Jan

21

2022

Approval Of Rail Line Project - PMB Scores Another Milestone In Infrastructure Development

The Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has commended the President and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the approval of the construction of a narrow-gauge rail track from Minna to Baro with an extension to the Baro River Port in Niger State, which he described as a major milestone in infrastructure development. 

He noted that the approval which is an attestation to President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to infrastructure development would boost trading, mining and agro allied activities in and around the state and improve the efficiency of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Mu'azu stated this when he played host to the management team of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief George Moghalu who paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister.

Sambo also said he was sure of increased success in Federal Ministry of Works and Housing with the pedigree of the Honourable Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who he referred to as his brother. “I am proud of my senior Minister, brother, Babatunde Fashola SAN. He is committed, hardworking and passionate about his job and together we shall succeed,” he said.

Mu'azu told the NIWA team that his appointment as Minister was designed by God, and actualized by President Muhammadu Buhari, his role model since 1975, adding that he never knew he would find himself in the position and advised all to put in their best in every endeavour and strive to impact people along their way.

Mu’azu thanked the NIWA team for the courtesy visit and their best wishes for him while pledging to continue the bond of relationship with NIWA his former office which he described as a family relationship and also promised to give them support where necessary.

“Public office is a trust, advising that persons in authority should do the right things at all times,” he said.

Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer National Inland Waterways Authority, Chief George Moghalu told the Minister that they were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment as the Minister of State for Works and Housing and wish him well.

"We are proud of your appointment. We are here to congratulate you and pray God to help you discharge your duties successfully” he said.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Mu'azu Jaji Sambo as Minister of State for Works and Housing, adding that it was a right choice, having been privileged to witness his dedication and efficiency while at NIWA.

Jan

13

2022

Perm Sec Harps on Public Support to Maintain Federal Roads

The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini has called on the Nigerian public to support  the Federal government to ensure all Federal roads and utilities across nation are kept in good condition.

The Permanent Secretary strongly warned member of the public to any activity  that will cause  damage to our  roads, reminding that government will not hesitate to take full course of the law against violators.

Hussaini's warning came in reaction to a portion of the road shoulders on Kano Western bypass damaged during the construction of a filling station by one Alhaji Sabi'u Farinwata whom Hussaini had given a stern warning and instructions to refix the damaged portions to standard as specified by his ministry.

The Permanent Secretary reminded the general public on the mandate of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing in ensuring that all Federal roads across the country are maintained and kept in good condition in order to last their lifespan.

He enjoined Nigerians to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its efforts at providing good road infrastructure across the country for the benefit of Nigerians.

“This administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has committed alot of resources to fix and refix our road infrastructure, it is therefore incumbent upon us all to ensure the proper usage and maintenance for them to last “Hussaini stated.

Dec

21

2021

NNPC is Not Taking Over Road Construction  - Fashola

Works and Housing Minister Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN has disclosed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) is not taking over the construction of roads from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

The Minister made this disclosure during the symbolic presentation of Cheque for 21 critical roads funded by NNPC through the Tax Credit Scheme which took place at the Ministry's headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja today, Tuesday 28th December, 2021.

While shedding light on the scheme the Minister said, "NNPC is not taking over roads, NNPC is not constructing roads, NNPC is just putting forward its tax liabilities to the authority who is supposed to collect, which is the Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), and they are dedicating it to build roads that have been awarded and would have been completed but for insufficient budgetary provisions."

Fashola further said, " Let me make it clear that this is a tax credit intervention and essentially, the private sector company is putting forward what should have been its tax compensation for liabilities to government."

The Minister revealed that the scheme which is under the executive order 007 was inherited from the previous administration who didn't implement it. However, the Buhari administration recognized it and used it to execute the Obajana - Kabba road as a strategic partnership with the private sector. He added that it is being used to address the Apapa - Oworoshoki expressway which serves the nation's largely established port.

Fashola explained that the scheme was not for one company alone as any company who is interested in it is free to apply to Federal Government.

He said the Buhari administration amended the Executive order 007 to give room for the roads to be impacted to be diverse and also allow smaller companies to come together as a group to use their tax liabilities for smaller roads that will aid their businesses.

He expressed happiness that the amendments have attracted the interest of conglomerates like Dangote group, the oil industry which is stepping in with 600 Billion Naira to address 21 roads covering over 1, 800 kilometres. He also noted that telecommunications companies have indicated their readiness to take part in it.

Speaking further on the amendment made by President Buhari, Fashola revealed that a governing process had been put in place that requires the Ministry of Works and Housing to look into certification, send them to FIRS for verification within 5 days after which NNPC is expected to pay within 30 days.

He also said that an agreement had been reached with the contractors that nobody would ask for price variations even though some of the contracts are over ten years old.

In his address, the Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Muhammed Nami who thanked the federal government for the tax credit scheme said it was introduced due to the insufficiency in budgetary allocations.

He expressed optimism that it will contribute in no small measure in bridging the gap in road infrastructure.

Earlier, the General Manager International Energy Relations Mr. Garba Hadejia who represented the Group Managing Director of NNPC lamented that since most pipelines have been vandalized, the only option left for his organization has to transport its products by roads.

‘’However, the bad condition of some the roads were adversely affecting the movement of petroleum products hence the decision of NNPC to support the Ministry of Works and Housing by partaking in the Cash Credit’’ he said.

An indigenous contractor, Mr. Isioma – Ezi-Ashi of Sermatech Nigeria Limited who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked the Federal Government for the scheme and promised that the contractors would do their best to ensure its success.

The occasion also witnessed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, among the stakeholders: The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, FIRS, NNPC and the Contractors.

Dec

10

2021

FG ORDERS EVACUATION OF TRUCKS, TRAILERS FROM ABUJA-KADUNA-KANO HIGHWAY

…To provide temporary parks along the corridor

…Gives order to all trucks to leave by the end of the year

The Federal Government has constituted a Presidential Inter-Agency Committee for Evacuation of Trucks and Trailers along the Right of Way of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway to ease vehicular movement and reduce damage on the shoulders of the highway before the end of the year.

The Director of Highway Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing who is also the Chairman of the Committee, Engr. Folorunsho Esan disclosed this during an inspection tour of  the road.

Engr. Esan, said the ministry would provide a temporary park at Tafa, along Kaduna road, where the vehicles can park adding that the park would accommodate about 500 trucks when fully operationalized thereby helping to address the problems of road access and insecurity in the area.

According to him, “The Committee was set up by the Minister of Works and Housing, H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN with directives from Mr. President for trucks to be evacuated from the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road so that the contractors can take full possession to enable  a hitch free work on the road,” he said.

He added that the purpose of the inspection was to assess areas where the trucks could be relocated to away from the Right of Way. “Also, road users can have free passage without bottlenecks. So we are here to inspect facilities that are available where trucks can now be moved to,” he explained.

Continuing, the Chairman said that Tafa axis of the road was more troublesome, but added that there was provision where the trucks would be moved to. “One of the very pronounced bottleneck is in Tafa and fortunately enough, we have an empty land acquired by Federal Road Maintenance Agency although they have not been able to do anything on it.

“But we are thinking of moving the trucks from Tafa to that plot of land after some ground improvements on the land for trailers to be able to stay without sinking,” he said.

On collaboration, he said various unions like the Tanker Drivers NARTO, NURTW, and others are in support of government to move their trucks from the road anytime the trailers park is ready along that axis.

On the collaboration with other stakeholders on moving away from the road, the representative of Petroleum Tankers Association, Comrade. Abdullahi Haruna said that the tankers drivers were ready to move immediately alternative parking space was provided. “We, the petrol tanker drivers are ready to work with the committee to evacuate trucks from the road, ‘he said.

Haruna said that there was the need to make the park conducive for the users through the provision of basic facilities like borehole, toilets and canteens.

He said, “What we are appealing for is that the palliative or temporary work should be done well. If it is good, there would  be no need of planning for a permanent park, we will use this one.”

Reiterating the collaboration on moving away from the road, the District Head of Jere, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman said that he was happy about the development and assured the committee that he would mobilize and make sure that the trucks leave the shoulders of the highway when the park is ready.

“We will give the ministry and concerned stakeholders necessary support that would lead to the permanent evacuation of trucks and trailers from the road,” he assured committee.

Other members of the committee include: The Federal Roads Safety Commission, the Nigerian Army among others.

Dec

06

2021

Nnewe-Oduma-Uburu Communities Celebrate As Buhari Takes Season Of Completion, Impact To Southeast

·      Says road is part of manifestation of his administration’s commitment to improvement in transportation, job creation, prosperity, ease of doing business

·      They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings – Fashola

·       Governor Ugwuanyi describes completion, flag-off of road as heartwarming, urges ownership by host communities

·      Residents of host communities commend FG for restored access to markets, economic benefits
 
It was the turn of Nenwe, Oduma and Uburu communities in Enugu and Ebonyi States  to roll out drums of celebration as President Muhammadu Buhari officially commissioned the 40.37 kilometre Nnewe – Oduma Road linking Enugu and Ebonyi States and bringing to three the number of roads commissioned across the country since the beginning of the Season of Completion and Impact barely two weeks ago.

The other two roads officially commissioned by the President include the 304 kilometre Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, commissioned on Thursday, November 25, 2021 and the 24 kilometre Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Phases I and II) in Benue State officially flagged of on Monday, November 29, 2021.
 
In his remarks before the official flag-off at the Ezinike-Oduma Village, President Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the Nnewe-Oduma Road and others being commissioned represented the manifestation of the commitment of his administration to improving road transport infrastructure, ease of doing business and job creation as well as prosperity to lift people out of poverty.

President Buhari, who described the roads already commissioned as “a critical component of our national road network”, observed that one element of change in those roads was “the travel experience on new and well-built roads” as opposed to the not-too-distant unpleasant experiences from the old and previously unmotorable roads.

Also describing the roads as “part of our many roads to prosperity”, the President noted that reduced journey times as a result of the improvement in the road network, meant reduced expense on travel, pointing out reduction in travel expense also meant more money in the pockets of travellers.

According to the President, the roads being commissioned also represent “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”. He explained that a situation where the previously travel time on a road, which averaged one hour 30 minutes before construction, was reduced to 30 minutes after the completion of the road, both money and time had been saved.

Other elements of change in the roads being turned out by the administration, Buhari said, included the restoration of the  road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs, which he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding, “but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state”.

Urging commuters not to abuse the road and obey traffic rules and regulations, Buhari, who reiterated that the roads have been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship, added that if they are well used and not abused, they should last for the designed service life pointing out that there are many forms in which commuters abuse the roads.

“Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder”, the President said, adding, “We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”.

He commended Nigerians who have contributed and are still contributing, in one form or the other, to the construction of the roads saying the roads also represent a story of the capacity of patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build the road and the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction. “These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth”, he said.

In his own remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, expressed joy that the Season of Completion and Impact, which began from the North West barely a fortnight ago, has revealed the Buhari administration’s investment commitments in road transportation and the impact on the citizenry adding that it has also brought to the fore the administration’s commitment to infrastructure as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

According to Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways, South East Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, “These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”.

Reiterating that the commissioning and handing over of Nnewe-Oduma Road was the third in the series of handovers in the Season of Completion and Impact, the Minister, who noted that it represented another example of what the country would experience in more days and weeks to come, listed the handovers that will follow to include the 142.2x2 (Dual) kilometres between Shuwarin and Azare connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States and Section III  of the 106.3x2 kilometres between Azare and Potiskum connecting Bauchi and Yobe States.

Paying glowing tribute to investors in the first and second SUKUK, the Minister, who noted that the Fund has contributed immensely to the completion of many roads and currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria, said the impact had seen to the funding to completion, major road projects such as the Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, among others.

He thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support as well as the Debt Management Office for their role in previous SUKUKs which, according to him, have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK still being expected.

Fashola also thanked the Ministry’s staff and contractors who, he acknowledged, “have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion” as well as the host communities for their cooperation without which progress would have been impossible. “I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”, he said.
 
The Minister’s gratitude also went to the Federal Executive Council, which included all Ministers in the first term and the current term, for their support, the President and Vice President “who presided for long hours over the Council meetings” and the Governors of Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi, who, according to him “bear witness to fruits and the evidence of change by the Buhari administration, adding, “And there is more to come.”
 
In his remarks, the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was reporesented by the Commissioner for Works in the State, Engr. Greg Nnaji expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government, Prersident Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the synegy which saw to thw completion of the project, which according to him began in 2013.
 
Describing road construction as the cradle of civilization, Ugwuanyi, who expressed joy at witnessing the handover of the road, recalled the harrowing experience on that commuters went through before the Buhari administration took the road to completion stage adding that with the completion, the people of Enugu and Ebonyi, who he said are farmers, would easily bring their farm produce to the various markets with ease.
 
He, however, urged the people to take ownership of the road adding that the protection of the road against abuse and other forms of abuse would ensure its long and full life span and would continue to provide for  the communities the ease of doing business as well as boosting their economy.
 
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and members of the beneficiary communities, the Chairman of Oduma Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Daniel Njoku, Diji 1 of Ezinesi Oduma, also poured encomiums on President Buhari, the Minister of Works and Housing for seeing to the completion of the road which, according to him, was but abandoned until the coming of the present administration.
 
 “Every Oduma indigene will recall that in the past we travelled by Okada to Nnewe with spare clothing as a result of the bad road”, he said, adding that the people also found it difficult to transport their agricultural produce to neighbouring markets, a situation which, according to him, had since changed with the completion of the road.
 
A bread maker, who plies the road constantly on business, Mr. Mkwachukwu Chinweba, commended the Federal Government, President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for their consistency and commitment which saw to the completion of the work explaining that as a result of the condition of the road he relocated to Onitsha where he was doing his bread business but returned in 2016 when the road was rehabilitated by the present administration.
 
Explaining that the land of Oduma is called Alanni meaning land of food, Chinweba said the people, who, according to him, were farmers, suffered over the years as a result of lack of access to markets to sell their farm produce adding that with the road now completed, the people could now access the markets while people from other lands also come to Oduma to buy food leading to economic benefits for the farmers.
 
For Princess Adaeze Oje, a housewife, farmer and also native of Oduma, the completion of Nnewe-Oduma Road has brought economic development to the town and its people with prices of farm produce now competitive and the people of Oduma who had been forced to stay in other towns to do their businesses now coming home to carry on such businesses and bringing development to the town.
 
Rev. Father Titus Udeh, Parish Priest of Saint Nicholas Parish Oduma, in an interview, recalled the hardship encountered by the people of Oduma before the completion of the road, thanking God that he has used the present administration with President Buhari at the head and Fashola as the executor to build the Nnewe-Oduma Road, which according to him has enhanced the socio-economic affairs of the community.
 
Also thanking God for giving the community a gift in the person of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Father Udeh said the road has greatly changed the outlook of the community pointing out that the completion of the road has drawn many sons and daughters of the community, who he noted comprise of rich business people, back home leading to the erection of many beautiful houses.
 
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, gave a brief introduction of the project saying the 40.27 kilometre road constructed by Messrs Reynolds Construction Company, was done in two sections with Section One starting from Nnewe Junction and terminating at Oduma Junction with Spur to Uburu Road and Section II starting from Umagu Village in Ishiagu and terminates at Mile 2 Roundabout in Ebonyi State.
 
The colourful event was marked with many traditional dances with several groups displaying before the very obviously jubilant members of the communities and visitors including top officials of the Construction Company. The different groups that made appearance included the Eribi Ogene Group, the Ogene Youngsters and the Omaba Masquerade, among others.

Nov

30

2021

Season Of Completion, Impact Continues As Buhari Commissions Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road

       ·   “The road is a story of the capacity of patriotic Nigerians. They are not only nation builders but also the heart of our economy”, President says

     · Stresses the need for safety, compliance to traffic regulations on the part of commuters to reduce hazards as more of the nation’s roads are being made motorable

       ·   “We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria”, the President tells Nigerians

      · These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity - Fashola

Barely a week after commissioning the 304 kilometre Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday continued the “season of completion and impact” with the official flag-off of the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Phases I and II) in Benue State.

President Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, said the roads being turned out by his administration represented the story of the capacity of Nigerians, employed both directly and indirectly, as not only nation builders but also the heart of the economy, as represented by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which he described as “drivers of our economy”, who were responsible for the supply of the various materials and equipment for the construction of the roads.

Also describing the roads as “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”, Buhari explained that by substantially reducing the travel times of commuters on the completed ones the roads also form part of the prosperity being created for the country by his administration adding, “because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money”.

The President pointed out that Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, like all other roads being built by his administration, also symbolized change as it included such road furniture as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs which, he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding that his administration’s commitment to change has restored them.

Explaining that the lane markings would help drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance Signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state, the President declared, “For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM.  We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. I wish you safe and happy motoring”.

He also stressed the need for safety and compliance to traffic regulations as more of the nation’s roads were being made motorable and travel experiences more pleasurable, adding that safety consciousness on the part of motorists would reduce hazards on the roads to the barest minimum.

The President, who also called for strict compliance to the nation’s Highway Code in order for the road and others being built across the country to attain their design life, said the better travel experience being enjoyed by commuters on the current new and well-built roads, as against the old and previously unmotorable roads, represented one of the critical elements of change promised Nigerians by the present administration.

Still emphasizing his concern for the safety of commuters on the roads, Buhari declared, “Now that we have these new and well-built roads, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users. One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code”, adding that the “maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (hundred) KM and no more”.

He also cautioned against abuse of the roads saying as the Federal Government committed to delivering on its promise to give Nigerians good and quality road network, it was incumbent on the people not to abuse the roads in order to enable them service the nation through their design life.

Such abuses, the President said, include overloading of vehicles and trucks which, according to him, accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products which dissolves the road components and allows water to penetrate and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, which brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, the President said adding that the commissioned road, which links Benue and Cross River State, “has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if well used and not abused, should last for the designed service life”.

In his remarks earlier, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, while commending all those who contributed to the realization of the “Season of Completion and Impact”, especially the investors in the first and second SUKUK and other agencies of government, added that the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road represented the second of many more project Completion and Handovers Nigerians would experience in the next few weeks and months.
 
Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways, North Central Zone, Engr. Rugba Emenoge, listed other such roads to include the 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometre Kano- Maiduguri Road (Section II) between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States, the 106.3 x 2 Kilometre Kano-Maiduguri Road (Section III)  between Azare and Potiskum, connecting Bauchi and Yobe States and Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States, in Ebonyi State.

Expressing delight at the commissioning of the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, the Minister declared, “These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”.

The Minister, who noted that the SUKUK was currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria, aside the impact of the funding in the completion of major road projects such as the Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, also thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support as well as the Debt Management Office for their role in previous SUKUKs which, according to him, have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK still being expected.

Fashola also thanked the Ministry’s staff and contractors who, he acknowledged, “have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion” as well as the host communities for their cooperation without which progress would have been impossible. “I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”, he said.
 
The Minister’s gratitude also went to the Federal Executive Council, which included all Ministers in the first term and the current term, for their support, the President and Vice President “who presided for long hours over the Council meetings” and the Governors of Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi, who, according to him “bear witness to fruits and the evidence of change by the Buhari administration. “And there is more to come”, he said.

Members of the Vandeikya community, including traditional rulers, who turned out in large numbers, expressed their gratitude to the Federal Government, President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for starting the project and seeing it to completion.

Nov

25

2021

SPEECH DELIVERED BY ABUBAKAR MALAMI, SAN AT THE COMPLETION AND HANDOVER OF REHABILITATION OF SOKOTO – TAMBUWAL-JEGA-KONTAGORA-MAKERA ROAD, PHASE I & II SOKOTO AND KEBBI STATES, CONTRACT NO. 6161 ON THURSDAY, 25TH NOVEMBER, 2021

On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring best wishes to the Government and people of Sokoto/Kebbi States.

Our commitment to improve road transport infrastructure, our determination to improve the ease of doing business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty brings us here today because the results of our investment are manifesting.

I can confidently say that as we enter the final lap of the tenure of the Buhari administration we are also entering a season of completion and delivery of projects.

As you can all see, we are handing over today the 155 Kilometres Road, which is Phases I&II (Sokoto-Tambuwal - Jega) of the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora – Makera Road.

This road links Sokoto and Kebbi State together, and it is a critical component of our national road network.

This road has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if is well used and not abused, it should last for the designed service life.

Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them.

The road is also a story of the capacity of our people. The patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction.

These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth.

This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business.

This is because the travel time of averagely 4 hours before construction has now reduced to 2 hours since the completion of the road.

Of course, this road is part of our many roads to prosperity because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money.

This road symbolizes change as you will observe in the road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs.

These components had all but disappeared on our highways but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state.

Of course, another element of change is the travel experience on a new and well-built road from the old and previously unmotorable road.

Now that we have this new and well-built road, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users.

One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code.

Accordingly, for the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to reiterate that the maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM and no more.

On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I formally declare this Sokoto-Tambuwal - Jega Phases I & II of the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora – Makera Road completed and open for public use. 

For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM. 

We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. 

I wish you safe and happy motoring.

Abubakar Malami, SAN
Honourable Minister of Justice and attorney-General of the Federation

Nov

23

2021

“Let Us All Work Hard For A Peaceful, Safe Nigeria”, Fashola Urges Nigerians

·      As Minister is decorated with Emblem of the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

·      Says it is the only way to keep alive the memories of those that paid the supreme sacrifice for peace in Nigeria, globally

·      Explains promotion of peace as “not necessarily absence of conflict, but quick resolution of such conflicts”

·      Pays tribute to the fallen heroes, their widows and children who continue to serve to promote peaceful co-existence

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Monday called on Nigerians to join hands with government to promote peace and security in the country saying that it is the only way to keep alive the memories of those compatriots who paid the supreme sacrifice to preserve the peace and unity of the country.

Fashola, who spoke at the Headquarters of the Ministry where he was decorated with the 2022-Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem, said working together for the promotion of peace and security would ensure that the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes were not in vain.

Reiterating the call for the promotion of peace and security among the people, the Minister, who, however, explained that the promotion of peace did not mean the absence of conflicts and disagreement, declared, “It is the resolution of those conflicts in a manner that does not lead to conflict that is important”.

“As human beings with our diversity, we could have so many conflicts and disagreement, but those conflicts must not lead to violence or lead to clashes. Those conflicts must be resolved before the day is over and this is the job that is everybody’s responsibility, not only those in government but to all Nigerians”, he said.

Fashola pointed out that if all Nigerians choose to live together the issue of conflict resolution would be an easy task adding, “And the less conflict we have, the less people who will have to lay down their lives to bring such conflicts to an end, and the less widows and widowers and orphaned children we will have; and the more that happens daily the better our country will be”.

Urging all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, to support the course of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Minister commended President Muhammadu Buhari for leading from the front at all times the cause of the upkeep of those left behind by the nation’s fallen heroes adding, “Nothing can be too much to support the cause that keeps the veterans and their dependants going”.

Welcoming the delegation of the Nigerian Legion led by its Chairman, Major General Jibril (rtd.), Fashola, acknowledged that the occasion was not just about the military but also about the affairs of both those who laid down their lives and those who “bear the burden of the sacrifice of our officers and their family members, in this case, widows, who in spite of their grief, continue to support and propagate the values of service in the military”.

The Minister, who described the “Season of Remembrance” as very important, declared, It is a very important season to remind all of us that were it not for the service of some people and their sacrifice in an ultimate way, perhaps our story would have been different. The least we can do to keep the memories of those people alive, to make sure that their sacrifices are not in vain is to continue to work hard to uphold the purpose for which they laid down their lives”.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Major General Jibril said the purpose of their visit was to solicit for assistance from well-meaning Nigerians for the country’s veterans of the various conflicts across the world and in Nigeria as well as their dependants.

Major General Jibil, who said President Buhari launched the Emblem on October 21, 2021, added that the President directed that they should go round to well-meaning Nigerians across the country to support the course by launching the Emblem.

Accompanying the Chairman of the Legion to the occasion were the General Secretary and other top members of the Legion while on the Ministry’s side were the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, Directors, Special Advisers and other top Ministry officials.

Nov

09

2021

WHAT CAN THE PRESIDENT DO FOR ME? BEING THE TEXT OF A KEYNOTE DELIVERED BY H.E BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN AT THE YORUBA TENNIS CLUB ANNUAL LECTURE

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

At the onset of the protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) when five demands were made in respect of the police and SARS, President Muhammadu Buhari weighed in on the side of the protesters when he said:

“On Monday 12th October, I acknowledged the genuine concerns and agitations of members of the public regarding the excessive use of force by some members of SARS…As a democratic government, we listened to, and carefully evaluated the five-point demands of the protesters. And, having accepted them, we immediately scrapped SARS, and put measures in place to address the other demands of our youth.”

To some of the protesters this was not enough action. In my interaction with some of them, young and not so young they wanted the President to sack some policemen, in some cases even the Inspector General of Police.

During this interaction I referred them to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, that I pointed out to them that:

* The President of Nigeria cannot sack a policeman because a policeman is not the employee of the President but rather the employee of the Police Service Commission;

* The President can only sack Ministers, and other appointees that he personally appoints to assist him and not any civil servant deployed to work for him such as a cook, driver, or administrative staff who are ordinary employees of the Civil Service Commission.

Not a few persons were surprised to hear this.

Indeed, I have discovered that a sizeable number of our people express surprise when I explain the structure of Government to them.

For example, when I explain to people that as Governor or Minister I do not sign cheques, vouchers or documents that directly involve the transfer of money.

On the contrary, at certain levels of payment under the financial regulation, my powers as Governor or Minister are limited to approving recommendations for payment made to me through the Permanent Secretary; after he and I have satisfied ourselves that the Government has received value for the payment or will do so.

Although the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has several directorates such as Construction and Rehabilitation, Planning and Development, Bridges and Design, Materials Geotechnics and Quality Control, Finance and Accounts, Legal and Procurement, many openly express surprise when I tell them that only Engineers, Architects, Valuers, Builders, Town Planners and those involved in the built industry are staff of the Ministry of Works and Housing.

Those in Legal Department are lawyers seconded from the Ministry of Justice to whom they report, Finance and Accounts are staff of the Accountant General/Ministry of Finance, to whom they report, and procurement personnel are staff of the Bureau of Public Procurement to whom they report; while those in administration are staff of the Head of Service/Public Service Office to whom they report.

And this is true of all ministries, in a system of checks and balances.

Similarly of course, in the engineering sections of other ministries, the Ministry of Works also seconds engineers to support those ministries and they report to their parent ministry.

What is true of the Federal civil service system in this regard is largely true of the state civil service systems.

This in part is why the public service is a bureaucracy, which has been defined as:

“…a complex organization that has multi-layered systems and processes.” (Source - Investopedia)

I am surprised that this surprises people and this is a part of the reason for choosing to discuss it at this public forum.

So very often, I hear general statements that the President of Nigeria is very powerful, sometimes they say the office is too powerful in some cases they even ascribe more powers to him than the United States President.

Therefore I have decided, in responding to the invitation of Chief Babajide Damazio, the Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, to interrogate the matter publicly by titling my speech “What can the President do for me?”

The flip side is also that some of our public discourse is coloured with general statements that are not factual such as some statements to the effect that the Vice President is in their words “just a spare tyre” suggesting that he has no powers or functions except those assigned to him by the President.

These statements betray a lack of knowledge about the Constitution and I intend to discuss them here within the reasonable limits of time.

If one looks through the length and breadth of the constitution as I have, you will find that the office of the President is referred to 48 (FORTY-EIGHT) times.

A closer look at the details for those who have read the constitution, will suggest possibly an error in mixing up or conflating “powers” with “function” and the difference is significant.

“Whereas ‘power’ is the legal right or authorisation to act or not to act, it is the ability conferred on a person by law to alter, by an act of will, the rights, duties liabilities and other relations, either of that person or another. On the other hand, the term “function” is the duty of the office.

In the 48 mentions of the Office of the President in the Constitution:

* 23 instances refer to powers exercisable by the President;
* 9 instances refer to powers exercisable by the President subject to the National Assembly;
* 4 instances refer to powers exercisable by the President subject to other institutions;
* 9 instances refer to the President’s functions and duties; and
* 3 instances refer to restrictions on the powers of the President.

Yes, the “all powerful,” “too powerful” President that we generalise about his powers, has restrictions on his powers.

I have provided a table of all the references in the Constitution below:

Part A: Powers exercisable by the President

Part B: Power subject to the National Assembly

Part C: Power subject to other institution

Part D: Functions and Duties

Part E: Restriction

Is the Vice President really without responsibilities, duties and functions unless the President assigns them to him?

Certainly not. Those who assert that position tell a big lie. A lie born either out of ignorance at the best or mischief at the worst.

The framers of the Nigerian Constitution and our legislators seem to have deliberately attempted to entrust matters relating to its security with the President by making him chairman of the National Councils such as the Security Council, Defence Council and the Police Council, while entrusting the Vice President with matters relating to the economy by making him the Chairman of the National Council on Privatization and the National Economic Council.

Although they did not say the President cannot deal with economic matters, it is my view that he cannot chair the Economic Council or National council on privatization without violating/breaching the constitution with its attendant constitutional risks and consequences.

So much for the “all-powerful” President.

As for the Vice President, his other constitutional functions include:

Which brings me to the heart of the matter, as to why a significant number of Nigerians place their hopes and expectation for a better life on their President rather than their Governors and Local Government Chairmen.

Or put differently, why do we seem to only like our Presidents after they have left office and not while in office or after they have died, like “the best President we never had.”

Again, after a very deep interrogation, my answer to this question is traceable to the constitution. And this is not a concession to the advocates of restructuring, but rather a clear lack of relationship by many of us with the constitution.

In other words, we are not fully or sufficiently familiar with our constitution and the roles it ascribes to the different levels of government, at local, state and federal, and the officers attaching to them such as Local Government Chairman, State Governor and the President.

And the related question, to the question what can the president do for me, is to ask ourselves: how the office of the President make my life better?

Before I offer an answer, let me share with you the feedback of a survey that I commissioned to gauge the sense of what the Nigerians who were polled desired most.

The common thread in the responses were: security, education, healthcare, transportation, water supply, employment, housing and electricity. Of course, there are others, which time and space will not permit me to interrogate.

In understanding what the President can do, we must bear in mind the nature of our political arrangement where the President as head of the country, also leads the executive arm of the Federal Government and projects our sovereign status, but shares power and responsibility with 36 states headed by Governors, and 774 Local Government headed by Local Government chairmen.

If we go through our constitution, (and I urge everybody to get a copy and read it if only casually) we will find two (2) lists of responsibilities in the schedule to the constitution.

They are:

* The Exclusive list
* The Concurrent list

The first list contains matters over which only the National Assembly, as the custodian of legislative power of the Federal Government can make laws and over which the President as the head of the executive arm can take action. This list contains 68 (SIXTY-EIGHT) items and includes matters like the banking, currency, police, the military, customs, immigration, citizenship etc.

The second list, which is called the concurrent list, means exactly what it says. A concurrence of authority where the Federal and State governments share power and therefore the state houses of assembly as well as the National Assembly can make laws over these matters; while the Governors, as well as the President, can act in these areas.

This list contains 12 (TWELVE) items and includes matters like Education (secondary and university including polytechnics) Health (secondary and tertiary), Electricity (generation, transmission and distribution).

This list does not include primary education or primary health or sanitation or markets which are expressly left for the Local Governments in the 4th schedule of the constitution.

All matters not listed in these two lists or in the fourth schedule to the constitution such as magistrate courts, consumption tax, rent control, local levies and non-specified taxes, are regarded as RESIDUAL, and the sole preserve of the state governments.

Manifestly and contrary to the view that everything revolves around the President or the Federal Government, what is obvious from the Nigerian constitution and political arrangement, what we really have is an arrangement of shared powers, and I might add, shared responsibility. The question then must be, whether all those who bear responsibility actually discharge them; and I will come back to this in some comparative examination of some of the problems identified earlier that people seek government action for.

But before I do so, I need to quickly shed light on even the nature of the Federal Government.

The Executive arm, such as the Federal Executive Council, has the President and Vice-President elected by the people of Nigeria, and at least 36 ministers appointed from each state as prescribed by the constitution that every state must have a Minister. It also then prescribes that the ministerial nominee must be cleared and approved by the Senate.

And who is the Senate? 109 people, elected by you and I, whether you voted or not, 3 from each state to represent us in the Federal Government because there is no building big enough to accommodate us so we send representatives.

The FCT also has one Senator. The House of Representatives, the other arm of the National Assembly has 360 members from all the 36 states who act to exercise legislative powers over the exclusive list, to determine what the Federal Executive can act upon.

When you see how the structure is laid out, what is obvious to me and hopefully to you, is that it is the people of Nigeria, rather than one man, (the President), who truly have powers and responsibility over our affairs.

Let us now then look at a few examples, because there are many, to examine how these powers have been exercised.

Let me start with electricity. As I said it is a concurrent power by the federal and state. The Federal Government since 2013 has chosen to privatize its own responsibility by selling the generating and distribution assets, while managing the transmission side with varying degrees of success.

The question to ask is what is happening at state level across Nigeria with electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

This question cannot be posed to the President. He is not in charge of any state. He did not elect or appoint a Governor. You and I did.

So I am not suggesting that all electricity problems are the responsibility of the state Governors, but if you have an electricity problem in your states please ask your Governor what he plans to do about it, and your House of Assembly lawmaker which law he will support if you vote for him to give you electricity.

The same applies to primary education and primary health. The Federal Government does not and should not own a primary school or primary healthcare centre. But these are the most defining centres for quality education and preventive health. The foundations of young life are defined here. Basic literacy and numeracy, ante-natal care and life protecting immunization are delivered here.

Please ask your Local Government chairman not the Governor or the President.

Sanitation, characterized by water supply and proper refuse management and civic education are not the constitutional responsibility of the Federal Government, your Senator, house of representative member or the President.

It is our state representatives who have constitutional mandate to deliver water to our homes, move our refuse and make sure our surroundings are clean and we do not suffer from disease and epidemics.

Because I expect that there will be responses, whether informed or uninformed to what I already said and will say, let me be clear that I have not come to absolve the Ministers, the Senators, House of Rep, Federal Civil servants and the President of responsibility.

We have our responsibilities and can do a lot more, but I first sought to clear the air and state the facts for those right thinking and indeed well-meaning Nigerians who honestly want a better life and do not know who is responsible for the problems they face.

So, let me go to a contentious area, like Security.

Section 14.2 (b) of the Constitution provides that:

“the security and the welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government…”

Interestingly, it does not say which government. My view is that security is an all government responsibility not a Federal Government responsibility alone.

Yes, the Federal Government controls the apparatus of coercive law-enforcement prescribed in the constitution like the military and police, but it has not precluded states from setting up certain types of law enforcement for traffic, sanitation etc.

I am also a public advocate for states to control their own law enforcement apparatus in other extensive areas where they have powers to make laws.

However, I hold the view that security, which is a concern of some of the people, is not guaranteed by having a state law enforcement apparatus.

Indeed, it is more than a government affair.

In my view, it is an all nation affair as contemplated in section 24(e) which provides that:

“It shall be the duty of every citizen to…render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order…”

It seems to me that the road to resolving our security problems, starts with a resolution to prevent or resolve the existence of conflict, eliminate the opportunities for crime to happen, and this requires effort from the family unit to the schools, religious institutions, to all levels of government.

It requires a reset of our values for hard work, a love for one another as a keeper of each other, brothers and sisters, a commitment to peaceful cohabitation and the mustering of the capacity to ensure that no conflict lasts to the next day, whenever any occurs.

This will reduce the need for law-enforcement and put less pressure on them.

It is more than a job for a President, Governor, Local Government chairman, or legislator at any level. It is a job that requires parents at home, teachers in schools, religious leaders in places of worship, title holders like Obas, Emirs, Chiefs like Obis, Baloguns, Turakis, Asiwajus, Bashoruns, Galadimas, Ezes and many more.

This again does not absolve the need for well-equipped law enforcement or excuse those responsible, as it does not absolve the need to stem and stop drug abuse in our society, and the need to reduce or eliminate abandoned buildings where suspicious people thrive in our society and need for street lighting at night to deter criminal atrocity.

I cannot conclude this intervention without mentioning road infrastructure.

Nigeria as a country has 200,000 plus kilometres of roads. But they belong to different levels of government.

Federal trunk roads, mentioned in item 11 of the executive legislative list is the one the Federal Government is responsible for

These are the roads that connect one state to the other, interstate roads. These account for 35,000km out of the 200,000km representing 17.5 %.

The state government roads are 17.5% of the 200,000 km and these are the roads that connect one Local Government to another; while the Local Governments have responsibility for the balance, representing 65% of roads that connect one ward to another.

I cannot of course ignore the fact that the Federal Government has a big and important role to play in respect of fiscal and monetary policy that impacts exchange rate, interest rate and inflation.

But there are legitimate questions to ask about how many local businesses need foreign exchange to operate as much as they need water, electricity and skilled personnel and lower levies and non-state actors from extorting them.

There is a legitimate question to ask about whether those of us who keep bank accounts are ready to accept lower deposit rates as a measure to induce lower lending rates, because high interest rates affect our people.

And of course, with housing on the rental side, how many of us who own houses are ready to accept monthly payments as rent paid in arrears as against two (2) years rent paid in advance, which is a point of pain and stress for many people.

While the properties for which these rents are charged largely belong to individuals and companies, not to government, there is also the question to ask whether or not our legislators at state levels can make laws to control rent. This is not a matter for the president because the federal legislator has no powers over rent.

On the construction side of housing, we must remember that it is the state Governors who control land, not the Federal Government. While the Federal Government is currently constructing houses in 34 states, and developing site and service schemes on land provided by state governments and using employee’s contribution to fund mortgages to help some people buy houses, there is a legitimate question to ask whether your state government is building houses and ready to create a mortgage funding institution.

Ladies and gentlemen, there is a lot to expect of a President, there is perhaps much more to ask of State and Local Government actors.

After all, the projection of national might and success on the international stage by heads of Governments such as Presidents, whether in terms of cuisine, technology, sports or the economy, is the projection of the aggregate of what happens at their sub-national entities.

Now that you know who to ask about primary education, primary health, water supply, refuse management, electricity, security, interest rate, roads and a lot more, please know that candidates will soon begin to emerge as 2023 beckons. Do not keep quiet.

Ask them what they will do to make your life better.

Thank you for listening.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Works and Housing
Friday 5th November 2021

Nov

03

2021

We will continue to prioritize welfare of staff - Perm. Sec. (FMW&H)

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMW&H) Babangida Hussaini has said that his Ministry under the leadership of His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN will continue to give priority to staff welfare in order to motivate them to give their best to the service of the nation as the Ministry pursues President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate of infrastructural development in the nation.   

Mr Hussaini made the remarks during handing over of the newly acquired four 36-seater Toyota Coaster Buses to the staff of his Ministry through their union, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), today in the premises of the Ministry.

The official handing over event took place at the Ministry Headquarters with some of the Management staff, The Labour Union Executive members and some staff of the Ministry in attendance.

 The Permanent Secretary in his remarks said that he was grateful to God for making the purchase possible and to the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN for granting approval for the procurement and commended the Executives of the Union for their maturity during the procurement period.

Mr Hussaini said he was dedicating the purchase to Director of Human Resources Works and Housing Umar Abdullahi Utono who retired today   as a parting gift due to his wise counsel and for the necessary follow up to make the purchase a reality.

He promised that more staff buses would still be purchased as the procurement is in batches while the old ones that are grounded would be refurbished as soon as proposal from the reputable motor mechanics are considered for approval.

Director Human Resources of the Ministry, Umar Abdullahi Utono said “I cherish the Permanent Secretary for the official handing over of the buses to staff, and it is one event that will remain in my memory, and he has provided welfare for staff within a short period. The four buses would cover the following major routes:  Bwari /Dutse, Suleja, Karshi /Jikwoyi and Gwagwalada. It is a major milestone.”

The Union Chairman of Works and Housing branch of AUPCTRE, Comrade Sunday Sanusi said “When I heard that these vehicles have been purchased it was like a dream to me, I am using this opportunity to say thank you to Permanent Secretary and the management for making it a reality.”

The official handing over of the event was rounded off after the Permanent Secretary performed the test running of the buses.  

Oct

26

2021

FG Commended For Award Of Road Projects

The Honourable members representing Biu/Bayo/Kwaya Kvsar/Shani Federal Consitutency of Borno State, Hon. Murtar Aliyu Betara and his counterpart representing Chibok /Dambon /Gwoza Constituency Hon. Ahmed Jaha Babawo also in Borno State have expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on the award of contract for the re-construction of Gombe-Biu road, and urged the Ministry to ensure the contractor expedite action to complete the road. 

Honourable Betara who led the delegation of some House of Representatives Members to the Ministry in order to follow up on the state of some critical roads in their states and the strategy of the Ministry in fixing the roads noted that some of the contractors were complaining of funding challenges.

In his response the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babaginda Hussaini appreciated the gesture of the law makers in dialoguing with the Ministry in order to fix the critical roads in their constituencies adding that such collaboration with the Ministry by the National Assembly will help the government in its bid to improve road infrastructure. He  also said that the gesture was a clear demonstration of love for their constituencies.

Mr. Babaginda informed the law makers that the major challenge in road infrastructure development was funding as the budgetary allocation was grossly inadequate to address the needs in the road sector. 

He however informed the law makers that this administration had created new funding windows for road construction and repairs which has greatly helped in bridging funding gaps 

The Permanent Secretary said “On behalf of the Honourable Minister Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN and the Management of the Ministry, I wish to reaffirm the commitment of this administration to complete all critical road projects as practically possible.’

Furthermore, Mr. Hussaini averred that the Ministry was engaging with the contractors since the rains have abated in most parts of the country. 

In the same vein, the House of Representatives member representing Zuru /Fakai /Danko Wasaru –Sakaba Federal constituency of Kebbi State also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for constructing the Gadar – Zaima –Zuru -   Gamji road which has aided trading activities in the area. 
 

Oct

19

2021

Stakeholders In The Built Industry Meet In Lagos

Stakeholders in the built industry have converged in Lagos for the 10th Meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development deliberate on ways to move the industry forward with a view to creating employment, social inclusion and economic development of Nigeria.

The theme of the meeting is " Housing Development As A Catalyst for Job Creation, Social Inclusion and Economic Development.

The meeting of the National Council on Lands Housing and Urban development is organized annually by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing as part of its statutory mandate.

In his introductory remarks, the Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Olajide Ode-Martins, said that the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development is the highest policy making organ of the Housing Sector where stakeholders in the sector engage in critical evaluation of and proffer solutions to challenges facing the sector.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Lands Bureau Olabode Agoro, identified housing development as a critical key to achieving the Federal government's vision of pursuing social economic renewal, inclusive of job creation and overall national as well as individual development

Agoro, who urged participants to actively evaluate the challenges facing the built industry in relation to Job Creation and national development, pointing out that if housing was thoroughly planned and implemented it could reactivate both the individual and national economy.

Directors and senior officials from relevant agencies in the built industry from both federal, states as well as private sectors are participating in the meeting.

Oct

09

2021

Oversight Visit: Lawmakers Commend Fashola, Ministry Over Progress In Roads Sector

-  Call for commissioning of completed projects as means to publicize achievements in road transportation infrastructure.

Members of the Senate Committee on Works on Friday commended the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, and his Team for the progress so far made on the on-going construction, rehabilitation, and expansion of roads across the country.

The Committee members who made the commendation when they paid an Oversight visit to the Ministry, also called for the commissioning of completed projects saying it would enable Nigerians know and appreciate what the Muhammadu Buhari administration has been doing with the nation’s resources since inception.

Addressing the Management of the Ministry, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero, expressed appreciation on the work of the Ministry in terms of road construction and rehabilitation saying it has become necessary to commission the finished projects for the Nigerian public to see.

The Chairman who said the Committee recently concluded a nationwide tour of the road and bridge projects, declared, “We have to let the public know what the President has done in the road sector. I appeal that you take the initiative to commission the completed parts or sections of the roads”.

Also speaking in the same vein, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, noted that a lot has been achieved in the last six years in the road sector but because the completed roads were not being commissioned, most Nigerians found it difficult to appreciate the achievements.

Senator Ekweremadu noted that some of the contractors have done well in carrying out their assignments on the road projects while others have not and thus recommended that in the face of paucity of funds, those contractors doing good jobs should be paid while those not doing well should be sanctioned. He added that it was better to use available funds to pay those contractors performing well instead of waiting for those who are not doing well.

In his remarks, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, who described the progress so far made on the on-going road construction and rehabilitation nationwide as tremendous, declared, “This administration has done very well by moving people from poverty to prosperity”, pointing out that it has completed almost all the projects inherited from the previous administration.

He told the Minister, “I appreciate what you are doing even though you will receive a lot of criticisms, we know you are doing well”. Also reiterating the importance of commissioning the completed projects, the lawmaker said, “We have to blow our own trumpet to make Nigerians know what we are doing”.

 In his remarks, the Minister explained that the concern of the Ministry was principally to ensure completion of the roads to give Nigerians quality travel time in terms of journey time and experience adding that Federal roads are very long roads that connect cities and states as opposed to the intra-city roads.

“I have continuously explained to people that the roads that belong to the federal government are very long roads. They are roads that connect cities and states together, unlike intra-city roads that connect local governments together”.

“So, sometimes somebody will ask me ‘when are you going to commission the roads’. And I ask them, “How, for instance, do you commission Kano-Maiduguri Road; where do you start the commissioning from”, the Minister said.  

According to him, “Completion happens in the way we do construction, you close up a Section of the road while constructing and after finishing, you open it up for use. The day you start driving on the roads, it means the roads have been commissioned”.

Noting that commissioning was better suited for municipal roads of five to ten kilometres, Fashola, however promised that the Ministry would consider commissioning some of the completed roads adding that the priority at the moment was to give Nigerians a good road network especially during the coming EMBER MONTHS.

In the robust question and answer session, some of the Lawmakers raised the issue of delays in the completion of some major roads, especially those leading or passing through their constituencies or districts urging the Minister to use his good offices to ensure their completion before the exit of the administration.

Responding, Fashola listed some reasons for apparent delays in project completion to include, paucity of funds, topography of the project location and problems of climate change pointing out that the Rainy Season in Nigeria is always very challenging, especially to road construction.

“The other point I want to make is that the Rainy Season is always very challenging in Nigeria in terms of transport logistics”, the Minister said adding that roads through swampy or muddy terrains always pose more difficulties during construction as the top soils have to be replaced.

On the issue of the major projects funded under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) initiative – Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the 2nd Niger Bridge-, Fashola said much progress have been made on them adding the Buhari administration was committed to delivering them before 2023.
 

Sep

30

2021

KEYNOTE SPEECH BY H.E BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN AT LAGOS BUSINESS SCHOOL EVENING WITH THE MINISTERS SERIES HELD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

The compelling part of the LBS’ invitation letter to me dated August 31st 2021 signed by Dr. Franklin N. Ngwu is the part which talks about:

“…the need for more public/private sector dialogue and collaboration for Nigeria’s inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.”

It is about those 3 (three) things: inclusiveness, sustainable growth and development that I wish to focus my intervention today.

But before I do so, let me push back against the part of the letter that says that:

“Some key constraints such as limited trust, lack of information on the opportunities available, impact of policies and business and operational frameworks of engagement limit their collaboration.”

The first question I wish to ask is “limited trust” on whose part?

My appeal to those who have a one-sided view of the public sector is to stand back and take a hard look at the antecedents of many of those who now occupy leadership positions in the public sector.

What you will see is that many of them, including me, spent a sizable part of their careers in the private sector.

Have we become unworthy of trust because we chose to serve?

And speaking of information or lack thereof about opportunities and policies, I recall that it was to this business school that we came for the launch of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) to share information and opportunities regarding the planned concession of 12 highways spanning over 1,000 km of federal road network, and the opportunity for investment growth and job creation.

It is the largest highway concession ever undertaken on the African continent with the potential to create 5,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs if successful.

We did not go to a foreign business school to launch the initiative; and there are many we could have gone to, if we so desired. We came to the Lagos Business School, because we wanted a homegrown success.

By way of updates, even though LBS has not come back to ask for one, I can report that out of 75 applicants, 18 have been prequalified, and will soon be requested to submit requests for proposals, environmental and social impact studies are concurrently being undertaken and the national tolling policy has been approved to guide the development of business plans.

Of course, as far as providing information about development and growth goes, many of us regularly brief the public about projects, I go on many project inspection tours to highlight what is going on.

Every quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) releases reports about the growth situations in the economy.

What I have observed of course is that the negative results are readily acceptable and pleasing to some people, while they question the data when the same Bureau announces positive quarterly economic performances.

I will now return to the 3 (THREE) issues of:

a) inclusiveness;
b) sustainable growth and
c) development

But first, I must set the context.

Between the period 2012 to 2015 Nigeria‘s economy was reportedly growing at between 5% to 7%. But if we all take time to go back to the reviews and reports in the media at the time, the overwhelming response was that it was “jobless growth or “non-inclusive growth.”

This was the story then and it is not a new story. The other context before we proceed is to remind ourselves that at the peak of that growth, sometime in 2014, the then Minister of Finance issued a statement that Nigeria was heading towards a recession.

These were her words:

“There are some difficult moments out there in the international economy and we have noticed a downward slide in oil prices in recent weeks. Nigeria may not be so lucky to avoid recession this time as it did during the last economic meltdown.”

The question to ask is a recession under who’s watch?

My response is that it did not matter who was managing the economy, the recession was inevitable. We had consumed all the prolific and extraordinary income we earned from high prices of crude oil sales.

We did not invest them in infrastructure, new hospitals, universities, rail, bridges, broadband rollout, airports etc.

So the logical issue would be, what is the plan to get out of the recession?

Before I proceed let me quickly deal in broad strokes with some of the things that happen during a recession.

One of them is that it is the “services sector” that first feels the pinch, and when growth returns the services sector is the last to recover and that is when the feel-good factor returns. I will come back to this.

So in deciding what to do when the recession beckons or happens, the first thing to look at is who is managing the economy and what views do they espouse, because this is likely to shape the choices they will make.

Regrettably, many have again fallen into the error of believing the one-sided story that there is no ideology in Nigerian politics or in the political  parties.

Nothing could be further from the truth and any worthy scholar who goes through the various party manifestoes will find not only differences but also similarities and this is one thing I commend for further study and analysis by this business school.

Whilst I will do my best not to be overly partisan, I find it difficult to effectively discharge my task without linking policy to politics.

For example, my party professes a progressive ideology and what this simply means is a “commitment to improving the human condition” and this is one difference between us and the others.

Ask them what they profess?

The other difference is that in 6 (SIX) years we have ensured that the average Nigerian remembers what we committed to: anti-corruption; economic development and security. This is a major reason why we have been held accountable.

You have to go back to 1993, (28 years ago); or further back to 1978 (43years), to find a political era where the public remembers what the parties promised during the campaign.

In MKO Abiola’s SDP, the party manifesto hinged on Energy, Rural Development, Education and Defence. In UPN, Awolowo’s 4 (FOUR) cardinal points (Free Education, Free Health Services, Integrated rural development, Employment) were examples of political promises or ideology so clearly articulated and retained.

This is another difference between us and them, and I challenge many here to ask themselves if they can remember two or three things they were promised in the 16 years before us.

With this background I will now go back to the choices for getting out of recession; because we inherited the doomsday which was foretold.

As I have said earlier, in over five years when oil sold about $100 per barrel, we did not invest in infrastructure.

The 2015 Federal Government budget left by our predecessors for Nigeria’s road network was N18 billion, less than the 2015 budget for roads in Lagos State of N31 billion. (Office of Infrastructure budget)

The said budget had a 15% capital component and 85% of the recurrent component. A budget says a lot about what the Government wants to do. Consume 85% and invest 15%, at the time that oil prices were high.

This is another area of vast policy difference between us and them because from the first budget of 2016 we committed to a minimum of 30% capital investment in the annual budget and an expansive infrastructure investment to boost growth, facilitate development and create jobs.

With oil revenues averaging $43 per barrel in 2016, the works budget for roads was cast at N200 Billion naira, an increase of 1011%.

This pattern has continued to date, where we are spending even more on infrastructure with far less resources.

We must remember that with very high oil prices the total FGN budget in 2015 was N4.4 Trillion while the first budget passed under this administration was N6.06 Trillion.

The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 - 2020 which was developed as the pathway to recovery from recession was underpinned by infrastructure investment as it committed to:

a)    Achieving a stable microeconomic environment;

b)    Creating a globally competitive economy and

c)    Investing in the Nigerian people.

Apart from over 13,000 km of roads and bridges now under construction or rehabilitation nationwide, hitherto very difficult projects, like Bodo-Bonny Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kano Expressway and Second Niger Bridge now underway and heading towards completion before 2023, a generation of Nigerians can now travel by rail in their own country from Lagos to Ibadan and Abuja to Kano for the first time after a very long hiatus.

This did not happen in 16 years before us.

You may not like how we look or what we say, you may even disbelieve what we say but you cannot disbelieve what we have done with limited income on infrastructure.

This is another difference between us and them.

There is yet another difference and it relates to how we the progressives have chosen to deploy resources.

Between 1999 and 2015 all the infrastructure we are talking about today were crying out for attention.

In spite of prolific oil resources in between that period, I ask anyone to show one bridge, major highway, airport or a rail project that our country built.

I will remind you that in 2005 we choose to pay $12.09 billion to negotiate a Paris debt forgiveness when there was infrastructure crying out for attention.

However, by 2015 the debt stock we inherited was $10.3 Billion in spite of prolific oil resources.

That was a policy choice. No debt, no infrastructure while population grows.

On the contrary, with limited resources and commitment to expansionary fiscal investment and infrastructure to improve the living conditions of Nigeria, our budgets have been deficit budgets funded by debts to invest in infrastructure.

It is our belief that instead of increasing the tax burden of Nigerians, if we borrow to build infrastructure, small businesses who need broadband, rail, roads, bridges and other infrastructure will improve their efficiency and create opportunities.

This can only lead to the inclusiveness, sustainable Growth and development that my invitation letter speaks about.

The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan that we developed to address the recession that our predecessors predicted has worked.

By the second quarter of 2017 we were out of the recession that started in Quarter 2 of 2016 and we recorded 12 consecutive quarters of growth until COVID-19 struck.

By staying true to our core beliefs and by developing the Economic Sustainability Plan to deal with the COVID-19 impact, we came out of a second recession which was global and we now have a 5.1 GDP growth in Quarter 2 with services sector growing at 2.8%.

Remember I told you that the services sector is the last sector to recover after recession and this result is therefore clear evidence that the economy is on the mend and we must sustain it and expand it. In this regard I urge cautious optimism.

If you still think we are the same, let me share with you two different quotes from two sides of the divide to disabuse your minds.

The first is by the Vice-Presidential candidate of the main opposition party during the last elections in 2019.

This is what he said on August 8th 2021 about how to grow the economy.

“You cannot use infrastructure to drive economic growth…taking people out of poverty is not magic.”

But contrast President Buhari’s views expressed in Owerri on 9th September 2021 when he said:

“If we fix infrastructure, people will get on with their businesses.”

I am persuaded that President Buhari gets it.

His contemporary in the USA (a country held out as the example to follow) also gets it when he said:

“The American Jobs Plan will generate historic job growth, historic economic growth, help businesses to compete internationally, create more revenue as well.  They are among the highest-value investments we can make in the nation — investing in our infrastructure.”

What limits or enhances the capacity of business is the infrastructure in the environment they operate.

The better the infrastructure the more efficient business becomes and the more productive and prosperous they will be.

If they can move goods and services in quicker time, through ports, rail and road, if they can transact financial services through reliable broadband, move fuel through new pipelines like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna pipeline project, if they can traverse about 40 kilometres on the Bodo-Bonny Bridge on land rather on canoes through the creeks, businesses will prosper and the economy will grow.

This in part is what the enablement of this private sector by the public sector means; in addition to fiscal and monetary policy.

This is a clear road to sustainable growth; and it is growth that will need more people to manage it thereby achieving inclusiveness.

Thank you for listening.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Works and Housing

Sep

25

2021

Road Blockade: FG Appeals to Truck Drivers for Understanding on Bida -Lambata Ongoing Work

The Federal Government has appealed for understanding of truck drivers on the ongoing construction work on Bida-Lambata road, saying that government is committed to deliver a quality work that will stand the test of time for the benefit of the users.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini made this appeal over the weekend.

Hussaini was reacting to the blockade of a section of the Bida -Lambata and Suleja - Minna roads by some articulated trucks drivers in Niger State, protesting that government should expedite action to complete the ongoing construction to ease their difficulties in using the roads.

" I am appealing to the truck drivers for understanding of the efforts of the Federal government in fixing this road. This Bida-Lambata road is among the many other ongoing projects across the nation which the government prioritised to deliver," he said.

Hussaini also noted that the rehabilitation work has not reached the sections that collapsed but the Contractor has been directed to do palliative work on all such sections while the contruction progress as scheduled.

He however lamented that the contractor has been denied access to the road due to blockade by the tanker drivers.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari gives premium to providing road infrastructure across the country as a way of improving the social and economic well-being of the people.

He assured the truck drivers that the Federal Government through the Federal Controller of Works in Niger State is working round the clock with the contractors on site to ensure not only timely completion but to deliver a qualitative road that would stand the test of time.

Jan

27

2022

FG Undertaking 21 Road Projects In Kano - Fashola

... "Mr President is making Kano the commercial nerve centre of some West African countries” _ Ganduje.

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola , SAN has disclosed that the All Progressive Congress, (APC ), led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is undertaking 21 road projects in addition to housing projects that have reached the third Phase in Kano State.

The Minister made this disclosure when he paid a courtesy call on the Governor of the State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the Kano State Government House on Wednesday 26th January, 2022.

Fashola said, " At the moment we are undertaking 21 roads projects at the Federal Government level in and around Kano State totalling about 960 kilometres and some of the more famous ones are: Kano - Abuja Highway, Kano - Katsina, Kano - Maiduguri and a host of others."

The Minister also revealed that his Ministry has completed Phases 1 and 2 of the National Housing Programme in Kano State and had proceeded to Phase 3.

He added that President Muhammadu Buhari had given the approval for the handing over of the houses to members of the public and the exercise will be conducted by the Minsters from the various states on behalf of the President.

While expressing deep appreciation for the cooperation given to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing by the Kano State Government, he called on the members of the State Cabinet to encourage the indigenes and residents of Kano State to subscribe to the housing units through the portal that had been opened for interested home applicants saying that the Federal Government expected that  Kano people would be the heaviest subscribers to the houses in the State.

The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who was visibly pleased by the visit of Mr. Fashola, acknowledged the massive Infrastructural development undertaken by the Federal Government in the State in the road, housing, railway and aviation sectors.

The Governor listed the railway network connecting Lagos - Ibadan - Kaduna - Kano, the ones between Kano Jibia and Maradi, Kano - Dutse and the substation at Kazaure in addition to the road projects executed as well as the work on the international wing of the Aminu Kano international airport which he described as comparable to those in world capitals as some of the ways in which the Buhari administration had impacted positively on Kano state.

Ganduje said, " Mr. President is making Kano not only the commercial nerve centre of the northern part of the country, but the commercial nerve centre of some West African Countries."

He hinted that the State Government would soon introduce a mass transit system and requested the Federal Government for  lay byes  and bus stops along some major roads in the State.

The Governor also disclosed that the State Government had earmarked the sum of 2 billion naira for the establishment of weigh bridges in the three main entrances to the State in order to protect the roads within the metropolitan city of Kano and therefore sought the approval from the Federal Government to execute the project.

The Deputy Governor of the State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and commissioners were among those that received the Minister. On the Minister's entourage were Directors of the Ministry, Special Assiatants to the Minister and Federal Controllers of Works and Housing in Kano state.
 

Jan

14

2022

Director Engineering, Olurinola Bows Out Of Service In Style

.... He is a Seasoned Engr - Perm Sec

Engineer Julius Sunday Olurinola, Director Engineering Services in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 meritoriously completed the mandatory 35 years in the Nigeria civil service and bowed out graciously. He joined the civil service as a Pupil Engineer in the Federal Ministry of Works in 1987.

Babangida Hussaini, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry described him as a seasoned engineer whom he has worked with for a period of about six years. Hussaini spoke during the send-forth reception organized for the retiring Director by the staff of the Department of Engineering Services of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary said “I have worked with him and I must say I enjoyed his professionalism and timeliness in the manner he addressed some engineering issues in the Ministry.”

Hussaini commended Olurinola for his contribution to the Renewable Energy (on –grid) in the Ministry saying, “With this achievement and many others, you are leaving the service with your integrity and respect intact.” he said.

As an Engineer in the employ of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Julius served as Director and Head of Department Engineering Services and Director (Electrical) in the same Engineering Services Department.

He held these positions all in the then Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Federal Ministry of Power Works and Housing, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Engineer Olurinola, as Director Engineering Services was responsible among others for; overseeing design, specification of standards, preparation of contract document for all engineering projects in building services and engineering infrastructure for roads, electricity and water in public buildings and housing estates.

Goodwill messages and encomium were poured on him by Staff of the Ministry both serving and retired all pointing to his kindness, professionalism, commitment and versatile knowledge in the Built industry, roads and housing.

A former Retired Director of Engineering Services of the Ministry, Engr Sunday Umanah described Engineer Julius as a versatile engineer and a great achiever.

According to him, as a versatile engineer he represented the Ministry in several engineering for a creditably.

“He has at a point, represented the Ministry in the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria Energy Support Programme on Renewable Energy (on –grid), Energy Efficiency,” he said.

Engineer Olurinola was also involved in many adhoc assignments in the Ministry's projects namely:  the Kuje prototype housing estate; 6 No. New Federal Secretariat Buildings in each of the geopolitical zones of the country; Prototype housing estate in Suleja, Niger State; Prototype housing estate, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State and in the provision of Solar lighting system in slum upgrade project in Rivers and Kano States and many more.

In his response, Engineer Olurinola attributed his success to the support of  the Honourable Minister, the Honourable Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. He said: “Their leadership, mentorship and guidance was the major boost that kept me on. I am very privileged to have served  under their able leadership.”

To his colleagues and other staff of the Ministry, he said they were very supportive. “God has made them a special set of people for the support they have given me all through as a Director and Head of the Department.
 

Dec

22

2021

Boost For Nation’s Road Transport Infrastructure As NNPC Presents N621.24 Billion Symbolic Cheque For 21 Roads
 
· A total of 1804.6 kilometres of roads spread over the six geopolitical zones of the country

· Fashola explains that Executive Order 007 signed by the President in 2019 is to stimulate private sector participation in the road sector

· NNPC is not taking over, but funding the 21 roads to enhance timely completion, says Minister

· Calls on Nigerians, other road users, to maintain 100-kilometre speed limit as the nation’s road network gets better

· NNPC pledges to ensure completion of road projects before the end of the Buhari Administration

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Tuesday handed over a symbolic cheque of N621.24 Billion for the rehabilitation of 21 critical roads across the country through the Tax Credit Scheme under the Executive Order 7 signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

In his remarks before the brief presentation ceremony at the Conference Room of the Ministry of Works and House Headquarters, Mabushi, the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, explained that the Tax Credit Scheme, which, according to him, was inherited from the previous administration, was meant as a strategic partnership with the Private Sector.

The Minister, who said the present administration was currently using it for the construction and rehabilitation of Kabba-Obajana Road in Kogi State and the Apapa-Oworonsoki Road in Lagos, pointed out that contrary to the belief in some quarters that the Scheme was meant for only big companies like the Dangote Group, the scheme was open to all the members of the Private Sector.
 
Giving the presentation of the cheque as sign of the participation of the NNPC in the Scheme, Fashola pointed out that in order to ensure the inclusion of all segments of the Sector; the Federal Government has further opened a window of participation for smaller companies by asking them to form conglomerates to enable them mobilize enough funding capacity.
 
“The Tax Credit Scheme is a policy that we inherited from the previous administration. It was there but it was never used”, Fashola said adding that it was in the life of the present administration that the scheme was given life and because it had an expiration date the Executive Order 7 had to be put in place to enable government use it to address the Kabba-Obajana, and “the difficult Apapa-Oworonsoki Roads which is serving the Apapa Port”.
 
The Minister explained further, “Of course, the Tax Credit Scheme that we inherited had an expiry date and when we started using it, it was being said that it was made for one company alone. So we had to come out to explain that it was meant for all the companies that have tax credit”.
 
“And when it expired, we looked at some of the limitations of the scheme and we made some recommendations to the President”, the Minister said adding that one of the recommendations was that, perhaps, the roads should be made more diverse and to be spread out to include all the six geopolitical zones.

According to him, another recommendation was that other companies that have smaller turnover could come together to form conglomerates. He added, “All of these were then factored into the recommendations that were passed to the President which was signed as the Executive Order 7”.
 
Describing the signing of the cheque as “a big show of confidence by the NNPC”, Fashola expressed delight that contrary to the earlier impression created in some quarters, the scheme was now attracting other sectors of the economy including the manufacturing and telecommunications firms.
 
The Minister, who said some of the roads had subsisting contracts that were over ten years old, pointed out that the NNPC was not taking over but funding the roads to ensure completion, adding, “One of the things we have done is to ask the contractors that they should not ask for the review of the contracts throughout the duration of the projects”.
 
“So we are putting in a governance process and that governance process requires us to do certification of their certificates promptly within five days”, the Minister said adding that as soon as the certificates were certified they would be escalated to the NNPC which would be required to pay within 30 days. Also, he said, the staff of the Ministry has certain number of days within which to act to certify the certificates.
 
The Minister gave assurance that all the unpaid certificates that were in existence before the scheme was approved and all the certificates that budget provisions were inadequate to pay, would be paid as from signing of the contract with the NNPC adding that what it meant was that there would be money to pay the contractors who would in turn pay their suppliers of construction materials in the chain of distribution of wealth across the divide.
 
He explained that some of the roads like Apapa-Oworonasoki and Obajana-Kabba had no previous contracts in which case those on tax credit scheme were allowed to choose their own contractors while the Ministry still acts as supervisors adding that the difference between them was that the 21 roads which affect the NNPC distribution operations were already under contract.
 
“So NNPC is not taking over our roads, NNPC is not constructing roads, NNPC is only putting forwards its tax liabilities to fund the roads”, Fashola said reiterating that the roads would have been completed some years back but for insufficiency of funds.
 
Urging the contractors to go out there and do the best they could to meet the expectations of Nigerians, the Minister said even as the construction companies were shutting down as a result of the yuletide season, the contractors were expected to do more work now when the weather was good for construction.
 
The Minister called on Nigerians to maintain the speed limit of 100 kilometres as specified by the nation’s traffic laws noting that the season of celebrations would involve a lot of movement of goods and persons across the country.
 
He added, “As the number of roads we complete are increasing, we are also seeing increasing accidents and the accidents break our hearts. So, I am going to appeal to the Media who are here to please help us to carry this message through this Yuletide season that the maximum speed on our highways is 100kilometres, not more”.
 
According to him, “What it does, if you maintain that speed, is that if there is trouble you will be better able to avoid it”.
 
Earlier in his remarks before the presentation the representative of the Group Managing Director of the NNPC and Chief Finance Officer of the organization, Mr. Umar Ajiya, said the Corporation was motivated by the challenged condition of some of the nation’s roads most of which were the arteries of the company’s operations adding that with the vandalization of the distribution pipelines the company had been forced to use the roads as its channel of distribution of petroleum products nationwide.
 
Thanking the Minister of Works and Housing and other relevant agencies of government, the NNPC Chief Finance Officer said the symbolic presentation of the N621 billion was a way of contributing to the Federal Government efforts to give Nigerians befitting road network adding that it was an investment that was being done in compliance to the Executive Order 7 to use the company’s tax credit.
 
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Muhammad Nami, in his remarks, said the investment in roads was as a result of Executive Order 007, 2019 meant to encourage taxpayers to use company income tax payable by them to fix the nation’s critical infrastructure in exchange for tax credit.
 
Explaining the process involved in the scheme, the Executive Chairman said the scheme was meant also to support “the fact that there is a social contract between the taxpayers and the government” adding, “What government is using the Executive Order 007 to do is to give value to taxpayers’ money.
 
“This is unprecedented and very necessary for us to fix the roads in Nigeria”, he said adding that it has become expedient because the annual budgetary allocation for the roads were not only minimal but absolutely insufficient. He said it was most importantly meant to bridge the critical infrastructure gap that the country faces.
 
The critical roads, which are major routes for the distribution of petroleum products across the country by the NNPC include, the roads in the North Central totaling 791kilometres which are the dualization of Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa/Bokani Junction Road Section I: Ilorin-Jebba in Kwara State, dualization of Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa/Bokani Junction Road Section II: Jebba-Mokwa-Bokani Junction in Kwara/Niger States and dualization of Suleja-Minna Road in Niger State.
 
Also in the zone are the dualization of Suleja-Minna Road in Niger State Phase II, Reconstruction of Bida-Lambata Road in Niger State, Agaie - Katcha - Baro Road, Emergency Repairs of failed section of Mokwa - Makera - Tegina - Kaduna State Border in Niger State, Minna - Zungeru - Tegina road and Bida - Minna Road.
 
In the South-South, three roads totaling 81.90 kilometres which are under the scheme include rehabilitation of Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road in Cross River State Section I: Odukpani-Itu Bridge Head in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States, dualization of outstanding portion of Odukpani-ltu-lkot Ekpene, and dualization of Oku-Iboku Power Plant Section of the Odukpani-Itu-Ikot-Ekpene Road in Cross River/Akwa Ibom States.

The roads chosen in the South East, aggregating to122 kilometres, include rehabilitation of Umuahia (Ikwuano)-Ikot Ekpene Road: Umuahia-Umudike in Abia State and the dualization of Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road in Abia/Akwa Ibom States.

In the North East, roads involved total 117 kilometres. They include rehabilitation of Cham-Numan Section of Gombe-Yola Road in Adamawa State, construction of Bali - Serti Road in Taraba State and rehabilitation of Gombe - Biu Road in Gombe/Borno State while in the North West the roads chosen, which aggregate to 283.5kilometres, include Rehabilitation of Outstanding Sections of Gada - Zaima - Zuru - Gamji Road Phase II in Kebbi State and Rehabilitation of Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto-Birnin Kebbi.
 
In the South West, roads chosen are rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos-Badagry Expressway (Agbara Junction-Nigeria/Benin Border) in Lagos State and the dualization of Ibadan - Ilorin Road (Route A2) Section II   in Oyo State (Oyo - Ogbomosho) which aggregate to 114.00 kilometres.
 
The symbolic cheque presentation ceremony was followed by a signing of Funding Intervention Agreement by the NNPC, FIRS, the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Contractors.
 
Also present at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, Directors and Special Advisers as well as top officials of the NNPC and the Federal Inland Revenue Service and contractors handling the aforementioned roads.

Dec

14

2021

Season Of Completion, Impact Continues As Buhari Commissions Kano-Maiduguri Road, Section II

     ·  Urges ownership of roads by host communities, commuters; compliance to traffic regulations Highway Code

   ·  Buhari doing much more for Nigerians with less resources – Jigawa Governor

   · Commissioning, a clear affirmation of the progressive administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in every State of the country – Fashola

  · Lawmakers, Traditional Ruler, residents commend FG for strides in road transport infrastructure
 
The investments of the Federal Government in road transport infrastructure has continued to impact positively on communities across the country as President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday commissioned the Kano-Maiduguri Road, Section II (Shuwarin-Azare) connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States.

The 142.2 kilometre dualized road brings to five the number of such roads commissioned and handed over across the country in the Season of Completion and Impact which began 18 days ago.
The other roads so far commissioned by the President within the period include the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, the Vandeikya- Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, the Nnewe-Oduma Road, and the Kano- Maiduguri Road Section III (Azare-Potiskum).

In his address at the event, Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, called on Nigerians, especially the communities through which the roads pass, to take ownership and protect the roads, which, according to him, “have been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship” in order to enable them last their designed lifespan.

The President, who also described the commissioned roads as “part of our many roads to prosperity”, told Nigerians, “Now that we have this new and well-built roads, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users”, listing such duties to include avoiding abuse of the roads and compliance with the nation’s traffic laws as stipulated in the Highway Code.

According to the President, abuse of the roads could take the form of overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, which brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, the President said adding, “Accordingly, for the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to reiterate that the maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM and no more”.

Paying tribute to the patriotism of the Nigerians who participated directly or indirectly in the construction of the roads, Buhari said it demonstrated the capacity of the people to build quality infrastructure that could stand the test of time adding that both those employed directly to build the roads and the scores of suppliers employed indirectly by providing the machines utilized in the construction were not only nation builders but also  the heart of the Nigerian economy.

“The road is also a story of the capacity of our people; the patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction. These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth”, he said.

He also said the roads represented “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”, adding, “This is because the travel time of averagely 3 hours before construction has now reduced to 1hour 45 minutes since the completion of the road. Of course, this road is part of our many roads to prosperity because a reduced journey time means reduced expense on travel, because time is money”.
Noting the reintroduction of such road furniture as lane markings and Route Assurance signs on the new roads as symbolizing change, Buhari declared, “These components had all but disappeared on our highways but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state”, adding that another element of change was “the travel experience on a new and well-built road from the old and previously unmotorable road.”

In his own remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, said the Season of Completion and Impact which had seen the Commissioning and Handover of roads across the country in the last 18 days was a clear affirmation of the presence of the progressive administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in every State of the country.

Fashola, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, said the road projects already handed over and many that would soon be commissioned in various parts of the country represented major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which, according to him, “is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity”.

Expressing “immense pleasure” that the Season of Completion and Impact has reached the peoples and Governments of Jigawa and Bauchi States through the Kano-Maiduguri Road Section II (Shuwarin-Azare) being commissioned by the President, the Minister described the investments as “visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”.

“After the handing over of the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, the Vandeikya- Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, the Nenwe-Oduma Road, and the Kano- Maiduguri Road Section III (Azare-Potiskum), I am happy to reiterate that this is the fifth of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact”, he said.
 
Fashola, who said the handing over formalities that would follow the day’s event would be “in both the Works and Housing Sectors”, recalled the recent unveiling of a dedicated portal to enable Nigerians subscribe to the National Housing Programme of the Federal Government in 34 States where the first Phase are ready noting that finishing touches were being put to the handing over formalities in the beneficiary States.

The Minister expressed gratitude to all investors in the first and second SUKUK bond which funding helped in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, adding that the SUKUK funding is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria which would also be commissioned and handed over as and when completed.

He also thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly as well as the Debt Management Office for their support and their role in previous SUKUKS which, according to him, “have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK we are expecting”.

Fashola also thanked the staff of the Ministry and contractors who, he said, “have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion”, adding, “I cannot fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the host communities where these projects pass through or are hosted. I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”.

Also commended by the Ministers were members of the Federal Executive Council in the first term and the current term without whose support during debates over the projects “none of these would have been possible” and the President and Vice President “who preside for long hours over the Council meetings”, and whose leadership “is now bearing fruits and the evidence of change now manifesting” with Jigawa, Bauchi, Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger, bearing  witness and with more to come.

Members of the host communities, who came in their hundreds to grace the occasion were effusive in their expressions of gratitude to the federal Government, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the Dualization of the road which they said was an accident-prone passageway while it was a single lane road.

Leading the expressions of gratitude was the Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who said President Buhari had done wonderfully well in all sectors adding that although the Buhari administration inherited over 300 projects where the contractors were demobilized, the administration mobilized them”, adding, “Today we are commissioning one of them”.

"With less than the money they made Buhari is doing more than they did”, the Governor said, listing the impact of the Buhari administration in Jigawa State to include: “several road projects, tremendous support in the agricultural sector which has increased the rice production of the state from 90, 000 tonnes in 2015 to 649, 000 metric tonnes presently”.

Other areas of impact, according to the Governor, are school feeding programme, six hundred thousand irrigation projects, health facilities, social interventions programmes such as the N- Power which provided jobs for 11, 603 young people, conditional cash transfer, trader money and so on.

Senator Sabo Muhammed, representing Jigawa South - West District and Honourable Abdullahi Ibrahim Dutse, Member representing Dutse/Kiyawa Federal Constituency, in their goodwill remarks, expressed delight and excitement over the completion of the roads in the state and thanked the Works and Housing Minister and the President for the road projects.

The Emir of Dutse, His Royal Highness, Dr. Nuhu Sanusi, in his own remarks, said the importance of the road could not be over emphasized, as, according to him, “it covers about five states”, adding, “It's the heart of the economic activities, our gratitude to the Federal Government is deep for making this possible”.

A cross section of residents interviewed also praised President Buhari and Works and Housing Minister for the completion of the project. Annur Muhammad, a driver, said eight years ago, the road was a single lane before the Dualization and rehabilitation commenced, recalling that the road was prone to accidents. “But since the completion of the project, accident has been reduced to the barest minimum. President Muhammadu Buhari is God sent", he said.

Bello Yau, a farmer from Shuwarin, commended the Federal Government for the completion of the road saying, "We are overjoyed, happiness is an understatement, we thank the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari, for the road”, while Adamu Haladu, a student from the area, said, "We had some challenges because the road which was a single lane was bad but since the road has been dualized, respite has come our ways, we thank the people in government."

Also, a resident from Bakin Kasuwa in Hadejia Local Government who came to witness the commissioning of the road said   "I came here to support the commissioning event with my Public Address System, it is a good job God bless the Ministry of Works and the Contractors for the quality job."

Dec

10

2021

Expect Completion, Delivery Of More Roads- Buhari

… As FG Commissions Kano – Maiduguri Road, Section III
… SUKUK funding aiding progress of our Road projects – Fashola
…State Government, residents , commuters commend FG, Minister

As the progressive train of the season of completion and impact arrived in the North East on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians to expect more completion and delivery of road projects across the nation.

The President spoke in Azare, Bauchi State during the commissioning and handing over of the 106.341 Kilometers Kano -Maiduguri Road, Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi and Yobe States.

The President was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Maryam Katagum.

President Buhari reiterated the commitment of his administration to Infrastructural development and gave the assurance that Nigerians would be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.

The President who emphasized his administration's commitment to economic growth through infrastructural development, appealed to road users to desist from acts that could damage the road.

According to him, activities such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to permanent parking places damages the road and reduces its life span.

"We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them", he said.

The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed commended President Muhammad Buhari for approving the dualization and extension of two major highways that connect the state’s metropolis.

The highways are the dualization and extension of Kano Road, from Giwa Academy, Abubakar Tafawa University Main Campus, Nigerian Air Force Base- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport with a distance of 17.7kms and the expansion of Maiduguri-Awala- Bauchi State University.

The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, noted that the roads were near completion and expressed optimism that the state government would be reimbursed by the Federal Government as soon as the state of the economy improves in the country.

He further applauded the collaborative effort between the Federal and Bauchi State government to restore the Bauchi-Ningi Road and Bogoro- Bauchi -Dawaki Road damaged by flood during the last rainy season.

He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN for bringing the project to conclusion.

In his address, the Minister of Works and Housing, represented by the Director, North East, Engr. Celestine Shausu, stated that the SUKUK funding option which the Federal Government adopted is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.

"The SUKUK is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold," he said

Fashola commended all the stakeholders both in private and public institutions who have contributed to the actualization of the project.

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Babangida Hussaini who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Salihu Ahmed said that the Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare -Potiskum) connects four Local Government Areas in Bauchi (Azare and Dambam) and Yobe  (Nangere and Potiskum) States respectively.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Dr Umar Farouq II, commended the Federal Government for completing the road which was abandoned for more than 20 years by previous administrations.

He said that the road was important to the socio-economic development of the benefiting communities.

He applauded the administration of President Muhammad Buhari, for completing the projects he met on ground when he came on board, adding that governance should be a continuous process.

Various members of the community and road users on the project spoken to expressed appreciation and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN, for ensuring the completion of the road, stating that the work has brought a lot of relief to them and improved their socio-economic activities in many ways.

While delivering the vote of thanks, General Manager, Messrs Mothercat, Engr. Raffi Kevorkian thanked the Federal Government for finding the company worthy of carrying out the construction work and also appreciated the community for their cooperation during the construction work.

He pledged the company's cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria in the delivering of quality and durable roads for her citizens.

The commissioning and hand over of Azare- Potiskum Section III (Azare – Potiskum) is the fourth in the series after the Sokoto - Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora - Makera Road in Sokoto and Kebbi states,  Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch Road in Benue and Cross River states, and Nnewe-Oduma Road Section in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

Dec

02

2021

Jubilation, commendations as President Buhari Commissions Nnewe - Oduma Road

* Urges road users against abuse
* Nigerians to expect more delivery of projects in a season of completion and impact - Fashola

Jubilation, commendations and gratitude rent the air as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Nnewe - Oduma - Uburu road covering 26.27 kilometres with 14 kilometres spur to Ishiagu connecting  Enugu and Ebonyi states, today 2nd December, 2021.

The President who was represented by the  Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made a passionate appeal to road users to desist from acts such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to Permanent parking places which could damage the road.

"We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them", he said.

Buhari who again emphasized his administration's commitment to Infrastructural development gave the assurance that Nigerians will be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.

The Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Sir Greg Nnagi described road contruction as the cradle of civilisation. He noted that the underlying benefits of road construction is that it opens up the door of economic advantage and boost the economy of the people.

The Governor expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN for bringing the project to conclusion.

He said, " This road will take its pride of place as one of the most critical infrastructure implemented by the Federal Government".

Fashola, in an address read on his behalf by the Director Highways, South  Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, noted that the road being handed over was a continuation of the good tidings being delivered across the country. “I am happy to reiterate that this is the third of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact,” he said.

expressed appreciation for the SUKUK funding which is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.

Fashola said, "The SUKUK is currently contributing to Progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold."

He commended all the stakeholders both in the private and public sectors who contributed to the actualization of the project.

His Royal Highness Igwe Patrick  Oshiekwe the Ohazulume I of Ukete - Oduma, Aninri Local  Government Area of Enugu State, expressed happiness and commended the President  for the project.

Road users in the area who were obviously filled with  joy  expressed their gratitude to Mr President .

Mr. Patrick  Ekwe said, "The project is helping us very well. It was very hard for us to travel to anywhere but today it is very easy, if you want to go to Lagos from here, you will leave today and come back tomorrow.  Before it took us a whole day to go to Enugu but now you can go and come back within 2 hours.”

Kingsley  Nicholas said, " God will continue to bless President Muhammadu Buhari, the God that put the project into his mind and for his willingness to help the people of Oduma, may the good God continue to bless him.”

For Princess Nkem Ngirim the project will help the people to take their goods to the market and boost their economy. She said, " We thank our able President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering us, giving us access road to other places."

She added that a journey that used to take them about 5 hours can now be covered within 30 minutes.

It could be recalled that the 304 kilometre Sokoto - Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora - Makera road in Sokoto and Kebbi States and the Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch road in Benue and Cross River states were recently commissioned on November 25th and 29th 2021 respectively.

Nov

27

2021

Host Communities Commend FG as Buhari Commissions Sokoto-Tambuwal-Kontagora-Makera Road·

President calls for compliance to the nation’s transport regulations, Highway Code to enable roads last their design life·

“This is the first of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in this season of completion and impact”, says Fashola·

Political leaders, Traditional Rulers, Commuters praise FG, Fashola for commitment to infrastructure development, testify to ease of doing business·

“We are overwhelmed that despite numerous challenges, this administration has delivered on most of its mandates”, Emir of Yauri.

Host communities along the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road corridor, Thursday, hailed the Federal Government as President Muhammadu Buhari formally commissioned and opened the road for use calling on commuters to always comply with the nation’s Highway Code in order for the road and others being built across the country to attain their design life.

And the Minister of Works and Housing, while corroborating the President’s call, the 304 kilometre road represented the first of many more project Completion and Handovers Nigerians would experience in the next few weeks and months as the nation enters what he described as “a season of completion and impact”.

The President, who was represented by the Attorney- General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, said as the Federal Government commit to delivering on its promise to give Nigerians good and quality road network, it was incumbent on the people not to abuse the roads in order to enable them service the nation through their design life.

The President, who listed such abuses to include overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, explained that while overloading accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products dissolves the road components and allows water to penetrate. Converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, he said, brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, the President said adding that the commissioned road, which links Sokoto and Kebbi State, “has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if well used and not abused, should last for the designed service life”.

Saluting all Nigerians who contributed in the construction of the road, President Buhari declared, “This road is a story of the capacity of our people, the patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction” describing them as “not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth”.

“This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business. This is because the travel time of averagely four hours before construction has now reduced to two hours since the completion of the road”, he said noting that the road also forms part of the many roads to prosperity being constructed across the country “because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money”.

According to the President, the road also symbolizes change as it includes such road furniture as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs which, he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding his administration’s commitment to change has restored them, “with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state”.

Citing travel experience on new and well-built roads as another element of change from the old and previously unmotorable roads, Buhari declared, “Now that we have this new and well-built road, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users. One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code”, adding that the “maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM and no more”.

Formally declaring the road open to traffic, President Buhari reiterated, “For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM.  We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. I wish you safe and happy motoring”.

In his remarks earlier, Fashola listed other roads that would soon be commissioned across the country to include Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States, Section III covering 106.3 x 2 Kilometers between Azare and Potiskum , connecting Bauchi and Yobe States, Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road covering 24 Kilometres connecting Benue and Cross River States and Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States. 

The Minister, who said the President had approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities, added, “These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”.

“This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the SUKUK funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads”, the Minister said adding that the SUKUK was currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria “and as we complete them, events like this will hold”.

He expressed gratitude to the investors in the SUKUK and thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support as well as the Debt Management Office for their role in previous SUKUKS which, according to him, have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK still being expected.

Fashola also thanked the Ministry’s staff and contractors “who have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion” as well as the host communities for their cooperation without which progress would have been impossible. “I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”, he said.

Others to whom the Minister expressed gratitude included the Federal Executive Council, which included all Ministers in the first term and the current term, for their support, the President and Vice President “who preside for long hours over the Council meetings” and the Governors of Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi, who, according to him “bear witness to fruits and the evidence of change by the Buhari administration. “And there is more to come”, he said.

Commending the Federal Government also, the Senator representing Kebbi Central Senator District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero said that since the construction of the road in 1973, it has not undergone any major repair to the extent that it became a death tap. “Because of the very bad nature of the road then, about 40 people lost their lives on the road. But thank God that today, the story has changed completely,” he said.

He hailed the Federal Government for the other projects being embarked upon in the state and implored them to maintain the projects saying, “ To whom much is given, much is expected and we expect the good people of Kebbi State to support  our great Party, the APC and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and demonstrate their support in the next election.”

In a similar vein, Honourable Muhammed Shehu Koko, a House of Representative member representing the area commended President Muhammadu Buhari saying that the people of Koko and the entire Kebbi State are very impressed and happy for the road project.

He said, “Honourable Minister, as you are aware, Kebbi people are mainly farmers and they have started enjoying the road in moving their farm produces from their farms to the market with ease.”

The Emir of Yauri, His Royal Highness, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi in his own remarks said the rehabilitation of the road was very crucial to the socio-economic development of the people and the neighbouring ECOWAS States. 

He acknowledged with gratitude the efforts of the present Government for initiating and completing the rehabilitation works on the road which, according to him, was constructed in the 70s and never received any major rehabilitation work until the tenure of President Buhari’s administration.

“We are overwhelmed that despite numerous competing demands and other global challenges, this administration is able to deliver on most of its mandates and would forever be remembered for fixing our economy”, the Traditional Ruler said.

Others who commended the government included the core road users such as the motorists and motorcyclists who said their businesses have been enhanced by the new road.

Nov

25

2021

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, MR BABATUNDE FASHOLA, SAN, AT THE PROJECT COMPLETION AND HAND OVER FLAG OFF ON THURSDAY 25TH NOVEMBER, 2021 AT KOKO/BESSE LGA, KEBBI STATE

On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring good tidings to the peoples and Governments of Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States, who will be impacted by the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road that our President will hand over today.

My principal message to you all is that this is the first of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact. 

In this phase of completion Mr. President has approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities.

The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities which we flag off today in Kebbi will be in:

a)    Jigawa for Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States.

b)    Bauchi for Section III covering 106.3 x 2 Kilometers between Azare and Potiskum , connecting Bauchi and Yobe States. 

c)    Benue for Vandeikya-Obudu Cattleranch Road covering 24 Kilometers connecting Benue and Cross River States.

d)    Ebonyi for Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States. 

These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.

This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the Sukuk funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads.  

The Sukuk is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold.

I want to express gratitude of our Government to the investors in the Sukuk and thank the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support.

Our gratitude to the Debt Management Office is deep and continuing for their role in previous SUKUKS which have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the Sukuk we are expecting.

To our staff and contractors who have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion I also say thank you, as I cannot fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the host communities where these projects pass through or are hosted.

I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government.

Ladies and Gentlemen, none of these would have been possible without the support of Ministers in the Federal Executive Council during debates over the projects.

To all Ministers in the first term and this current term, I express gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Housing for your support. 

To the President and Vice President who preside for long hours over the Council meetings, your leadership is now bearing fruits and the evidence of change is now manifesting.

Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi bear witness and there is more to come. 

Thank You.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING

Nov

16

2021

Damages On Federal Roads Now To Be Prosecuted By Attorneys-General Of Host States

·         Fashola requests Ogun State Attorney-General to take over prosecution of case of damage to flyover bridges on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

In a bid to stem the tide of wilful damage to Federal Roads and other infrastructure across the country as it strives to renew the nation’s infrastructure, the Federal Government has directed State Attorneys-General to henceforth prosecute all such cases and ensure that offenders face legal sanctions.

The directive, which emanated from the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, specifically directed the Attorneys-General of the 36 States of the Federal to immediately takeover both pending and new cases of damages to Federal roads, bridges and other public utilities within their jurisdictions.

On the strength of this directive, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has written to the Attorney-General of Ogun State requesting him to take over a criminal case of damage to three flyover bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway against one Folarin Temitope.

According to the letter dated October 14, 2021, the fact of the case, RE-CHARGE NO: MIS/221/2021: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE VS FOLAREIN TIMITOPE ‘M’ 30 YEARS, is that on March 12, 2021, one Folarin Temitope, while driving a low-bed Renault trailer with registration number MUS 758 XU, conveying an excavator, damaged three flyover bridges at Ogunmakin, Isara and Sapade respectively along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Investigations later by the Ogunmakin Unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) revealed that the excavator inflicted the damage on the bridges because its height was above the clearance level allowed by the bridges and this led to the booking of the driver for road obstruction and dangerous driving while the Isara Police Division impounded the vehicle and charged the driver to the Isara Magistrate Court in Ogun State.

Noting that the Court ordered the release of the vehicle owners when the   case came up for hearing at the Court on August 3, 2021, Fashola requested the Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to take over the prosecution of the suit saying the seriousness of the case required that the Commissioner for Justice should “exercise his constitutional power to take over the suit” as directed by the Federal Government.

Requesting the Commissioner to liaise with the FRSC and the Police Prosecutor for further information about the case, the Minister declared, “having regard to the seriousness of the offense and the implication of the damage occasioned by the negligence of the driver on the affected bridges, the Federal Government is interested in ensuring that the matter is prosecuted diligently and professionally by the Ministry of Justice with Counsel in the Ministry of Works and Housing holding watching brief”.

Nov

08

2021

Third Mainland Bridge Is Safe, Intact

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Engineer Olukayode Popoola, has debunked insinuations making the rounds in the social media that the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos has “opened up” and “shaking” and, therefore, unsafe to traffic saying the claim was both false and unfounded.

Giving an on-the-spot report on the Bridge, the Controller, who said he just drove along the Bridge without noticing any opening or experiencing any shaking as contained in the social media report, advised members of the public, especially commuters, to ignore the insinuations as the Bridge, which is receiving regular attention along with others across the country, is safe for use.
 

Nov

03

2021

ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA SAN AT THE 27TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WOKS

PROTOCOL

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the fourth day of this memorable event of the 27th meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) being held in Bauchi State.

2.    Let me first express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Bala A. Muhammed CON, the Executive Governor and the entire people of Bauchi State for accepting to host the 27th meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW). This has demonstrated the mutual relationship and peaceful coexistence between the Federal and Bauchi State Government. The Bauchi State, "the Pearl of Tourism" is no doubt the treasure of the Nation considering its many beautiful tourist attraction canters across the State.

3. The theme of this year's Council meeting "Infrastructure Delivery, Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity" was carefully selected to alleviate the problems associated with lack of maintenance of infrastructure being provided by the Federal, State and Local Governments which results to huge money and retard the economy growth.

4.    Nigeria like other developing Countries is seriously confronted with inadequate resources for establishment of infrastructure which are essential for National Economic Development. Since the Independence, a large chunk of the country's resources has been channelled to infrastructure constructions including roads infrastructure. However, maintenance culture which encompasses provision for adequate care of hard-earned infrastructure is needed to ensure sustainability of these roads’ infrastructure for national prosperity. Experts have posited that if any nation can imbibe the maintenance culture in every sector of the economy, it will reduce cost and ensure national economic growth. Therefore, provision of adequate road infrastructure with a maintenance backup will no doubt help the government in saving more money to achieve National Economic Prosperity.

5.    The highly acquired capital infrastructure is not given adequate maintenance to enable it have a longer lifespan needed to support development efforts and thereby deteriorate to the point of starting afresh. Therefore, acquired infrastructure such as constructed road network, bridges, road signage should be properly managed and adequately maintained to ensure durability and enable them live up to their life span of 20 years of road construction.

6.    In prioritizing Maintenance culture in the road network with the goal of improving its 195,500 km road network of which about 60,000 km are paved while 135,000 road networks are un-tarred, the Federal Government and the States need to collaborate together along with investments from International
Finance Institutions and Public Private Partnership intervention in order to achieve the desired goal in Infrastructure Delivery, Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity.

7.    Therefore, the 27th Council is expected to provide policy frame work that will sustain concerted and consistent culture of maintenance on the infrastructure on ground and also build in maintenance policy in the future road projects to move the country to the next level.

8.    Kindly bear in mind that your recommendations will bear far reaching importance in Nation building and it is my prayer that our Highways will become safer and more comfortable for all and the nation's economy will be revamped and sustained.

9.    I urge you to contribute meaningfully to the deliberations here today which will not only enhance improvement in the road infrastructure but will also stimulate world standard maintenance culture in the Nigerian road system.

10.    Once again, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Executive Governor and the entire people of Bauchi State for providing necessary provisions to ensure the hitch free of this year's Council meeting.

11.    Thank you all and God bless

Oct

19

2021

Fashola Flags Off Ember Month Rehabilitation Works, Advocates Synergy Among All Stakeholders

·       Says purpose is to find solutions to the problems created by months of rainfall and adverse weather on Federal Roads.

·       Appeals to Motorists to comply with traffic regulations, especially 100 KM Speed Limit
·       NARTO, NUPENG, NURTW, FERMA, FRSC, FG’s Contractors fully represented

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has presided over the seasonal EMBER Months Rehabilitation Briefing in Abuja advocating a synergy among all the stakeholders in the nation’s road transportation sector to achieve a safe and pleasurable travel experience during the coming festivities.

Addressing stakeholders made up of representatives of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Petroleum Truck Drivers Chapter of the NUPENG, and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) , the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) as well as government contractors, Fashola said the only way to achieve the said objective was to work in collaboration during the period.

The Minister, who noted that adverse weather has always posed a challenge to nations globally, pointed out that the only solution was to plan for such periods and ensure that whatever damages or failures caused by such adverse weather were addressed immediately after the period to restore status of the roads.

Referring to the presentations earlier made by some of the Agencies of government, Fashola noted that it was a result of many weeks of planning, likening it to the recent Ministerial Retreat where all the Ministers’ Sectoral activities were evaluated.

The Minister said aside the transport unions and other road users, the meeting was also important for contractors pointing out that although the period was the time contractor would like to continue their main projects it was equally important to create a period during which the contractors would work on the failures to enable travellers have a pleasurable time during the period.

Fashola said the Ministry chose to hold the meeting because, “It is a festive period, it is a period of heightened movement of goods and services, a period when families reunite, it is a period when our brothers and sisters from other parts of the world come home, it is also a time when some people get married”.

“This is the reality of our live experience. All of the people involved in transportation, whether Aviation, whether shipping, it is a very busy period, the port is busier during the period, airports are busier during the period and so are the roads”, the Minister said.

Pointing out that construction still takes place during the period, he added, “contractors at this period are usually more interested in continuing their main work rather than going to repair failures, in order to complete their main contract. So what we try to do is to get them to realize that what interests the road users at this time is not the new road but the part they cannot pass”.

Fashola said the Ministry has also commenced a plan ahead of the EMBER period because, according to him, “During December to January things seem to normalize. Between January and June vehicles rarely get stuck” adding that on roads like Lagos-Otta, Calabar-Itu, vehicles rarely get stuck during the period”.

“It is from July through August and September when the rains start that vehicles get stuck”, the Minister said adding that while the rains may favour the fisherman and the farmer, the transporter, whether Aviation, Shipping on Road, the rain poses challenges to all transport logisticians.
“Whether it is shipping, whether it is Aviation, whether it is the road, bad weather poses challenges to all transport logisticians. Flight are cancelled, ships can’t sail, water flood roads and rail stations. We see them all over the world whether as typhoons or hurricanes”, he said. He noted, however that such periods of discomfort which last for a short while, should not be a reason to stop the movement of people.

Pointing out that the meeting helps the stakeholders to gather and find solution to the challenges and facilitate the movement of people, Fashola explained that strike as threatened by one of the stakeholders was not a solution adding that it would serve the people better if every stakeholder joins in finding solution to the challenges.

The Minister stressed the need for evolving strategies to solve the problem posed by adverse weather on the nation’s roads saying going on strike would impose more hardship on the people, who, according to him, are struggling to make ends meet.

Recalling the presentation made earlier by the Director Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation who put the amount needed to effect repairs on the identified road failures across the country at N75 billion, the Minister, who said the year’s budget could not cover such an amount added that the only alternative was to seek alternative sources of funding including borrowing.

He charged those who criticise the government’s borrowing to proffer a solution or the alternative to borrowing so that the needed amount could be raised to carry out the needed repairs. According to him, such critics are only familiar with home economic but do not know public financing.

“In your home you can stop some things, in public financing you cannot stop anything. You cannot stop building the roads, you cannot stop the provision of security, you can’t stop packing refuse. It has to be done,” he said.

Describing the nation’s transport strategy as the “Eight Wonder of the World”, Fashola said a situation where all heavy cargoes such as petroleum products and other heavy equipment are transported by road could not be described any other way pointing out that it is only in Nigeria that it was happening.

“There is no country where they do what we are doing transporting all heavy cargoes by road”, the Minister said expressing the hope that as the rail network increases more of such heavy cargoes would be moved by rail transportation. “That is when we will have real value of the roads”, he said.

Appealing to the road users, especially the cargo handlers and other transporters such as the petroleum tanker and truck drivers as well as others commercial drivers to comply with traffic regulations, Fashola said adding, “One of the road regulations I would like you to comply with is the Maximum Speed Limit on our highways. It is 100 kilometres not 101 kilometres”.

“Help us tell your members. All the data that we have about road accident show us that speed violation is the largest contributor. It is excessive speeding that is the largest contributor. Our responsibility is to build the roads but the responsibility of enforcement of regulations is FRSC’s work”, the Minister told the transport unions.

He disclosed that the Ministry has started calibrating the nation’s weighbridges adding that the government would henceforth start enforcing regulations starting from Lagos and urged the FRSC to begin this season to intensify enforcement of regulations, especially ensuring that any driver behind the wheels has a valid drivers’ license.

In his presentation earlier, the Director Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan had said 194 damaged roads sections “in the six geo-political zones and major links to the 36 States of the Federation that required urgent palliative works to avoid further deterioration were identified” were identified during the surveys directed by the Minister adding that N75.8 billion would be required to fix them. However, due to paucity of funds, the Department identified 14 critical road corridors with heavy vehicular traffic that need repairs to ensure smooth travels across the country during the yuletide season.

In his presentation, the representative from FERMA said the agency identified damages within 17 road corridors across the country, including Lagos-Shagamu-Benin-Asaba-Onitsha, Lokoja- Kabba- Omuo-Ifaki-Ado Ekiti, Umuahia-Ikot-Ekpene-Uyo, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Akwanga-Jos, Kano-Azare-Potiskum and Zaria-Funtua-Gusau-Sokoto, among others.

Also in their presentations, representatives of major contractors, such as CGC, RCC, JBN, ARAB Contractors, Mothercat, CCECC and Sermatech, among others, acknowledged the directives of the Minister to provide palliatives to road sections within their projects damaged by the rains and promised compliance.

Earlier in his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Babangida Hussaini, said the purpose of the yearly meeting was to take stock of challenges posed by the passing Rainy Season and provide solutions in order to ensure shorter travel time and pleasurable journey across the country during the festivities.

Also present at the briefing were Directors, Federal Controllers of Works from some of the States and Special Advisers from the Ministry as well as contractors and other and other stakeholders.

Oct

15

2021

EMBER Period: Fashola Advises Motorists On Traffic Rules

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has called on motorists to be cautious and obey traffic rules during this EMBER period.

Fashola, who was spoke at an interactive session with stakeholders in the transport industry organized by his Ministry, stressed the importance of obeying rules and regulations guiding the use of Nigerian roads, especially during the coming festive period.

Lamenting the loss of lives resulting from accidents on Nigeria roads, the Minister charged the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) to ensure that road users do not exceed the speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour recommended by the law.

He further urged the leaders of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and National Union of Petroleum and Gas (NUPENG) to sensitize their members on the voluntary compliance with road safety regulations, pointing out that excessive speeding and disobedience to traffic rules were among the major cause of accidents.

“I want to appeal mostly on compliance with road regulations. What I want to appeal for is the maximum speed limit on highway. It is 100kilometres, not 101 kilometres; help us to tell your members not to exceed 100 kilometres. It is important, that is the first step to save life,” he said.

Speaking earlier, the Director, Highways Rehabilitation and Construction, Engineer, Funso Esan, noted that 194 failures have been identified on14 critical roads recording heavy traffic for urgent repairs during the yuletide period in order to ease traffic and ensure more pleasurable travel experience for motorists.

He explained that the Ministry would award emergency repair contracts to any contractor who could work at short notice to fix the roads. “We need you very urgently to carry out palliatives on our roads”, Esan told the contactors.

In attendance were the representatives of National Union Road Transport Workers, (NURTW), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Gas (NUPENG).

Oct

05

2021

VC Commends FG for Road Intervention in University

The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University Kano, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas has commended the Federal Government for the road intervention projects in tertiary institutions nationwide.

Professor Abbas who led the management team of the University on a visit to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing expressed appreciation for intervention in road projects and street lights in his institution.

He described the intervention in Bayero University as critical to the institution which had provided a conducive atmosphere for learning in the University thereby boosting the morale of the students and staff in the institution.

In his response, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini who received the delegation on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, appreciated the team for the accolades showered on the Ministry and noted that the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to providing infrastructure in every sector of the country provided the needed motivation to the Ministry of Works and Housing to discharge its mandate judiciously.  

The Permanent Secretary also stated that the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing has a strong passion to ensure the fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buahari’s commitment to providing infrastructure in all sectors across the states of the federation.

It will be recalled that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing had so far completed and delivered 29 out of 47 road projects executed in various tertiary institutions nationwide.

Other members of the delegation from the university are Deputy Vice Chancellor; Professor Mahmoud Umar Sani, Acting Registrar; Jemila Salim, and Director Liaison Office Abuja; Ibrahim Usman Yakasai.
 

Sep

26

2021

2023 Elections: Fashola Distances Self from The Antics of Unsolicited Support Groups

The Media Office of the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has urged well-meaning people to disregard the invitation of some Groups, operating under The Nigeria Project 2023, purportedly to the inauguration of a Support Group for the Minister and the Governor of Borno State over the 2023 elections.

The social media was awash at the weekend with a poster from the Group allegedly presenting the Honorable Minister and the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum as Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates respectively of an unnamed political party. 

Ordinarily, the poster and the various social media reports almost instantly orchestrated on its account would have been ignored as the handwork of mischief makers. However, it became necessary to issue this disclaimer for two key reasons.

The first of such was to answer with a strong negative to the numerous inquiries from right thinking and well-meaning Nigerians on whether the Honorable Minister had been contacted or if the Groups had his consent in issuing the invitation.

Without equivocation, no individual or Group has contacted the Honorable Minister for or on behalf of The Nigeria Project 2023. As Honorable Minister, Mr Fashola is currently focused on leading his dedicated Team in the Ministry of Works and Housing to deliver on the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari for an expanded and upgraded road transport infrastructure; and affordable Housing nationwide in order to achieve economic growth and prosperity for the citizenry. 

Secondly, is the fact that entities unknown to a political party cannot present candidates on behalf of such a political party. As a ranking and loyal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the individual and groups cited as promoters of The Nigeria Project 2023 are unknown to the APC and the Honorable Minister. 

Against the backdrop of the foregoing, the Honorable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN urges members of the public to be wary of the antics of unsolicited individuals and Support Groups whose real intentions remain questionable. Every support possible should be given to the efforts of the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver a better nation for all.