Jul

07

2021

FG Restate Commitment To Promote Energy Efficiency And Security For All

President Muhammadu Buhari has restated the commitment of his administration towards promoting energy efficiency and ensuring energy security to all Nigerians.

The President stated this at the official commissioning of the 1.52 MWp/2.28 MWh Solar Microgrid System built by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said that the 1.52 MegaWatts Solar System is a project that delivers on so many of the Federal Government’s commitments at the Local and International levels.

The President explained that the Solar Microgrid System is part of Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Climate Change Agreement which he signed on behalf of the country to reduce carbon emission globally.

He commended the Ministry of Works and Housing, saying that the project has placed the Federal Government as a champion on the use of renewable energy, not just off-grid and for the last-mile, but also within urban contexts for commercial users.

Similarly, the President noted that the project has added to government objective of economy Plan of Ease of doing Business which is a major objective of the Federal Government economic plan to grow the economy and create jobs.. He urged other MDAs to key into the initiative.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola,SAN said that the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council on the 20th March 2019 at the time the Ministry of Power was part of Works and Housing.

“I express our appreciation to members of the Federal Executive Council who voted to entrust our Ministry with this project,” he said.

Explaining the scope of the project, Fashola said the Ministry has delivered a 1.52 MegaWatts Solar System based on the mandate of the Federal Executive Council, and it would provide uninterrupted power supply to 5 blocks housing the Ministry of Works and Housing and Ministry of Environment and Lands.

In fulfillment of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of creating jobs, the Minister said that the project employed 382 artisans and 176 skilled workers throughout its duration.

Continuing, he said that the project would see to the reduction of average diesel consumption from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres per annum and cost saving of NGN270,945,000 over 20 years and contribute towards the reduction of government operational expenses and reduction of recurrent expenditure.

“With this investment we have built our own Mini-Grid, in consonance with our Administration’s policy to promote off grid option, thereby making more of the on-grid power available to ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of investing in off-grid power,” he said.

The impressive event also received goodwill messages from the Honourable Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar and the Deputy Secretary General of United Nations, Hajiya Amina Mohammed.

Jun

30

2021

Works And Housing Staff Receives 2021 Public Service Awards

Four staffers of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing have received 2021 Public Service Awards for diligence, commitment and dedication to service.

The recipients of the award were; Arc. Suara Akinola, Deputy-Director, Special Projects Unit, Engineer Ebere Izunobi, Assistant Director, Highway Planning and Development, Haruna Rakiya of the Public Building and Housing Development and Anemba Terhemeni of the Human Resources Management Department.

The Award was in commemoration of 2021 Public Service Week organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation annually.

The Director Human Resources of the Ministry, Abdullahi Umar Utono presented the awardees to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babangida Hussaini, after they had been honoured by the Head of Service of the Federation at a ceremony in Abuja.

Receiving the awardees, the Permanent Secretary, Babaginda Hussaini congratulated and charged them to work harder in order to justify the award saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Permanent Secretary described the award as an acknowledgement of one’s outstanding service to the Ministry in particular and the nation in general.

 “Once you are recognized and awarded, you do not have a hidden place anymore. More is expected of you and please do not rest on your oasis.” He said.

Hussaini said that he was satisfied with their nomination for the prestigious award because he could attest to their competence and commitment to duty. “If I have to do the exercise again, I will select the same four officers for the award because they are tested and trusted,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Human Resources Management, Umar Utono said that the committee set up by the Ministry to evaluate nominees for the award did a thorough job in bringing up the four nominees for the award, adding that they were selected based on the input from their various Departments.

 “Their selection met the criteria we look forward to in Civil Servants. We commend their contributions and urge them to work harder,” he said.

Utono also said that the award would serve as amotivation to other Civil Servants to work harder in order to benefit from subsequent awards.

Responding on behalf of the Awardees, the Deputy-Director, Special Project Unit, Arc. Suara Akinola thanked the Permanent Secretary for nominating them for award, saying that they will do more to justify his trust on them.

“It is a call to do more and I am pledging on behalf of the other awardees our total commitment to do more and that our selection for the award was not a mistake by the Ministry. We shall work harder to win more awards,” he said.

Jun

23

2021

BRF Gabfest 5: Discussing the Ways to Curb the Human Factors Involved in Road Accidents
Lagos, Nigeria, June 22, 2021 — For the 5th edition of the Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) GabFest, an event created to discuss the role of the youth in Nigeria’s future, the theme is “Arrive Alive: Building a Road towards better driving culture”.
Statistics show that Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29. Around the world, road traffic injuries cause 1.25 million deaths and up to 50 million injuries each year. Surprisingly, data shows that the top causative factor for road accidents are not bad roads but speeding, loss of vehicular control, wrongful overtaking and generally poor driving culture. To discuss this pandemic, and explore ways to curb the human factors behind such accidents, six speakers across two panels will offer constructive insight at the event, on the 28th June, 2021.  

The speakers will cut across both the public and private sectors, and offer the audience the chance to engage on the subject matter. They will discuss matters ranging from road safety traffic measures and how accidents occur, to what to do in the event of an accident, insurance, drinking and driving responsibly, and also breaking users cycle of road accidents. The aim is to realize the factors that we have control over, and how to take a collective responsibility over them to improve the future. Attendees would also be allowed to ask questions after the Panelist discussion. 

The confirmed line-up of speakers includes Dr Yazid Omotayo -Head, Medical Unit/Pre-Hospital Care Unit, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Ms Bethia Idoko -Head of Business Development, Gidi Traffic, Mr Oluseye Banjoko MCIArb (Uk)- Partner, CLP Legal and Fred Akinmuyisitan - Head, Marketing Strategy and Planning, The Heineken Company. The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi will offer insights on the statistics coming in from Federal Highways across the country. 

 It will be a platform for these leaders to share their expertise as pertains to Road Accidents. “It is imperative to find opportunities to convene and discuss ways in which we can push forward as a people, and reduce these casualties” says Terfa Tilley-Gyado, Director of Communications of The Temple Company, who will also be addressing attendees of the event. The programme will end with a closing remark by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be conducted virtually over ZOOM, and is open to the public to register via https://bit.ly/gabfest5. The entire session will run for a duration of two hours. 

Jun

07

2021

Stop the Destruction of our Common wealth, Fashola pleads at Town Hall Meeting

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN has appealed to those vandalizing government properties in the country to desist from doing so.

The Minister made the appeal during his presentation at the Townhall Meeting on Protecting Public Infrastructure organized by the Federal Ministry of Information, which took place today 7th June 2021 at NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

Fashola, who noted all that no nation grows beyond the capacity of its infrastructure, lamented the level of damage and vandalization of public properties in the nation.

The Minister said, "our ability to grow, to develop and to prosper, to get education and essentially to live a good life is tied to quality and quantity of Infrastructure that we have, explaining that properties damaged under the purview of his Ministry included bridges across the nation such as Otedola and Kara bridges in Lagos, Tamburawa Bridge in Kano among others which would respectively cost 203M, 605M and 1.8 Billion naira to repair.

Noting that these money could have been expended on other sectors such as health, education etc. Fashola disclosed that another form in which the bridge was abused included the conversion of spaces under the bridge to shops and the use of parking spaces for businesses, adding that the Ministry had started the process of recovery of all these spaces with the aim of ensuring that they are utilized for their legitimate purposes.

The Minister also condemned the vandalism of signages on the Federal Highways across the country. He explained that "Signages have begun to reappear on the nation’s highways but these signages have become targets of some people and turned to billboards for campaign." He added that some of them were out rightly carted away.

Fashola further condemned the abuse of the right of way by some people who raise structure on them, explaining that 45.72 metre from the centre line of both sides of the road lies within the right of way.
The Minister also decried the building of bumps on Federal Highways which he noted are dangerous to unsuspecting road users, adding that the public buildings are also not left out by vandals.

The Minister noted that though there are existing laws to punish these criminal acts but they were no longer realistic in view of the economic changes that have taken place since the time they were enacted and now and therefore called for quick amendment of the laws so that offenders could be adequately punished.

Fashola also called upon the citizens to take responsibility over government properties and stand up against vandalism and willful destruction of the common wealth of the country.

In his welcome Address, the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Muhammed said the aim of the Townhall meeting was to bridge the gap between the Government and the people.

The Minister said infrastructure deficit was one of the challenges facing the country and the current administration had invested hugely on it despite the lean resources available to it.

"Despite a drastic drop in revenues and competing priorities especially that of tackling insecurity, the Federal Government had invested heavily in providing new infrastructure in addition to reconstruction and rehabilitating of existing ones."

However, he lamented that in recent times such laudable efforts of the government were being thwarted by some unpatriotic citizens through wanton destruction of critical infrastructure thereby depriving the greater citizenry for whose benefits these projects and services are provided.

The Ministers of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Muhammed Bello also took turn to reveal the negative impact and cost of vandalism and destruction of public properties under the purview of their respective Ministry.

As a way of overcoming the problem, stakeholders present at the occasion suggested that stiffer laws against  such crimes should be passed by the National Assembly,  Traditional Rulers should be involved in the security of public properties,  State governments should be made to partake in securing federal government projects within their domain, security agents should be encouraged to be more vigilant and massive sensitization of the general public should be carried out to engage the citizens in the ownership and protection of these properties.

Also present at the occasion were the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Ali Patani, the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar D .Aliyu and Heads of Federal Agencies.

May

30

2021

FG Opens Bid On Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) 

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing will officially open the bid for *Value Added Concession* under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) on *Tuesday, June 1st, 2021 at 11a.m West African Time. * The bid will be witnessed by the *Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), * other interested partners and stakeholders.

It will be recalled that Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, received the *Certificate of Compliance* for the *Outline Business Case* for the HDMI in December 2020, followed by the official launching of the *E-portal (https://hdmi.worksandhousing.gov.ng)* by the Honourable Minister on 29th March, 2021.

Applications were received from interested prospective concessionaires in response to the *Request for* *Qualification (RfQ )* and the bid will be opened on the *1st June, 2021*.

The Highway Development and Management Initiative was created by the Ministry of Works and Housing to develop and manage the Federal Road network through *sustainable Private Sector investment*, maximizing the use of assets along *the right of way*.

The twelve roads to be concessioned under the first phase of the HDMI are:

*Benin – Asaba*

*Abuja - Lokoja*

*Kaduna – Kano*

*Onitsha – Owerri – Aba*

*Shagamu – Benin*

*Abuja - Keffi – Akwanga*

*Lokoja – Benin*

*Enugu – Port Harcourt*

*Ilorin – Jebba*

*Lagos– Ota – Abeokuta*

*Lagos – Badagry*

*Kano – Shuari – PortisKum – Damaturu*

This initiative is aimed at creating alternative source of financing road development and management in the country while unlocking the massive economic potential of the project routes with attendant job creation

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.”

Jul

07

2021

Off-Grid Power: Efficient Public Service Delivery Will Improve Ease Of Doing Business - Buhari

·      As President commissions 1.52 MWp/2.28 MWh Solar Micro-grid System and Energy retrofitting in FMW&H
·      “This project enables Nigeria fulfill commitments made with other leading countries of the world”, he says
·      Investment is in consonance with the Buhari Administration’s policy to promote off grid option-Fashola
·      UN Deputy Secretary, Ministers hail FMW&H for leading the way on Off-Grid

President Muhammadu Buhari, Tuesday commissioned a 1.52 Megawatts Solar Mini-grid System and Energy retrofitting of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja saying the project was in line with his administration’s pursuit of off-grid as its focal policy.

President Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said in addition to policy implementation, the project also enables Nigeria fulfill commitments made with other countries of the world under the Paris Climate Change Agreement which he signed on behalf of Nigeria.

Recalling that a global resolve to reduce carbon emissions by committing to the use of renewable sources of energy was at the heart of the Paris Agreement, the President declared, “This 1.52 megawatts solar farm which, I am told, is the largest solar project for any public building in Africa, will enable us reduce carbon emission, and it is something to be proud of that we are contributing to saving this planet for future generation”.

“Another reason why I am pleased about this project is the impact of reliable energy on the ability of our public servants housed in these buildings to efficiently discharge their responsibilities to members of the public”, he said adding that as critical enabler of the Private Sector, the improved efficiency in public service delivery should translate to an improvement in the ease of doing business.

The President, who pointed out that ease of doing business “is a major objective of our economic plans to grow the Nigerian economy and create jobs”, further assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment towards promoting energy efficiency and ensuring energy security to all Nigerians.

He disclosed that the Government has just embarked on the competitive procurement of up to 150 Mega Watts of solar power along the Maiduguri axis to help address the issue of electricity supply while enhancing grid stability through the provision of clean renewable energy.

The President commended the Ministers and staff of the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Contractor for the successful delivery of the project which, according to him, “hopefully is jus t the first of many more to be delivered across Nigeria in the public and private sectors”.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, said the investment in Mini-Grid by the Ministry was in consonance with the Buhari Administration’s policy to promote off grid option as a way of making more of the on-grid power available to ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of investing in off-grid power.

Fashola said, based on the mandate of the Federal Executive Council, which, according to him, gave approval for the project on March 20, 2019, a 1.52 Mega-Watts Solar System has been delivered that would provide uninterrupted power supply to five blocks housing the Ministry of Works and Housing and Ministry of Environment and Lands.

The Minister said in fulfillment of the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of creating jobs, the project also employed 382 artisans and 176 skilled workers throughout its duration adding that the project would see to the reduction of average diesel consumption from 764,248 litres per annum to 166,825 litres per annum.

According to him, such huge reduction in diesel consumption would translate to cost saving of N270,945,000 over 20 years of the life of the system while also contributing towards the reduction of government operational expenses and reduction of recurrent expenditure.

Other deliverables from the project, he said, include the upgrade and retrofitting of the Ministry’s electrical appliances by replacing 400 old Air-conditioning units with 400 new inverter-based energy efficient Air-conditioning units and replacing 2,600 old light fittings with energy efficient LED ones, which according to him “are energy saving because they consume 40 percent less energy.”

In terms of local content, Fashola said the contract has engaged five STEM candidates to work throughout the solar PV lifecycle of the project with two candidates trained in engineering design and another two in project construction while one candidate got trained in engineering project management.

Urging other government agencies to follow the same path, the Minister declared, “With this investment we have built our own Mini-Grid, in consonance with our Administration’s policy to promote off grid option, thereby making more of the on-grid power available to ordinary Nigerians who cannot afford the cost of investing in off-grid power.

“All I need now say is that other government buildings can follow this path and our team will be most enthusiastic to provide the support, and share our experiences and lessons learned, working with the Ministry of Power”, he said adding that the Ministry of Finance has already indicated interest and the team has begun the energy audit of the Ministry.

He expressed deep appreciation to the contractor, Messrs. EM-ONE Energy Solutions, “for the efficient execution and more importantly for the sacrifice to complete this project in spite of the wide disparity between the foreign exchange rates in 2019 when the project was awarded and now, notwithstanding high importation costs of the parts”.

Fashola also acknowledged the contributions of Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi and Engr. Femi Akinyelure, two young people whom the President appointed to the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and who were part of the project at different stages from inception to completion recalling that the two, along with their colleagues, were involved in the energy audit and design of the project.

“They represent the positive impact of youth involvement in public service”, the Minister said as he also commended Engr. Julius Olurinola, the Director of Engineering Services, “whose role I liken to that of a midwife, supervising, monitoring and reporting the progress of this project from incubation to delivery”.

Inviting the President to commission the project, Fashola declared, “I have the pleasure to now invite you Sir, to perform the official commissioning of the 1.52 Mega-Watts Solar Power project to provide uninterrupted power to your staff in the Ministry of Works and Housing and Environment to improve their working conditions”.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar, commended the Minister and the Management of the Ministry of Works and Housing for the successful completion of the project noting that it would enable the user Ministries to improve in productivity.

Describing the project as a wonderful achievement, the Minister commended the resilience and diligence of the Ministerial Team led by the Minister in completing the project and urged other Ministries and government agencies to follow suit “in line with Climate Change”.

Also in her goodwill message, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and former Minister of Environment, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, commended the Minister of Works and Housing for the successful completion of the project pointing out that it is a demonstration of Nigeria’s adherence to the global efforts towards zero emission.

Noting that the installation of Solar energy across the world was creating three times more jobs than the use of fossil fuel, the former Environment Minister added that more countries needed to embrace solar, especially in Africa.

She said the successful completion of the project, aside improving productivity, highlights Nigeria’s development and leadership in the area of renewable energy in the African Continent.

Earlier, in his Welcome address, the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, said the successful completion of the project has brought solution to the Ministry’s challenges brought about by the use of fossil fuel.

Jul

06

2021

Speech By His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Commissioning of Solar Power PV Plus Microgrid System and Energy Retrofitting of The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters Mabushi Abuja, Tuesday, 6th July, 2021

PROTOCOLS

I am delighted to perform the virtual commissioning of the 1.5megawatt Solar project that serves the 4 blocks of offices housing the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on one hand and the Federal Ministry of Environment on the other hand, in the Mabushi Area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

2.    This is a project that delivers on so many of our commitments at local and international levels.

3.    For many years and indeed decades, our pursuit of electrical energy solutions have followed a single track of on-grid power, until recently, when off-grid power became a focal policy pursuit of this Administration.

4.    The impact of that policy shift is that access to small scale and off-grid electricity is increasingly becoming available to Nigerians in marketplaces, universities, and business premises as is the case with other parts of the world; and it is therefore pleasing that Government is also taking its own medicine, by building its own off-grid power.  This is a worthy option for other Agencies of Government to consider.

5.    In addition to policy implementation, this project enables Nigeria fulfill commitments made with other leading countries of the world under the Paris Climate Change Agreement, which I signed on behalf of Nigeria.

6.    At the heart of that Agreement is a global resolve to reduce carbon emissions by committing to the use of renewable sources of energy.

7.    This 1.5megawatt solar farm which I am told is the largest solar project for a public building in Africa, will enable us reduce carbon emissions, and it is something to be proud of that we are contributing to saving this planet for future generation.

8.    Another reason why I am pleased about this project is the impact of reliable energy on the ability of our public servants housed in these buildings to efficiently discharge their responsibilities to the members of the public.

9.    As critical enablers of the private sector, the improved efficiency in public service delivery can only be expected to translate to an improvement in the ease of doing business, which is a major objective of our economic plans to grow the Nigerian economy and create jobs.

10.    I want to reassure you of this administration’s commitment towards promoting energy efficiency and ensuring energy security to all Nigerians. We have just embarked upon the competitive procurement of up to 150 Mega Watts of Solar power along the Maiduguri axis to help address the issue of electricity supply along that axis, while enhancing grid stability through the provision of clean renewable energy.

11.    I commend the Honourabe Ministers and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and their Contractor for the successful delivery of this project which hopefully is just the first of many more to be delivered across Nigeria in the public and private sectors.

12.    It is now my pleasure to commission this project for improved service delivery, and economic development.

13.    Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Jun

28

2021

BRF At 58 : A Return To The Mind’s Infrastructure

By Hakeem Bello

Twelve years ago, in his Year 2010 budget presentation to the Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday, 3 November 2009, as Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, had said, in part, “…while a lot of work has been done in our attempt to bridge the infrastructure gap and a lot of projects, too numerous to mention will be completed before the end of this year and in the first and subsequent quarters of next year such as schools, health facilities, roads, water supply facilities and so much more. We believe that we are now at the most challenging phase of our journey to a bright and rewarding future.

“For too long, we seem to have evolved survival strategies for dealing with chaotic and unplanned living that we now seem afraid to approach orderly living predicated on law and order.

We are at the point where we must build the most enduring infrastructure. This is the infrastructure of the mind. This is the infrastructure that empowers people to seek new levels of excellence that demands new attitudes that commits to greater ideals. We recognise that while the buildings, schools and roads can be easily pulled down and rebuilt, the human mind is the most difficult to rebuild, although it is the most enduring.”

A rigorous enforcement of the law and multi-dimensional public awareness campaigns followed that declaration and characterised the rest of the administration.

Six years into his assignment as a minister responsible for the renewal and expansion of our country’s infrastructure, he had repeatedly stated a fact: there is no state in the country where the Federal Government is not building or rehabilitating a road or bridge or house, or to use a phrase he had used while governing Lagos State, doing “infrastructure catch-up” with population growth.

Progress has certainly been made.

By 21 June 2021, when he made a presentation titled, “The Politics of Economy and the Economy of Politics: Infrastructure Development; the Progressive Way" at the first APC Youth Conference in Abuja, infrastructure deliverables had shot to 895 ongoing Highway and Bridge projects, internal road rehabilitation in 43 federal tertiary institutions, construction of new Federal Secretariats in six states and rehabilitation/maintenance of 24 Federal Secretariats across the country, construction of housing estates under the National Housing Programme in 34 states, rehabilitation of 41 bridges, scheduled maintenance of 5,461.88Km of roads and 8,000KM of Highway maintenance by FERMA, all across the nation while Government established the first ever National Building Maintenance Policy for the country, leading to the creation of the Department of Federal Public Asset Maintenance (FPAM) with the Ministry.

Earlier in an interview published in African Business of 6 April 2021, Fashola told the magazine’s Publisher Omar Ben Yedder: “The point to make here is that the outline of the infrastructure commitments of this government are very clear now. The wheels are also turning and what people should expect to see is more developments on the ease of doing business. Infrastructure is very important too for enabling and achieving that.  We’re refurbishing public infrastructure highways, and we are beginning to build our maintenance economy because it is a very important economy that really has not taken off. This is where we will be, this will be a decade of infrastructure renewal and expansion. It will be an exciting space to play.”

Fashola turns 58 today, and the theme of the Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) Gabfest (held yearly in the last five years to commemorate his birthday by discussing the role of the youth in Nigeria’s future) is “Arrive Alive: Building a road towards better driving culture.”

From verifiable data by traffic management authorities, it is becoming clear that with better road infrastructure, motorists now overspeed and are becoming generally less compliant with road safety rules and regulations.
In a recent submission to the Federal Executive Council, Fashola had noted: “Consistently over the years and this data is available, the impact of bad roads and accidents was less than 2%. As big as that may be, it is less than 2%. (Whereas) overspeeding, loss of control, wrongful overtaking cumulate to over 70%.” This is huge.

For Fashola, this cannot be overlooked; the numbers must be drastically brought down.

For him, it is time again to focus on building the infrastructure of our minds.

As he puts it further in that submission “our focus as a government is that we've agreed that the driver has a role to play, starting from education and certification….”

Thankfully, the Federal Government has recently inaugurated the National Road Safety Advisory Council with Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, as chair, to “ensure the effective implementation of the Nigerian Road Safety Strategy Version 2, 2021-2030, which centres on a safe system approach to road safety based on global standards,” to quote the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi.

Besides education and certification, which will be executed by the Ministries of Education and Information, FRSC, state and local governments, Fashola has noted that installation of road traffic signs and patrol of the highways will be intensified. So also, it is a good development that one of the key elements of the recently signed National Health Act is the development of emergency life support system. As Fashola noted: “Road traffic crashes happen everywhere in the world. The problem is: can you bring it down?  and should a road traffic crash lead to death? So, emergency life support is critical.”

Fashola has, over the years, demonstrated that law and order have a human face and could be imbibed as societal norm through the cross-pollination of education and enlightenment, in addition to effective law enforcement and a transparent justice system.  This means that both those who enforce law and order and the populace among whom they are enforced must come to a clear understanding and agreement as to their necessity in the growth and development of the society.

In 2017, Fashola told the executives of The Guardian Newspapers in an interview. “When failures happen in developed societies, they call them scandals. When the parliamentarians in the United Kingdom were found stealing funds and all that, they called it ‘Political Expenses Scandal’. When Lionel Messi was involved in tax evasion, they called it Tax Evasion Scandal. The reason is that they have focused so much on law and order that non-compliance is the exception. Society is (definitely) scandalized by non-compliance.”

With hope, this 5th edition of BRF Gabfest will come up with ideas and workable solutions on how to build the infrastructure of the minds of motorists and other road users.

Fatalities on our Roads have to be an exception not the Rule.

It is obvious that BRF is scandalized by every single life that is lost to road crashes. GABFEST 5 is a call for action to end it.

Somehow, BRF himself may have thrown up one consideration for the Gabfest participants because just last week while hosting a delegation of the FCT Council of the Scout Association of Nigeria in his office, he spoke very strongly about the urgent need to resuscitate the various youth clubs and associations which formed the building blocks of societal values and ideals in the past such as the Boys Scout Movement, the Girl Guides and the Boys' Brigade.

He told the delegation: “I am particularly enthused to have you here today because you represent a critical building block of society, a block that builds values and morality for young men and women that society seems to have left behind. The block has to be repositioned very urgently as a cornerstone of rebuilding of our nation, as a nation, not only of a high human resource capacity but of a human resource that has the highest value and morality.

Urging the association to work with other affiliates like the Girl Guides and the Boys Brigade, among others, Fashola said that such collaboration was necessary in order to give young people the choice to join noble, moral clubs to expend their energy, to build their optimism and dream great dreams, adding that if those clubs were not available, they would be recruited by other clubs with less noble intentions.

For Fashola, finding practical ways to restore positive values among Nigerians would be the best 58th birthday gift.

●    Mr Hakeem Bello, FNGE, is Special Adviser, Communications to the Hon. Minister

Jun

10

2021

FG Flags-off N62.7bn Construction of Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Federal Highway

The Federal Government has flagged-off the construction work of the 90.65km Kano-Gwarzo-Dayi Federal Highway linking Kano and Katsina States, Thursday, June 10, 2021 in Kano.

The contract for the reconstruction of the road to dual carriage way was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in November 2020 at the cost of N62.711b with the completion period of 24 months.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini, in his welcome address stated that the contract was awarded on December 1st, 2020 to Messes CGC Nigeria Limited.

The Permanent Secretary was represented at the flag-off ceremony by Engr Folorunsho Esan, Director Highways (North -West) in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

He explained that the 90.65km dual carriage way has a total number of three bridges, with additional 7.3 meters width and 1.5 meters shoulder width and an outer shoulder width of 2.7meters.

Already the Kano State Government had dualised 7.2km of the road from the Bayero University Kano (BUK) axis. The construction started from the BUK junction and terminated at outskirt of Dayi town in Katsina State.

Hussaini disclosed that the road would be completed with all the furnitures such as lane markings, kilometer signs, signages etc., adding that the road would last not less than 20 years.

In his remarks at the ceremony, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described the project as gigantic, important, socially and economically of great benefits to the people of Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi States.

The governor also explained that the reconstructed road would also contribute in addressing the security challenges along the area.

Accordingly, Governor Ganduje said that, as requested by the Federal Government, Kano State Government is ready to pay the compensation for the facilities and utilities that would be affected by the dualisation of the road

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for all the projects he brought to Kano State, stating that the President has paid back the Kano people for the massive votes they always give him during elections.

Governor Ganduje listed among others, a number of projects which the Federal Government brought to Kano to include: Maiduguri- Yobe- Kano Road; Kano- Kaduna-Abuja Road, Kano-Katsina Road, Kano- Katsina- Jibia- Maradi rail project, Lagos- Ibadan- Kaduna- Kano rail project and now Kano- Gwarzo- Dayi Road and construction of new wing at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

Ganduje told the gathering that, with all the projects, commercial and business opportunities had increased in Kano as well as improved security.

In his remarks, the Senator representing Kano North Senator Barau Jibrin commended the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, Minister of State, Engr Abubakar Aliyu and the Permanent Secretary, Babangida Hussaini.

Senator Barau reminded the gathering that, the project was a promise they made to the people during their campaign tour with the Governor, stating that it was now time to thank God for making it realisable.

Also, the Executive Director of Messes CGC Nigeria Limited, the Construction Company handling the contract, Mr Fan Xiaojing thanked the Federal Government and Kano State for the opportunity given to his company to handle the project, stating that it was an indication that their expertise in handling such project was recognised.

He stated that with the cooperation of all the stakeholders the job would be delivered on scheduled.

Royal fathers of the day that graced the occasion wer:, His Highness the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasiru Ado Bayero and Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Abubay Ii the Emir of Karaye Al in Kano State.

Jun

02

2021

Road Concession: FG Committed to Transparent, Competitive Bidding

The Federal Government has stated that it is committed to a transparent, fair and competitive bidding process for the 12 Pilot Road corridors earmarked for concession through the Value-Added Concession programme under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Project Life Cycle.

This was stated by the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini during the official virtual Request for Qualification (RfQ) bid opening ceremony held at the Conference Room of the Ministry, Tuesday, June 1st, 2021.

 The Request for Qualification Bid Opening Ceremony signaled the commencement of the Value-Added Concession Evaluation Exercise.

The Permanent Secretary said, “The Ministry shall ensure that the procurement process is in line with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) act and approved Public-Private partnership guidelines.”

At the ceremony, the Value-Added Concession online portal was accessed for the first time since the portal was opened to receive submissions in line with existing guidelines. It was revealed that 75 companies successfully responded to the RfQ. The names and representatives of all the companies/consortiums were read out and duly recorded.

Hussaini further explained that every proponent who indicated interest at this Request for Qualification stage and meets the basic prequalification criteria would be shortlisted and subsequently invited for the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage.

Speaking on the initiative, the Head of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) of the Ministry, Mrs. Abimbola Asein explained that the Highways Development & Management Initiative was created by the Ministry with the objective to attract sustainable investment and funding in the development of road infrastructure and maximize the use of assets along the right of way.

She explained that the rationale behind the private sector engagement was to provide alternative funding source for road development and management, pointing that the Ministry was working jointly with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning (FMFB&NP) amongst other stakeholders to see to the realization of the project.

“The buy-in of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly had been obtained, and the nation is looking forward to a robust procurement process that will attract capable concessionaires that will develop and manage these routes.

The 12 corridors under the first phase of the Highway Development and Management Initiative are: Benin – Asaba, Abuja – Lokoja, Onitsha – Aba – Owerri, Shagamu -Benin, Abuja -Keffi – Akwanga, Kano – Maiduguri, Kano- Katsina, Lokoja – Benin, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Ilorin-Jebba, Lagos-Abeokuta, and Lagos-Badagry.

The Ag. Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Micheal Ohiani said that the (ICRC), as a regulatory commission had issued a Certificate of Compliance to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to proceed with the procurement process of the Value-Added concession under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

He assured participants of his commission’s role in ensuring transparency in the process pointing out that the initiative would develop Nigeria's network of federal highway corridors and boost economic development along the Right of Way.

Mrs. Shulee John-Mark, representative of NGO-Network who witnessed the process described it as transparent and credible. Over 170 other stakeholders also participated in the bid opening ceremony virtually.

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.