unemployment, insecurity and threats to communal peace.
While commending FERMA for its prompt response to the plight of the community, he charged them to react proactively to ensure the remaining portion of the road is fixed before the end of the year, as it aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who according to him is running an infrastructure-friendly administration. He enjoined the leaders and people to take full ownership of the facility to prevent it from abuse.

The representative of the Ojora of Ijora, who was unavoidably absent, Chief Samsudeen Ojora expressed the appreciation of His Royal Majesty and the indigenes of the community for the recovery and reconstruction of the road, which, as he emphasised, was hitherto impassable, terrible and an eyesore. 
He appealed to the Minister and FERMA to ensure the speedy completion of the remaining portion of the project. He further pledged the unalloyed support and continuous prayers of the Oba for the Federal Government.

The MD/CEO of FERMA, Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi commended the Oba of Ijora and the people residing in the community for their good manners, support and cooperation, while the project was ongoing. Dr. Agbasi promised that FERMA will continue to do their best in adding value to road management in the country.
 

Dec

03

2024

MINISTER COMMISSIONS SOLAR-POWERED STREETLIGHT PROJECT IN LAGOS

The Honorable Minister of State for Works (HMSW), Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq, has commissioned a solar- powered streetlight project in Lagos on Monday, 2nd December, 2024. 

The streetlights being provided by the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), are a relief and a welcome development for the residents of the community of Isale- Eko in Lagos State. Goronyo identified the benefits of the project to include improvement in the socioeconomic well-being, as well as mitigating insecurity challenges confronting the area. “This aligns well with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he added.

The Minister further urged residents to take full ownership of the project with a view to safeguarding it from vandalization by unscrupulous elements.

The HMSW, on an earlier Courtesy Visit to His Royal Majesty, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Akiolu, in his Iga Idugaran Palace, noted that the initiative is part of a conscious effort by the Federal Government at investing in renewable energy solutions, stating that “as a responsible Government, we have to continue to do more to improve the wellbeing of our teeming communities.” He solicited for prayers and support of His Royal Majesty and indeed Nigerians to be able to do more for the overall growth and development of the nation.

Speaking at the Palace, the Managing Director/CEO of FERMA, Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, thanked the Oba for the warm reception accorded the entourage, also stated that the installation of the solar powered lights will provide extended hours for trading and, therefore, arrest unemployment among the youth.
While commending the community for providing an enabling atmosphere for the installation of the facility, Engr. Agbasi, cautioned against vandalisation, pledging that FERMA has resolved not shirk in its responsibility to ensure adequate maintenance, as well as deliver value in road maintenance in the community and the state.

Responding, HRM Oba Akiolu, appreciated the Honourable Minister for the visit, noting that FERMA has been wonderful and cooperative in the discharge of its duties to the community.
His Royal Majesty also used the occasion to warn miscreants and criminals to desist from vandalising public goods and infrastructure, assuring that Nigerians will laugh soon as the Government of the day is responsible and working very hard to put things right. Patience, the Monarch emphasised, is the keyword, while appealing to Nigerians to give peace a chance.
 

Nov

14

2024

BAGO, NASS MEMBERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS LAUD FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

- CALLS FOR THE TERMINATION OF SULEJA - MINNA DUALISATION  CONTRACT

- Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda Brings Development to Niger State.

The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR continues to positively impact the lives of Nigerians through one of its Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth. 

The Minister of Works, H.E. Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE stated this at a Town Hall Meeting and Stakeholders’ Engagement on the construction of the 125-kilometre Section I, 3-lane Single Carriageway (Niger State component) of the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto - Badagry Superhighway in Minna, Niger State, where he discussed the development of road infrastructure. Umahi highlighted the importance of the meeting, which focuses on constructing the 125-kilometre Niger State alignment of the larger 1,068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.

According to the Minister, the Super Highway, one of the four (4) Legacy Projects of the Federal Government, will pass through several states, including Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos with 125 kilometres to be constructed within Niger State. Umahi underscores the project’s potential to enhance infrastructure development and stimulate socio-economic activities along its corridor, bringing direct benefits to local residents, as well as businesses.

"Niger State, with its extensive network of Federal roads, faces numerous challenges due to their poor conditions. Many of these road projects, some dating back to 2010, remain uncompleted. For example, the Dualisation of Suleja - Minna Road remains unfinished since being awarded in 2010 and the Bida - Lapai - Lambata Road is at 64% completion despite being awarded over a decade ago. Quality infrastructure and timely project completion are priorities for both state and federal stakeholders," he declared.

The Minister further highlighted the importance of the Stakeholders’ Engagement, which focuses on issues concerning the 125-kilometre Niger State alignment of the Sokoto - Badagry Superhighway.

He announced that decisive actions would be taken against contractors handling ongoing road projects in Niger State, while inviting them to a crucial meeting at the Ministry, Headquarters on Friday, 15th November, 2024. 

Engr. Umahi expressed disappointment with the Minna - Suleja road's current state, describing it as an eyesore and very discouraging. He further lamented that despite bogus claim of 84% completion, the company has been collecting Federal funds for over 14 years without commensurate work on the project.  

The Minister also stated that President Tinubu's administration prioritises investments aimed at stimulating growth across multiple sectors of our national life. He revealed that the present administration inherited 2,604 projects, soliciting for National Assembly's support in securing special intervention funds to complete them, as well as other new projects. He pleaded with Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the President's effort towards improving their wellbeing.

He further explained that the Renewed Hope Administration’s shift from asphaltic to concrete pavement, in road construction, is informed by its cost effectiveness (in the long run) and sustainability due to the use of locally sourced materials.

Earlier, the State Governor, H.E. Mohammed Umar Bago called on the Federal Government to revoke the Suleja-Minna road contract due, majorly, to lack of capacity exhibited by the contractor, Messrs Stabilini (Nig.) Ltd.
Instead, H.E. Bago recommended that contractors with proven capabilities in delivering quality works be engaged to complete the lingering project.

The Governor assured his Guest of the state’s support for President Bola Tinibu's administration, emphasising the need for engaging reliable contractors to ensure quality and timely completion of projects.

He also unveiled plans to establish a cement factory in Niger State, leveraging the state's abundant raw materials, in order to cash in on the use of concrete pavement in the construction of the new alignment.

In his Remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Works, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Ph.D emphasises the need for stakeholders in the state to join hands with the Federal Government by supporting the Renewed Agenda, as Mr. President has done well in the development of the State and he will continue to champion infrastructural development. He assured the good people of the state and the nation, at large, that Mr President has not neglected the Northern part of the country, in whatever guise.

Representing the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, its Vice Chairman, Sen. Rufa'i Hanga praised President Tinubu’s vision and foresight stating that the project, when completed, would boost productivity, commerce and socio-economic growth.

The House Committee Chairman on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi called for the declaration of a “state of emergency” on Niger’s Federal roads, advising the Minister to engage an independent consultant to assess all ongoing road and bridge projects, nationwide.

Furthermore, various Stakeholders, who spoke on behalf of the various communities affected by the Sokoto -Badagry road project, called on the Federal Government to ensure that commensurate compensation is paid to the affected people, while pledging their support to the successful execution of the project.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, represented by the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mu'azu Barau II, also applauded the President's focus on infrastructure development and begged for the Federal Government’s intervention in rehabilitating additional roads within the State.

The Senator representing Niger East, Senator Sani Musa commended Mr. President and Governor Bago’s infrastructure drive, also requested that critical projects such as the Zungeru Bridge, Tegina - Birnin Gwari - Kaduna and Sarkin Pawa - Kaduna roads be given priority attention. He further urged the Federal Government to declare a “state of emergency” on Niger state’s dilapidated roads.

The Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Abdulmalik Muhammed, commended Mr President and Governor Bago's determination to transform the country and state, respectively. 
 

Nov

05

2024

FORMER MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, DR CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU WAS A GREAT TRAILBLAZER AND SHINING LIGHT TO HIS PEOPLE. HE MARKED THRESHOLDS IN INTELLECTS, INTEGRITY, INDUSTRY, AND PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

-SEN. UMAHI

BEING A TRIBUTE PRESENTED IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY, LATE DR. CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU, CON, BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. SEN. NWEZE DAVID UMAHI, CON, DURING A TRIBUTE NIGHT HELD AT YAR’ADUA CENTRE, DATED 4TH NOVEMBER 2024.

I received the sad news of the passing of my dear brother, His Excellency, Dr. Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu, CON with profound shock and a deep sense of loss. His call to eternal glory on the 11th day of April 2024 at the age of 72 years was received with grief and deep sorrow.

Dr. Christopher Onu was a great trailblazer and a leadership light in Uburu Community and Ebonyi State, where I hail from. He was not just a mentor to me, he was a kinsman whose positive marks inspired great leadership motivations to his people. He was charming in character and charismatic in leadership. While alive, he marked a threshold in intellects, integrity, industry, and passion for excellence in all his endeavours; he was a great illustrious son of Uburu Community who made an immeasurable impact in nation-building and service to humanity.

Though he departed at the prime of his leadership and service to humanity, we shall forever cherish the values he bequeathed and the gains of the service he rendered as pioneer elected Governor of Abia State, former National Chairman of the All People’s Party (APP), first Presidential flagbearer of APP,  former Honourable Minister of Science and technology and a host of other services he rendered to his community and the nation. Our consolation and fortitude are in the assurances that he lived the true purpose of life, which is service to God and humanity.

My deepest condolences go to his dear wife, children, the entire family of HRH, late Eze David Abba Onu, Eze Adu l of Uburu, and the government and people of Ebonyi State. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

As he makes his journey to immortality, I pray for God's eternal mercies upon him and divine fortitude and comfort to all of us who are impacted by this irreparable loss.

Thanks, and God bless you.
 

Oct

31

2024

WORKS MINISTER, SEN UMAHI HOLDS STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING ON THE ALIGNMENT OF THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY UNVEILS ONDO STATE 63KM SEGMENT OF THE HIGHWAY PROJECT

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON on Thursday, 31st October 2024 held a town hall meeting/ stakeholders' engagement with the government and stakeholders of Ondo State on the State 63km segment on the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a legacy project of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR 

The Honourable Minister in the meeting, which was held at the Dome, Alagbaka, Akure, reiterated the determination of the Renewed Hope administration in revolutionizing road infrastructure for the economic advancement of Nigeria, adding that the four Renewed Hope Legacy Road projects would stimulate greater impetus In the economic growth potentials of the nation.

The meeting had in attendance Sen. Mpigi Barinada - Chaiman Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Nwebonyi member, Sen. Osita Ngwu - Member, Senator Ayodele Adegbomire - member, Sen. Olajide Ipinsagba- member, Foluke Ogunbayo - (Clerk, Senate Committee on Works).
 Hon. Akin Alabi - (Chairman Federal House of Representatives Committee on Works), Hon. Usman Banye - Vice Chairman, Hon. Timehin Adelegbe, member Sadiq Adetunji - Clerk.
Others are the SSA to the President on Community Engagement South-West, Moremi Ojudo, the SSA to the President on Community Engagement, South-East, Barr. Chioma Nweze, among other stakeholders from Ondo State, including the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky O. Aiyedatiwa, who hosted the event.