Apr

16

2021

Ife-Ifewara Road Project: No Money Was Paid During My Tenure Fashola Responds To RCCG Petition

“Ministry of Works and Housing deserves an apology from us and because the whole world is listening to us, I tender that apology “Unreservedly”, Petitioner

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has clarified the issue of payment to Cartil Construction Nigeria Limited in respect of the rehabilitation of Ife-Ifewara road in Osun State even as the Redeem Christian Church of God apologized to the Ministry for its allegation that payment was made to the Contractor by the Ministry for the rehabilitation of the road which was done by the Church between 2016 and 2019.

Speaking on Thursday 15 April, 2021 at the Public Hearing of the the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Minister clarified that no payment had been made by the current administration with respect to the rehabilitation of the road.

The Minister stated that the contract was awarded to Messrs. Cartill Construction Nigeria Limited five years before the Buhari Administration and six years before he was appointed as a Minister of Works and Housing.

Countering the allegation by RCCG that monies were paid to the contactor, Fashola debunked the allegation saying that the then Minister of Works only approved the mandatory 15% mobilization fee on 31st March, 2011 and another payment was made after the work had reached about 26.21% on 29th December, 2011. “These payments were all made four years before the Buhari’s administration,”, he explained.

Responding further to the petition, the Minister stated that the Ministry did not make any payment to the contractor as a refund or certify any work done between 2016 and 2019, adding that the road in question was not a federal road but the contract was initiated as Parliamentary Constituency Project which was domiciled in the budget of the Ministry, hence the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

While he thanked the Chairman and other distinguished members of the committee for its impartial and dispassionate consideration of the petition, Mr. Fashola said that there was no basis for the petition by way of facts or evidence.

While commending the leadership of RCCG for intervening in the rehabilitation of the road, Fashola explained that there were procedures to be followed in intervening on Federal and State roads.

Responding on behalf of RCCG, the Petitioner, Pastor Niyi Adebanjo apologized to the Minister saying that the petition was not targeted at him, but was meant to expose some perceived sharp practices.  He said that they thought that the Federal Government was to approve another payment for the road which was rehabilitated free by Pastor Encoh Adeboye as part of the church’s social corporate responsibility.

He said: “The rehabilitation of the road was awarded and paid for by Pastor Enoch Adeboye, hence any further claim by any company should be seen as illegal and unjust.”

“Ministry of Works and Housing deserves an apology from us and because the whole world is listening to us, I tender that apology “Unreservedly”, Petitioner

On behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Senator Patrick Akinyelure, commended the Minister for his presentation and for correcting the impression that some monies were paid during the Buhari led administration.

He said that the purpose of the public hearing was to clear all grey areas regarding payments that were alleged to be paid by the Federal Ministry and not to witch-hunt anybody.

While commending the RCCG for the intervention and for crying out for the perceived wrong doing, he charged them to follow due procedure and guideline in future intervention to avoid a repeat of such occurrence.

Mar

30

2021

*“Stop the abuse of roads”, FG appeals to road users.*

The Federal Government has appealed to road users to stop the misuse of roads as it threatens their safety and leads to unnecessary loss of lives and properties. The Director of Highway Construction and Rehabilitation in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Funsho  Adebiyi  made this appeal while speaking to some correspondents in  Abuja on the  state of federal roads.

Adebiyi speaking specifically on the Enugu - Onitsha expressway complained that drivers were using  pavements of the highways which are being mistaken for a third lane while heavy duty trucks park on them sometimes for days to carry out maintenance work and change diesel thereby pouring some on the roads, a practice which he described as a threat to the safety and life span of the roads.

Engineer Adebiyi said, “The Heavy duty trucks park on the shoulders of the road and carry out maintenance work thereby spoiling it. The parking on the road is a threat to the safety of our roads, in addition our people still over speed.”

The Director pointed out that from the reports of the Federal Road Safety Commission reckless driving accounts for about 35% of road accidents while bad roads account for only 1.3%.

Engineer Adebiyi said when the roads were bad people were clamouring for the repairs but now that they are being fixed over speeding, overloading and reckless driving have become threats to life.

The Director also spoke on the misconception by some members of the public that the Umuomi  - Awka road in Anambra State  was a  3 carriageway. He explained that what makes it look like a 3 carriageway was the pavement which had been redesigned to strengthen the shoulders of the road into hard core due to heavy duty trucks plying the road. Engineer Adebiyi said “Because of the heavy duty trucks  that pass there we now redesigned the pavement so that the shoulders are now hard core.” "They are designed to carry the same weight as the 2 carriageway."

He further said, “What we have in the current situation is that the drivers now run on the shoulder but as they approach the flyover, it closes down into 2 lanes, they don’t realize that what they were using was not actually a carriageway but a shoulder and erroneously conclude that the Engineers were reducing the width of the road to 2 instead of 3 carriageways.”

The Director who also noted that people were complaining that the pavement was not marked said binders are not marked until pavement is completed just as a house is not painted until plastering is done. He explained further that the reason why the pavement is opened  for use even as work is yet to be completed is to ensure smooth traffic flow and test running of the under laying materials while using it so that if there is any error it would be detected and promptly corrected while the engineers were still there.

He disclosed that the Ministry was taking steps to do the shoulder markings, adding that a mini speed breaker would also be put in place to check over speeding.

Engineer Adebiyi  said that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housig had projects in virtually every section of the trunk A roads which run across the country with Engineers in each of the sections working simultaneously. He added that every state of the Federation had a Federal Controller of Works who reports to the Zonal Controller who in turn reports to him, adding that the structure allows  steady delivery of work.

Mar

24

2021

FG reaffirms Commitment to UN-Habitat Activities

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to contribute to the successful implementation of the Un- Habitat activities in the country. 
Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr Abubakar D Aliyu, (FNSE), made the reaffirmation this morning when a delegation from the UN-Habitat Mission paid him a courtesy visit at the Heaquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mabushi, Abuja.
The Minister assured the UN –Habitat that the Ministry of Works and Housing would continue to ensue more of Federal Government voluntary contribution to its activities. 
Engineer Aliyu added that the agenda of establishing a regional Multi Country office, West Africa in Abuja for the organization was being pursued by the Ministry.
He expressed Nigeria’s desire to initiate the establishment of a broad based Multi Sectoral National Habitat Advisory Committee that would be charged with the responsibility of advising the government on the domestication and implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) in Nigeria, seeking intervention programmes for implementation pertaining to the NUA and mobilizing sources of donor to UN – Habitat activities.
While urging the UN body to fast track the Yobe Project because of the slow procurement process, Engr Aliyu  also stressed the need to coordinate the implementation of the HAPSO and African Urban Agenda Work plans. 
" We are able to restore normalcy in the area, I urge you to fast track the Yobe project which we discussed earlier, the procurement process is slow " he said 
Earlier, the leader of the delegation Mathias Spaliviero who is also the Senior Human Settlements Officer, Regional Office for Africa, informed the Minister that his team was in the country to engage national partners with respect to the proposed and on-going COVID- 19 intervention projects and implementation of the New Urban Agenda as well as the Sustainable Development Goals amongst other activities. 
He gave the status of the on-going Karu Swedish International Development Agency, SIDA/UN-Habitat project and its replication in the North East especially Yobe State before taking it to other areas of the country as a National Programme of intervention.
He stated that already the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) has made available a grant of USD220 to carry out emergency wash, health and other Urban Planning interventions in Karu peri-urban settlements in Nassarawa State to mitigate the negative health and social –economic impacts of COVID – 19 pandemic.
 

Mar

23

2021

The Highway Development Management Initiative Ministerial Notice Delivered By H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, San At The Conference Hall Of The Ministry Of Works And Housing On Tuesday, 22nd March 2021

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our Permanent Secretary has already welcomed you all to this event, the official ministerial notice of the commencement of the Highway Development Management Initiative (HDMI).

What remains for me to do is to get on with the business of issuing the notice for the HDMI to commence the procurement process; after a few preliminary remarks.

As you all know, one of the early initiatives of the Buhari administration was to improve the ease of doing business, and it is no secret that infrastructure was going to be an important driver of this initiative.

Since 2015, the administration has made no pretence about its commitment to improve the stock of infrastructure both in qualitative and quantitative terms in many sectors from roads and bridges, to rail, airports and seaports to mention a few.

Currently the government is executing over 700 different contracts which aggregates to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 13,000 km of roads and bridges across all the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

As a result of the size of the undertaking, there is an increasing and unsatisfied demand for funding to finance these projects to completion and to maintain them.

There is also the need to finance other complementary services like weigh bridges, rest houses, towing vehicles and road furniture which seem better suited for the commercial initiative of the private sector.

In the interim, government is constrained to borrow, offer tax credit, increase her revenue mobilization capacities in order to sustain this massive infrastructure renaissance.

This is the background to the HDMI which is another effort to mobilize private capacity, resources, and entrepreneurship into the Nigerian highway sector; and hopefully convert roads from just social assets into assets of commercial opportunities and enterprise.

The HDMI is made up of 2 categories namely the Value-added Concessions (VAC) and the Unbundled Assets Approvals (UAA).

The UAA provides opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that are available along the ROW while under the VAC the road pavement and entire right of way is concessioned for development and management by the concessionaire .

The VAC will be rolled out in phases, and this First Phase involves 12 roads namely:

1.    BENIN – ASABA (125KM);

2.    ABUJA – LOKOJA (193KM);

3.    KANO – KATSINA (150KM);

4.    ONITSHA – OWERRI – ABA (161KM);

5.    SHAGAMU – BENIN (258KM);

6.    ABUJA – KEFFI – AKWANGA (122KM);

7.    KANO – MAIDUGURI (lot 1 Kano-Shuari 100KM ;

       lot 2 Potiskum-Damaturu 96.24KM )

8.    LOKOJA – BENIN (270KM);

9.    ENUGU – PORT HARCOURT (200KM); 

10.    ILORIN – JEBBA (129KM);

11.    LAGOS – OTA – ABEOKUTA (80KM);

12.    LAGOS – BADAGRY (79KM)

These 12 roads were carefully chosen to ensure that each of the 6 (SIX) geo political zones are covered.

They aggregate in total to 1963.24 km which is 5.6% of the 35,000 km Federal road network.

The initial capital investments that we foresee is something in the order of NGN 1,134,690,048,000.76 and the employment potentials are an estimated 50,000+ direct jobs and 200,000+ indirect jobs.

The process started on the 17th June 2020 with legislative consultation to get parliamentary support and endorsement which I believe was successful and we are assured that if there is need for legislative support, the response will be reasonably swift.

It was followed by a Stakeholder consultation (webinar) which held on the 25th June, 2020 with Over 1,173 participants including critical stakeholders such as legislative representatives, representatives from the executive, prospective concessionaires, road users, media and industry experts;  a market sounding session was also held on the 31st August, 2020 with 162 participants. 

In the course of this journey, we have struck strategic partnerships with some high-profile brands who have offered their services in various aspects of the project development such as KPMG, UK NIAF, Lagos Business School etc.

We look forward to further exploring and strengthening these partnerships and the clear terms of the relationships will be notified to the public in due course as they are important to the success that we expect.

As published, not only has the right of way of the 12 roads been fully gazetted, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) , as a regulatory body for concessions of this nature, has issued the Certificate of Compliance for the Outline Business Case that is necessary to commence the process.

On the 3rd of March 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the highest executive decision-making organ of the Nigerian Federal Government was notified about the commencement of the procurement process.

In order to ensure competitiveness and to guarantee transparency, a procurement portal has been developed to serve as the interface with the public and manage the HDMI from Procurement to Implementation.

The portal will provide:

a.    An  interface that will provide the public all the information they need to know about the Initiative. It will give access to relevant documents, news updates, videos and so on;

b.    E-procurement – The management of the PPP procurement  process of the VAC and the process of approvals and permits under the UAA;

c.    Vendor Market Place – This has specifically been included to promote local businesses and vendor partnerships with prospective concessionaires.

Therefore, let me say to all those who have been writing letters of inquiry, making offers of interest on the HDMI, offering to provide services like tolling, weigh bridge, rest houses and so on; we are sorry we cannot respond to those letters in order to maintain the integrity of this process and to keep the playing field level.

To all of you and to those who have not written or called, the day is now upon us, the venue is fixed and I have the pleasure to announce that the HDMI portal https://hdmi.worksandhousing.gov.ng/)  will open on Monday the 29th March, 2021.

The portal will be open for all HDMI related functions as earlier stated and most importantly   the RFQ application for the VAC which will be officially advertised on the same day.

Please visit the portal and I wish you all a very interactive and rewarding experience.

Let me repeat that all our transactions will be done through this portal and we will not entertain any personal inquiries to me or to any of our staff who have correspondingly been mandated not to entertain such requests.

Let me conclude by saying that we expect a vibrant process and a successful one that unleashes the commercial opportunities on Nigerian highways from paved roads, to clean and well-maintained highways, proper signage and route assurance signs, rest houses and commuter support for emergencies like vehicle towing and repairs.

We expect a splendid and safer commuting experience for all users of these roads as a result of the HDMI.

I thank all members of the Ministry and the ICRC and our partners especially KPMG and UKNIAF who worked tirelessly to bring us so far and urge them to prepare for more hard work in weeks and months ahead in order to bring this initiative to conclusion. More grease to their very hardworking elbows.

Thank you all.

Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN
Honourable Minister for Works and Housing

Feb

19

2021

Governor Ikpeazu Commends FG On Road Infrastructure Development

Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has commended the Federal Government for the development of road infrastructure in Abia State and other states across the country.

Governor Ikpeazu made the commendation at the handing and taking over ceremony of a 2.1 kilometre internal roads constructed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the Nigerian Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba, Abia State.

The Governor who was represented at the event by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwudi said, "We are indeed happy and excited  that the project has been successfully completed and is being commissioned and handed over today to the glory of God and for the benefit of the Institute on one  hand and the general public on the other hand."

 Ikpeazu further said, "We cannot but sincerely commend and appreciate the Federal Government of Nigeria for her commitment and dedication to addressing the huge infrastructure gap in the road network sector across the country. We are particularly grateful that today, we are witnessing the uncommon will and wisdom of the Federal Government under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to facilitate the resolution of internal road inadequacy  with a view to enhancing road network aesthetics of the Institute."

The Governor pleaded with the Federal Government to also fix some federal roads in Abia State such as: the Opobo-Azumini road, Aba-Port Harcourt Express Way around Ariara and the Umuahia- Ikot Ekpene Highway which are critical to the economic development of Abia State and the general public.

He also expressed  assurance of his state government to partner and complement the efforts of Federal Government and its agencies in the overall interest of Abia citizens in particular and Nigerians in general.

While commissioning and handing over the 2.1kilometre internal roads to the management of the Nigerian Institute for Nigerian Languages, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, represented by the Abia State Controller of Works, Engr.Bede Obioha said, "While it is true that alot  needs to be done in many sectors of our national life including education, the Buhari Government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that work done."

Fashola added, " As at today, 29  numbers of the road intervention projects have been completed with 17 numbers already handed over in 2020.Today we handover this one  at the National Institute for Nigerian Languages Aba in Abia State as a critical intervention to support education."

The Minister disclosed that during the construction work a total number of forty people were employed  thereby contributing to the  job creation initiatives of government. It is hoped that the school would ensure proper use of the road assets.

In his remarks,  at the ceremony, the Executive Director of the National Institute for Nigerian Languages Aba, Abia State, Prof. Obiajulu Elumejulu said, "The unprecedented intervention has indeed raised the profile of our institute and confirmed to the naysayers that we also are a Federal Government owned tertiary institution. This brand new road network is now complementing our brand new  NCE programmes and both the old and new students  as well as staff now feel that they belong, that they too have Abraham as their father.

Prof.Emejulu noted that the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on the institute's internal roads network was like manna from heaven.

The Executive Director of the Institute also requested for the extension of the internal roads by 400 metres with drainage to stem erosion and connect other critical portions of  the vast land in developing the campus.

To show their level of appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, the host communities of the Institute honoured him with a Chieftaincy Title of  Ekwueme 1 of Akumaimo Ancient kingdom, which means,"You live by your words."

The Chieftaincy installation ceremony was performed by His Royal Highness, Eze Wilson Onwunali on the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing through his representative, Engr. Bede Obioha, the Abia State Controller of Works.

Feb

17

2021

FG Committed to Bridging Infrastructure Gap in Schools - Fashola

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has restated the commitment of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to bridging the infrastructural gap in tertiary institutions across the country.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of the 1 kilometer road constructed at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku/Ozala in Enugu State, the Minister said that the gap of the nation’s infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs and construction and it has reached the tertiary institutions.

Fashola who was represented by the Controller of Works, Enugu State, Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi explained that the intervention by the Federal Government in the development of infrastructure in the tertiary institutions was to boost quality of education and give students a renewed hope and enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to motorability.
He said: “It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some feedbacks from the students of the schools where this type of intervention has taken place.”

Accordingly, the Minister noted that the 1.0 kilometer road network constructed in the teaching hospital was a laudable project as it would ease movement of both students and staff of the institute within the hospital.

Fashola said: “Though the road might be a civil work project, it is an investment in education and the students are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to good condition.”

The Minister noted that, the project, apart from impacting on the learning environment, has also provided employment opportunities for Nigerians as 40 people were employed in the process contributing to the job creation initiatives of the government.

Earlier In her remark, the Chief Medical Director/Chief Executive, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Dr. Obinna Onodugo commended the Federal government for the road intervention, saying that it was a good fortune for the institution to be benefitted from the intervention because the government had so many road interventions to attend to across the nation. ‘‘For this to happen in the institution is highly commendable”, he said.

He described the road before the intervention as deplorable, pointing out that the road was a death trap before the intervention which no one dare to use at night because of its deplorable condition but now the reverse is the case.

“ As a community we are grateful to be remembered by the Federal Government. Personally, I am very grateful that this is happening in my time and I  pray for more of such intervention,” he said.

Feb

12

2021

Work progressing steadily on Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road Project - Minister

Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar D. Aliyu (FNSE) has said that construction work is progressing steadily on the ongoing reconstruction of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road and would be completed and delivered on time.

The Minister stated this on Thursday 11th February, 2021 while inspecting the project to assess  the progress of  the ongoing work.  

“We are satisfied with the quality of work going on and we are working to increase the pace of the work. You can see that work is going on simultaneously on all sections of both lanes of  the dual carriage  375km long road from Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria- Kano" he said

He explained that the work was initially for rehabilitation but now full reconstruction work was being done and this had delayed the job.

He said: “We are fully committed both from the President Muhammadu Buhari, the Honourable Minister, the Engineers and the Contractor to deliver the project in good time. We will deliver a quality  work that will stand the test of time."

Speaking further, the Minister said that Federal Government had prioritized the project and this accounted for the high level of inspection going on the project because Government wanted to finish the project on time. 

On the level of work done so far, the Minister said: "We have made a lot of progress. You can see that over 100km of the road, at a stretch, had been completed under sections one to three (Abuja-Kano) , 40km completed under section II (Kaduna-Zaria), and 70km completed under section III (Zaria-Kano)"

He stated that while some sections of the roads were  at different levels of completion, section II would be delivered by first quarter of 2022 while section III would be completed by first quarter of  2023.

On his part, the Federal Controller of Works, Kaduna, Engineer Zira  Adamu said that the quality of materials as well as the workmanship deployed for the works was satisfactory.

"The contractor is fully mobilized to site and since then work on the project has moved to five work zones and we are satisfied with the pace and quality of work.", he  said.

On the challenges being faced, the Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, Engineer Benjamin Bott lamented that despite the provision of warning / caution signs and traffic control devices to improve safety at diversions within the construction zones some motorists often disregard the signs thereby causing accident.

He added that the prevalence of kidnapping and armed robbery along the project corridor was also affecting their work.

The Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road reconstruction project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on 20th December, 2017 and the project commenced on 21st May, 2018 with 36 months completion period.
 

Feb

07

2021

Global Safety Organisation Honours Permanent Secretary

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini has been honoured as a Fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association, Nigeria at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mabushi, Abuja

The Awardee, Babangida Hussaini who expressed appreciation over the recognition emphasized the importance of safety in every organization, describing it as a serious issue especially when it concerns the human capital. The Permanent Secretary further said that human beings were the biggest asset of every organization. “It takes years of hardwork to train staff, losing them is a great set back”, he said.

He promised to give necessary support to the organization to enable them achieve more. The Permanent Secretary further gave the assurance that he will be working closely with the Director, Central Workshop and Equipment in the Ministry, Engineer Christian C. Onyibo who is also the Vice President, FCT Unit of the association to provide the support that will strengthen the impact of the organization in the Ministry of Works and Housing.

The Nigeria Regional President of the association, HRH Dr. Aderemi Olusegun, represented by the Chairman, Council of Fellows of the organization, Dr. Dalhatu M.Ahmed noted that the Permanent Secretary is  critical to the association as the policy engine room of the Ministry.

He expressed confidence that the coming of the Permanent Secretary into the association will usher in greater cooperation and achievement for both the ministry and the association as he is now going to drive the programme in the Ministry especially as the Honourable Minster of State, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar D. Aliyu is also a fellow of the association.

The Regional President said the organization has done a lot of safety work in Nigeria, adding that it was in consideration of this that the Federal Government gave them an office at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

The Nigeria Regional Administrator of the Association, Engineer Ewalaka Emmanuel who made a presentation on the association disclosed that the Occupational Safety and Health Association, (OSHA Association UK-Nigeria) is an independent professional association with international membership and regional chapters worldwide committed to supporting individuals and corporate organisations around the world in achieving zero fatalities and accidents at work places.

Engineer Emmanuel said the organization which has been in Nigeria for over a decade has been going to various countries to share knowledge on safety measures. He added that in line with President Muhammadu Buhari's effort to protect Nigerians from COVID-19, the association has been working seriously to see that COVID-19 guidelines are complied with.

According to the citation read by the Director Central Workshop and Equipment in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Christian C. Onyibo, Babangida Hussaini who was born on the 6th of February, 1964 in Kazaure, Jigawa State, holds a BSC and MSC degrees in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna respectively.

He began his public Service career in 1987 with the Kano State Government in 1991. In 2011 he transferred his service to the Federal Civil Service and rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary in year 2020. He assumed office as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence in September, 2020 before his redeployment to Federal Ministry of Works and Housing as the Permanent Secretary in December, 2020.

Feb

04

2021

FG Hands Over Internal Road to Federal Polytechnic Damaturu.

The Federal Government has commissioned and handed over a 700 meters asphalt overlay internal road constructed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State.

The 700 metres road with drainage and culverts was handed over to the authorities of the institution at a brief handing and taking over ceremony which took place within the vicinity of the Polytechnic in Damaturu.

In his address, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN represented by the Federal Controller of works, Yobe State, Engineer Olusegun Babalakin Akinmade, stated that the infrastructure need of the country was steadily being provided through such interventions in the nation's tertiary institutions.

Fashola said "Though a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction of roads is going on in major highways and tertiary institutions, the infrastructure need of the country is steadily being provided."

The Minister also revealed that there are currently 43 road interventions within tertiary institutions across Nigeria out of which 29 have been completed with 17 of the roads handed over to the respective institutions across the country in 2020.

Fashola commended the administration of President Buhari for attending to the needs of the various sectors of the nation including  education.

"While it is true that a lot of work needs to be done in many sectors of our  national life, including education, the Buhari government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that work done." he said.

Similarly, the Minister described the road project as an investment in education, adding that the quality of education would be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment .

He also expressed confidence that the restoration of the defective road to good condition would engender a renewed enthusiasm in the students with regards to attending classes.

The Yobe State Commissioner of Works, Umaru Wakili who represented the Deputy Governor of the State, Honourable Idi Barde Gubana noted that, the provision of  roads, culvert and drainage was vital to the development of any higher institution especially those that were fast expanding in terms of structure and academic programmes. 

Gubana, also expressed the appreciation of the Yobe State Government to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for its  intervention in the provision of road infrastructure in the Polytechnic, describing it as a giant stride.

Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Usman Kallami, represented by the Deputy Rector Administration, Muhammed Abubakar expressed gratitude to  Minister Fashola for the road rehabilitation in the school and another (about 1000 metres) carried out by the   Federal Road Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), an agency of the Ministry in the Polytechnic. 

The Rector described the rehabilitation work as a new dawn and a dream come true, and also urged the Ministry to do more for the Polytechnic as it was in need of solar street lighting, more road network and drainages.

A cross section of the students interviewed at the occasion expressed gratitude to the federal government for easing the hardship caused by the roads when they were in a state of disrepair.

In attendance at the occasion were: Yobe State Commissioner of  Higher Education Professor Muhammed Munkaila and Hon.Mai Sanda Lawan, who represented His Royal Highness, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashim II ibn Umar El Kanemi and other dignitaries.
 

Jan

29

2021

Certificate Of Compliance: FG Set To Commence Procurement Of Concessions Under The HDMI – Fashola

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has said that with the receipt of the Certificate of Compliance, the Federal Government is to officially commence the procurement process for the highway concessions under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

According to the Minister, the HDMI would facilitate further development of Nigeria’s federal highway network by bringing in investment to improve efficiency, accountability, and profitable entrepreneurship to the operation, management, and maintenance of all assets within the Right of Way on the highways.

Mr. Fashola said that the initiative has further affirmed the President Muhammadu Buhari administration's commitment to infrastructure development funding which has been driven by the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme Order of 2018 , the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) being managed by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the SUKUK Fund.

He noted that through such initiatives the Federal Government has been leveraging on private sector funding and participation in the development of critical infrastructure across the country and the HDMI is another innovation developed to attract the private sector.

The Minister who spoke at the official handover of the Certificate of Compliance by ICRC, explained that the HDMI was a fully home-grown idea that would deliver a safer and enjoyable travel experience for Nigerian road users as travel time would be shortened, cost reduced, and commercial activities stimulated.

Explaining further, he said the HDMI is an indigenous Land Value Capture scheme conceived by the Ministry to develop Nigeria's network of federal highway corridors and boost economic development along the Right of Way. He added that it would be executed in two parts comprising Value Added Concession (VAC) and Unbundled Assets Approval (UAA).

On the economic benefits, Mr. Fashola said: “Apart from infrastructure and assets development, thousands of jobs will be created for Nigerians as the initiative will open up the highway economy with opportunities in various economic activities including fabrication of gantries and directional signages with advertising opportunities, towing van operations and auto repair stations, operation of rest areas and emergency services, among others.”

Continuing, he said: “ When fully operational road users will now enjoy first-class facilities on federal highways with directional signages, well-equipped rest areas, round-the-clock security patrol, and ambulance services for emergencies”.

Mr. Fashola appreciated and commended the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission’s (ICRC) diligent appraisal of the initiative and for issuing Certificate of Compliance to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to proceed with the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

In his welcome address the Permanent Secrtary , Federal Minsitry of Works and Housing Babangida Hussaini said that the development , expansion and maintenance of federal highways have increasingly become a herculean task to government due to dwindling  revenues and other compelling public service obliigaitons.

He said: ‘’It is to mitigate this challenge that the Ministry has adopted the option of exploring the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement , which seeks to employ the private sector’s technical competencies , managerial capabilities and financial resources to salvage the federal roads networks.”

According to him, the PPP arrangement in the management  of our highways will bring order, efficiency , accountability and profitable entrepreneurship to the operation , management , maintenance of all assets within the nation’s right of way. 

Earlier, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Engineer Chidi Izuwah represented by Barr. Joel Micheal Ohiani , who presented the certificate to the Minister in Abuja on Friday 29th January, 2021 said that the initiative would enable private sector participation in the management and maintenance of road assets through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

The Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) is charged with the responsibility of developing guidelines for monitoring contract compliance during construction, operation, and contract termination and supporting MDAs like the Ministry of Works and Housing in achieving such compliance.

Over time, ICRC had collaborated with the Ministry of Works and Housing, to implement a cohesive national legal, policy, and regulatory environment that was conducive to private sector investment in Nigeria’s roads and housing projects.

He commended the novel initiative and said that it would create jobs, boost the government's revenue, and speed up Nigeria's economic recovery, citing the popular Chinese proverb that says, “If you want to grow rich, build a good road first.”

Jan

29

2021

Keynote Speech Delivered By Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At The Special Luncheon To Celebrate 6 (Six) UniBen Alumni Elevated To The Rank Of Senior Advocates Of Nigeria On The 28th January 2021 At The Banquet Hall Of The University Of Benin

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, let me start my speech today by wishing all and one who are with us here today a very Happy New Year albeit belatedly, on the 28th day of the first month of the year 2021.

It is a matter to be extremely thankful for, because not a few people have sadly departed this planet in the throes of a virulent virus that changed our world in 2020 and which still continues to thrive in spite of efforts to bring it under control.

To all the dear departed, known and unknown, may their souls rest in peace and may their memories be a blessing to our civilization. In spite of the virus, we gather today for a very important purpose beyond wining and dining.

It is my humble view that this is a gathering to celebrate many values and virtues that make life really worth living and which are now regrettably not in enough supply. It is those values that I will speak about in this keynote address.

Let me start with the first that comes to mind, namely HONOUR; (in the sense of the VERB), and in this respect, the kind gesture of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Lillian I. Salami, and the Alumni Association comes to mind.

I therefore would like, on behalf of all the Honorees (about whom I shall speak later), to thank the Vice Chancellor and the Alumni Association for the grace that informed this decision to honour our colleagues. I pray fervently that honour will never depart from the Vice Chancellor, the Alumni Association and all those unseen men and women who put this luncheon of honour together.

One of the things for which my wife, Abimbola has been a crusader about, is the need to celebrate the success of others, to Honour them, as an inspiration for promoting common Good.

We must therefore be, and are all, truly thrilled by this Gesture of Honour.

The other virtue about which I will speak is SELFLESSNESS. In a world where consideration for self now takes pre-eminence over selflessness, in a world where selfies (as in photographs) now dominate our conversation, I urge that we seek to enthrone more selflessness in our lives.

In this regard, I ask all of us to reflect and ask whether we will be here to celebrate senior advocates, if there were first no lawyers, and if we could celebrate lawyers without law graduates, and indeed if they could have been law graduates without successful law students.

The extended question in reflection is this: where would we all have been without our teachers in primary and secondary schools, in the University and the Nigerian Law School?

To all those teachers (lecturers if you like) living and dead, serving and retired I say thank you, I could think of none other as a symbol of our collective gratitude and appreciation of your selflessness than Professor Itsejuwa Esanjumi Sagay, SAN.

Professor Sagay was not alone; he had many good men and women who shared the burden with him and it would be invidious of me to attempt to name all of them.

Not only would such an effort be fraught with errors of omission, the time it would take suggests that our lunch would get cold, by the time I am done.

Therefore, to Professor Sagay I return, as the pioneer Dean of the faculty of law of the University of Benin, and it is his selflessness and that of those who worked with him that ultimately brought about this day and the success we gather to celebrate.

He and his team gave so much of themselves, so that we could become.

The elements could not have converged better than for six (6) graduates of the faculty he birthed, to be honored in 2020, the same year Professor Sagay turned 80.

Covid-19 made a party very risky, to celebrate Professor Sagay’s birthday, but I believe that I speak the minds of all who are here that we could never celebrate or thank Professor Sagay and his team enough.

Thank you very much Sir.

The next set of virtues and values I want to address are HARDWORK and DEDICATION. Without them, success such as we congregate to celebrate today is not possible.

To:
1.    Chief (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN
2.    Mr Adedapo Osariuyime Tunde-Olowu, SAN
3.    Mr Lotanna Chuka Okoli, SAN
4.    Mr Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor, SAN
5.    Mr Nureini Soladoye Jimoh, SAN
6.    Mr Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, SAN

A thunderous applause for your hard work and dedication.

Many, including my humble self, have walked your path. If it was difficult at the time I was preferred in 2004, I can only now imagine how much more difficult it must have been. There are many more qualified lawyers seeking the rank and therefore the competition is immensely magnified. The conditions that I have looked at for prequalification are more stringent. 

For your dedication, hard work and ultimate success I doff my hat in admiration.

To all those in Uniben Law Alumni who are still aspiring, the magnitude of HARD WORK and the span of dedication it requires to succeed is not intended to deter but to challenge you to aspire. Afterall, you are the products of the great Uniben.

This brings me to the next subject of my focus in this speech which is COMMITMENT.

As I understand it from history, the University of Benin is the product of the farsighted and visionary commitment of men and women who sought to develop Nigeria’s human capital.

That vision has fructified manyfold, and it is still bearing fruit as is evident from the many products of this university who have, and are still occupying positions of leadership and responsibility in the private and public spheres of our nation.

That list is long and growing and I doubt that there could be a better tribute to the vision of the founders than what we gather to do today; to celebrate six (6) products of University of Benin who ascend to leadership role in the legal profession in the year 2020 when University of Benin commemorated its 50th (FIFTIETH) year of existence.

Of course, the rank brings fame and privileges, but it also imposes a huge responsibility of LEADERSHIP, to be used to improve the cause of justice and enthrone law and order for the peace, order and good government of Nigeria and her people.

You and I who are the beneficiaries of this rank must therefore always remember that we are products of Uniben. We must fly her flag proudly with our rank. We must not be afraid to break new grounds in the development of the law.
There perhaps would be no better time than now, in the 60th year of Nigeria’s independence to practicalize the motto of our university by putting all of our knowledge to the service of our Nation.

There are many ways to do this. But one that readily comes to mind is to offer our services in the Training and Development of the next set of Law students, Law graduates, Lawyers etc.

For the cause of law and order, no matter how difficult it is, we must find the courage to shatter any glass ceiling that stands in our way.

This is the Spirit of Uniben, where every good thing must be possible.

The spirit paved the way for all of us, when our chairman for this event, Chief Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN broke the glass ceiling in 2000, by becoming the first law graduate of this university to take the rank.

To our chairman, the Obasuyi of Benin Kingdom, I say thank you for your pioneering effort.

It is impossible to capture the essence of your pioneering effort in English, so permit me to do so in Yoruba by saying: “Tí orí kan bá sunwọ̀n, á ran igba.” The closest possible literal translation in English is that “when one person succeeds, it spreads a thousandfold.”

We have all benefited from your pioneering efforts, and although we are not yet one thousand senior advocates of Nigeria from the University of Benin, I believe that the day will not be far off.

My last word today, is to especially thank Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho SAN, an outstanding alumnus of this school for continuously organizing the periodic celebration of Senior Advocates of this university year in year out, even when he himself was then not successful in his application.

I am certain that when we have 1000 senior advocates, he will blow the trumpet for a celebration worthy of the occasion.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, learned Senior Advocates, thank you for your attention.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister, Works and Housing

Jan

27

2021

FG’S Intervention On Roads Has Improved The Quality Of Learning In Our Institutions- Prof. Angela Miri

The Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Lokoja, Prof. Angela Miri, has lauded Federal Government for the construction of internal road in the University which she said had improved the quality of learning in the institution.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of the roads to the institution by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN on Tuesday 26th January, 2021 in Lokoja, Miri said that the road has not only made vehicular and human movement within the university easy but added value as well as placing it above its equals within the country in terms of provision of infrastructure.

The Vice Chancellor, who was represented by the University Librarian to the institution, Mrs. Sarah Daura Yank, further requested that the Minister of Works and Housing should consider replicating this gesture of constructing internal roads network at the University’s Permanent site at Felele Lokoja, Kogi State.

“The extension of roads infrastructure in Nigerian tertiary institutions by the Federal government will create a conducive learning environment that will improve attainment of qualitative education in Nigeria.” She added.
In his speech, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN disclosed that the 1.67 kilometers road was constructed by his ministry at the institution to improve learning.

Mr. Fashola, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Kogi State, Engr. Kajogbola Olatunde, said that availability of good infrastructure in a learning environment would enhance students’ morale towards learning and the quality of education acquired by them.

He said:  "It is un- debatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from the students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place."

He noted that though the road projects might be civil works, they are investment in education, adding that the students' zeal to attend classes have been renewed because of the restoration of the deplorable roads within the institutions.

"A point must be made that although this is a civil works project, it is an investment in education and the students are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to good condition," Fashola stated.

He explained: "Currently, there are 43 number of road interventions within tertiary institution across Nigeria" and "to date 29 No. of the road intervention projects have been completed with 17 already handed over in 2020. Today we handover this one in Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State as a critical intervention to support education."

According to Fashola, the Infrastructure gap in the country was steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and now it had reached the schools. Pointing out that the road construction was part of the Federal Government’s Tertiary Institutions Internal Road Intervention Programme and was supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

The Minister said that   the construction work was not only impactful on the learning environment but had also provided employment opportunities for Nigerians in line with the present administration's vision of creating jobs for Nigerians.

"During the construction 25 people were employed in the process thereby contributing to the job creation initiative of the present government," he said.

Jan

19

2021

Roads: Our Intervention in Tertiary Institutions, Renews Students Class Attendance Enthusiasm - Fashola

Works and Housing Minister, His Excellency, Babatunde Raji  Fashola , SAN has said that the road intervention programme of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in tertiary institutions nationwide has boosted  Students class attendance enthusiasm

Fashola said, “Currently, there are 43 number road interventions within tertiary Institutions across Nigeria, and the Students are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes, because some defective roads, have been restored to good condition"

The Minister, represented by the Ag, FCT Federal Controller of Works, Engr Usman Yakubu spoke at the formal commissioning/hand over of 1.92km internal road rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, FCT, Abuja.

Fashola explained that the road intervention program initiated by his Ministry was  an investment in education aimed at improving infrastructures in the education sector

"It is undebatable that quality of education w be impacted by the quality of Infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention had taken place " he said

"A gradual process of repairs, renewal and reconstruction in major Highways had reached the schools" he said.

Similarly, the Minister stated that eighty-five (85) people were employed during the construction of the internal road in the Bwari Law School, thereby contributing to the job creation initiatives of the government, and enjoined the school to ensure that the asset is properly used and maintained.

Explaining further, the Minister said that, twenty-nine (29) road interventions projects had been completed, seventeen (17) of them already handed over in 2020 and now additional twelve (12) are ready as critical intervention to support education, which the one at the Bwari Law School was among.

In his remarks, the Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Bwari, Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, represented by the Secretary to the Council, Mrs. Elizabeth Max-Uba, expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention.

He commended the Federal Government and the Contractor for the quality of work done and the good supervision by the engineers in the Ministry of Works to deliver the road of high standard.

Professor Isa also appealed to the government for more of such interventions in other campuses of the law school in Kano, Yola, Enugu and Yenagoa.

Giving details about the scope of work, the Director of works in the school, Engr Sunday Bala explained that, the 1.92 kilometers road covered roads 3 and 11, the school ring road hostel A and B and the school recreational center.

He explained that culverts and drainages were also constructed in the rehabilitation work.

In their remarks, some members of the School community; Bello Babatunde, Chinedu Ukekwe and Mrs Stella Nosike, respectively, commended President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Works and Housing, H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN for the intervention, saying that, the reconstructed road had facilitated easy access to the various parts and buildings in the school, which according to them enhanced the working atmosphere in the school community for both the students and staff

Jan

17

2021

Apapa-Oworonshoki Road Project to Be Delivered by End of 2021

The Federal Director of Highway construction and rehabilitation, Engr Funso Adebiyi has reassured Nigerians that the Apapa/Oshodi Oworpnshoki Expressway project would be completed by the end of 2021.

It could be recalled  that Mr. President flagged off the project on 17th November,  2018 to address the heavy grid lock on the expressway with the promise to deliver  it in two years.

During an inspection of the 4 sections  project over the weekend,  Adebiyi  said that the road had achieved varied  levels of  completion on the four sections of the road.

Addressing journalists,  he said : " About in overall 61 percentage  have been achieve as of today,  in the first phase covering  27km ever busy road project. "

Breaking  the figures down,  he said : "On section 1, we have achieved  about 70 percentage completion and on section 3, we have achieved 63 percent.

Continuing,  he said: "Section 4 has recorded about 41 percent, which means work is going on in that section.  The contract for section 2, has been awarded and work would commence there soon."

The Director explained that before the intervention of Federal Goverment through the Ministry of Works and Housing,  the road was in deplorable state and this hindered free flow of traffic on the  road.

"But from what we have seen so far on the finished portions of the road, I want to assure you that bad days are over,  we have good days here now and better days  are ahead of us.  So Nigerians should bear with us,  we are making progress and I can assure you that by the end of this year,  Apapa port users would have the best road because we have made significant progress, " he explained.

Adebiyi noted rhat the current traffic gridlock experience on some sections of the road is not due to the construction but the illegal parking of trailer drivers on the bridge, adding that trailer drivers should make use of the trailler parks along the Corridor and the newly constructed one for transit to the port.

On the economic benefit of the project,  the Director of Highway,  South-West Engr.  Kuti Adedamola said that, adding to the ease of traffic on the road, the project has created about 600 direct jobs and over 1000 indirect jobs,  thereby improving the Livehood of Nigerians and this is a further support to Mr.  President's dream of moving 100 million Nigerians out of poverty to the ladder of prosperity.

On the quality of the job, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos,  Engr.  Kayode Popoola  explained  that several layers if construction  went underneath, with up to eight inches  thickness of concrete to make the rigid pavement strong for durability.

Jan

08

2021

Ongoing Reconstruction of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road has Progressed Appreciably - Engr Adebiyi

The ongoing reconstruction work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project has been progressing appreciably and would be completed in the life of this administration.

Engr Funso Adebiyi, the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing stated this during the ongoing visit to the project site to assess the progress of work on the project

"We are satisfied with the quality of work going on and we are working to increase the pace of the work. You can see that work is going on simultaneously on all sections of both lanes of  the dual carriage  375km longroad from Abuja-Kaduna- Kano" he said

Adebiyi explained that the work was initially for rehabilitation but now full reconstruction work is ongoing. He  appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government in it's commitment to deliver a qualitative work that would stand the test of time

Similarly, he also appealed to the road users to bear the discomfort being experienced everyday as a result of blockages and diversions, pointing out that it was  a necessary action in a construction work of such magnitude above all on such busy road with high traffic volume and axle load.

On the level of work done so far, Engr Adebiyi said  " we have made a lot of progress. You can see that over  100km though not at a stretch, have been completed under section one to three (Abuja-Kano) , 40km completed under section two (Kaduna-Zaria), and 70km completed under section three (Zaria-Kano)"

He pointed out  that while some sections of the road are also at different levels of completion, palliative/remedial work are being carried out on the sections that are critically bad to facilitate ease of passage for motorists"

Reacting to the allegation of delayed  work, Engr Adebiyi said "It is important that I correct the wrong impression by the people  that work is not moving. We are working to meet up with the deadline and at the same time subjecting all the work to quality assurance test to deliver a good job"

He assured Nigerians of the commitment of the government to completing the work. " Government is desirous of completing this project , as such is not leaving anything to chance, that is why we are here regularly  tracking the progress of work with a view to sorting out any identified challenges"

Engr Adebiyi stated that the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, San and the Hon  Minister of State  Engr. Aliyu  D  Abubarkar had demonstrated a strong passion to this project and others across the country in order to ensure the  fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s  promise of bridging infrastructure gap in the country.

On the speed of work on the road, the Director Bridges and Design, Engr Adeoye  urged the contractor to increase the pace of work by deploying more men on sites to work simultaneously on both lanes

The team of engineers in the Ministry  led by the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr Adebiyi were on a routine assessment inspection of the various ongoing road projects across the country in order to ensure quality work delivery and meeting the completion deadline

The team carried out an engineering measurement and evaluation of some key components in road construction among others ; storm water drainages, shoulders, right of way, concrete slabs, U-turns, culverts reinforcement pipes.

TheAbuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano roa reconstruction project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on 20th December, 2017 and the project commenced on 21st May, 2018 with the 36 months completion period

Apr

16

2021

Petition over Ife-Ifewara Road: RCCG Apologizes To Works and Housing Ministry

·      As Fashola says no payments were made in respect of rehabilitation of  the road between 2016 and 2019 
·      “The Ministry of Works and Housing deserves apology and I tender it unreservedly” – Petitioner
·      Minister explains that amount paid to contractor in 2011 was four years before Buhari’s administration
·      Says there is move to sanction recalcitrant contractors

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Thursday in Abuja tendered an “unreserved apology” to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing over its allegation of “false claims on the rehabilitation of Ife-Afewara Road in Osun State” saying it was based on a false premise.

The RCCG, in a petition to the Senate, had claimed that it had good reason to believe that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing had paid N151.51 million to Messrs. Cartill Construzioni Nigeria Limited for the rehabilitation of Ife-Ifewara Road, a work which, according to the petitioner, was indeed carried out by the Church.

In the petition dated 24th March, 2021, Secretary to the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Niyi Adebanjo, claimed that the Church, after carrying out the rehabilitation of the road, learnt that the aforementioned company, which was awarded the contract since 2010 and had abandoned the work for over six years, had been paid by the Ministry for the work praying that the Money be retrieved from the company.

But responding to the allegation at a public hearing before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, said there was no proof to support the position of the petitioner that an unjust claim was made by Contractor or paid by the Ministry between 2016 and 2019.

Fashola, who explained that the road in question was a State Road, added that the contract for its rehabilitation was awarded by the Federal Government in 2010 as a Parliamentary Constituency Project and domiciled in the budget of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, hence the intervention by the Ministry.

Clarifying that both the award of the contract and payment of the said contract sum were made between 2010 and 2011, four years before the Buhari Administration came to being, the Minister explained further that the contract was awarded on December 21, 2010 to the contractor in the sum of N662, 760,771.75 with a commencement date of March 7, 2011 and completion date of November 7, 2011.

On the sum of N151.51 million paid to the Contractor, he explained that the payment made in two tranches, was statutorily made adding that while the first payment of N99,414,115.76, made on March 31, 2011, represented 15 percent of contract sum, the second payment of N52,094,785., made on December 29, 2011, was based on submission of an Interim Statement.

Fashola said the contractor achieved only 26.21 percent project completion before abandoning the project adding that the contract was as a result recommended for termination “for breach of contract” after warning letters were served on the Contractor first on March 5, 2014 and final warning on June 15, 2015.

Noting that before any payment was made to any contractor, there has to be actual work done, measured and certified and recommended for consideration for approval for payment, Fashola, however, added that since the contract awarded to Messrs. Cartill had not been formally terminated, there has been budgetary provision for the road since 2010, except in years when it had zero budgeting, but the budgeted sum has never been processed since 2011 following the dismal performance of the Contractor.
The Minister, who hinted on plans by the Ministry to sanction recalcitrant contractors by opening a “black book” for them based on appropriate legal advice, declared, “It is clear that contrary to the claims of RCCG, the Contractor, Cartill Nigeria Limited, did not make a claim for a refund for the cost expended on the rehabilitation of the road between 2016 and 2019”, adding that the Ministry also did not make any such payment to the Contractor.

“The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing did not certify any work done on the road by the Contractor between 2016 and 2019”, he said reiterating that the two payments made to the Contractor were made in March and December 2011 respectively, “four years before the commencement of this Administration in 2014”.

Maintaining that the Ministry did not consider or grant approval for anyone to intervene on the road, Fashola, who said the RCCG did not seek or obtain such approval further declared, “the federal Ministry of Works and Housing is not liable to make any refund to anyone in respect of the Road which is the statutory responsibility of the Osun State Government”.

The Minister explained further that although the RCCG could be commended for the work done, there are procedures and processes for such interventions be they on Federal or State Roads, adding that the Petitioner could have sought clarification either from the Ministry of any other relevant agencies of government instead of petitioning the Senate.

The Petitioner, Pastor Adebanjo, in his response expressed deep regrets for taking the matter to the Senate saying it was not, however, meant to embarrass the Minister or his Ministry but in the spirit of fighting corruption by ensuring that the money paid to the contractor was retrieved and paid to the federal Government coffers.

However, on realizing that the claims he made in his petition had no factual proof and as noted by one of the Senate Committee members who advised that he should do the needful on account of available evidence, Adebanjo said, “For the fact that the Ministry of Works deserves an apology and because the whole world is listening to us, I tender that apology unreservedly before this Senate Committee”.

In his submissions, the Chairman of the Committee commended the Minister for coming personally, “as always when we invite you” to respond to the petition and throwing more light on the whole issue adding that other officials of Government should borrow a leaf from him. 

Other members of the Committee, who spoke, also commended the Minister for his diligence and commitment to every assignment pertaining to his responsibilities. They also noted with satisfaction that there was move by the Ministry to bring recalcitrant contractors to book.

Also accompanying the Minister to the hearing were some Directors, Special Advisers and other top officials of the Ministry.

Mar

31

2021

FG Committed to Building Quality Roads - Fashola

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government in providing quality road infrastructure across the nation.

The Minister stated this during an inspection visit to the sections I and II of the ongoing dualisation/expansion of Abuja–Keffi– Akwanga road construction project

Fashola was in company of the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing Engr. Abubakar Aliyu during the inspection.

He said that the quality of road construction across the nation cannot be compromised as the Ministry had the manpower and the technical know-how to build good road of international standard.

The Minister noted that all the nation’s highway projects are critical and strategic, describing the Akwanga-Makurdi road, linking the north central and north east as strategic and as such the Federal Government is doing all that is possible to complete it to standard and not rushing them to avoid shabby work.

“The essence is to make life better for the people, ease traffic flow for the commuters and promote economic activities of the citizens" he stated

Fashola explained that a lot of activities are involved in road construction, such as excavation, cutting down of trees, relocation of existing structures to have clear access for construction.

He explained that during the road construction citizens' rights are highly considered and their right of ownership protected in terms of compensation and related matters

“We respect human activities along the road, we have to meet them, talk to them and agree with them. We have to remove electrical installations and all that for our work to move on “he said.

Earlier, the Project Consultant informed the Minister that they have made a lot of progress with an aggregate of 45.8 percent completion of work in Section I (Abuja-Keffi) and 41percent completion in section II (Keffi-Akwanga).

Breaking down the work progress, the Consultant stated that, 90 percent has been achieved in the construction of culverts and drainages, 60 percent attained in bridges and 40 percent in the pavement construction.

He also listed: relocation of utilities (telecom, water & electricity), compensation, Covid-19 lockdown and outstanding payment as part of their challenges.

In his contribution, the Federal Controller of Works, Nasarawa State, Engr. Daikwo told the Ministers that the progress of work on the road is encouraging even as the Covid-19 lockdown had affected its progress.

He informed the Ministers that the land acquisition and compensation process is at an advanced stage, while relocation of existing services away from the proposed road corridor is still pending and requires client action.

The 220km Abuja- Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia- Makurdi road project is 85% funded by the Chinese Export-Import Bank and 15% counterpart fund from the Federal Government which is a budget issue.

“For those who have issues with the borrowing, they can now come and see what it has done. All the people who work here would probably not have work to do if not for the borrowing" Fashola said.

The Project is being implemented by the Road Sector Development Team (RSDT) Unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing

Mar

25

2021

We Allocate Sukuk Road Funds Equally Among Zones -FG

The Permanent Secretary of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, has stated that allocation of funds under the SUKUK Roads Funding is done equally across zones.

The Permanent Secretary spoke through Engr. Funso Adebiyi, the Director in charge of Highways Construction in the ministry during an interactive session with the media while on a routine inspection of Dualization of Suleja-Minna Road and Construction of Lambata-Lapai-Bida Road in Niger State, yesterday.

The statement was a reaction to correct insinuations that the Federal Government was spending more money on projects in the North than in the South.

He explained that variety of factors were involved in the construction of a road to determine the cost, among which are: level of deterioration before the intervention, topography of road alignment, soil texture of the area, the water table, the nearness to borrowed construction materials and the cost of haulage. ‘All these had costs implications on road construction’ he said.

Explaining further, he disclosed that the SUKUK assisted funding was shared equally across the geopolitical zones.

“The amount provided for South-West was the same for the North-West but the length of kilometres you would cover with that same amount in North-west was by far more than if it were in the South-South. The landmass up North is by far more than what is in the South and these are factors that determine the cost of road construction’ “Government is not biased, we are doing our best”, he added.

On the Suleja-Lambata-Minna road, Engr. Adebiyi said the road was an important route linking part of the North-Central and North-West zones of the country to the Federal Capital Territory and also links to Abuja/Kaduna highway at Dikko Lambata.

Accordingly, he said the road also linked to one of the Trunk ‘A’ roads and a major haulage for petroleum products, farming and other commercial activities.

He expressed satisfaction at the level and standard of work so far on the Suleja-Minna road which has reached 80% completion while 20% completion was achieved for the newly awarded Lambata-Lapai-Bida road.
He pointed out that with favourable weather, the contractors would achieve more progress on the work to meet up with the schedule.

On palliatives, Engr Adebiyi stated that it is part of the component of this project to make the road motorable, while the project was going on and this he said cuts across all the ongoing projects simultaneously in the nation.

The Project Manager of Salini Nigeria Limited in charge of Suleja-Minna road dualization, Daniel Kassa informed the inspection team that Phase I of the project was at 82% completion while Phase II, has recorded 20% completion; the remaining work was progressing.

Kassa disclosed that they have a target to complete Phase I, Dikko Interchange and another 4km from km 33 to 77 including its asphalting work while in Phase II, they still have 3km to be completed and another 4km ahead to catch up with before the rains come.

Subsequently, the Lambata-Lapai-Bida road Project Manager of CGC Nigeria Limited Mr. Tang Pengwen, said that CGC was determined to complete the project successfully and provide good road network for the Ministry and the nation as a whole.

“This is a 124.8km stretch of single carriage way but double lane project. We are reconstructing a relatively new road awarded in 2018 to be completed in 2022. We have achieved 20% completion, 30km is already asphalted and a few other kilometers are going through reconstruction process. Plans are underway to complete another 15km” he said.

Mar

23

2021

Road Concession:
FG Issues Notice for Commencement of HDMI’s Procurement Process

The Federal Government has today issued the notice for the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) to commence the procurement for the twelve Federal highway roads it intends to concession under its novel Highway Management Development Initiative (HMDI) conceived last year. 

Accordingly, the Ministry has launched an e-portal commencing the procurement process for the twelve pilot Federal highway roads for concession.

Minister of Works and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), stated that the e-portal was launched in order to ensure competitiveness and guarantee transparency and would serve as the interface with the public in the management of the HDMI from Procurement to Implementation.

He said: “Let me repeat that all our transactions will be done through this portal and we will not entertain any personal inquiries to me or to any of our staff who have correspondingly been mandated not to entertain such requests.”

He said that the portal: https://hdmi.worksandhousing.gov.ng/)  would be opened for operation from next Monday and called on  those who have written  for enquires to make use of it. 

“The day is now upon us, the venue is fixed and I have the pleasure to announce that the HDMI portal https://hdmi.worksandhousing.gov.ng/)  will open on Monday the 29th March, 2021, he said. 

Continuing, he explained that the portal would be open for all HDMI related functions and most importantly, the Request for Qualification (RFQ) application for the Value Added Concession (VAC) which would be officially advertised on the same day. 

He said the process was expected to be a vibrant process and a successful one that would unleash the commercial opportunities on Nigerian highways from paved roads, to clean and well-maintained highways, proper signage and route assurance signs, rest houses and commuter support for emergencies like vehicle towing and repairs.

“Please visit the portal and I wish you all a very interactive and rewarding experience.”

On infrastructure development of the nation, Mr. Fashola said one of the early initiatives of the Buhari administration was to improve the ease of doing business, and it is no secret that infrastructure was going to be an important driver of this initiative.

Currently the government is executing over 700 different contracts which aggregates to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 13,000 km of roads and bridges across all the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

He said: “As a result of the size of the undertaking, there is an increasing and unsatisfied demand for funding to finance these projects to completion and to maintain them.”

Delivering his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr.Babangida Hussaini stated that the Ministerial notice on the commencement of the Highways Development and Management Initiative ( HDMI) signaled the commencement of the procurement process for the concession of the twelve pilot broad corridors under HDMI.

Explaining the objectives, the Permanent Secretary stated that the initiative would leverage private sector investment to improve facilities and operations on the selected routes, maximize the revenue generating potential of the routes and ensure international best practices in the development and management of the nation’s highways.

He said: “This pilot project is expected to attract a lot of investment to the country, create jobs for our teeming youths and make travelling on our highways more desirable.”

In his opening statement, the Ag. Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Micheal Ohiani said that ICRC as a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) regulatory commission would ensure a level playing ground for all interested players.

He therefore called on all interested investor both local and foreign to participate in the bidding processes as it would be fair to all bidders.
 

Feb

27

2021

Third Mainland Bridge Opens Fully To Traffic  – Fashola

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has today announced in Abuja the final opening to traffic of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos from Saturday, February 27, 2021 at midday.

This brings to final completion the rehabilitation and maintenance works which necessitated the partial closure of the Bridge since July 24, 2020.

Mr. Fashola who gave the directives after reviewing the report from the Director Bridges and Design on the update of the rehabilitation works, thanked Lagosians for their patience and understanding while the rehabilitation work was going on.

In view of this the Honourable Minister said, “there was no longer any need for us to close the bridge to traffic”.

The Minister also thanked the Lagos State Government and their officials for their effective collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing engineers in ensuring the supervision and provision of traffic control support services to the contractors.

The Honourable Minister on behalf of the Federal Government expressed his deep appreciation to all those who played one positive role or another including contractor Messrs Borini Prono; FERMA, LASTMA, FRSC , media and civil society organizations too numerous to mention individually.

In particular, the Minister acknowledges and thanks all the commuters whose patience, understanding and cooperation were the biggest tools for the successful execution of the works and wishes all motorists who use the Bridge a safe motoring experience.

Feb

18

2021

Your Road Intervention First in Four Decades - Rector told Mr. Fashola

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Surveyor, Dr Abdullahi Alhassan said that the 2 km road intervention executed in his Institution by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing was first of its kind in the history of the Polytechnic since its establishment in 1983.

 "Today, we are receiving very important dignitaries from the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, who are here to commission a 2 km road project executed by the Federal Ministry of Works, which of course, is the first of its kind in the life history of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, since its establishment in 1983," he said. 

Surveyor, Dr Ahmed stated this on Thursday 18th February, 2021 during the formal commissioning and taking over of the 2-km internal road project reconstructed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

" I must confess to you that the Federal government has rescued our Polytechnic from so many challenges with this construction of 2 kilometers road" he added.

Surveyor Ahmed also expressed joy for the construction of the roads and drainages which had been a major challenge to the Institution over the years.

In their separate reactions, Director Academic Planning, Dr. Yahaya Bello and Dean of Students Affairs, Jacob Olotu both expressed appreciation to Federal Government and Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola for coming to the aid of the Institution with the project which they said would continue to be remembered in the Polytechnic for a long time to come.

The Student Union President (SUG), Comrade Adamu Jamilu described the road Intervention in the Polytechnic as a great relief to both students and staff in terms of access and cost of transportation to the Institution. 

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN was represented at the handover of the road to the Polytechnic by the Federal Controller of Works Nasarawa State, Engr. Isaac Daikwo.

He explained that the road Intervention in the school had contributed in the job creation initiative of the Federal government as over forty people were employed in the course of the work. 
 

Feb

17

2021

Oko Poly Commends FG for 1.23km Roads Intervention

The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State, Dr Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo has commended the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola for the 1.23 kilometer roads constructed in the permanent site of the Federal Polytechnic Oko.

The Rector stated that the project would impact the quality of education and the learning environment at the institution.

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is constructing internal roads in 43 tertiary institutions in Nigeria under it's Road Intervention Program.

Fashola was represented at the commissioning and handover of the completed road to Oko Federal Polytechnic by the Project Supervisor of Second Niger Bridge, Engr Oluwaseyi Martins, who represented the Hon. Minister.

The Minister said, "The gap of our infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and it has reached the school"

Fashola explained that to date twenty-one (29) road intervention projects have been completed with seventeen (17) already handed over in 2020, describing the Oko Poly internal road being handing over today as a critical intervention to support education.

According to the Minister, twenty-five Nigerians were employed during the construction of the road with several other artisans and traders earning income at the site of the construction. This he said, contributed to the job creation initiatives of the Federal Government.

Fashola enjoined the school to ensure putting the asset in to proper use and not to be abused.

The Rector who thanked the Minister and the Federal government for the completed project, requested for more infrastructural development in the School in order to open up the other side of the undeveloped lands within the campus.

She said, “Though there was no follow up from the School on the road contract yet the scope of work was covered and they did not cut corners or used shoddy materials for the construction, the project was completed on point schedule the challenges of Covid 19 pandemic”

Anambra State Commissoner of Works Engr Marcel Ifejiofor represented by Engr Dr Ikedi Eze observed that the standard and quality of the roads and drainage were of good standard.

The Director Medical Services of the Oko Federal Polytechnic, Dr Ifeoma Monago said ‘The road is a very standard one, we are very happy with the Federal Government for remembering us and building these wonderful roads in this institution. The roads are the best we have so far in this school, we appreciate government and the effort of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing”.

The Executive Director of Sagez Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyinka Amosun on behalf of the contractor said ‘The road was constructed in line with the Bill of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation (BEME) and met all standards of civil engineering in road construction’

In his reaction, Eduzor Chiamaka Favour, a National Diploma student of Home and Rural Economics said, “I have never seen a road like this standard in my entire life, so beautifully designed with bright colours.

Okoli Cyril, a student of  Science Laboratory Technology said “ I am happy to see this type of roads in my school, since I was admitted in 2018 nothing like this ‘’

Feb

11

2021

Road: Our Intervention Strengthens Governments Job Creation Initiatives -  Fashola

Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola,SAN has stated that the Tertiary Institutions Road Intervention Programme of his Ministry has strengthened  Federal Government's job creation initiatives.

The Minister spoke during the commissioning and hand over of 1.62km internal road constructed by his Ministry to the management of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) at Isiuwa in Edo state.

Fashola disclosed that, the project,  while it lasted, created job opportunities for over 57 Nigerians adding strength to government's job creation initiatives and noted also that the  infrastructure gap was steadily being bridged in tertiary institutions.

The minister who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Edo state, Engr.Ademola Aransiola also said the road was part of the additional internal roads of tertiary institutions under the intervention programme of the Ministry.

He explained that, there were 43 of such roads spread across tertiary institutions in the country, of which  29 had been completed. While 17 were handed over last year, the rest including this, are being handed over simultaneously

"While it is true that a lot of work needs to be done in many sectors of our national life including education, the present government was braising up to get the work done,"  he said.

Similarly, the Minister explained that the aim of the project was to improve the ambience of tertiary institutions therefore according to him,  the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure on the learning environment and further enhance academic activities.

He then urged the Institute's authority and researchers to ensure the road was properly utilized and maintained.

Speaking earlier, the Acting Executive Director of Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research,  Dr. Celestine Ikuenobe expressed  gratitude to the Minister who had graciously ensured approval and completion of the main access road of the Institute.

Dr. ikuenobe said he was happy about the government's intervention because the institute had borne the burden of ageing and collapsing infrastructure long enough to need  total intervention. 

Before the intervention, he said the main access road was in a total disrepair which negatively impacted service delivery to palms industry but the repairs have eased transportation for both staff and other road users.

Also a representative of the Governing Board of the Institute, Chief Wale Arowomole thanked the President and the Minister of Works and Housing for the laudable initiative and further requested for the rehabilitation of  other road networks within the Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research.

A community leader, Okao of Isiuwa, Chief Ovenseri Aibueku expressed joy over the completion of the main access road seeing  this as a resurgence of the good old days  of the institute; the Institute was back to its former status being a beehive of activities.

Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research is one of the foremost agricultural research institutions established in Nigeria in 1939. It plays a major role in the research and development of crops like oil palm, coconut palm, date palm, raffia palm and Shea tree.

This role is prominent and very necessary in the diversification and growth of the Nigerian economy.
 

Feb

05

2021

FG Hands Over 2.5 Kilometres Internal Roads At UMTH

A total of 2.5 kilometres internal roads rehabilitated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing have been handed over by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN.

Speaking at the event the Chief Medical Director of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo commended President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and Ministry of Works and Housing for selecting the institute as beneficiary of the intervention programme.

The Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, who was represented at the handing over ceremony   by the Federal Controller of Works Borno State, Engineer Amos Adams Tongman explained that the intervention by the Federal Government in the development of infrastructure in the tertiary institutions was to boost quality of education, give students a renewed hope and enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to motorability.

"It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from the students of the schools where this type of intervention has taken place."  he said.

He said that the 2.5 kilometers road network was a laudable project as it would ease movement of both students and staff of the institute within the campus.

The CMD said, "We are fortunate to be able to witness this handing over occasion of roads rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.  We thank you for your tremendous support in bringing out our landmark project which is being commissioned today. "

The four rehabilitated roads were renamed: Former Ring Road now Babatunde Raji Fashola Road, former Kidney Centre to   Engineering Road now Mohammed Bukar Road, former Engineering Junction to Polio Laboratory Road now Professor Jibrin Aminu Road and lastly, School of Nursing Road to Babangida Hussaini Road.

In the words of Professor Ahidjo:’’ These roads are renamed in recognition of the great contributions they have made to the success story we are celebrating”, he said.

On the impact of the road, the President of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institute, Comrade Hakuri Tamus said the intervention had been a big blessing to the students and management of the institution as well.

"We are grateful to the Minister. We are very happy that the roads have been fixed. Because of the sandy nature of the roads before the intervention students usually fall from bikes. We have recorded a lot of accidents on these roads," he explained.

The Students Union Vice President   Comrade Wakhumahysel Peter expressed joy that the project was completed during her time. “We thank President Buhari and the Honourable Minister for making this happen. It will attract more students to the school. It will boost our learning activities as the roads will ease our movement within the school premise,’’ she said.

Feb

03

2021

University Commends Works Ministry’s Field Officers In Jigawa State

The Management of the Federal University of Dutse , Jigawa State has applauded the synergy between Field Officers of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in Dutse , Jigawa State and the University community during the rehabilitation of 800 metres road within the institution.

The Director Physical Planning, Works and Maintenance Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, Arc. Biliaminu Hassan made the remark at the handing and taking over ceremony of the 800 kilometres road rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the institution.

Arc. Hassan said: ‘’The synergy between the Jigawa State Field officers of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the University’s Management facilitated the project to the commissioning point, and that such   working relationship would be sustained.’’

Arc. Hassan expressed sincere appreciation to the Honourable Minister, Babatunde Fashola, SAN for the timely interventions which he said had greatly eased movement in the university.

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, Prof. Fatima Batul Muktar said, "This road is not actually the first road intervention by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, it is the second. The first road to be constructed on the new campus was a 2 kilometres road and drainages from the main gate to the junction of the faculty of agriculture. So, when you put it together with this the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing had intervened with 3kilometres road project in the university."

Professor Fatima explained that before the rehabilitation of the road students and parents had to park their vehicles outside to work down to the school in the pool of water, pointing out that  the relief brought to the school by the Ministry of Works and Housing cannot be under estimated.

Speaking further, she said, " This is not to say that the problems have been overcome totally because there are still many areas that will become inaccessible during the rainy season, obviously the university has expanded rapidly and there are many buildings that are ongoing with many more to commence, the need for more roads and drainages cannot be overemphasized."

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN ,  who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Jigawa State, Engr. Oladele Atewolara said, "Currently, there are 43 number of road interventions within tertiary institutions across Nigeria, to date 29 number of the road intervention projects have been completed with 17 number already handed over in 2020. Today, we hand over this one in Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa state as a critical intervention to support education."

The Minister also said, " With the current intervention in the tertiary institutions quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment, and it will renew students' enthusiasm to attend classes, because some deplorable roads have become motorable. "

Buttressing on the economic importance of the project, he revealed that no less than 200 (two hundred) people were employed during the execution of the project which contributed hugely to the job creation initiatives of the President Muhammadu  Buhari's led administration.

Jan

29

2021

FG Inaugurates the Sector Skills Council on Construction

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Sector Skills Council on Construction with the core mandate of tackling the skills and productive needs of the construction industry. 

While delivering his speech at the occasion, the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing Engineer Abubakar D. Aliyu, (FNSE), who performed the inauguration pointed out that the establishment of the Sector Skills Council is a deliberate decision of the Federal Government to address the challenges of skills gap, skills supply, skills quality and skills demand of the building sector in the construction Industry.

The Minister spelt out the scope of their mandate as follows: Establishment and maintenance of strategy for the coordination and incorporation of emerging trends in skills development, Development of competency standards and qualifications, Developing a sector skill development plan and maintenance of skill inventory, influence how training is delivered in Nigeria, productivity improvement and consistency in reducing skills gaps and shortages.

The Council is also expected to inherit the National Occupational Standards in some critical trades, a labour market information system and a secretariat with modest personnel from the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), he added.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Husseini enjoined members of the newly inaugurated Council to justify the confidence reposed on them by their appointment while urging them to think out ways that the sector can reduce  the problem of youth unemployment. He commended the Honourable Minister Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN and the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing for the various intervention programmes they have introduced toward the attainment of the Ministry’s mandate.

In his welcome address, the Chairman Inauguration Committee of the Sector Skills Council on Construction, Dr. Samson Ameh Opaluwa disclosed that the National Board for Technical Education had obtained an approval of Government through the Federal Ministry of Education to implement and regulate the National Skills qualification Framework (NSQF) in Nigeria in 2014.
He revealed that in constituting the Sector Skill Council, deliberate efforts were made to ensure the representation of a broad spectrum of the stakeholders in the construction industry in Nigeria adding that it was expected to be a stakeholder and private sector –led as two third of the nominees were representatives of the Private Sector while one third  was made up of relevant government regulatory bodies and actors in the construction and housing sector.

Chairman of the newly inaugurated Council, Engineer Gianfranco Albertazzi who is also  joint Managing Director Borini Prono & Co Nig Ltd  pledged that the council will do Nigeria proud by  qualifying and equipping  a very large  number of citizens to contribute more consciously to the county’s development as well as create an informed middle class, trained in the art of building. He called for the support of stakeholders both from the government and private sector to achieve their mandate.

Members of the Sector Skills Council include: Federation of the construction Industry (FOCI), representatives of Artisans, Indigenous Contractors, one from each geo-political zone, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Representatives of Awarding Bodies (NIOB), Representatives of training providers, one from each geo- political zone, Facilities Management Consultants, Builders Structure Consultants and Service Consultants.

Others are National Board for Technical Education, (NBTE), Director of building services, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Standard Organisation of Nigeia (SON), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Family Homes Funds Ltd (FHFL), Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Architects Registration Council (ARCON), Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) and Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBONI).
 

Jan

29

2021

We Create Jobs through our Tertiary Institutions Road Intervention Programme -  Fashola

Works and Housing Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN has stated that the Tertiary Institutions Road Intervention Programme under his ministry has provided employment opportunities to some Nigerians and contributed to the job creation initiatives of the Federal government.

Mr. Fashola, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Katsina State, Engr Babagana Tahir, spoke during the handover and commissioning of the reconstructed 2 kilometers road at the old site of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State and the 100 meters drainage at the new site of the University.

" During the construction in FUDMA, some people were employed in the process contributing to the job creation of the government, and it is hoped that the school would now ensure that this asset is used properly and well maintained" he said.

The Minister explained that forty-three (43) road Intervention projects within the tertiary institutions across Nigeria were currently ongoing, out of which twenty nine (29) had been completed so far.

He added that seventeen (17) of such projects were handed over in 2020 and the twelve (12) are currently being commissioned of which FUDMA was among.

The 20 km Internal road intervention in FUDMA started from the main gate of the old site and covers the various roads on the campus connecting the Senate Building and parking surrounding slot, School Clinic, lecture classes, Post Graduate School library and other key buildings in the school.

The 100 meters drainage constructed at the new site of the University has three concrete culverts that provides smooth passage along the road linking Faculty of Sciences, Faculty Agricultural Technology and the Students Hostels.

Responding, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Armaya'u Hamisu Bichi, represented by the Dean Post Graduate School, Professor Lawal Abdul Saulawa, specially expressed the sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Federal Government and the Hon. Minister for the laudable project.

He said that, FUDMA, being a young University was among the twelve new Universities established in 2010, as such needed more of such road interventions especially at its new site.

While congratulating Mr. Fashola for successful completion and handover of the project to the University, Professor Bichi also urged the Minister to consider constructing some internal roads at the new site of the University to smoothen it's daily operations.

Comrade Peter Seri, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (SSN), FUDMA chapter, who was a pioneer staff of the University expressed joy at the project.

The Students Union Government (SUG) Acting President, Comrade Nasir Ahmad Batsari, in his reaction, thanked the government of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for coming to the aid of the School with what he described as a face-saving project to the university.

Chairman of the FUDMA ASUU chapter, Comrade Ahmed Muhammad, appreciated Federal Ministry of Work and Housing for doing a lot of work in the University, urging the government to do more to inspire learning , research and excellent academic activities.

" We used to park our cars outside the School at the inception of the University, but now you can see our cars all over the places around the buildings" he said.

Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion from the university community were: The Registrar, Deans of Faculties, Directors and other management staff.

Jan

24

2021

Delivery of Quality Road Infrastructure Enhances Academic Environment - Fashola

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola,SAN has stated that provision of quality road  infrastructure in tertiary institutions would enhance academic environment and  develop  the education sector in the country.

Mr. Fashola made the statement while handing over the 2km internal road project which his Ministry rehabilitated and reconstructed at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State.

The Minister was represented  at the event by the Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Engr, Charles Olasupo Oke.

Fashola said, "It is undebatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention had taken place."

He also explained that the  infrastructure gap  in the country was steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and it has now reached the schools.

The Minister stated that there were currently 43 number of road intervention projects within tertiary Institutions across Nigeria being executed by his Ministry, pointing out that, the students were expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads had been restored to good condition.

He added that the road Intervention project had not only impacted on the condition of learning in the schools but had also created jobs and generated employment for Nigerians.

Fashola urged the school authority  to take ownership and ensure that the  road asset was properly utilized and maintained , assuring that the Federal Government would do more to the development of Federal Institutions.

The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Professor A.R. Kimbir, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola,SAN for the road intervention project.

He said that the commissioning of the road project came in less than two months after a 8.25MW Solar Hybrid Power Plant was commissioned in the School.

"The eloquent message from these projects is that the gap in infrastructural needs of the University is being steadily bridged by the Administration of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. The University is really deficient in the quantum and quality of adjectives to convey her true feeling of gratitude and happiness," he said.

Explaining further the VC said, "The positive impact of this project on campus life was highly invaluable as it addresses Infrastructural needs of the University with direct bearing on the quality of learning environment, easy movement on the campus for staff, students and members of the host Community."

Professor Kimbir stated his commitment to ensure carefull use of  the road infrastructure and requested for more of such gesture from the Federal Government.

"The commitment of the University is that the infrastructure would be protected for maximum utilization, suffice, however, to state that many more of such campus roads are crying for rehabilitation, adding that it is imperative to say that these campus roads have not been maintained since inception of the University over the last three decades."

Though the school is not in session, some  400 level students of the university who attended the commissioning ceremony: Onwe Samson and Onmonya Paul,  expressed gratitudes to the Federal Government and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola,SAN for the road intervention project.

They solicited for more of its kind especially the road that will link the school to the town direct without going through the roads in the villages which they said would help to curb security challenge.

In attendance at the brief handover ceremony were traditional rulers and some members of the University Governing Council.

Jan

18

2021

State's Encroachment Affecting Progress of Our Work- Engr. Adebiyi

The Director of Highway  Construction and Rehabilitation of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing,  Engr. Funso Adebiyi has said  that the encroachment on the Rigth-of-way of the Fedeal  road projects in Oyo State and Illega mining activities along the new alignments has impeded  the. Construction and the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ilorin road section 2 Oyo-Ogbomosho road projects.

Engr. Adebiyi stated this at the weekend during the inspection of the 56.00km green field road project.
He stated that the project was initially awarded in 2010 to Messrs RCC Nigeria limited and was later reviewed after augmentation on November, 2020 with a completion date of November, 2023.

Speaking during inspection of the project, the Director disclosed that the level of completion was 76 percent before the contract was reviewed by the Federal Executive Council which now brought the level of percentage completion to 40 percent as a result of additional works approved by Federal Executive

He described the quality of job done as standard pointing out that it was of international standard. However, he pointed out that the activities of illegal mining and building activities were undermining the progress of work on the project. “Any such structure within the right of our way is illegal and that government would not pay any form of compensation. You cannot build on someone's land and still expect compensation," he explained.

He appealed to Oyo State Government to help stop the illegal encroachment on federal government's right-of-way "We discovered that the State Goverment was giving approval to build and mine along the same alignment of the road and this has created a huge problem for the progress of work because the earth materials we would have used has been mined away, it is not good and must be stopped," he said.

Adebiyi also cautioned drivers for their reckless driving.

The Federal Controller of Works, Oyo state, Engr. kayode Ibrahim, said that the contractor was working massively at the bridge locations and at various stages of completion on the five bridges adding that 21.80km of asphaltic binder has been accomplished.

Jan

17

2021

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Completing Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
.... As works on the 127 kilometre road progresses appreciably

The ongoing rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of Lagos -Ibadan dual carriage way has reached an appreciable level of completion and the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing it on schedule.

This was disclosed by Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing during the on-going visit to the project site over the weekend to assess the progress of work done.

On the quality of work on the project, the Director said, "We are satisfied with the quality of work going on and we are working to increase the pace of the work. You can see that work is going on simultaneously on all sections of the dual carriage 127 km Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. "

Adebiyi explained that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of the busiest roads in Nigeria and pointed out that it is a trunk A road located in the South-West region of Nigeria.

Adebiyi further explained that because of the strategic importance of the road which connects the Northern,  Southern and Eastern parts of Nigeria, the Federal government would do all that is necessary to see that the project is completed on time.

"The project is a strategic infrastructure development of Mr. President in bridging the Infrastructure gap of the nation and this demonstrated that the present administration is poised to developing our highways," he said.

Speaking on the traffic gridlock that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, the Director explained that it was caused by break down of vehicle and not by the ongoing construction work.

He therefore appealed to drivers to be patient and to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before they make use of the road.

On the level of work done so far, the Director of Highways South-West, Engr. Kuti Adedamola said: "We have made a lot of progress. You can see that works on the two sections are going on simultaneously, 35km of the 47km of Section l has been covered giving us about 49.6 percent completion level,  while 55.39 kilometers of the 84km of Section II has been covered as well giving us  about 56.8 percent completion level."

On the quality of work, Engr. Kuti said, “I am impressed with the level of work going on.  You can see progress made when compared to the last time we visited.  Work has been progressed in the two sections of the expressway. "

He further explained that Federal Government was committed to deliver the project on time for the benefit of road users.

Speaking on the scope of work, Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Umar Bakare stated that the scope involved rehabilitation and widening of the existing expressway, drainage works and provision of expansion joints, hand rails on bridges.

He added that the scope will cover repairs of existing bridges and construction of new ones as well as building of toll plaza and installation of street lights.