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.”
 

Oct

23

2024

JULIUS BERGER PLC URGED NOT TO RENEGE ON THEIR COMMITMENT TOWARDS COMPLETING THE REHABILITATION OF THE 82 KM SECTION II OF ABUJA-KADUNA- ZARIA- KANO ROAD. 
- AS THE WORKS MINISTER, SEN. UMAHI CHARGES THE NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF JB PLC TO BRACE UP FOR A REALISTIC CONTRACT PRICING IN DEFERENCE TO NATIONAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLANS.

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has for the umpteenth time called on Julius Berger Plc. to show corporate patriotism by accepting the Federal Government’s approved reviewed total contract sum of ₦740, 797,204,713.25 (Seven Hundred and Forty Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Seven Million, Two Hundred and Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Twenty Five Kobo for the completion of the rehabilitation of the 82 km section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, contract No.6350.

This call was made during the courtesy visit of the new Managing Director of Julius Berger Plc, Dr. Pier Lubasch, who was accompanied by the outgoing Managing Director, Dr. Lars Richter at his office, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi Abuja on 22nd October 2024. He lamented that the delay in mobilizing to the site despite the approved funds by the Federal Executive Council is causing untold hardship to the road users and that the Federal Government is at the receiving end of the situation.  
In the Honourable Minister’s Words “So if Berger is not doing it, then let's have other people to do the job and within the time that we can control price. We've had more than 20 letters from Berger on this. It is a ping pong game from Julius Berger. The prices rose from ₦710 billion to ₦740 billion because of these delays. And if we continue the delays, it is the problem of the Ministry of Works.”

The Honourable Minster expressed dismay that Julius Berger Plc, which has had years of patronage by Federal Government and sub-national governments, is not  realistic in the contract pricing, especially at this time of Nigeria’s economic challenges. He therefore urged the contractor to within 7 days accept or reject the approved reviewed contract sum for the completion of the rehabilitation of  section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road or face contract determination as Federal Government cannot be held to ransom by the desire for unrealistic pricing and augmentation by contractors. 
He said, “This offer is not subject to any condition. It's not subject to any condition that is being dished out here. It's taken as given after more than 14 months. I'm sorry, I have to sound this way because there must be an end to negotiation. If anybody says there shouldn't be an end to negotiation, then that person is not a business person. If you have negotiated for 14 months without any result, you should terminate the negotiation.”

While welcoming the new Managing Director of Julius Berger Plc, the Honourable Minister reiterated the need for construction companies working with the Federal Ministry of Works to prepare to make sacrifices in terms of value for money and realistic contract pricing, so as to encourage the much needed road infrastructure revolution for the nation’s economic transformation which is a cardinal agenda of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR He said, “already a number of Berger projects have been terminated because the site has been abandoned. And we needed to do something about it because Nigerians are suffering. Nigerians are crying, and they are insulting the President. We cannot allow that to be happening.”

The new Managing Director promised to revert as soon as possible on the issues sought to be addressed and hoped that consensus would be reached for the project to take off without further delay. The outgoing Managing Director, however, noted that the essence of the courtesy call to the Honourable Minister of Works was to introduce the new Managing Director of the company.
 

Oct

17

2024

FG SET TO IMPLEMENT CASHLESS TOLLING SYSTEM FOR ABUJA-KEFFI EXPRESSWAY AND DUALIZATION OF KEFFI-AKWANGA-MARKURDI ROAD, INAUGURATES COMMITTEE FOR IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK.

As part of measures of the Renewed Hope administration to revolutionize road infrastructure development and stimulate economic growth, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has inaugurated a committee on the implementation of Cashless Tolling System for Abuja-Keffi Expressway and Dualization of Keffi-Akwanga-Markurdi road. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja on 17th October 2024, the Honourable Minister of Works stated that the cashless tolling system was a strategic programme under the Highway Development and Management Initiative aimed at promoting strong and sustainable transportation ecosystem.

He said “This is one of the cardinal strategies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards realizing the desires of our people in the road sector development. Recall that a point of Keffi-Akwanga-Markurdi was done on EPC + F, and funded up to 85% by China Exim Bank, and the Federal Government paid 15% counterpart funding and the job was executed satisfactorily by China Harbour Ltd.  Part of the agreement is that they will toll the road and then recoup the money for the Federal Government to pay back the loan segment of the project.

Inaugurating the committee, the Honourable Minister  commended very highly the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the vast strategic economic recovery initiatives of the Renewed Hope administration, and expressed hope that the committee would leverage on ideals  of the Terms Of Reference handed to them to develop a robust implementation Master plan that would lead to the realization of the economic and social objectives of the Highway Development and Management Initiative which is institutionalized to ensure sustainable private sector investment and to improve the quality and quantity of the road assets in Nigeria with a view to propelling rapid economic development.

He tasked the committee on the Terms Of Reference which among other things are to develop the cashless tolling system implementation framework, make appropriate recommendation as to the potentials of relief stations and good physical environment along the corridors and profer practical solution to the challenges of implementing cashless toll collection in Nigerian environment. He said “We must also, as part of the assignment, develop relief stations. Relief stations is what you see in overseas' expressways, where you have a lot of stations where you have a supermarket, you have a small clinic, you have also security outfits, and a number of other facilities, including parks, wheel lorries, and vehicles park, and tow vans.

The idea of Mr. President is that we should have a maximum of 10 minutes of response time on our Highways, meaning that in the full development of this route, part of the assignment will be how we can install CCTV cameras, and also have solar light all through the entire route of the project. And so, we will be able to put security on our roads, and then we have a station at the relief center, where they will stay and watch the vehicles, so that within 10 minutes of any incident along the route, the security people will be able to be there within 10 minutes response time. This is the idea of Mr. President, and for our major highways.”

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Head PPP Unit, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs. Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya stated that the inauguration was part of the statutory responsibilities of the Federal Ministry of Works which has the mandate to attract private sector funding for the development and management of Federal road network through the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). She said, "The HDMI is expected to, among others, bring order, accountability, and profitable entrepreneurship to the operations, management, and maintenance of Federal Highways. This is consistent with the provisions of the ICRC Establishment Act 2005; National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (“N4P”); Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy of August 2021 and Federal Highways Act CAP. 135, 1971, which grants the Honourable Minister of Works the power to administer Tolls on Federal Highways."

In her acceptance speech on behalf of the committee on the implementation of Cashless Tolling System, the Chairman of the committee thanked the Honourable Ministry of Works for the opportunity to serve the nation in that capacity. She noted the scope of the assignment, which she said was onerous and assured of profound commitment of the committee to the assignment given to them. She said, "We thank you, Honourable Minister, for giving us this opportunity to serve our nation. As we all know, infrastructure is the root for development, and amongst the sectors of infrastructure, transportation is one of the most important sectors. Without transportation, things would slow down, and we need to open up roads everywhere as we all know that, particularly in Nigeria, transportation is one of the main means of movement for people, goods, animals and everything. So, it's a sector that is very important in the development of a nation. I would like to thank the Ministry of Works for giving us the opportunity to serve, and we will do our very best to make sure that we contribute to the success of this project."

The committee which comprises  members drawn from the Federal Ministries of Works, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Justice as well as Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) has the Head, PPP Federal Ministry of Finance, Haj. Jummai Katagum and the Head PPP Unit, Federal Ministry of Works,  Mrs. Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya as Chairman and Secretary, respectively. The committee has within two (2) weeks to submit its report.

Oct

07

2024

FG APPROVES FUNDS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE REHABILITATION OF ABUJA-KADUNA- ZARIA–KANO DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AND BODO-BONNY ROAD WITH BRIDGES ACROSS THE OPOBO CHANNEL, TASKS JULIUS BERGER PLC ON QUALITY AND SPEEDY PROJECT DELIVERY.

The Federal Government has tasked Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc on the need to fast-track the completion of the rehabilitation of the 82-km Section II of the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna, and Kano States and the construction of the Bodo – Bonny road with bridges across the Opobo Channel, Route 430 in Rivers State. This charge was made by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON during a meeting with Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc, represented by its Executive Director, Projects, Engr. Banjamin Bott and the Head of Contract Management, Omonigho Brown at the Ministry’s headquarters Mabushi, Abuja on 3rd October 2024.

Speaking during the meeting, the Honourable Minister stated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at its meeting of 23rd September, 2024 approved the re-scoping and downward review of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano Dual Carriageway in the FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, contract No. 6350 and the revised estimated total cost / augmentation of the contract for the construction of Bodo-Bonny road with bridges  across the Opobo channel, route 430 in Rivers State, contract No. 6247, amounting to a total contract sum of Seven Hundred and Forty Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Seven Million, Two Hundred and  Four  Thousand, Seven  Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Twenty Five Kobo (N740,797,204,713. 25) and Eighty Billion, Seventy-Six Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-One Thousand, Thirty-Six Naira, Thirteen Kobo (N80,076,361,036.13) and tasked the contractors handling Federal Government's projects on the need for corporate nationalism in price negotiation in the face of the daunting economic challenges facing Nigeria. He said “Then we have section II, which is 82 kilometers by two, which is the section that JBN Plc is working on. And so, if you check what FEC approved on 23rd of September, FEC had approved that the total contract sum within the scope of Berger would be N740 billion, which means that if you remove N391 billion paid already, you now have about N340 billion remaining, which is the scope of their work for the 164 kilometers”.
He urged the contractor to mobilize in the four sections of the Abuja - Zaria - Kaduna - Kano project to finish the job within 14 months.

Engr. Umahi noted that the prices given on the said projects were the best in view of the economic reality of the time. He added, “So we are appealing to you not to try to increase the contract sum, because it will not be possible. And we have written to the President to approve that if JBN Plc does not accept the N740 billion, we will terminate the contract. We have terminated some of their jobs because we've been negotiating sometimes 12 months, 13 months. There must be an end to negotiation."
He further said, “We are ready to pay you (JBN Plc) even fresh mobilisation, just to underscore the interest of the President on this project. So we are appealing and begging you that by Monday, you should be able to sign the addendum to the contract.”

He harped on the need for JBN Plc to mobilize in multiple locations of the two projects so as to complete them on a record time. On the Bodo-Bonny project, he said “We don't think we have any issue. We've agreed on the N280 billion, which is the new contract sum that is fixed, and then for a 12- month completion period; that is an additional 12 months. So, we want you to mobilize in a minimum of three locations. So that within these 12 months, we'll be able to finish the job.” He went further to state, “In the letter to NLNG, we have to also propose 30% advance payment, so that they will be able to have enough funds to mitigate inflation and any form of variation.” 

The meeting ended with a formal handover of the Letters of Award in respect of the reviewed approved projects contract sums to Julius Berger (Plc), which terms contain inter alia: “that the contract is fixed, firm, non-transferable and deemed duly terminated by effluxion of time, unless otherwise formally reviewed by the Ministry.
 

Aug

09

2024

ENUGU – ONITSHA ROAD CONSTRUCTION: FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS REVIEWS PERFORMANCE, FROWNS AT SLOW PACE OF WORK BY RCC AND NIGERCAT, DIRECTS ENFORCEMENT OF OPERATION FREE OUR ROADS

In furtherance of Federal Government’s directive on review of performance of all inherited ongoing and new road projects nationwide and as part of efforts to alleviate the sufferings of road users, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has directed the contractors handling the construction of the 107km Enugu – Onitsha road dualization to brace up for the implementation of the policies of the Renewed Hope administration with respect to speed and quality of work, commitment to project execution and care for the comfort of road users by maintaining one carriageway of the dual carriageway under construction to mitigate the sufferings of road users. 
This directive came during a crucial meeting of the Ministry with MTN that is funding the construction of Enugu – Onitsha road dualization under Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, the representatives of the Government of Enugu State and the two contractors handling the project under the Tax Credit scheme – RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, held at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Mabushi- Abuja on 8th August 2024.

The Honourable Minister while recalling that the Enugu – Onitsha dual carriageway is being funded by MTN under the Tax Credit Scheme expressed disappointment on the condition of the road under construction and blamed the sufferings of the road users on lack of commitment and sheer insensitivity of the contractors on the plight of the road users. 
He said, “The MTN has engaged the subcontractors, two subcontractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd.
The first time I supervised that project, I discovered that the Nigercat section where we have a binder course had failed. I directed that the binder course must be scarified and reinstated, and I knew it was inherited. I want to believe that it has been done.” He stated, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It's one of the worst roads in this country. Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and the Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points. So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation  of policy on the side of  the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are pot holes on our roads” He further said, “Last Sunday, I inspected that road with the Governor of Enugu State and we saw the level of suffering  of people at the Abakpa section of that road where RCC Ltd was putting binder, about 3.5 km of the road, and they blocked it. 
And so everybody now resorted to using one carriageway which is not even maintained. And so some people stayed there for five hours and that is not acceptable. 
I have continued to say that Nigerians should not be suffering while contractors are building roads for our people. 
It does not happen in any other country, the way it happens in Nigeria. The public must know that the President's intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on.
Most of the time, contractors bring very serious nuisances, hardships, and pains to the public, and they don't care.”
He thanked the government of Enugu State for their resolve to fund the construction of 20km Abakpa junction to Akama (9th Mile) section of Enugu – Onitsha road on rigid pavement and the construction of a flyover bridge at Abakpa junction to be refunded through MTN Tax Credit.
He expressed hope that MTN would still execute the construction of the second phase of the 107km x 2 road dualization. 
He added, “Why Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. 
The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don't see RCC going to keep to their promise to finish this project in 6 months. My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. 
Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”

He warned that contractors delaying jobs are on their own as Federal Government, as a matter of policy, would not accept a phased handover of projects and has phased out VOP in contract administration. 
He maintained that the contractors must in line with the Renewed Hope agenda maintain all roads handled by them until they are fully completed and handed over to Federal Government. 
He further said to RCC Ltd, “When where you are working is almost going bad, it's better to get it finished.
As a policy, we are not doing a phased handover. You have to finish your job, and then we inspect it, and if you take 10 years to finish your job, it's your duty to maintain the one that you have done that is failing”

He re-emphasized the policy of the current administration, which de-emphasizes VOP but is open to contract review using prevailing rates. 
He said to RCC Ltd, “We've agreed on how to review the projects from Certificate No. 12, and it is the prevailing rates that we're going to give to you. 
And so, there will be no VOP when we review the job, and we should all work very hard to see that within two weeks, we get these documents down to BPP and see if we can take it to FEC this month.” 
He, however, noted that the slow pace in the progress of work on the Enugu – Onitsha road dualization does not lie in funding but in the execution by the contractors.
 

Jul

27

2024

FG COMMENCES WORK ON THE ABUJA- KADUNA- ZARIA- KANO HIGHWAY AND SETS TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION, LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE OPERATION FREE OUR ROADS

In the avowed determination of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to complete the dualization of the 375.9 km Abuja - Kaduna - Zaria - Kano Federal Highway, the federal government  has commenced  immediate work on the dualization of the uncompleted sections of the Highway from Abuja to Kano in North West Geo-Political Zone of the country.
The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON stated  this  during  the flag- off of the completion of the Abuja- Kaduna - Zaria - Kano Highway and the site handover  of the 38km dual carriageway section of the road to Dangote Group  of Companies at  chainage 0+000 Zuba on 27th July 2024.

Speaking during the flag - off and handover ceremony, the Honourable Minister charged the three companies handling the three sections of the project to show absolute  devotion to the completion of the project, noting  that  the Ministry would look at the need for project rate review to cushion the effects of the increase in material costs, given the last review that was done about 9 months ago .
He said, "So the first section is 38 kilometers by two, which is 76 kilometers.  
The work is starting today, with palliatives and earthworks, and then they will now start to put reinforced concrete pavement" 

The Honourable Minister used the opportunity  to launch the federal government's 'Operation Free our Roads', which is aimed at making  sure that all the Federal Roads under rehabilitation  are made motorable starting  from this rainy  season.
He said, ".So we are using this as a point of contact to flag off Free our Roads all over the country. 
And so, they will use stone base to put and free all the potholes. In failed portions or where we have potholes, they will all be filled, both carriageways. 
Then, they will continue to maintain one carriageway for vehicles to follow while they consistently walk on one carriageway. He emphasized the need for the Ministry's engineers to take the task seriously, including those of FERMA" He stated, "And this operation, Free Our Roads, is not only for the Ministry of Works, but also for FERMA. 
We're going to put our eyes, all the directors, and all the Zonal engineers of FERMA must take this thing very seriously." And so I will, on behalf of Mr. President, with all gratitude to God and the cooperation of everybody, flag off Operation Free Our Roads and flag off the completion of Abuja to Kaduna, to Zaria, to Kano road, to the glory of God. Amen.

While at the section handledby Julius Berger Plc, the Honourable Minister commended  the contractor for already starting work and doing  a good job, and maintained  that the federal government expected  the entire  project to be completed  and delivered by May 2025.
He said, "So what we will be discussing with Berger is what can we do to finish this job within May 29th.
This is very important because we don't want to stay here beyond May 29th, 2025.
And so what Berger cannot finish, we would also have to take it over and give to Dangote under Tax Credit and for reinforced concrete pavement."
 

Jul

23

2024

EAST WEST ROAD: PRESIDENT TINUBU'S ADMINISTRATION COMMITTED TO ENDING PAVEMENT FAILURES AND YEARS OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE NEGLECT IN THE REGION, SET TO DELIVER POPULAR ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME

In keeping with the Renewed Hope agenda of giving all regions the environment to attain their full economic potentials and guarantee a sense of self-actualization among Nigerians, the administration of His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has introduced a more formidable measure of construction to end pavement failures and years of infrastructural neglect on the East West Road of South-South Nigeria.
This was revealed  by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON during his visit to the project  sites at East West Road section II: Kaiama-Ahoada in Rivers/ Bayelsa States; the construction of Multiple  Box Culverts at flood damaged locations along  the dualization  of East West Road handled by Messrs Rock Results Nigeria  Ltd and the dualization  of East West Road, Section II ( sub section II) handled  by SETRACO Nigeria Ltd dated 22nd July 2024.

Speaking after the inspection of work progress, the Honourable Minister said that Federal Government redesigned the inherited ongoing project, using reinforced concrete technology to end the perennial pavement failures and years of road neglect across the wetland Niger Delta. 
He said that some sections of the East-West Road starting from Lokoja to Benin were also rescoped and redesigned in reinforced concrete, and that the height of the road was increased above the flood level, and that the redesign factored the peculiar environment, geomorphology and soil characteristics which were responsible for the failures of flexible pavement used over the years by successive administrations. 
On the Kaiama-Ahoada section, he said, "When we came on board, the job was already awarded by the past administration. And so, the only new thing in all these locations under President Tinubu is the relief culverts that these two local contractors are putting and are proving themselves to be of a very high reputation in terms of their works. We are encouraging many more local contractors to come and work, because there's so much to work."

He observed that the impact of climate change was largely responsible  for the flood that came over the two sections of the road but commended the two contractors handling the relief culverts for their deep commitment to the intervention work despite having not been paid. 
He stated, "And so our directive is that the contractor shouldn't open more relief culverts. Let us contain the floods by working with NDDC. And I commend the MD of NDDC for the fantastic work they are doing."
He thanked Rock Results, who also did emergency works, even though it's outside the scope and the 29 Battalion with other paramilitary outfits for the management of the traffic which he said would  continue for the next two to four weeks. 
While seeking for patience on the side of the road users, he assured that permanent solution was underway  as the project was being procured to raise the road above the flood level while reinforced concrete of 12 inches would be used to do the overlay.

The Honourable Minister who also visited the KM 15 Section 3A of the East- West road (from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) handled  by Messrs  RCC  Nigeria  Ltd, commended  the quality  of work being  done but urged the contractor to re-mobilize at least in 6 sections of the project to ensure timely  project  delivery or be prepared  to relinquish  the other carriageway for award to another  contractor. He stated, "It is Presidential order that this road should be given the maximum attention, and that's why he asked me to come and look at it, and then give him a report. So, we're looking at December for project delivery, but certainly not at the pace that RCC is going."

While reacting to the statement credited to a Clergy, Buba Isa on the state of some federal roads, the Honourable Minister reiterated the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration in fixing all the inherited ongoing projects and backlogs of road infrastructure deficits nationwide orchestrated by  many years of neglect. 
While commending President Tinubu for the glaring deference in road infrastructure under his administration which road users are attesting to, he called for patience and understanding as enduring solution to road failures had been reinvented  by the Renewed Hope administration and very soon Nigerians would enjoy sustainable infrastructure delivery.

Jul

18

2024

Permanent Secretary charges Council to offer technical support 

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata (PHD) has urged members of the Council of Works to provide technical support to unlocking infrastructure potentials in Nigeria.

Kofarmata stated this while speaking at the 29th meeting of the National Council on Works holding at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The Council which commenced on Monday 15th July, 2024 has the theme: UNLOCKING INFRASTRUCTURAL POTENTIALS AND OPPORTUNITIES AS CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE RENEWED HOPE AGENDA.

The Permanent Secretary said: " the objective behind the choice of this theme is to ensure that all memoranda from stakeholders and the general public are strictly based on as well as informed by those issues and subject matter that address the thematic areas of the various sub- themes derived from the Council's theme held the previous day.

"I am pleased to note that these strategic sub- themes include; policy formulation and implementation, institution strengthening, adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) in road construction in Nigeria, integrated financing and alternative funding for roads and bridges projects in Nigeria ".

Kofarmata also noted other sub-themes include emergency preparedness and response in road maintenance and sustainability, tackling road infrastructure deficit through strategic partnership and use of alternative technologies, and development of a national infrastructure data bank: a veritable tool for road infrastructure delivery in Nigeria.

He said that the meeting of the Permanent Secretaries of Ministries of works across the States in Nigeria is coming after the meeting of the Directors and experts earlier held, purposely to enable them to have high level of technical session to deliberate and adopt drafted technical reports generated from the previous session of experts.

"I therefore urge you to passionately apply due diligence in your consideration of the draft technical report with a view to doing justice by being objective to enable us deliver this national assignment seamlessly, without fear or favour.

"We must focus our eyes on the ball, having at the back of our minds the ultimate goal, which is the preparation of a comprehensive, credible and a good draft technical report admissible by the National Council on Works (NCW) at the end of the day", he said.

Abdullahi Mohammed
Assistant Chief Information Officer.
For: Acting Head,
Information and Public Relations 

 

Jul

15

2024

Welcome Remarks  By The Director, Planing Research And Statistics  At The 29th Edition Of National Council On Works Holding In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State From Monday 15th – Friday 19th July, 2024

PROTOCOL

I am delighted to welcome you on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Works to the 29th Meeting of National Council on Works with theme “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

The National Council on Works is a meeting of all the relevant stakeholders in the Works Sector to proffers new ideas and solutions to the challenges of moving the sector and the country forward. The theme of this year’s Council “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda” is critical for our national development and well-being. Infrastructure is the backbone of any nation’s economy, providing the necessary support for economic activities and societal progress. Unlocking these potentials and opportunities is essential for sustainable development and the prosperity of our country.

As we gather here in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, we have the opportunity to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that can enhance our infrastructure. Our discussions and deliberations over the next few days will focus on identifying key areas of improvement, leveraging technology, and ensuring that our infrastructural development is inclusive and sustainable. This council meeting provides a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and developing actionable plans that will drive the Renewed Hope Agenda forward.

Proper infrastructure development is not just about building roads and bridges but also about ensuring that these structures are resilient and beneficial to all Nigerians.  We must also ensure uniformity in infrastructural standards across the Federal, State and Local levels, fostering a cohesive approach to development. Our focus should be on creating infrastructure that can withstand future challenges, including climate change and urbanization pressures. It is crucial that we incorporate sustainable practices and innovative solutions to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of our infrastructure projects.

I urge all participants at this meeting to engage actively, share your valuable insights, and collaborate towards developing concrete solutions that will unlock the full potential of our infrastructural development. Let us work together to create a framework that supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians.

Enjoy the moment and hospitality of Ebonyi State. I wish you a happy deliberation.
Thank you.

Jul

15

2024

Welcome Address By The Permanent Secretary Ministry Of Works Ebonyi State On The 29th Meeting Of The National Council On Works

Protocol

It is with great pleasure and honour that I stand before you today as we gather in the beautiful city of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, for the 29th Meeting of the National Council on Works.

On behalf of the Ministry of Works, Ebonyi State, I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you.

This annual meeting provides a vital platform for us to come together, share insights, and collaborate on strategies that will drive the development of our nation's infrastructure. As we navigate through the challenges and opportunities in the realm of public works, it is essential that we work together towards sustainable solutions that will benefit our communities and improve the quality of life for all Nigerians. I believe that our discussions over the next few days will be fruitful, inspiring, and enlightening.

Let us harness the collective expertise and experience present in this room to address the pressing issues facing our sector and to pave the way for a brighter future for our nation.

I encourage you all to engage actively, share your perspectives, and foster meaningful connections with your fellow participants.

Let us seize this opportunity to learn from each other, to innovate, and to chart a course towards a more resilient and efficient infrastructure landscape for Nigeria.

Once again, I express my sincere gratitude to each one of you for your presence here today. Let us work together with dedication, passion, and a shared vision for progress. Together, we can achieve remarkable feats and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Thank you, and let us commence this 29th Meeting of the National Council on Works with enthusiasm, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence.

Thank you and welcome to the hospitality of the salt of the nation.

Jul

04

2024

Super-Highway construction: Works Minister call on Investors to leverage on its Economic Potentials

The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi has called on Investors and political stakeholders to leverage on the infrastructural development drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu to boost economic activities in the country.

Senator Umahi made the call at the Stakeholders engagement meeting on the alignment of Niger (125klm), Kwara (188klm) which is (313klm) out of 1000klm Super-Highway in Ilorin on 4th July 2024.

The Minister further calls on the stakeholders to stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that one of the legacy projects which include the alignment of Sokoto to Badagry Super-Highway is achieved.

In his remarks, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulahmam Abdulrasaq, who was represented by Kayode Alabi thanked Mr. President and the Minister of Works for this Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project which connects Kwara to Sokoto 1000km Super-Highway project's which will boost Nigeria's Economic prosperity. 
 

Also speaking, the Niger State Governor, Mohamed Umaru Bago states that Nigeria needs a value chain in Agriculture and Road Infrastructure, He called on all the Stakeholders to join hands to move the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

Bago said in Niger State no compensation will be paid for Road Infrastructure, because the road is for the development of the State. 
 

Jun

30

2024

COASTAL HIGHWAY: TINUBU TO FLAG-OFF SECTIONS THREE AND FOUR IN CROSS RIVER TO AKWA IBOM

As part of the commitment of the Tinubu Administration to sustain its on-going infrastructural development drive   in line with its Renewed Hope Agenda. The Federal Government has announced plans to commence the flag-off of the next phase of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal highway from Cross River to Akwa Ibom. 

The Minister of Works Senator (Engr) David Umahi disclosed this at the stakeholder’s engagement meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state on 29, June 2024.
According to the Minister of Works, “we are here to introduce sections three and four of the famous Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway.
"We started and awarded section one which started in Lagos and terminated at deep port in Lagos and is at 474 km
"There is section two that is starting at Lekki Deep Sea Port and taking it to the famous Dangote Refinery" 

The Honourable Minister added that the President has graciously directed that sections three and four must start at Cross River and stop at Akwa Ibom.
Senator Umahi recalled that the Senate President once addressed the people of Akwa Ibom state, and he assured them that "sections three and four will start on this part of the coastal highway and this is the fulfilment of that assurance, and we are happy doing this”. He added.
Speaking further, the Minister explained "that section three has 27km on Akwa Ibom land 38km on Cross River State. While section four is entirely on Akwa Ibom that is 80km.
When you add 27km and 80km, you have 107km, so you are benefiting through maximizing this coastal highway.

"When we complete the procurement process and award these sections three and four, work will start in many sub- sections of this sections all at the same time.

"Tinubu is a man who matches his words with actions. So, we are happy with the level of commendations and support we receive from Nigerians for the so many benefits of the coastal highway

Speaking at the event, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for listening to his plea to start sections three and four of the coastal highways in Cross River State to Akwa Ibom.
He called on the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to give maximum support to the federal government and buy into the coastal highway project.
The former governor also called on the Minister of works to engage the services of engineers from the state on the project.
Also speaking at the event, the Akwa Ibom state governor assured the stakeholders that the state will cooperate with the federal government to ensure the completion of the project.
 

Jun

28

2024

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, UMAHI COMMENCES NATIONWIDE STAKEHOLDERS' ENGAGEMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF RENEWED HOPE LEGACY ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT WILL STIMULATE NATIONAL PROSPERITY

Following  the approval  of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the commencement  of the national road infrastructure network  that will traverse the various trade and agricultural  corridors of Nigeria and in keeping  with the Renewed Hope strategic economic  recovery plans, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON  has commenced nationwide stakeholders engagement for the construction of  sections of the three (3) Renewed Hope Legacy Road Infrastructure projects.

The Honourable Minister will on Saturday, 29th, and Sunday 30th June 2024 hold this session of the stakeholders' engagement in Akwa Ibom and Cross-River States, respectively.
In Akwa Ibom, he will present and discuss the proposed alignment for the construction of Sections 3B and 4 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project passing through the State and in Cross River State he will present and discuss section 3A of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and 92 km segment of the Calabar-Sout East- North Central- Apo Abuja Superhighway passing through the State. 
Stakeholders expected in the event include: Governors of concerned States, Senate and Federal House of Representatives Committees on Works, Honourable Ministers of line Ministries, Royal fathers and technocrats, Nigerian Communications Commission and major Telecommunication Service Providers, other relevant stakeholders and the Media. 
The Senate President Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Akpabio CON is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour in the event

The three Renewed Hope  Legacy Road Infrastructure projects when completed  shall have historic national  interconnectivity that will crisscross the major transportation  routes of  Northern  and Southern States of Nigeria and that is the Sokoto - Badagry Superhighway (SBS): a 1,000-kilometer highway connecting Sokoto in Northern Nigeria to Badagry in Western Nigeria, passing  through  7 States and connecting to the Lagos-Calabar coastal (LCCH) highway at Ahmadu Bello way Lagos; Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway: a 700-kilometer coastal highway connecting from Lagos State to Cross River State through  8 States; and  the Calabar- South East- North Central- Apo Abuja  477-kilometer Superhighway connecting   from Calabar to Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa States and ending at Apo in Abuja

This stakeholders' meeting will afford opportunities to communities along the routes and trade corridors to appreciate  the potentials of the project to the enhancement of industrialization, tourism, agricultural  commercialization and mechanization, trade and investment, and economic  competitiveness not only among the people of the area, but also the various  regions of Nigeria, and thus stimulate  national  prosperity.
 

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.
 

Oct

25

2024

Engr. Umahi Flags Off Construction of Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway 
- Describes project as a jinx broken and true testament of Mr. President’s love for the North 

The Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi has described the award of the contract for the construction of Sokoto - Badagry Superhighway as a forty-eight year jinx being broken and a show of love for the people of the Northern part of the country by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He disclosed this at the flag off ceremony for construction works on the Section I, Phase 1A of the project in Ilelah town, Sokoto State on Thursday, 24th October, 2024.

Engr. Umahi informed the gathering that the idea of the project was first muted during the first tenure of former President Shehu Shagari but could not be started earlier than the present, describing it as a payback to the people of Sokoto for the massive support given to the Tinubu Presidency at the 2023 polls, while also soliciting for same and much more during the 2027 elections. He further described the epoch-making event as a manifestation of one of the Legacy Projects of Mr. President, spanning over 2,000 km with the North having 52% and the South 48.

The Minister revealed that the choice of rigid pavement i.e. concrete in its design and construction is informed by longevity, while that of the contractor, Messrs Hitech Construction (Nig.) Ltd is premised on capacity to deliver according to specifications and on schedule due to availability of both brand new equipment and requisite manpower. It has done a similar pavement work on the Apapa - Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State and is doing same on the Lagos - Calabar Coastal Highway.

While appreciating the unwavering commitment and support of Members of the National Assembly for the President’s infrastructure renaissance, he equally thanked the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the promise to provide security for the entire stretch of the corridor, while the work lasts.

In welcoming guests at the occasion, the Deputy Governor, Sokoto State and Commissioner of Works, Hon. Idris Mohammed Danchadi alluded the project to “a dream come true” for the loyal people of the State.

Briefing the massive crowd at the Ceremony, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Bakare Umar and the representative of the Director, Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Musa Seidu described the 1,068-kilometre Sokoto - Badagry Superhighway as a Trade, Transport and Security (TTS) Greenfield corridor traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State. They opined that the project seeks to reduce transportation costs, improve trade, connectivity, efficiency and economies of scale around the corridor and beyond. The 120-kilometre, 6-lane highway, 3 lanes on each side is to be separated with beautiful median landscaping, solar street lighting and modern digital signages, adding that it will link various existing inter-border towns and routes, provide quick access, enhance border settlements for trade, security support and enablement. The length of Section I, Phase 1A starts from Km. 0 + 000 (Ilelah, Sokoto State) and ends at Silame on the Sokoto/Kebbi State border, according to them.

In separate Good Messages, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, H.E. Sen. Abubakar Bagudu disclosed that at a Town Hall Meeting in July, 2024 at Birnin Kebbi, the Minister spoke about plans to embark on the project. He said that the flag-off represents the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to transform Nigeria and a proof that building viable and lasting infrastructures is possible.  Also another former Governor of Kebbi State and Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, H.E. Sen. Adamu Aliero stated that upon completion of the Superhighway, travel time between Sokoto to Lagos will be drastically reduced by 48 hours, adding that dams for irrigation and electricity generation and rail lines are amongst its integral parts.

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. (Barr.) Onyekachi Peter Nwebonyi dubbed the Minister of Works as “Mr. Projects,” further assuring Nigerians of getting value for their money. While the Vice Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Usman Banye said it was a rare honour and a privilege to be a part of the epoch-making ceremony, also described the project as a catalyst for economic growth and a testament to Mr. President’s desire to better the lives of the citizenry.

Speaking, the Minister of State for Works, Barr. Mohammed Bello Goronyo revealed that the project is a clear testament of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present Administration. He further stated that, as a Member of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), he has heard the Minister spoke about the project in Council for a record three times, which is a demonstration of his, as well as the President’s love for Northern Nigeria, also a passion for infrastructure development.

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar promised to gather brothers and sisters in Sokoto and its environs to assist the Ministry in the delivery of the project, which is very dear to the people of Northern Nigeria. He used the opportunity to admonish leaders to, always, prioritise the welfare of the populace in their deeds.

In his Speech, the Sokoto State Governor, H.E. Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, who flagged off the project, on behalf of the President, was full of praises for the Federal Government. While mentioning that the gigantic road project, when completed, will link the state with the Central and Western parts of Nigeria, he promised to provide adequate security cover throughout the length and breadth of the alignment within his jurisdiction.

The Executive Governor also, specifically, expressed the sincere gratitude and best wishes of the entire people of Sokoto to Mr. President for adding yet another Ministerial slot to the State in yesterday’s cabinet reshuffle.
 

Oct

18

2024

UMAHI FORMALLY FLAGS OFF REHABILITATION WORKS ON SECTION I OF THE ABUJA - KANO DUAL CARRIAGEWAY 

One of the key areas of focus under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of road infrastructure to enhance economic growth and social development.

One such road projects is the Abuja - Kaduna Dual Carriageway, which has been under construction for many years. The economic importance of this road cannot be over emphasised, as it links the Federal Capital, Abuja to the Northern part of the country, as well as facilitate the movement of people, goods and services. To this end, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David UMAHI, CON, FNSE, FNATE officially flags off the rehabilitation works on the Abuja - Kaduna road on Thursday, 17th October, 2024.
Speaking at the epoch-making event, the Minister stated that the road project is in three sections: Abuja - Kaduna (Section I), Kaduna - Zaria (Section II) and Zaria - Kano (Section III). The Zaria - Kano section is substantially completed with about 17 kilometres remaining and has recently been expanded by about 5.3 kilometres to the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano with solar street lightings. This is being handled by BUA (Nig.) Plc. The Kaduna - Zaria section is being handled by Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc. 

However, due to the slow pace of work on Section I, Engr. Umahi admonished the original contractor, Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc to stop playing games and pushing the Administration around but concentrate on delivering the project according to the reviewed contract sum of N740 billion, insisting that no further review would be entertained. 

The Minister further disclosed that if Messrs Julius Berger (Nig.) Plc are not willing to continue with the project at the agreed amount, they may as well come out plain, as the Ministry is ready to do it on concrete, while maintaining the same quality with that of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway or the Apapa - Oworonshoki Expressway, which is built to last for between 50 - 100 years.
Engr. Umahi also maintained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has directed two prompt actions to be taken on the road to ease the plight of road users: palliative works to be effected on the failed portions, and the contractor have since mobilised to site and is expected to finish by the middle of November, as well as its total rehabilitation.  “When completed, you can travel from here to Kaduna with your eyes closed," he humorously remarked.

A portion of Section I of the road is awarded to Messrs Dangote Industries Plc, who sub- contracted it to Messrs Hitech (Nig.). The Minister, while flagging off the project, appealed to them to commence the work in three sections and, most importantly from the end where the road is critically bad. He commended the infrastructural initiative of Mr. President, stating that infrastructure, nationwide, was in a terrible state of decay on his assumption of office. 

In his welcome address, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Umar Bakare, disclosed that the original contract was awarded to Julius Berger PLC. in 2018 and was divided into three (3) sections for ease of construction. 
Section II is substantially completed, while Section III is at an advanced stage of completion but Section I is only about 27% completed. Due to the importance of the road as a major link to the FCT and its economic importance to the country, it has become imperative to fast track the completion of the outstanding sections of the Dual Carriageway. 

Engr. Bakare also informed that the length of the project is 38 kilometres (dual) within the Section I of the original contract. The scope of work consists of scarification, pulverization and compaction of the existing distressed pavement as sub- base. Provision of new stone- based to be stabilised with cement (3%) and provision of CRCP (continuously reinforced concrete pavement) on both the carriageway and the shoulders. 
It also includes the provision of hydraulic structures (culverts, lined drains etc.) The amount for the contact is N145. 8 billion and it is expected to be completed within fourteen (14) months. The financing model is under the Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony, the representative of Dangote Group, Alh. Bukar Abba, thanked the Federal Government and, particularly the Minister for the confidence reposed in the Dangote Industries Ltd., while assuring that they would align very well with the project’s specifications and the proposed completion period.

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Onyekachi Nwebonyi and 
His Excellency, Sen. Adamu Aliero were full of praises for the Administration for coming to the aid of road users, while urging the contractor to deliver according to specifications, as well as the dateline.

Other dignitaries at the flag off ceremony include, Senator (Prof) Anthony Annie and the SSA to Mr President on Stakeholder Engagement, South East, Barrister Chioma Nweze.

Oct

07

2024

FG Begins Phased Palliative Works on Abuja - Kaduna Dual Carriageway 

In order to bring succour to road users, the Federal Ministry of Works has commenced emergency repairs of failed portions of the Abuja - Kaduna Dual Carriageway.

The contractor, Messrs H&M (Nig.) Ltd mobilised to site on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024. The contract for the Section I of the Expressway starts at kilometre 0 + 00 (Zuba, FCT) and ends at kilometre 31 + 200 (Tafa, Niger/Kaduna States’ border) with a two (2) weeks completion period.

The scope of the contract consists of patching of existing potholes, as well as the reinstatement of critically failed sections of the said alignment. And the approved contract sum is N366 million (Three Hundred and Sixty-Six Million Naira). 

Speaking during an inspection tour of the project on Saturday, 5th October, 2024, the Directors, Highways, North East Zone I, Engr. Mohammed Goni and Special Projects (North), Engr. Olufemi Adetunji urged the contractor to adhere with the terms of the contract, as no extension of the completion period will be entertained. They described the project as a catalyst to economic growth and a vital artery connecting the Northern and Southern parts of the country. Engr. Goni promised Nigerians that with the successful completion of the contract, the remaining failed parts  from Tafa - Kaduna will also be awarded, reiterating the resolve of the present administration to the provision of critical road infrastructure.

The Project Supervisor, H&M (Nig.) Ltd, Mr. Lawrence Emmanuel disclosed that work is  ongoing with the cutting and shaping of the failed portions reaching Dikko Junction in Niger State, while the asphalting of the cut points is expected to start on Monday, 7th October, 2024. While complaining about the high volume of traffic on the road, which is slowing the pace of work, he promised its delivery on the scheduled date.

Also on the inspection visit was the Federal Controller of Works, FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman, who promised daily inspections and diligent supervision of the project, while it lasts.

Aug

10

2024

WORKS MINISTER DIRECTS IMMEDIATE ASSESSMENT OF SECTION III OF THE DUALIZED KANO - MAIDUGURI ROAD CUT OFF BY FLOOD, MEETS WITH DANGOTE, BUA, MAINSTREAM ON MEASURES TO FAST TRACK DELIVERY OF PROJECTS FUNDED BY TAX CREDIT

- AS THE MINISTRY TERMINATES SECTION 1 KANO- MAIDUGURI ROAD HANDLED BY DANTATA & SAWOE LTD DUE TO EFFLUXION OF TIME

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has assured the Bauchi State Governor of immediate intervention on the flood damaged section of the Kano- Maiduguri federal road within Bauchi State that was cut off by flood after a heavy downpour recently.
As part of immediate measures, he has directed a technical team from the Ministry to move to the spot to evaluate the damage done and report back for the Ministry to procure an emergency solution to the problem to alleviate the attendant inconveniences faced by the road users, especially the people of Malori-Guskuri community in Katsgun Local Government Area of Bauchi State whose source of livelihood has been severely affected by the destruction occasioned by flood.
He said, "I'm directing the Director of Highway Rehabilitation to liaise with the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works to immediately deploy some technical people to go and evaluate what we can do over there and it's very unfortunate that when a job is completed by contractors, we don't even enjoy the road for five years, and we are back to square one. 
That's why I've been saying that this issue of a one-year liability period is not desirable because every badly executed job can last for one year, but it cannot last for five years. 
So we are still going to request the contractor that did the job, Mothercart Ltd, to join that team and find out why the road had to cut into two as reported to us today, and that is section three of Kano-Maiduguri road." 
He announced the termination of section 1 of Kano-Maiduguriroad awarded since 2007 to Dantata & Sawoe Ltd due to effluxion of time.

Speaking during a performance review meeting with Dangote Group of Companies Plc, BUA Group of Companies Plc and Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd on the road projects handled under Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme held at the Ministry's headquarters, Mabushi -Abuja on 9th August 2024, the Honourable Minister said plans were underway  to review the liability  period for all federal government projects to ensure durability and value  for money. 

He highlighted the progress made so far in funding critical projects under the Tax Credit Scheme and called for more concerted efforts by all contractors handling projects under the tax credit scheme in order to complete all the awarded projects on a record time as the projects are within the economic corridors of the nation. 
He said that going forward, there would be an agreement on milestone completion and timetable for the various ongoing projects being done under Tax Credit. 
"So, my position as the Minister of Works is that everybody must take responsibility. We will no longer fold our hands and allow the projects we have awarded and even reviewed to continue to linger. 
Nigerians are suffering on these roads, and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR is doing everything possible, giving the road sector special attention. 
And so it will be a failure on our side for us to fold our hands and watch contractors linger on these roads without minding the sufferings of the people."

He called for more commitment on the side of all the funding partners, the ministry, and the contractors and asked for patience on the side of Nigerians. 
He said, " So we call for patience, partnership, and patriotism. The President means well for this nation. 
We must play our part and this is very important. So, to our contractors and to every staff member of the Ministry of Works, and of course to myself, we all must sit up and play our part to support the divine vision of Mr. President to retake our country."

The following projects are handled on Tax Credit, and some of them have suffered  delays due to obsolete  prices, but all such projects are being  reviewed to get these contractors  to increase  their pace of  work. The projects are:
- Dangote - the 35 km Apapa-Owonronshoki Expressway in Lagos State, the 38 km section of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road dualization, the 49.577km Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala road, Borno State, the construction of Nnamdi Azikiwe road (western  bypass) in Kaduna State, the 49.153 km Bama - Banki road in Borno State, the reconstruction of 105km Obelle-Ilaro-Papalanto-Shagamu Road dualization, the reconstruction of 54.239km Deep Seaport in Lagos State,  the 65.5 km Afikpo-Okigwe road in Ebonyi and Imo States being procured and the 53.7km of side lanes for the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos State being procured; 
- BUA - the 20 km of roads in each of the three sections of Lokoja - Benin Highway, the 17.6km section of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road (more 3 km to be included at the Kano axis), the 132.5km Kano-Kongollam in Kano, Jigawa, and Kastina States, the 130km Bode Sadu - Kaiama road, 42km Eyenkorin-Offa road, the 73km Lafiaji-Bacita road and the 37km Okuta-Kenu road all in Kwara State;
- Mainstream - the 76.586km Malando - Ngasike - Wara road in Kebbi State, the 45.13km Sabon Gari - Yuni - Auna Road in Magami LGA of Niger State and the asphalt overlay of Mokwa-Nasarawa road in Niger State.
- MTN - the dualization of 107km Enugu- Onitsha road. The Honourable Minister commended the good works completed on  the ongoing projects by Dangote Plc, like the Apapa-Owonronshoki Expressway,the Lekki-Deep Seaport road and the construction  of Nnamdi Azikiwe road (western bypass) in Kaduna State. He also commended BUA for the good job they are doing at Ekpoma on the Lokoja  Benin Highway project. He nonetheless charged  Mainstream to step up efforts  on the projects  being  handled  by them.
 

Aug

08

2024

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPRAISES PERFORMANCE OF ALL ON GOING PROJECTS AWARDED TO JULIUS BERGER, TASKS THEM ON TIMELY PROJECT DELIVERY

In keeping  with the directive of the Federal Executive Council with respect  to all inherited and new projects being handled by a number  of multinational companies  being  delayed due to issues of price differentials or poor  funding, the Federal Ministry of Works has opened a decisive discussion with Julius Berger Plc on all the inherited and new projects handled  by them with a view  to appraising  their performance and take decisions on funding and milestones completion of all such awarded projects, as part  of the measures of the Renewed Hope administration to mitigate  the sufferings of road users at this moment of economic challenges. 
This was the outcome of the crucial meeting of the Ministry with the management of Julius Berger Plc held at the Ministry's Headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja on 7th August 2024.

Speaking on the resolutions reached  during  the meeting, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON reiterated  the firmness of the  Ministry on issues of price  control, commitment  of contractors  to project execution, value  for money, and uniform pricing location  by location.
He decried the unacceptable conditions of some of the inherited and new projects of all ongoing federal roads awarded to Julius Berger Plc, which are within the economic corridor of the nation and which were being delayed due to issues of price differentials or lack of effective funding. He listed the projects affected to include: the 82km by 2 dualization of section of Abuja-Kaduna- Zaria- Kano Highway currently handled by Julius Berger; phase 2 of Lagos-Ibadan expressway, whose pavement elements had been changed from asphalt to concrete; section 2A bypass at the 2nd Niger Bridge whose pavement element was changed to concrete; the Bodo-bonny road funded by NLNG Tax Credit; the under deck structural works at 3rd Mainland bridge, Iddo bridge and Carter Bridge.

The Honourable Minister urged the contractor to be open to a mutually agreed modality for milestone execution and funding of the projects at reviewed rates as may be agreed upon and approved by Federal Executive Council. 
He said," Our job is to develop this mechanism based on FEC directives, and engage with the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and finally we take our recommendations back to Mr. President, and of course FEC for consideration." 
On  the  section of Abuja Kaduna- Zaria-Kano road agreed to be handled by Julius Berger Plc, he commended  the quality of work being done but directed  the contractor to stick to one carriageway at a time within the scope and conclude their works. 
The contractor was further directed to, within three weeks, fill the two carriageways with stone base and level it to alleviate the sufferings of road users.
He further said, "We agreed that this project, within their own corridor, will last for 14 months. 
Project execution should be deployed in four sections, and we'll be paying Berger ₦20 billion every month to get the job completed.

On the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, phase 2, he said the Ministry had no choice but to determine the contract and ask Bureau of Public Procurement for No Objection for selective tendering. 
He recalled, "We changed the elements of the pavement from asphalt to concrete, and the total cost we came up with based on prevailing cost is ₦153 billion.
But they are offering ₦258 billion. Since we've been on this since September 2023, we have no choice but to determine this contract. 
And then we ask BPP for No Objection for selective tendering, whereby we will be sending our own advice of ₦153 billion to BPP, and we send their own of ₦258 billion to BPP, and then we invite other contractors to also bid. 
This we will conclude within the next one month so that we can get that job concluded". On the Second Niger Bridge Bypass handled by Julius Berger Plc, he said, "one of the bypasses, which is 17.27kilometer by two on asphalt was awarded to Julius Berger. 
We changed the pavement elements to concrete and the cost that we came up with was ₦133 billion. Berger almost gave us more than twice our cost, which is ₦279 billion. We have disagreed with this cost at the time of negotiation since September 2023. 
We've also decided to get the project back to BPP and invite more contractors to bid because this is public fund".

On the Bodo-Bonny project being funded by NLNG Tax Credit, the Honourable Minister expressed concerns that Julius Berger Plc, though had mobilized back to site after additional cost of N80 billon was approved for the work, but reports showed that their pace of work was slow.
He was further  worried  that they came up with a longer timeline of 16 months within which  to deliver  the project  against the December 2024 deadline proposed  by the  Ministry. 
He said,  "Finally, we agreed on an additional cost of ₦80 billion, which will bring the project to about ₦280 billion fixed and non-varying with the unit rates agreed, and we agreed that this project will not increase in cost beyond ₦280 billion". 
He urged the contractor to shift ground to a shorter timeline for the sake of the people. Concerning the under deck structural works at 3rd Mainland Bridge, Iddo bridge, Carter Bridge in Lagos State, he commended  the contractor for  doing fantastic work. 
He said," We have no problems on pricing. We've paid 30% due to the intervention of Mr. President. 
They're working, and we've directed that each time they put a certificate and we still have funds, we will pay within seven days because this job they're doing is very critical. 
For 53 years, those bridges were constructed, no maintenance, and so the deterioration is so horrible and frightening. Right now, we've closed the 3rd Mainland Bridge against big trucks.

On the Odukpani road in Cross River State, he said, "We have got approval from Federal Executive Council to increase their project by ₦36 billion, thereby raising the project cost from ₦54 billion to ₦90 billion. 
This was just approved for a few days ago. We want to know their response on that. Yes, we have agreed to change the pavement to concrete, and our position is that they have to engage on one carriageway when we agree on this.  
It is when we agree on all these ones where that we do not have complete funding that we can enter into the second phase of what FEC directed, and that  is to discuss the mechanism".

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, PhD, stated that some of the ongoing road projects handled by contractors required emergency works to alleviate the sufferings of road users and assured that all the supervising engineers would be on their toes to ensure  that the Ministry's  policy of Operation Free our Roads was carried  out by all the contractors handling  federal government roads nationwide.
On the section of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway handled by Julius Berger Plc, He said, "we have requested this emergency work due to the flow of information and the requests that we've been getting from Nigerians plying Abuja to Kano, more especially Abuja to Kaduna road, where a number of big craters have been created on that road".

Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works
 

Jul

26

2024

SEN. UMAHI MOURNS THE DEATH OF CHIEF ENGR. DR. EMMANUEL CHUKWUEMEKA IWUANYANWU. (AHAEJIAGAMBA NDIGBO)

I received, with a deep sense of loss, the sad news of the death of the President - General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Iwuanyanwu CFR, OFR, MFR, GCSI, FNSE, FNIST, FNICE, KSC, (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) who was called to eternal glory on 25th July, 2024 at the age of 82 years.

Late Chief Iwuanyanwu was an experienced and well-respected national figure with unwavering political, professional, and business track records. He will be remembered for his commitment to nation- building; he canvassed unequivocally for equity, equality, value re-orientation, and unconstrained national development. He made perceptive contributions to issues that promote national dialogue during his time as President - General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Indeed, we have lost a rare gem. May his soul rest in peace, amen.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family, the government of Imo state, the Igbo communities worldwide, and indeed Nigeria for the loss of this great statesman.

H.E Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON
Honourable Minister of Works

Jul

19

2024

WORKS MINSTER DRAWS THE CURTAINS ON COUNCIL MEETING

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. David Umahi has noted that the National Council of Works meeting will propel acceleration of completion of projects in Nigeria.

Umahi, stated this while addressing the closing session of the National Council of works held at Abakaliki, Ebonyi state.

The Minister who lauded the Council members for their commitment, noted that the gathering has been an invaluable platform for deliberation, collaboration, and the exchange of innovative ideas.

He noted that, their contributions and insights are critical to Nigeria's shared mission of enhancing and sustaining our nation's infrastructure.

According to him, "over the past few days, we have engaged in robust discussions on several key areas critical to our work. We have reviewed the progress of ongoing projects, identified challenges, and mapped out strategies to overcome them. Our discussions have been guided by our unwavering commitment to building infrastructure that is durable, efficient, and inclusive.

"I am pleased to share some of the significant outcomes from these meetings. One, Project Acceleration and Completion: We have agreed on measures to expedite the completion of ongoing projects, particularly those that are crucial for connectivity and economic growth. This includes enhanced coordination among federal, state, and local governments.

"We have Innovation and Technology: We have endorsed the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in our infrastructure projects. This will not only improve efficiency but also ensure that our infrastructure is resilient and future ready. 

"Moreso, Sustainability and Environment: Environmental sustainability has been a cornerstone of our discussions. We have committed to integrating sustainable practices in all our projects to minimize environmental impact and promote long-term ecological balance".

The Honourable Minister, explained that, the Council meetings have also yielded Public-Private Partnerships and stressed that they have recognizing the importance of collaboration and  have laid out plans to strengthen public-private partnerships. 

"This will leverage private sector expertise and resources to complement our efforts in delivering world-class infrastructure.
    
"We have recorded capacity building and Workforce Development: We have outlined initiatives to enhance the skills and capacity of our workforce. This is essential for ensuring that our projects are executed to the highest standards and for fostering a culture of excellence in the sector.

"The outcomes of these meetings will serve as a roadmap for our future endeavours. They reflect our collective vision and determination to provide infrastructure that meets the needs of our people and supports our nation's growth.

Senator Umahi urged all stakeholders to remain engaged and committed adding that the success of our initiatives depends on our continued collaboration and dedication. "Together, we can achieve remarkable progress and create a legacy of robust and resilient infrastructure for future generations" he noted.

Earlier, the Governor of Ebonyi state, the RT. Hon. Francis Ogbona Nwifru disclosed that his administration has embarked on the construction of 700 km roads projects across the three Senatorial districts stressing that his administration's determination to execute quality projects is yielding good results.

Nwifru who commended the Federal Government for choosing to hold the National Council of Works in Ebonyi State, noted that, Ministry of Works is a tripod, which other sectors stand upon.

He however appealed to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works to complete some of the federal road projects abandoned in Ebonyi state to ease the pain of his people.
While drawing the curtains on the 29th National Council on works, Engr. Umahi proposed that the year 2025 edition could hold in either of Nasarawa or Benue states, but this is subject to interests.

Jul

15

2024

10 DAYS TO THE 2024 BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY OF A MAN OF GREAT INTUITIVE SAGACITY AND STEWARD LEADERSHIP, AN INGENIOUS INNOVATOR AND DOYEN OF HUMAN CAPITAL TRANSFORMATION

The hall of fame of people with transformative powers in contemporary Nigeria's democratic leadership trajectory surely flourishes with records of people who have made remarkable impacts in inspiring positive transformation in all spheres of territorial governance.

I am proud to speak to the great attributes of the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON and his contributions in positively changing the narrative of every domain of national and subnational territorial governance where he has the opportunity to serve humanity.

Born on 25th July 1963 to the humble family of late Elder and Deaconess Joseph Umahi Nweze in Umunaga Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Sen. Umahi, by nature, nurture and inclination, is a humble servant leader and innovator, a passionate problem solver and development strategist, and an exemplary leader with transformative powers.

He is best described as a man of great intuitive sagacity and steward leadership, an ingenious innovator and rare doyen of human capital transformation.

Sen. Umahi's impacts as a successful captain of industry, Deputy Governor, Governor of Ebonyi State for 8 years, Chairman of South East Governors' Forum for 8 years, Chairman  of Southern Governors' Forum, first Deputy Majority Leader of the 10th Senate and Chair of the Senate's Integrity Group, and now Honourable Minister of Works, Federal  Republic of Nigeria, have added a significant value in the development  milestones  of our country.

He is a great benefactor as many have received his magnetic and magnificent inspirations of love, compassion, mentorship, philanthropy, and empowerment. He is a gem of inestimable value, a wealth creator, and a great political stabilizer; he is a seasoned advocate and proclaimer of justice, equity, and good conscience; he is a nationalist, bridge builder and patriot.

Among his landmark triumphs in his political  sojourn is his vision to become Governor, which was perfected by God alone in the most historic and symbolic  manner, and his  record-breaking  performance as Governor that thrilled human imaginations; his prophetic declaration for national  mainstreaming  through  the progressive platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) at a time the journey seemed suicidal and his victorious flags and flying  colours  that outwitted all legal and extra-legal recourses  that ambushed  his generous political calculations.

Thank God for the inherent rights of appeal that saw him through in both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Thank God also for the mutual fidelity between him and his successor, who provided the unshaken foundational support that saw him through during the battles.

In his new office as Honourable Minister of Works, the waves of road infrastructure transformation and policy innovations are creating greater hopes and returning the desired confidence of road users nationwide in line with the visionary aspirations of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the grand initiator of concrete technology in Nigeria. All these are virtues that deserve our celebration.

Thursday, 25th July 2024, is  a great day in the hearts of all who have benefitted  in one way or the other from the large and kind heart of His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, Commander of Order of the Niger, Fellow Nigerian  Society  of Engineers, Fellow Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering, and Great Grand Commander Ebonyi Hall of Fame, as he shall turn 61 years of impactful life.

It is a day to especially remember our benefactor and his family in our prayers and to share our joy, extend our best regards, and convey our best wishes to him, glorifying God for his rewarding service to humanity and his stewardship which he anchors gloriously. Indeed, 25th July is always memorable in our hearts. Hearty cheers in advance to the Honourable Minister of Works.

Jul

15

2024

Welcome Address By The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry Of Works  Yakubu Adam Kofarmata, Phd, Delivered At The 29th Meeting Of The National Council On Works Held From Monday 15th–Thursday 18th July, 2024 At The Re-Meritona Hotel, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Protocol

       It is with profound gratitude to God Almighty, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Dr. Nweze David Umahi CON,  FNSE, FNATE and our amiable host the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbona Nwifiru that I happily welcome all the Permanent Secretaries and delegates to the Technical Session of the 29th Meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) holding in the beautiful and magnificent city of Abakaliki the capital of the State that prides herself as the “Salt of the Nation”. I invite you not to hesitate in seasoning the sweet taste of the salt, sit back and enjoy yourselves during your stay in the State.

2.  The theme for the 29th Meeting of the NCW christened “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda” is thoughtfully selected to cause strategic reasoning and birth of new, innovative ideas and initiatives in the implementation of the vision and mission of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Administration of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that strives towards achieving a national rebirth.

3.   Distinguished delegates, the objective behind the choice of this theme is to ensure that all memoranda from stakeholders and the general public are strictly based on as well as informed by those issues and subject matters that address the thematic areas of the various sub-themes derived from the Council’s theme thereof. I am pleased to note that these strategic sub-themes include:

i.    Policy Formulation and Implementation;
ii.    Institutional Strengthening;
iii.    Adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) in Road Construction in Nigeria;
iv.    Integrated Financing and Alternative Funding for Roads and Bridges Projects in Nigeria;
v.    Emergency Preparedness and Response in Road Maintenance and Sustainability;
vi.    Tackling Road Infrastructure Deficit through Strategic Partnerships and use of Alternative Technologies; and 
vii.    Development of a National Infrastructure Data Bank: A Veritable Tool for Road Infrastructure Delivery in Nigeria. 

4.   Consequently, the purpose of the Meeting of the Permanent Secretaries, being the high level of the Technical Session, having been preceded by the Meeting of the Directors/experts that took place from Monday 15th-Tuesday 16th July, 2024 is for the consideration and adoption of the draft Technical Report emanating therefrom. Thus, the national assignment of this meeting is to finalize the draft-Technical Report for onward transmission to the NCW scheduled to hold on Thursday 18th July, 2024.

5. Distinguished delegates, I therefore urge you to passionately apply due diligence in your consideration of the draft Technical Report with a view to doing justice by being objective to enable us deliver this national assignment seamlessly without fear or favour. We must focus our eyes on the ball, having at the back of our minds the ultimate goal, which is the preparation of a comprehensive, credible and a good draft Technical Report admissible by the NCW at the end of the day.

6.  Similarly, I would like to seize this opportunity to invite you to the Council Meeting where your background technical support, counsel and advice may be required where and when necessary by the Council. I strongly believe this approach will lead to preparation of a high quality, credible and bankable Communiqué, which is one of the expected prominent outcomes from the 29th Meeting of the NCW.

7.   Distinguished delegates, on this note, I have the pleasure to inform and invite you to the side events lined up by the host State for your patronage and entertainment as follows:

i.    Visit to project site(s);
ii.    Visit to Exhibition stands in the premises; and
iii.    Night drive around the Ebonyi city to appreciate what infrastructure portends to the Citizens.
8.   I wish us fruitful and resourceful deliberations and discussions.

Thank you.

Jul

12

2024

Sokoto-Kebbi Superhighway: Leaders Applaud President Tinubu's Bold Initiative 

The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi;  together with major stakeholders have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government for heeding  to the cry of millions of Nigerians  to resuscitate the 48-year-old Superhighway project.  

They expressed their appreciation at the stakeholders'  meeting held in Birnin-kebbi on the alignment for sections 1 & 2 of the superhighway, covering 120 KM in Sokoto and 258 KM in Kebbi, totaling 378 KM, and ending in Badagry, Lagos State.

In  his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister disclosed that the superhighway will begin  from Illela in Sokoto (120 KM)  through Argungu, Bunza, and Kamba, ending at Bida town in Niger State for the first and second phases.
Umahi explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would officially kick off the project in Kebbi State, benefiting the people of the state, especially in agriculture, commerce, and boosting security.

He stated, "I request the people of Kebbi State and Sokoto State to support this project. Wherever there is a need to compensate the people, we will sit down with you and work it out with the local communities."

The Minister noted that the route of the superhighway was the oldest Trans-Sahara trade route, initiated over 48 years ago but not implemented until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. He emphasized that the federal government would start using concrete for road construction in the Northern region to ensure longevity for up to 100 years.

Umahi also highlighted that the federal government had completed many road projects in Sokoto State and promised that all road projects in Kebbi State, particularly the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, would be addressed.

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be commended for implementing the 48-year-old project, which would benefit not only Nigerians but also neighboring countries like Niger Republic, Bénin, and others.

In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the project as very important. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had asked cabinet members to source funds for executing the project despite global economic challenges.

Bagudu stated that the vision of the President was to address the reality on ground and secure necessary funding for the benefit of Nigerians and future generations. He said, "That is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed us to go and source the funds to6 execute our projects. Nigeria is the most vibrant economy with a lot of potential capacity. This project is just the tip of the iceberg. Nigerians should expect many more of  such projects."
He added that due to the courage and determination of the current administration, world leaders have acknowledged Nigeria's boldness and readiness to assist in areas of need.

Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the project and kicking it off in Kebbi State. Idris sought the state's input on the route passages, noting that the government wanted the project execution to be fair and just to the communities directly benefiting from it.

"We need to give our inputs before the conclusion of the project so that we can do justice to our people. We are taking a lion's share of the project, and we have to be just and fair to our people since the project will have direct benefits for them," he said.

The Governor also sought the Minister's intervention on the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, stressing that the people of these areas, including four LGAs, are suffering due to bad roads.

Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, expressed his full support for the project and urged the Minister to address the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinade Npigi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the project, noting that it had been initiated over 48 years ago. He assured that the Senate would continue to support the Presidency in executing meaningful projects for Nigerians.

 Hon. Hakeem Alabi, stated that the House of Representatives would also provide legislative support to ensure appropriate budget allocation for the President's projects.

Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, pledged support and cautioned against potential flooding during construction. Former Governor Alhaji Saidu Nasamu Dakingari commended President Tinubu for liberating a vast forest area.

Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed
For: Ag Director Press and Public Relations

Jul

01

2024

FG TERMINATES CONTRACTS WITH MOTHERCAT, DANTATA & SAWOE AND RCC COMPANIES FOR NON-PERFOMANCE ON THE DUALIZATION OF OBAJANA-BENIN ROAD; SECTIONS II, III AND IV, WARNS THAT GOING FORWARD, ALL FUNDED BUT NON-PERFORMING CONTRACTS SHALL BE TERMINATED

The Federal Ministry of Works has terminated contract numbers 6136, 6137 and 6138 with Mothercat Ltd, Dantata & Sawoe Construction Ltd and RCC Ltd respectively. The projects affected by this termination are the dualization of Obajana - Benin road, section II (Okene - Auchi) in Kogi/Edo State; the dualization of Obajana - Benin road, section III (Auchi - Ehor) in Edo State and the dualization of Obajana - Benin road section IV (Ehor - Benin) in Edo State.

The termination of the said contracts became necessary in view of the inordinate delay of the affected companies in job performance and their failure, neglect and or refusal to fulfil their contractual obligations as required by the Standard Conditions of Contract and this has affected the timely completion of the projects and thus resulted in the expiration of the contracts by effluxion of time. The projects which were awarded on 3rd December 2012 were advertently abandoned by the contractors and no genuine commitment or good faith was shown towards executing the projects after accepting the considerations offered by the Federal Government and thereby exposing the road users to untold hardship due to the deplorable condition of the projects.

The Honourable Minister has therefore directed the engineers in charge to take necessary steps to enter upon both the site and the works and take the same over from the affected companies. He further directs the engineers concerned to, upon doing the needful, arrange with the affected companies for a joint measurement of work so far done by the said companies preparatory to taking over the sites from the said companies, and this directive is without prejudice to the exercise of other rights of Federal Government under the contract.

He warns that the Federal Ministry of Works under his watch will not condone acts of unseriousness and sabotage by contractors whose plan is to become a clog in the wheel of progress of the Renewed Hope administration which is determined to change the ugly narrative of Nigeria's road infrastructure. He further warns that going forward, the government will not hesitate in terminating all projects that are funded but are non-performing.
 

Jun

30

2024

WORKS MINISTER LAMENTS ON THE ATTITUDE OF EXPATRIATE CONTRACTORS ON ROAD PROJECTS. PLEDGE TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL CONTRACTORS 

The Federal government has announced plans to terminate the contracts of contractors carrying out the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Lokoja-Benin road for delaying the contracts and not showing commitment to the plight of the people. 

The Minister of Works, Senator (Engr) David Umahi, disclosed this at the stakeholder’s engagement meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on 29 June,2024

According to the Minister, while lamenting over the attitude of some unpatriotic expatriate contractors in the country warned that any contractor who continues to behave in that way will have his contract terminated.

While inspecting projects sites along Calabar -Itu road on his way to Cross River State from Uyo, Senator Umahi was physically worried about the agony Nigerians go through over the poor condition of the road.

He called on Julius Berger to return to the project site immediately to avoid sanctions from the ministry.

"We are going to do everything to support local contractors, we are going to encourage them, build them so that they can compete with the expatriate contractors, but more pains no more gains" he said.

The Minister thanked President Tinubu for his desire to alleviate the suffering of our people by carrying out massive infrastructural rehabilitation in the country.