Feb

16

2024

Implementation of Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit (Tax Credit) Scheme on Course

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON has restated the commitment of the Federal Government in the implementation of the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit (Tax Credit) Scheme. The Honourable Minister made this clarification   in a Press briefing after a meeting he had with the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue, (FIRS) Mr. Zacch Adedeji, FCA and the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, represented by the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Isa Ajiya in his office on 16th February 2024.

Speaking to Press men, the Hon. Minister said that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has not only said that the implementation of the Tax Credit Scheme should continue, including private, NNPC and NLNG, but has also approved the review of the projects under the Scheme due to inflation. The Minister said that the statement of the Chairman of FIRS that the project would be completed but would not be expanded was misconstrued by some media quarters as saying that the projects under the Scheme would be stopped.  He further reiterated that the Scheme is highly beneficial and that the implementation framework is encapsulated in the Executive  Order No. 007 of 2019 of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Part of their agreement was that " all the NNPC projects on road infrastructure as started, should not be expanded, but should continue to the tune of N2.59 trillion. It was also agreed at the beginning of this Executive Order, and it was very clear that the N2.59 trillion was not the total cost of the project. Sometimes it's about 40% funding, sometimes it's about 50% funding. So, ab initio, the cost of the project up to completion was not N2.59 trillion. Now, we have scoped the entire project and then put a review on it, and the funding gap is N2.7 trillion."

"We agreed that three of us would make a joint memo to Mr. President to suggest that the N2.7 trillion funding gap be channeled to the National Assembly for approval and then the method upon which we get the money."

While thanking the Chairman of FIRS and the GCEO NNPCL for their commitment to the Scheme, he noted some of the challenges they discussed such as the problem of methodology for programme implementation and their resolve to adopt a more robust approach to solve the problem. He also said that part of their resolution was that non-performing contracts shall be terminated.

 He said "contractors should go back to site and  we are going to unequivocally terminate contracts that are not performing in the coming weeks and this we  will do definitely and we are going to encourage even the local contractors especially those who can do concrete roads to come forward and register and we patronize them".

While commending  FIRS for the funding,  he further expressed, " We are happy that this NNPCL project will be completed, we have agreed  on the private Tax Credit and he has also given a blessing  that it should not be expanded  beyond  the  last seven projects that were initiated by the last administration and that we should go ahead to review  the likes of  Dangote,  BUA, MTN and then close it."

Feb

14

2024

FG Tasks Concessionaire on the Revitalization of Central Workshop Ijora Lagos for Optimal Delivery in its Mandate of Public Works

The concessionaire interested in investment in the rehabilitation and management of the Central Workshop Ijora, Lagos under Public Private Partnership has been tasked on the need to leverage on the private sector initiatives of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to invest on technologies that will promote best construction standards in Nigeria, bearing in mind the mandate of the Central Workshop which is essentially public works as provided by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi CON stated this during a concession review meeting with the Public Private Partnership unit of the Federal Ministry of Works led by its head, Ugwu- Chima Nnennaya (Mrs) and Messrs. BETA Transport Nigeria Ltd led by its Director, Nana Fatima Paturel, dated 13th February 2024. He urged them to see the partnership as an opportunity to develop technologies that would help in the building and maintenance of the government's infrastructure, especially buildings, road construction, bridges, rail tracks, harbours, and aerodromes. 

He highlighted the importance of the Federal Government's approval for the concession of the Central Works Ijora, Lagos and expressed confidence that if fully rehabilitated and put into optimal use, it would create job opportunities and help in the training of Nigerian youths, artisans and craftsmen that would close the gap in the human capital formation needed to drive the construction and manufacturing industry.

Considering the report on the processes leading to the finalization of the concession agreement with Messrs BETA Transport Nigeria Ltd, the Honourable Minister expressed reservations over the strength of negotiation that gave rise to the financial close, and therefore constituted  a five- member committee to re- evaluate the negotiation  outcome and make appropriate  recommendations with a view to achieving  value for the federal government. The Committee  is made up of the following members:
1. Director Highway Construction  and Rehabilitation - Chairman 
2. Director Highway Panning &  Development - member
3. Director Engineering  Services 
4. Director  Legal  Services
5. Head Public Private Partnership  - Secretary 

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Chairman thanked the Hon. Minister for his sense of commitment to the cause of national development and for the  ethical standards he introduced  in the conduct  of government  businesses  in the Federal Ministry of Works and assured  him that the committee  would  deliver on a record  time in the assignment  given to them.

Jan

31

2024

WORKS MINISTER ALLAYS FEAR ABOUT THE STATE OF BRIDGES IN LAGOS, SAYS NO NEED TO WORRY

* Umahi orders relocation of those cooking under Carter bridge

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, has allayed the fear of road users in Lagos about the integrity of the Third Mainland bridge, Eko and Carter bridges, saying “there is no need to worry.”

Explaining the work to be done , he said “Some of the elements which are defective are going to be fixed. But there's nothing to worry about. We are going to reinstate those defective slabs with the new the design.”

Speaking to journalists Wednesday after the joint assessment tour of the three bridges in company of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister explained that “over the years, after the construction of the bridge, there was no serious maintenance,” He therefore assured that the failure of the bridge would be addressed. “So, we are working on the problems about the bridges.”

On the state of the Lagos shoreline, Sen. Umahi stressed that the shore protection on the marina needs urgent attention, noting that the Lagos railway project, the blue line might be threatened if nothing is done to address the matter.

At the end of the exercise in Lagos, the Ministers who  agreed there was need for rehabilitation work to be carried out, noting that the impact created by the current of water under the bridges and on the shoreline need intervention.

On the ongoing rehabilitation of the third mainland bridges, the Minister revealed that some comprehensive works would be done especially in area of provision of street lights on and under the bridge and installation of CCTV. While praising the work being done by the Contractor, he assured that the bridge would be opened to road users soon.

On his part, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun commended the Minister of Works and his team of officials for their efforts at rehabilitating the roads and bridges as he described them as very important for economic development.

While answering questions from reporters, the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government was looking to raise revenue to finance infrastructure, pointing out that “what we are targeting and working towards is a 77% increase in internally generated revenue for the Federal Government. So that is where the funding particularly is going to come from”, he submitted.

Meanwhile, during the inspection tour, the Works Minister upon citing those cooking under the Carter bridge, ordered that security be mobilised to stop the menace, adding that they be relocated immediately to avoid any serious damage to the health of the bridge.

In continuation of the inspection of Federal road projects in Lagos, the two Ministers also visited the Lagos - Calabar coastal highway and met with the contractor to review progress work on the project. The project when completed is expected to go through the shoreline linking Lagos with Calabar .

In the inspection were senior government officials from the Ministry, officials of Julius Berger and some journalists.

Jan

27

2024

WORKS MINISTER DEBUNKS CLAIM OF FRAUDULENT PAYMENT OF FUNDS TO A MICTOFINANCE BANK, SAYS IT IS A DISTRACTION

* To work with Governors to certify job completion before payment to contractors

The Honourable Minister of Works Sen. Engr. Nweke David Umahi, CON, has debunked the claim that funds for construction of roads was fraudulently paid into a Microfinance Bank contrary to extant regulations.

According to the Honourable Minister, “Let me also use the opportunity to debunk something that is ongoing in the social media. I don't know what they call the group, Is it Tracta Budgit or something which claims they're monitoring the budget of federal government; said that we paid 8.7 billion to the microfinance bank.

Speaking to some journalists today in Rivers State during the inspection of  the Enugu-Port Harcourt  dual carriageway being reconstructed  by Arab Contractors  Ltd, Sen. Umahi disclosed that the organisation “went ahead and said, that the 8.7 billion were paid against a number of projects in Ekiti State, in Kaduna State, Kastina State and Borno State between June and September, 2023.

The Honourable Minister while debunking further the erroneous claim by Tracka Budgit stated that as at June 2023, “he was in the Senate. So, if they are correct, it means the contracts would have been awarded while I was still a Governor, so not a minister.”

Concerning the payments to a Microfinance bank, the Minister explained that as at July, “I was in the Senate Up to the 20th of August”. 

He, however explained concerning the payments to a Microfinance Bank that “when a contractor has done his or her work, the money becomes his money. He can say pay it to any bank of his choice."

Sen. David Umahi described as very mischievous the claim by the organisation stating that they should have investigated “whether the job was done, that is the only right they have. But they don't have the right to say where a contractor will say his money will be paid. 

He submitted therefore that “whether it's paid in microfinance bank or macrofinance bank, what is paramount to establish if the funds were rightly paid for good work done.”

The Honourable Minister averred that it was an attempt to distract his commitment to delivering on the Renewd Hope Agenda of President Tinubu for the road sector development in Nigeria.

“And so, it's just a distraction. And then, some of the bank contractors are using them to fight back. But I refuse to be distracted, he restated.

On his efforts to ensure quality delivery of road projects through partnership with the States, Sen. Umahi said “let me also say that in all the states, it's our policy that the state governors, through their appointed officials, must mark off any project, especially the emergency, palliative projects. 

According to him “when a contractor has completed a job, no matter how big it is, my advice is for the state governor to come to the site and look at it and then mark off the job before he gets to office for payment. 

He strongly affirmed that “Where this procedure is not done, I will not sign any generated certificate”.
 

Jan

24

2024

WORKS MINISTER, SEN UMAHI HARPS ON PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN BRIDGING THE GAP ON FINANCING OF NIGERIA'S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE, MEETS GOVERNOR KEFAS OF TARABA STATE, ALHAJI ALIKO DANGOTE AND HON. NDUDI GODWIN ELUMELU

In keeping with the road infrastructure initiatives of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has been engaging with concessionaires and other private sector organizations on the need for private sector investment on our road infrastructure as done in advanced economies of the world. This informed the closed door meeting the Hon. Minister of Works had with the Governor of Taraba State, His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the founder and CEO of Dangote Group of Conglomerates, Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, and Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, former Minority Leader, Federal House of Representatives.

It would be recalled that the Hon. Minister of Works in his zeal to change the ugly narrative of road infrastructure in Nigeria had set up three committees to work on the contracts executed by some concessionaires with the Federal Ministry of Works with a view to reviewing the scope and cost implications of the projects they undertook to execute under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). This private sector initiative will fastrack road infrastructure revolution and bring order, accountability, and profitable entrepreneurship to the operations, management, and maintenance of Federal Highways.

The Governor of Taraba who retired as a military professional was a one-time chairman Governing Board of Directors Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) before he became Governor. The founder and CEO Dangote Group is one of Africa's foremost captains of industry who have made ambitious investments in the development of infrastructure in Nigeria and he has shown manifest commitment in the transformation of Nigeria's infrastructure through long- term investment in strategic sectors of Nigeria's economy, including financial services, and infrastructure development.  Hon Ndudi G. Elumelu is a well-travelled politician and contemporary public administrator, and also a product of Harvard Business School, Boston.

It is hoped that investors, local and international, and other organized bodies would take advantage of the will power of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope administration and the private sector experience and professional capacities of the Hon. Minister of Works to invest in the over 35,000 Km of the national road network being managed by Federal Government of Nigeria as this road network carries more than 70% of the vehicular traffic, making it a critical infrastructure for the movement of goods and services across the nation. This initiative will trigger economic development, job creation, local content development and wealth creation for Nigerian population. Mr. President mean business with his efforts to prosper our country and make it the pride of the African continent. Your support is critical.
 

Jan

16

2024

ROAD  INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION UNDER THE RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR, WIN -WIN SITUATION FOR ALL STATES

- As Benue State Governor  visits the Hon. Minister of Works

Photo  speaks

The Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR  has proven to be a grandmaster  of inclusive and impactful governance that embraces  the desires of the federating States. The federal government  under Mr. President  carries along all the  States   in her road infrastructure  development plans. Just recently, the President of Nigeria  released  funds  for the commencement  of nationwide  palliative interventions  on our road infrastructure in addition  to the  budgetary  and extra budgetary  funds provided for the execution of the 2024 road  projects.

The 36 State Governors have been working  progressively  with the APC led federal  government, notwithstanding party affiliations or ideological inclinations, to ensure that  roads of socio-economic  priority  in their  States are captured in the infrastructure roadmap of the Federal Ministry of Works.  

Today, 16th January 2024, the Governor of  Benue State, His Excellency, Fr. Hyacinth Alia visited  the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency  Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON  in his office. The meeting was obviously  not unconnected  with the desire of the Governor  of Benue State to change  the infrastructural  landscape  of Benue State through  tapping  into Mr. President’s Renewed  Hope  infrastructure  initiatives across  the  nation.

His Excellency Hyacinth  Alia is the second  Catholic Priest to be elected as Governor in the history of Nigeria. He emerged victorious in the Benue State Gubernatorial election held on March 18 , 2023, and on Monday, the 8th day of January 2024, the Supreme Court upheld his election and dismissed the appeal of Mr. Titus Uba of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), who was his rival on the 18th March, 2023 poll. He is proudly a member  of All Progressives Congress,APC.

Jan

13

2024

New Permanent Secretary Works Yakubu Kofarmata Assures of Innovation to Achieving Renewed Hope Agenda

The newly deployed Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Works has given assurance that subsequent new innovations in the Ministry shall be geared towards achieving Mr. President's Renewed Hope Agenda in infrastructural development, especially in road construction and rehabilitation for ease of doing business in all sector of the Nigerian Economy. He made this remark after signing and receiving the hand over notes in the Ministry. The new Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works Mr. Yakubu Kofarmata, was extremely glad to be back to the Ministry, haven served preiviously in the Ministry as an Asst. Director.

He was Particularly delighted seeing a good number of female leaders and architects still present, adding that it was an indication that the Ministry of works is a place that can bring the needed change in the country.

Mr YAKUBU KOFARMATA said in his words “I come here as a brother, friend and colleague and so we have to work together to help the President as well as the Honorable Minister to achieve all that they have spelt out in their agenda”.

Kofarmata further expressed optimism that his leadership would be a new beginning that would bring about innovation for the Ministry and the Country at large.
 

Jan

09

2024

Honourable Minister of Works Inaugurates Committees to Fast- Track the Implementation of HDMI Programme, Tasks Concessionaires on Best Standard on Road Construction.

In keeping with the avowed commitment of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR towards road infrastructure revolution, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, has inaugurated three committees to fast-track the implementation of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). The programme which is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in the construction, operations and maintenance of highways, is designed in such a way and manner that the emergent concessionaires will recoup their investments through toll and non- toll revenues as may be negotiated.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works harped on the need for the committees to work effectively and concertedly bearing in mind the expectations of Nigerians, in terms of transparency, standard and efficiency in contract negotiations. He noted that contract with some concessionaires had been consummated but said that the current economic dynamics and the new policy direction of the present administration would require a review of the scope of work and cost implication. He charged the concessionaires to abide by the criteria set and the timeline for the projects.

"We own the design; you will own the cost of the project while we carry out verification on the cost of the projects; the idea is to scope the projects. We want to have a standard road infrastructure to toll. Our business is to ensure that your design conforms with the Ministry's standard of design, that is why we are making the Director of Roads and Bridges of the Ministry to be the Chairman of the committee on Scoping and Design. We don’t want to do just a patch on the road and give it to the public for you to toll. The public will resist. We want to have a standard road to toll".

He said “we have to provide alternative road because by law you cannot toll road if there is no alternative route to it. It is very important that every of the projects must have alternative routes.  The number of toll gates and toll stations will be determined by Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC). We also have to put CCTV Camera, Solar Light and Security on our roads. Whatever that will make our roads safer is very important to us. All these must be considered part of the business."

The three committees set up by the Hon. Minister for the actualization of the Federal Government’s HDMI programme are: Scoping and Design, Financial Due Diligence and Agreement Review.

While constituting the Due Diligence Committee, the Hon. Minister said “We must have a figure to begin to work with under Due Diligence committee, we want to hand over all these sites to people who are serious by the end of March 2024.  Enough of these meetings, enough of the bureaucracy “.

Sen. Umahi said of the Agreement committee, " I have given a template on how to review agreement and I think the legal department can do this on their own “.

He told the concessionaires of the consequence of not meeting up with the rules of engagement. “I must say that in case timelines were set and any company couldn't meet up with the timelines, we may not continue processing anything with that company."

Sen. Umahi further stated, “in all our biddings in 2024 going forward, every cost element must be disaggregated. The procurement law has set up profit for the contractors.  We will verify the cost in respect of concessionaires. We have to ensure that the cost you are putting will do the job. We don’t want you to engage and come back and say there is inflation after we engage you on the project. We have to ensure that concessionaires have all what it takes to do the job. The Ministry of Works and the concessionaires must ensure that we are on the same page so that the citizens will not suffer.  Patriotism demands that we must not allow the citizens to suffer. We have to be realistic and honest. We don’t have all the money as government to do these jobs.

The Hon. Minister however, expressed happiness for the progress made by 9 concessionaires in finalizing their designs and documentation to achieve  a financial  close  by the first  quarter  of 2024 and charged  them to diligently  work  with the Ministry's  committees for the final processes.

Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary at the meeting, the Director Highways and Bridges, Engr. Awosanya Onatuga said the Directors and the concessionaires were ready to work concertedly to move HMDI project forward. He remarked, "the contract has been consummated but there are certain dynamics that will necessitate a review of the scope of work that will dovetail into the cost of each project, and the Hon. Minister is desirous to fast-track this process, so that the second phase can take off".

Jan

05

2024

FG to Tackle Road Challenges Headlong in 2024

The Federal Government has promised to address all obstacles hindering delivery of road projects in the country   to ensure actualization of the road projects to the benefit  of  Nigerians before the end of 2024.

Work Minister, David Umahi who made the promised during his meeting with Directors in Abuja on Thursday urged them to be on their toe in working to ensure that vision for sustainable road infrastructure development in the country by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration in line with Renewed Hope Agenda is achieved.

The Minister proposed a review of agreements, cost, geo-technical evaluation among others of some of the existing contracts with a view to addressing the bottlenecks that have delayed or hindered execution of road projects across the country in the past.

Speaking further on the road projects, he said Mr. President approved huge, large sum of money for the Ministry in the appropriation in order for the Ministry to deliver its mandate. "

" We’ve some supervisions work to be done on roads, the Directors and the Consultants must work together and any erring contractors that don’t keep to contract agreement would be penalized”.

According to him, “I won’t be able to go back to Mr. President and Federal Executive Council for re-scope of work and contract if the contractors deliberately delay the progress of road construction".

Reiterating his commitment to the welfare of the workers, Umahi said what matters most is how much of roads has been constructed or made motorable to ease the sufferings of Nigerians when it comes to mobility, adding that irrespective of position or social status, any worker who is found wanting in terms of performance risks being kept aside or outright replacement.

The Minister told directors that there is a difference between his ministry and other ministries, departments, and agencies, MDAs, is due to the fact that the Works Ministry is measured in terms of the how much and the impact of the roads constructed.

“The difference between us and other MDAs is that ours is what you can achieve in terms of roads, not speech. And our office is not the normal civil service office where you spend eight hours and close, at times you need to even work at weekend,” he assured that anyone who works would be appreciated.

Umahi appealed to directors to be God fearing in handling the assignment of the ministry, while disclosed that the President had made available the needed funds for execution of road contracts, but that there was need for review of the contract terms due to previous experiences.

The Minister tasked the directors and contractors on integrity, identifying bad construction method, poor supervision, substandard materials as the foremost challenges of road contract execution in Nigeria. “18 retired security personnel are to be engaged in supervision and monitoring for each of the six geopolitical zones of the country”, he said.

The representative of Permanent Secretary at the Meeting, Engr O.O. Awosanya earlier thanked the Honourable Minister for creating enabling environment for staff to function well through provision of incentives and welfare, said " Since I have been in the ministry this is the first time i will be seeing a minister so dedicated to staff welfare provisions".

Director Highways Southwest Engr Adedamola Kuti while responding to the minister’s remarks assured the Minister that both the staff and the consultants would work in synergy to deliver on the mandate of the Ministry.

Dec

21

2023

Minister of Works Sen Umahi Inaugurates Board of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Ferma) Charges Members to Brace Up to the Road Infrastructure Maintenance Challenges in Nigeria

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency,  Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has charged the newly inaugurated members of Governing Board of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency ( FERMA) to brace up to the challenges of road infrastructure maintenance facing the country and show unwavering commitment to the road  maintenance programmes of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR The Hon. Minister gave this charge during the inauguration of the FERMA Governing Board at the Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works, Headquarters. Mabushi, Abuja on 21st December 2023.

The Hon Minister thanked the President of Nigeria for appointing men of proven integrity and ability into the FERMA Board and for approving the 2023 Supplementary Budget which provides landmark interventions on the Federal roads. He said road infrastructure was critical to the socio-economic development of our nation noting that the critical sectors that drive economic growth rely greatly on road infrastructure development.

"Let me first congratulate the nominees of Mr. President to the FERMA board and to express my gratitude deeply to Mr. President who has found you worthy to do this job. We have a very critical situation with our roads all over the country. and for me, the number one thing Nigerians needed like yesterday is road. Road is everything. If we fix our roads today, we will bring down inflation in this country, because bad road is affecting every aspect of our economic activities. 

He maintained that the enhanced budgetary provision for road infrastructure under our dear President  shows  his commitment in changing  the narrative  of our road infrastructure. "This underscores the fact that Mr. President understands the plight of our people as far as our road infrastructure is concerned, he's doing everything within the budget and outside the budget to fix our roads. And I want to assure Nigerians on behalf of Mr. President that our hopes are renewed in tackling our road infrastructure decays.”

It would be recalled that by section 3 of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, (FERMA) Amendment Act 2007, the President had on 13th October, 2023 approved the appointment of the following members of the Governing Board of FERMA and they had been confirmed by the Senate: 

Engr. Dr. Chukwuemeka Chijioke Agbasi - Managing Director

Engr. lbi Terna Manasseh - Member

Dr. Kenneth Ugbala - Member

Sen. Timothy Aduda - Member

Babatunde Daramola - Member

Hon. Preye Oseke Member

Aminu Adamu Papa - Member

Engr. Abubakar Bappa - Member

ACM Shehu Mohammed - Member

Yusuf Lawal Othman – Member

Earlier the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mahmuda  Mamman described the newly appointed members of FERMA board as people of proven competence and experience and expressed hope that they would perform in their new assignment.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the newly constituted board, the Managing Director of FERMA Engr.  Dr.  Chukwuemeka Chijioke Agbasi thanked the President for finding them worthy to be appointed as board members of FERMA and pledged to discharge their responsibilities with the fear of God and align to the policy of the Federal Minister of Works and also to the mandate of FERMA.

He expressed the commitment of FERMA towards making a visible difference on the road condition and the travel experience of commuters in the country.

Dec

16

2023

Farewell To a Rare Gem, Okwadike

Hon. Minister of Works, Sen. Umahi commiserates with the family, government and people of Anambra  State over the death of the former Governor  of Anambra State, Dr Ezeife.

I received with a deep sense of sympathy the sad news of the glorious exit of the former Governor of Anambra State and elder statesman of note ,His Excellency,  late Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife who journeyed to eternal  glory  on the 14th day of December,2023 at the of 85 years.

2. Late Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife   was an advocate of selfless leadership and crusader for the cause of justice and national integration.  He was unequivocal on his stand for an egalitarian nation where all Nigerians shall enjoy equal, just and fair treatment notwithstanding their natural, cultural or religious inclinations. He was a prominent voice on national conversations. The loss of this dear nationalist has no doubt created a deep vacuum in the hearts of his loved ones and, indeed, all who shared in the values of his ideals. I heartily convey my deepest condolences to his family, the government and people of Anambra State for the loss of this great iconic leader and national figure who left inspiring life and times   worthy of emulation. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, amen.

3. Please, accept the assurances of the compassionate considerations, esteemed regards and best wishes  of my family, the management  and staff of Federal Ministry of  Works.

H.E. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, CON, GGCEHF
Hon. Minister of Works

Dec

12

2023

Brief by the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator. (Engr) Nweze David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE on the Occasion of the Presentation and Defence of the Ministry’s 2024 Budget io the Joint Committee on Works

The Chairman,
Senate Committee on Works,
Distinguished Senators,
The Chairman,
House Committee on Works
Honourable Members

1.0    INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
I wish to express the appreciation of the Ministry to the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works for this opportunity to present and defend the Ministry’s 2023 Budget Performance and 2024 Budget Proposal. The Ministry received the letter Ref. No. NASS/S&H/COW/01/10/1 dated 30th November, 2023 from the Joint Committee on Works requesting for details and submissions on issues pertaining to the performance of the 2023 Appropriation and 2024 Budget proposal. These documents have also been earlier submitted in response to the said letter. I will also like to explain and highlight some aspects of the submissions in the course of this budget defense.

2.0    OVERVIEW OF THE 2023 APPROPRIATION
The sum of N534, 455,695,989.00 was appropriated to the Ministry of Works and Housing and its Parastatals in the 2023 fiscal year. From this amount, Works and Housing Sectors of the then Ministry was allocated a total Capital of N453,255,980,966.00. Following the demerger of the Ministry, Federal Ministry of Works was allocated the sum of N383, 351,656,449.00 as Capital, Overhead was in the Sum of N525,362,343.96 and Personnel was in the Sum of N6,916,751,203.00. The details of the Appropriation are as follows:

(a)     Capital Allocation:                
i. Main Ministry of Works:                 N383,351,656,449.00
ii. Parastatals:                                 N 46,215,578,221.00
Total                                               N429,567, 234, 670.00

(b)    Overhead Cost:                            
i. Main Ministry:                     N535,362,344.40
ii. Parastatals:                    
a. Office of the Survey-General of the Federation (OSGOF)         N239, 664,804.00
b. Federal School of Surveys (FSS), Oyo                                  N50, 523,550.00
c. Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)                      N17, 525,286,292.00
d. Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) N9, 691,801.00
e. Surveyors’ Registration Council of Nigeria (SURCON)             N14, 971,301.00
    Total                                                                                  N18,375,500,092.4

(c)    PERSONNEL COST
i.    Main Ministry                            N6,916,751,203.00
ii.   Parastatals                               N5,234,644,736.00                      

Total                                              N12,151,395,939.0

3.0    2023 BUDGET RELEASES/PERFORMANCE

As earlier said, the Capital Allocation to the Ministry was N383, 351,656,449.00 after the demerger of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. The releases so far to the Ministry was in the sum of N184,165,147,332.29, which represents 48.01% of the Capital Allocation in the 2023 Appropriation. This leaves a balance of N199, 405,010,166.71 to be released by the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF).

3.10.    Capital Projects

The sum of N184,165,147,332.29 released up to date to the Ministry from the 2023 Budget Appropriation had been utilized for payments of some certified Certificates for executed works on roads and bridges by Highway, projects of Engineering Services and Common Services Departments.  It is to be noted that as at the end of November 2023 the Ministry had a cumulative unpaid certificate in the sum of N1,507,873,365,516.02 (One Trillion, Five Hundred and Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixteen Naira, Two Kobo) only for all inherited on-going highway and bridge projects. Apart from the pressure on the resources to pay, there is the inadequacy of annual budgetary provisions where in most cases N100m or N200m and even less was provided for projects estimated to cost above twenty- fifty billion Naira or even more. Awarding such projects even though appropriated is difficult on its own because the provision is inadequate to even pay 10% for mobilization whereas the Procurement Act prescribes 30% mobilization. The details of all the 2023 Budget Performance for Highways Capital Projects are provided in the document attached as Annexure I.

3.20    Overhead   

Out of the Total Approved Overhead of N535,362,344.40 the sum of N312,294,700.90 was released to the Ministry for overhead costs for the period January - July, 2023, which represents 58.33% of the budgetary provision with an outstanding sum of N 223,067,643.50.

3.30    Personnel Cost

The Personnel Cost of N12,598,351,319.00 for the Ministry is being implemented through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) programme in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

4.0    REVENUE GENERATED

The sum of N723,063,678.62 was generated as revenue from January to November, 2023 and all the revenue realized have been remitted to the consolidated Revenue Account (evidence of IGR remittance enclosed).

5.0    2024 BUDGET PROPOSAL
The total sum of N 657,228,251,596 was proposed for the Federal Ministry of Works and its Parastatals for Capital, Personnel and Overhead estimates in the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The breakdown of the proposals is as follows:

5.10    Capital Budget Proposal            
a). Main Ministry of Works                                       N 566,466,977,361
b). Parastatals    
i. Federal Road Maintenance Agency(FERMA).         N 51, 282,456,911               
ii. African Regional Institute for Geo-Spacial Information Science and Technology AFRIGIST (RECTAS) N 104,039,920
  Grand Total                                                           N 617,853,474,192

5.20 Overhead Budget Proposal                
a). Main Ministry of Works                           N 668,116,856.00
b). Parastatals:
i. FERMA                                                   N 22,027,209,696.
ii. RECTAS/AFRIGIST                                 NIL                          
          Grand Total                                      N 22,695,326,552

5.30 Personnel Cost Proposal            
i. Main Ministry of Works                          N 12,598,351,319
ii. Parastatals                                          N 4,081,099,533
             Grand Total                                N 16,679,450,852

Please note that without any presidential pronouncement, the following Parastatals which have been under the Ministry of Works have been provided for in the Budget Proposal for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as follows:
i.    Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF);
ii.    Federal School of Surveying, Oyo (FSS);
iii.    Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); and
iv.    Surveyors’ Council of Nigeria (SURCON)
It will be good that these Committees do get these Parastatals back to the Federal Ministry of Works.    

6.0     CATEGORIZATION OF ONGOING HIGHWAY PROJECTS UP TO 2023

The Ministry undertook a total of 2,097of on-going/inherited projects at a total Contract Sum of N13,835,640,624,786. The total amount certified to date stood at N4,772,770,148,140.41, while the total amount paid was in the sum of N3,140,569,453,163,82 as at November, 2023. 3 details are shown in Annex I.

Some of the projects are categorized according to special funding mechanism as follows:

6.10    Highway Project Financed with Presidential Infrastructure Development FUND (PIDF).
A total of Four selected critical projects are being funded under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) Project which is managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).  The projects are:
a.    Expansion and upgrading of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Section I (Lagos-Shagamu);
b.    Expansion and upgrading of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Section II (Shagamu-Ibadan);
c.     Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road; and
d.     Construction of 2nd Niger Bridge and two Bypasses at Asaba and Onitsha.

As at date, the total sum of N846, 365,489,635.12 has been certified out of the initial projects cost N1,535,375,595,518.43. This translates to a performance of 55.12%. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been substantially completed to about 90% but we still lack fund to complete the project. The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road is in three sections with about 127km uncompleted in section I (Abuja-Kaduna). Section II which is Kaduna-Zaria is fully completed and section III which is Zaria-Kano is on-going with 20km left uncompleted. The total cost of the three sections is about N655billion. The contractor is seeking for a review of contract to about N1.37trillion to complete the project. We are reviewing the request. However, even though the project will not get up to N1trillion when fairly reviewed, we believe that the unit rates ought to be reviewed. For example, the subsisting unit rate of Asphalt on the project is about N11,000 per square meter, whereas the real cost now is not less than N20,000 per square meter. We have requested the contractor to execute the first 40km of section I on concrete. It is important to note that we do not have fund to continue the project by February 2024 if no funding is injected into the project.

The 2nd Niger Bridge has been completed and was recently handed over to the Ministry. Additionally, there remains the construction of the Approach roads 2A and 2B which were awarded by FEC but have funding challenges to take-off.  The remaining two Bypasses in Asaba (2A) and Onitsha (2B) awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Reynods Construction Company Nigeria Limited respectively, during the last Administration was initially estimated at about N200billion but now with inflation, the cost may be up to N260billion. There is no funding for these projects and the projects have not taken off. Let me note that without these Bypasses, the completed 2nd Niger Bridge will be almost inoperative. The details of these projects are as shown in Annexure II.

6.20    Highway Projects Financed with the Sovereign SUKUK Fund
The Federal Government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) initiated Sukuk Funding Programme for financing road infrastructure in 2017. The total sum of N683.122bn was raised to fund 25, 28, 44, 71 and 63 number projects in years 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. All the works milestones for the Sukuk in year 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 were completely drawn down while the 2022 Sukuk, issued in the sum of N110,000,000,000.00 is on-going. A total of 63 selected critical projects are being funded under the 2022 Sovereign Sukuk Issuance. As at end of November 2023, the total sum of N50,537,288,079.45 was drawn down translating to a performance of 46%. The details of execution of the projects and drawdown of the 2022 Sukuk Bond is as shown on Annex III;

6.30    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Funded Projects Phase I
The NNPC joined the Road Infrastructure Development & Refurbishment Tax Credit Scheme programme by undertaking to finance 21 roads in the sum of N621bn with total length of roads of about 1,804.6km under the NNPC Phase I. These roads were identified by key stakeholders such as the NNPC, Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTD) and the Ministry etc. as being crucial for the efficient distribution of petroleum products across the nation. As at date, the total drawdown forwarded to the NNPC Limited is in the sum of N247,729,252,899.54 out of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved sum of N621,237,164,794.59 representing 39.88% performance. The funding gap here due to inflation is estimated at over 250bn. The details of NNPC Phase I Funded Projects are attached as Annex IVA;

6.40    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Funded Projects Phase II
The NNPC Phase II Funded Projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council in the sum of N1,969,700,168,910.78 for the execution of 44 No. roads with total length of 4,554.19km while the initial Contract Sum was about N3.969trillion. This leaves a funding gap of over N2trillion at the time of starting the projects. Presently, with inflation, the funding gap to have the NNPC Phases I & II completed shall stand at about N3.56trillion (Inflation about N1.5trillion) for two years from now. This funding gap is neither appropriated for nor has any source of funding. This means that without the kind intervention of this Distinguished and Honourable Joint Committees of Works, these projects will not go on mostly from March 2024 when the NNPC funding would have been exhausted. Your kind intervention and advice are highly, highly and urgently solicited. As at date, the total drawdown forwarded to the NNPC Limited is in the sum of N752,093,618,603.51 representing 38.18% performance. The level of drawdown seems low because most of the projects needed to be reviewed due to the inflation, The details of NNPC Phase II Funded Projects are attached as Annex IVB.

6.50 Other projects funded under Road Infrastructure   Development & Refurbishment Tax Credit Scheme.
Several Companies have leveraged on the Executive Order No.7 of 2019 to commit investments in the construction/rehabilitation of roads and obtain Tax credit. Companies like NLNG Limited, Dangote Industries Limited, BUA International Limited, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and GZI Industries projects have embraced the Road Infrastructure Development & Refurbishment Tax Credit Scheme program. Twenty-one projects at a total cost of N1.338trillion outside of those being funded by the NNPCL are being executed under this Scheme. The details are attached as Annex IVC; and
a)    Projects funded from Multi – Lateral Loans.
4Nos. major highway and bridge projects are being funded through Multilateral Loans and grants from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the China Exim Bank. The details of these projects are attached as Annex V.

7.0   2023 APPROPRIATION OF ALL ONGOING EMERGENCY/SPECIAL REPAIRS AND LIMITED REHABILITATION PROJECTS

These are projects being executed under emergency repairs works along the Federal Highway network. The projects under this category have a total contract cost of N419,841,989,869.00, with a total amount certified in the sum of N307,486,496,856.58, while the total amount paid is in the sum of N 123,213,264,774.77, the Ministry is indebted to Contractors to the tune of N 184,273,232,081.81. The details of these projects are included in Annex I.

8.0    INTERVENTION ON TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS PROJECTS  
These are projects being executed under the intervention in Federal Government Tertiary Institutions. Out of 108 projects under this category at a total contract cost of N15,641,954,804.16, 61 projects have been completed and handed over at a total cost of N10,790,866,435.35 as at end of November 2023. Twenty-one projects at a total cost of N3,874,482,841.53 have been completed awaiting handover, while the remaining 26 at a total cost of N3,491,998,752.77 are on-going. The details of these projects are attached as Annex VII.

9.0    OVERGROWN VEGETATION CONTROL PROJECTS  
These are projects being executed under the intervention on Federal Government Tertiary Institutions. The projects under this category have a total contract cost of N2,333,448,750.00, with a total amount certified in the sum of N1,795,927,968.71, while the total amount paid is in the sum of N62,060,468.75, the Ministry is indebted to Contractors to the tune of N1,733,867,499.96. The details of these projects are included in Annex I.

10.0 PROJECTS PRIORITIZED FOR COMPLETION 2022-2024
In spite of all odds, 21 major road and bridge projects have been completed and some were commissioned, while others are ready for commissioning. The total cost of the completed major road and bridge projects is in the sum of N498,802,362,642.46 with a total length of    489. 97km.  Also, to be completed in 2024 is the 260 Emergency Repair works in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation at a total cost of about N260bn. The detail of completed projects is attached as Annex VI.

11.0 BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION/ REHABILITION PROJECTS
Under the 2023 budget, the Ministry undertook massive rehabilitation of bridge projects, some of which have never been maintained since they were constructed over 50 years ago. Human activities on these bridges (i.e. vandalization, fire incidents) have left these bridges in deplorable state and unserviceable conditions. The Ministry is trying to sustain these critical works in the 2024 budget as well as undertake the construction of new bridges where there was none in order to reduce travel time as well as the reconstruction of bridges to replace collapsed ones.

These projects are:
a).    Comprehensive Repairs of the damaged elements of the Third Mainland bridge superstructure: This was procured this year and works are currently ongoing and is satisfactory so far. The second Phase which involves the substructure repairs is being processed for award.
b).    Comprehensive emergency repairs of Eko and Marine bridges in Lagos State: Works are ongoing on these bridges. The Contractor has attained appreciable progress and is being supported financially to enable expeditious completion due to the emergency nature of the works.
c).    Proposed Rehabilitation of Carter, Iddo, Liverpool and Iganmu bridges in Lagos State: The present condition of the above bridges calls for urgent rehabilitation works to restore the bridge integrity and forestall further deterioration that may be detrimental to road users. In this regard, the procurement process is already ongoing within the Ministry for the emergency award of contract for the repairs/rehabilitation of these bridges.
d).    The Rehabilitation of Jimeta bridge in Adamawa State and Murtala Mohammed bridge at Koton Karfe along Lokoja – Abuja Road; Works on these bridges are ongoing and will soon be completed.
e).    Proposed construction of Shendam bridge in Plateau State, Reconstruction of failed bridges in Enugu State and the Construction of Buruku bridge in Benue State; and
f). Reconstruction of three failed Bridges on East/West Road

These are new bridges that are required to ameliorate the sufferings of the host communities as well as other commuters. Procurement of contract for the construction of these bridges are already at an advanced stage and will soon be completed. Funds will be needed to bring them into reality.

12.0    NEW PROJECTS IN 2024 BUDGET  
There are new projects captured under the 2024 Budget at a total cost of N102,956,624,538.00. See Annexure 13

13.0    PROSPECTS AND PROSPECTS OF THE 2024 BUDGET FOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS

The policy thrust regarding the 2024 budget for highway projects is to ensure completion of some critical on-going projects which have attained significant levels of completion while keeping the rest alive through minimal appropriation. 693 new projects have been proposed in the 2024 budget, which are critical to improving road network connectivity and thus enhancing traffic circulation on the Federal Road network, necessary for boosting socio-economic activities in the country. The primary objective is enabling the Ministry achieve its mandate in providing a quality Federal Road network that serves as an environment to aid socio-economic growth of the country.

The main challenge to highways development in the Country remains inadequate funding. As at date, Government is committed to highway contractors to the tune of about N13.835 trillion with a total of about N1,507,873,365,516.02 unpaid certificates for executed works. Secondly, the dearth of younger Engineers/Technical Officers in the Ministry as a result of embargo on employment is affecting effective project supervision at the sites. It is expected that more sources of funding of highway projects be explored as well as lifting the embargo on employment of needed Engineers/Technical officers at middle level to enhance supervision of projects. Our Ministry has set up six committees to review all debts, approved and unapproved variations on prices of basic rates, and all augmentations that occurred before May 29th 2023 and from May 30th 2023 till date.

14.0    RECOMMENDATIONS
14.10 From the fore-going, I would like to recommend as follows:
a)    The provision of an Emergency Fund of about 30% of the Budget Provision to cater for unforeseen emergencies that regularly occur on the road network especially during the rainy seasons;
b)    An increase of the Ministry’s present budgetary allocation to about N1.5tr to complete at least 10 selected critical roads and bridges in each of the six geo-political zones of the country;
c)    Urgent review of all certified debts to contractors and if possible, convert same to Promissory Notes to contractors so that we can get properly focused in using any fund appropriated to us to pursue the Ministry’s set objectives;
d)    Inflation- Many contractors are presently out of sites because they have exhausted their contract VoPs and needed the projects unit rates to be reviewed. It will be good that all VoPs and augmentations of all the projects are reviewed and those that are owed be converted to Promissory Notes, while unit rates regime will take effect on contractors in line with the current realities of the construction industry.
e)    More eligible companies should be encouraged to key into the Road Tax Credit Scheme to increase the number of private sector interventions. This means front-loading their tax liabilities to solve our present challenges;
f)    Raising of Bonds from the Capital Market to finance road development in the country;
g)    Creation of an enabling environment by fixing the roads so that the deployment of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) can be effective; and
h)    That appropriations for projects be such that no projects when started should last for more than four years.

14.20     ISSUE OF ASPHALT (FLEXIBLE) VERSUS CONCRETE (RIGID) PAVEMENT
It would be my great pleasure to clarify the misunderstanding of the Ministry’s new policy direction regarding the use of Rigid pavement on her projects. I have to state categorically that no Contractor is prevented from executing the scope works originally signed with the client once certain conditions are observed, which are provision of a 15year shelf-life Insurance Guarantee for the works and a maximum of 5% of Variation of Price (VoP) in the Contract. The Ministry’s new policy is to prevent excessive augmentation of contracts considering the scarcity of Forex and weakening of the Naira against the Dollar which makes the cost of bitumen (which is fully imported) increase in geometric progression against the arithmetic progression rise in cement prices in concrete road pavements. In these times of rising inflation and scarce resources, the Country needs to look inwards to conserve foreign exchange.

15.0 COMMENDATIONS
We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the intervention of his Renewed Hope administration in the Works sub-sector and approval of an enhanced budget envelop for the Federal Ministry of Works. We also thank the leadership of National Assembly, the Chairmen and members of the Works Committees and indeed members of the National Assembly for their painstakingness in ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

Nweze David Umahi
Federal Ministry of Works
December, 2023

Dec

09

2023

Celebrating a Leader of Distinction @ 61

1. I feel profoundly delighted to felicitate with the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON on this auspicious moment of his 61st birthday anniversary, this 9th December 2023.

2. Your Excellency, I thank God for His faithfulness upon you and for the accomplishments of your golden age. You are truly an outstanding personality with exemplary excellence in all endeavors of life. As a Governor, you radiated excellence, and as a Minister, you were wonderful. I have no doubt that you will write your name in gold as Senate President of the 10th Senate. May God continue to inspire you with His boundless energy and endless passion as you strive to uphold the legislative integrity and a sense of personal dedication to humanity. May God prosper your new age and grant you greater heights as you advance the cause of humanity.

3. While wishing you eventful birthday celebration, please accept always the  assurances of the esteemed regards and best wishes of my family, the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works. Once again, congratulations, Your Excellency.

H.E. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE
Honourable Minister

Dec

04

2023

Federal Government Takes Over the Completed 2nd Niger Bridge Project with Ancillary Facilities from Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) PLC

…..Assures of Its Commitment to Delivery Of Enduring Road Infrastructure in Nigeria

…..As Sen. Umahi Harps on Prompt Supervision of Projects Of The Federal Ministry of Works Says Day and Night and Even Weekends Shall Not Be Spared

The Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its commitment to the delivery of enduring road infrastructure that will conform with the world best standard and add value to the economic recovery action plan of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR This  was contained in the message of the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON when he received the handover of the completed 2nd Niger Bridge project and ancillary facilities from the contractor that handled the project, Messrs. Julius Berger  Nigeria (JBN) Plc this  Sunday, the 3rd day of December 2023 at the 2nd Niger Bridge toll station "We are here to take over the completed works of Julius Berger  Nigeria Plc on the 2nd Niger Bridge and some access roads. We are satisfied with the works done  and which project circle was completed under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We thank the immediate past administration of President Mohammadu Buhari for doing quite a lot to bring this project to fruition and of course my predecessor, His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola, CON, SAN who was the Hon. Minister of Works that handled this project. The job is impeccably beautiful and well completed".

The Hon. Minister stated that  in line with the new innovations of Mr. President on road infrastructure, his Ministry would work to ensure the installation of solar powered light on the length of the completed project, ensure that the two interchanges of the bridges are completed, acquire more land through the State Government so as to have service stations and  ensure security on the road through the installation of CCTV cameras. And the Ministry also plans to concession the project through the HDMI programme.

"We have the light issue, and we shall put our heads together on how to have light permanently along the completed road especially at night and we have agreed on solar solution. The road project will be fully completed when we have completed the two interchanges. One is taking road users off from Asaba town so that if you are coming to this bridge, you don't have to go through Asaba town to encounter vehicular traffic  while the other one is to take road users off  Onitsha town to avoid traffic, and it is when this is done that the entire job will be said to have been fully completed. Julius Berger and RCC have been respectively proposed to handle the jobs." "However, If we get an investor who is prepared to fund the two interchanges, we shall concession the two projects to such investor  under our HDMI programme, and we are going to acquire more land here so we can establish service stations and we get the private sector to build hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, fillings stations and other facilities for public use as we see in Western world" "And  of course we are going to ensure security surveillance along the road through the installation of CCTV cameras and deployment of security personnel so that within this axis you can have access to security within the shortest possible time".

The Hon. Minister also said that although Federal Government is taking over the completed 2nd Niger Bridge, the contractor shall still be liable within the defect liability period and so if anything goes wrong in the completed job, the contractor will be called upon to fix it. He added that the toll would be activated the moment the two interchanges are fixed.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Director Bridge Design and Construction, Federal Ministry of Works Engr. Obioha thanked the Federal Government for working assiduously to ensure that the project was completed. He noted that the Ministry worked well with the contractor to ensure the project was completed on record time and hoped that the public would complement this Federal Government's efforts by abiding by the rules of the road and helping to ensure the safety and protection of the installations along the road.

On his own part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) Plc, Dr. Las Ritcher said the bridge was commissioned by the immediate past administration but there was need for a technical handover to the Federal Ministry of Works, hence the handover ceremony. He expressed hope that the Federal Ministry of Works under Sen. Umahi who is known for his penchant for quality delivery of jobs would be satisfied with the quality of job done "He has seen what Julius Berger had delivered to the highest quality. I think he is satisfied and from tomorrow we can say it is not our project; it is now the project of the Federal Ministry of Works. I am delighted to hand it over to the client and that he can run that road, including the toll station".

It is to be noted that the contract awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) Plc is for the construction of 2nd Niger Bridge linking Anambra and Delta States, Contract No. 6475 and construction of access road from existing Benin- Asaba Expressway to approach link road to 2nd Niger Bridge, Contract No 7919.

Meanwhile the Hon. Minister of Works had on the same Sunday, 3rd December 2023 paid an inspection visit to the project site of CGG Nig. Ltd on the contract for the Rehabilitation of Enugu- Port Harcourt Expressway Section 111: Enugu- Lokpanta 61.15 km road. The Hon. Minister also visited the collapsed New Artisan bridge along NNPC Mega Filling Station Enugu- PH  Expressway, Enugu State. Works in those locations are ongoing and are expected to be delivered on record time.

Dec

01

2023

Road Infrastructure Revolution is at the Front Burner of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen.  Engr.  Nweze David Umahi has reiterated the determination of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in fixing the ailing road infrastructure across the nation. He stated this when the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and the newly elected Governor of the State Ahmed Usman Ododo visited him in his office at the Ministry's Headquarters, Abuja on Thursday, 30th November 2023.

The Hon. Minister of Works stated that the President's intervention on the road infrastructure deficit in the country was part of his roadmap towards revamping the economy of the nation. He thanked the Governor for the will to seek Federal Government's intervention on the road infrastructure challenges in his State and the passion to work for the good of the State.

‘We inspected the road from 11am on my first day in office and I got back to Abuja by 2am, it shows the passion you have for the State.  It is not by chance that my first working day was in Kogi State, and I saw the acceptability and show of true love among the villagers for you. Your people are people of gratitude. I remember the ovation that greeted our inspection visit to Murtala Muhammed Way bridge in Kogi State".

The Hon. Minister assured the Governor that the Kogi Federal Highway was part of the Federal roads listed for palliative intervention by Mr. President.

" I want to assure you that Mr. President has instructed our Ministry to go and start that portion of the road and you will soon see a lot of concrete structures on a number of sections of that road that are challenged”.

The Hon. Minister also thanked the Governor for his commitment to the ideals of All Progressives Congress (APC) and for his doggedness that saw the Party through in the recently concluded Governorship election in Kogi State and said the victory was a testimony of the good works of the Governor and the acceptability of the ruling Party by the people of the State. He praised the Governor for his sense of inclusiveness and nationalism in his affairs as Governor of Kogi State.

"I thank you for being nationalistic  I know  a lot of South Easterners  that have made your Cabinet, I  also know a lot of people that had security challenges; that were kidnapped far away but you helped in rescuing them  even across State”.

The Hon. Minister used the opportunity to congratulate the Governor- Elect and charged him to be magnanimous with victory, cultivate leadership virtues, remember his route and remain steadfast with his Party. “Every young man entering a very high position like this is open to a lot of temptations. One admonition that guides me which I will share with you today is the fact that anyone who pays evil for the good done onto him, evil will not depart from his house. He continued “the teeth and the tongue often have misunderstanding, but they live together, the Governor made a lot of enemies because of you, let these enemies reconcile with him through you, all what the Governor looks for from you is not money or position, all he looks for is respect and honour because to whom God has honoured man must honour the person.  Mr. President has suffered all kinds of betrayals and if you have suffered betrayal, you would feel it, and when Mr. President sees a man that is on the part of betraying another, he will not be happy with such a person.  If you follow the Governor, he will guide you. If he trusted you to enthrone you, who else will he now trust again.   He is a unique man, and he is a man to emulate.”

Earlier the Kogi State Governor extolled the Hon. Minister for the transformation and innovation he has brought on board to accomplish the Renewed Hope road infrastructure agenda of Mr. President and the extra-ordinary passion with which he follows Mr. President's directives on road revolution. “The very first day you resumed office that was the day you hit the ground running. You have been inspecting roads ever since then you are not resting, there was no budget, no money for you, yet we see work going on across the country. Contractors have returned to site.  Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) is working, you are also responding to calls and messages, and you are so responsive, you are a leader that all of us are proud of.”

The Governor further said “I am here to principally show an appreciation to God Almighty and to show appreciation to my wonderful brother His Excellency Distinguished Senator David Umahi the former Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works for all the assistance he rendered to us physically, spiritually, financially and in fact in every way.  I am introducing my next successor Hon. Ahmed Ododo to His Excellency.  Ever since I joined the club of Governors you have been so distinguished.  I came in as APC Governor, you were PDP Governor then, irrespective of our political parties, you proved to be an elder statesman. You are a politician, but you are an elder statesman. You are always uniting the Governors across party line that was why it was easy for me to predict that you were going to join us because your mind is progressive; your mind is always progressive that was why you were able to govern Ebonyi State. With the little and meagre resources, you turned the State around and Ebonyi is wearing a new look today.  You mentor leaders that is why it is not surprising the assistance I received from you in coming up with another leader to take over from me in Kogi State.”

The Governor continued, “Today you are in the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a Minister of Works with his Renewed Hope agenda, we are saying a very big thank you to you and may the good Lord protect you in the discharge of your responsibility as the Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria"

Feb

17

2024

President Tinubu Directs Works Minister to Interface with Cement Manufacturers Over Increase in Price

.....Umahi re-inspects Contractor’s work on East-West Road.

President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate interface with major cement manufacturers in the country over rising price of cement, says the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON.

Speaking to journalists Saturday after the latest round of inspection section 3 of the ongoing rehabilitation of East-West highway, the Honourable Minister disclosed that President was seriously concerned with current situation of increase in cement prices.

Sen. Umahi observed about the current price of cement that “some are still selling sometimes, you know, 10,000 naira sometimes 12,000 naira; and so, on and so forth.”

He added that “So it's not healthy for us. So, Mr. President has directed that we should interface with them, look at their problems, and then see who is, you know, ripping off Nigerians and see how we can help them, the transporters and then the manufacturers.”

“And that's what we're going to do on Monday,” in the meeting with Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Lafarge Plc and others.

While commending the level of work on the East-West highway, he informed that “our job as a ministry is to encourage the contractor to do a good job according to design and according to the expectation of Nigerians.”

Continuing, he noted the impact of new engineers deployed by the Contractor, “he is a very well qualified, registered engineer. And we have met on other projects and technically he is very good. So, I am very happy for that.”

On the need to expedite work on the project, the Honourable Minister said “there is an increase in the number of sections that we are working on, because of how urgent this job is, we should have more sections. They have opened about five sections. We should have almost all the sections being worked upon.”

Commenting on the percentage of work done by the Contractor, the Honourable Minister said “well, we can't talk in terms of percentage. If we get all the quality jobs like this, then I'll go to sleep, because this is the major.”

According to him, “the foundation of every structure is more important than the structure itself. So, we are more interested in getting this done.

“When this is done, to lay the concrete, it's not going to be difficult at all. But this is the most difficult.”

He assured that the coming of rains should not be a stumbling block to the progress work, noting that a different design would be deployed, “and that's what we are doing in a lot of our interventions on the East-West Road.”

Sen. Umahi used the opportunity to reiterate that the tax credit scheme is still continuing saying “it is very obvious, and we've said it, you know, that the President never stopped any of the project, not NNPCL tax credits. He never.”

“In fact, he has also, based on the first module, given approval that we can review the projects,” he stressed.

The Honourable Minister however emphasized that “we are bound to review it. And we've started reviewing it. And we've reviewed this one. Fortunately for us, the contract of this one has not increased, even though we have redesigned it”.

Earlier, the Honourable Minister, Sen. Umahi attended Senator Barinada Mpigi’s thanksgiving service held in his hometown, Okoroma in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. Senator Mpigi represents South-East senatorial zone of Rivers State in the Senate.

Feb

15

2024

Works Ministry, Engineering Bodies Resolve to Strengthen Partnership on Road Sector Development

The Federal Ministry of Works and the two foremost engineering bodies in Nigeria, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, (COREN) have resolved to strengthen existing partnership in the bid to work together for the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda for the road sector.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Yakubu Kofamata stated this Thursday in Abuja when the Executive Committee of the NSE and COREN paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.  

Speaking about the importance of the partnership between the Ministry and the engineering bodies, the Minister noted that working in synergy with relevant regulatory and professional organisations in the sector should surely impact road infrastructure development in the country.

 He emphasized that the Ministry’s collaboration in the area of training and re-training of Engineers is very important as “the collaboration will enable home grown Nigerian Engineers to work for the government and for the success of Nigeria’s infrastructural development as embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

According to him “in every consultancy service that we need concerning the construction and maintenance road network, we will always request for the input, contribution and the expertise of your organisations”.

On the removal of the Federal Government funding from regulatory agencies like COREN, the Honourable Minister informed the delegation that the Ministry was working on the matter, explaining that it was indeed a government decision which was not directed at any particular agency.

Assuring on the strengthening of the existing partnership with the two bodies, he said further “I want to assure you that this Ministry will work for our common good. In fact, I want to stress that our door is open anytime for consultations.

Earlier in her remarks, the leader of the delegation and President of National Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Oguntala, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment of Sen. Engr. David Umahi, noting that the effect is already being seen in the road sector.

She lauded the Honourable Minister’s immediate impact on the sector through the use of professionals as consultants which she described as long overdue. Engr. Oguntala also called on the management of the Ministry to avail itself of the recently developed engineering database for professional services, stating it would assist greatly in strengthening their partnership.

 In the delegation to the Ministry were Engr Margaret Oguntala, the President of NSE; Engr. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President of COREN; Engr. (Prof) Adisa Bello, Registrar (COREN);

Others are Engr. Joshua Egube, Engr. Valene Agberagba, Engr. Saidu Hassan, Engr. (Dr.) Halimed Adeniran, Barr. Tom Ebgele, Lawan Abdo Mariri, and Andrew Francis Onyibo.

Feb

13

2024

FG TO STRENGTHEN OPERATIONAL MODEL OF HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE TO ENSURE QUALITY DELIVERY AND EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE

In his efforts towards rejigging the operational model of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has introduced parameters that will strengthen the quality delivery and management of road infrastructure under the Public Private Partnership model of road infrastructure development known as Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) and ensure efficient utilization of the completed projects by road users.

The Honourable Minister gave this indication during a meeting with the Public Private Partnership unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and Messrs. Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Ltd (APPNL) concessionaires for  the Benin-Asaba and Lagos-Abeokuta road corridors in his office on 12th February 2024. In the meeting, which had in attendance the team of the PPP headed by Ugwu-Chima Nnennaya (Mrs.) and the team of APPNL lead by Mr. Dipo Lawore and Mr. K. V. Rao, there were discussions on the way forward for achieving a more effective operational model for the HDMI programme and more efficient contractual relations between the Federal Government and Concessionaires.

The meeting which dwelt on the review of the project parameters for the Benin-Asaba and Lagos-Abeokuta road corridors as negotiated in 2022 by Messrs. Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Ltd (APPNL) was necessitated by the heightened inflationary pressures, exchange rate concerns, reduced vehicular traffic on the highways occasioned by the increase in fuel pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

Speaking on the need for quality delivery of road projects and efficiency in project negotiation, the Honourable Minister listed what he termed Renewed Hope model of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) and said the parameters would be finetuned, agreed upon and adopted in all contractual relations between the Federal Government and concessionaires going forward. He highlighted the parameters to include:

a.    The design of the project to be in line with the specification of the Federal Ministry of Works and investor can only improve upon the design made by the Ministry.
b.    A reasonable construction period must be agreed upon.
c.    There shall be no variation on the project.
d.    100% of one carriage way must be completed before tolling by concessionaires.
e. The business plan must be in line with the  socio-economic dynamics.
f.    Terms of tolling of road projects must be in accordance with the Laws of the Federation, and standard contract conditions must be followed.
g.    Contingency and variation on Price (VOP) shall be utilized only by the express and written permission of the client.
h.    Bill of Quantities shall be verified and adopted in line with the prevailing market prices.
i.    Road count on traffic shall be carried out by the investor and where such data has been provided by the client, it is the duty of the investor to accept or verify and where the investor accepts, it shall be binding on all.
j.    It shall be the duty of the investor to sensitize the public on the toll programme in every project.
k.    The client shall have the right to terminate the job of the investor for failure to comply with the time of road project completion.
l.    Every road construction for highways must be in accordance with the highway standard prescribed by the Laws of the Federation.

In their separate responses, the team leader of the APPNL and the head of the PPP unit of the Federal Ministry pf Works assured the Honourable Minister of their commitment  to the innovative initiatives of the  Federal Ministry  of Works on road infrastructure and thanked  the Hon. Minister  for pointing  out that  there was a dire need to review not only the cost of the  concessioned project, but also the scope of the project to meet with the standard of road construction in accordance with the innovations introduced by the Ministry under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GGFR. They expressed their commitment towards a robust negotiation on the project  review that would lead to a financial close so that work could commence without further delay. They promised to carry out further technical analysis on all the issues raised  in the meeting and re-present same to the Honourable Minister for consideration.

Jan

30

2024

WORKS, FINANCE MINISTERS UNDERTAKE INSPECTION OF ONGOING REHABILITATION OF THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE 

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, and his counterpart, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun have undertaken the inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Third Mainland bridge in Lagos.

While Inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation work this Tuesday, the Ministers took time to examine different aspects of the rehabilitation work, commending the contractor, Messrs CCECC for their good efforts so far.

Sen. Umahi particularly gave good attention to the ongoing  relaying of asphalt pavements of the bridge which commenced at the Owornshoki end of the 11.8kn bridge, noting the quality of work by the contractor, encouraging them to maintain the quality of work.

On the installation of the solar based street lights and the CCTV cameras on the 3rd mainland, Engr Umahi described solar lights as very useful and will be strategic for road users. He however told the contractor to ensure the right quality materials are utilised to ensure value for money.

In the inspection team of the two ministers were other senior government officials and the Contractor handling the project.

It would be recalled that the Ministers of Works and Finance had early in January this year visited the ongoing construction of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road projects to  assess the status of the project

Jan

25

2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE REVOLUTION  ON COURSE, DIRECTS  RELEASE  OF FUND TO TACKLE  CRITICAL  ROADS IN ALL THE  GEO-POLITICAL ZONES OF THE FEDERATION

The Hon. Minister of Works has reassured  Nigerians  that the Renewed Hope administration  of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, is on course  in it's  determination  to rejig the road infrastructure  which  is a key catalyst  for  the actualization  of the needed economic growth and development of  our nation.

The Hon Minister  gave this indication in Markurdi, Benue State on 25th  January 2024 during  his inspection  visit  to the Keffi- Akwanga- Lafia-Makurdi road reconstruction  project via Maraba, New karu, Asokoro, Ado, Goran road,  the  Lafia By-pass and the dualization of the Markurdi- Otukpo - 9th Mile Enugu road projects. 

He thanked  the President of Nigeria  for approving  the release  of funds  for the commencement  of work on the critical highways across  the six goe-political  zones, including  the Abuja- Kaduna- Zaria - Kano highway,  the Lagos- Ibadan expressway and the two by-pass roads at the 2nd Niger Bridge.

”So let me use this opportunity to also thank Mr. President. Just about three days ago, he approved that work should immediately commence in many sections; in Abuja,- Kaduna,-Zaria- Kano road. It's a very good and cheering news for me. We were having some problems with funding. But Mr. President has solved that problem and  directed the immediate release of funds so that the projects will continue. The same thing is  applicable to the Lagos Ibadan and the 2nd Niger Bridge two bypasses. Mr. President has directed the immediate release of money for the projects. As you see me, I am rejoicing like a newborn baby.”

Speaking during  the  inspection  visit  to the Markurdi  axis of the road, the Governor of  Benue  State, His Excellency, Fr. Hyacinth Alia called for support  to the administration  of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.He described the President's  national  development plan as purposeful and progressive and with the propensity  of  promoting  sustainable  and stable national  development. He  praised  the  new spirit of dedication  and  quality  service  delivery in the  Federal Ministry  of Works and expressed  hope that  Nigeria  would experience  a new dawn in  road infrastructure development  under the Renewed Hope administration.

”We are quite pleased that you are beginning the second phase of Abuja- Keffi - Lafia 9th  Mile Enugu road. I'm very excited to hear that you have already incorporated the prayers we presented to you"

"We thank Mr. President for his thoughtfulness and good heart for the common masses. He's someone who doesn't like to see people suffer. He spends sleepless nights to ensure that we get it right at this administration.  We remain quite indebted to him.”

The Honourable Minister  of Works undertook  a driving  distance  of about 446 Km from Abuja to Enugu  through  the bad spots of Otukpo- Nsukka- Uboloafor Enugu  road and that  afforded him the opportunity  to give policy  direction to the Engineers and contractors on site on the new initiatives on scopping  and construction and on the dimensions  of Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). He also identified  areas  within the major junctions  of the  road project that require flyovers, especially  the axis after  Abacha Barracks in Abuja  and the Markurdi  axis of the  road project, where  road users  experience  heavy  traffic.

Jan

21

2024

Hon. Ministers of Works, Defence, and Chief of Army Staff meet on areas of Collaboration to Improve Internal Security, Focus on Road Infrastructure as an Important Predictor

...ACTIVITIES OF CONTRACTORS TO FOCUS IN THIS DIRECTION

As part of the strategic and holistic security roadmap of the Federal Government under His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON had a closed door meeting with his counterpart, the Hon. Minister of Defence, His Excellency, Mohammed Badaru Abubarkar,CON, and the Chief of Army Staff
(COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja in his office at the Federal Ministry of Works, this 19th January 2024, and the focus was on strengthening collaborations towards improving the nation’s internal security through revolutionalizing road infrastructure development.

The Hon. Minister of Works praised the interactive meeting as a Renewed Hope initiative that would add value to the implementation of the security roadmap of the present administration. He commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for appointing men of proven professional capacities and passion for service delivery to tackle the security challenges facing our country, and expressed hope that with the interventions of Mr. President towards rejiging the nation’s road infrastructure, military operations across the nation would assume greater imptetus.

"I commend Mr. President very highly, and I thank members of the public who have also supported in different dimensions. Yes, we have discussed certain infrastructure as it concerns my ministry to enhance their performances, and our minds are working together. The main focus of Mr. President, when it comes to road infrastructure, is the interstate routes that are linked to security operations nationwide, the palliative jobs, and the roads that are linked to markets, industries, and factories etc. And so, this is one of the mandates that Mr. President has given to us. And so, we are going to hasten this mandate and to ensure that the desire of Mr. President, as far as road infrastructure is concerned, is achieved"

"Road is everything. If you improve the roads, you have improved security, agriculture, education, and commerce, and you have improved the happiness of people.  And this is just what Mr. President is doing. We have started to be in the field to repair over 320 roads that Mr. President directed us to do."

Speaking on behalf of the visiting team, the Chief of Army Staff said that the essence of the meeting was to discuss with the Hon. Minister of Works elements of national power support to the military field operations with a focus on the role of infrastructural upgrade in the enhancement of military operations across the country.

"We have discussed extensively, and we are glad that the Hon. Minister of Works is disposed to some of the suggestions that we have made on the need to focus on some critical roads that will impact positively on military operations across the country. And so, the Minister of Works has made some promises, and we look forward to seeing activities of contractors and other agents focus in this direction in the field, and the military will support them going forward. Overall, improved security is our objective, and we will continue to pursue that."

Jan

13

2024

Minister Of Works and His Finance Counterpart Jointly Inspect Abuja- Kaduna- Zaria- Kano Highway, Brainstorm with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on Strategies and Milestones for Delivery of The Project Within a Record Time

In keeping with the Presidential innovations on inter-ministerial coordination, cooperation, and collaboration in the tackling of sectoral problems under the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen.Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON and his counterpart, the Hon.  Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Adebayo Olawale Edun, were on inspection visit to Abuja – Kaduna -Zaria-Kano Highway on 12th January 2024. 

The dual carriageway which has been   a source of concern to road users because of the many dilapidated spots and security challenges, was awarded to Julius Berger Plc but could not be completed because of security and funding challenges. But the administration of Mr. President views the road as very critical for the socio-economic advancement of the nation and is therefore committed to completing the project on a record time.

While brainstorming on strategies and milestones for fixing the road, the Hon. Minister of Works assured the contractors that funding would not be a problem going forward. "We have got a commitment from the Honourable Minister of Finance to make payment, and I am very sure if we pay Julius Berger Plc according to the commitment on funding, it will complete the job “

The Minister also said “we have issues of reviewing the contract sum, and we will sort that out. We sent our technical team to reexamine the sub grade, which will be the basis of our redesign, let me emphasis that this is the first project we are touring in this place, and Mr President in his Renewed Hope Agenda has expressed his deep concern on the completion of the project and he has directed that everything must be done to get the entire project completed”

On his part, the Hon. Minister of Finance assured of the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government in the timely funding of the project in line with the agreed milestones.  “Under the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are both here on inspection to hear the commitment of the contractor handling the project and to support them, to as soon as possible complete this all-important reconstruction of the Abuja- Kaduna - Zaria - Kano Road.”

The finance minister described the works sector as one of the most strategic sectors that will add value to the economic development agenda of Mr. President and would always be given priority attention. "We want to urge the contractor to do more.Infrastructure is a critical priority of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That is how we can get food prices down. Through transportation and easy transportation of agricultural products, we want to move freely across the country. To bring down the prices and inflation,we will be doing more on the funding. " 

On the inspection team includes directors from both Ministry of Works and Finance, Managing Director Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr Dr Lars Richter who conducted the two ministers round the projects and several other stakeholders.

Jan

11

2024

MINISTER OF WORKS DIRECTS CONTRACTORS TO GO BACK TO SITE, SETS TIME FRAME FOR PROJECTS DELIVERY

The Honourable Minister of works His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has charged the contractors under the Federal Ministry of Works to brace themselves for the standard of work and delivery time frame required of every contractor under the Renewed Hope administration the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

The Hon Minister gave this charge in a meeting with the Directors of the Ministry and the contractors held at the Ministry's headquarters Mabushi-Abuja, this 11th day of January, 2024.

The Honourable Minister emphasized that going forward, contractors must take into account the plight of Nigerians and the Renewed Hope Initiatives on road infrastructure development in executing their projects. He maintained that the Ministry of Works means business and would not take excuses from contractors. He assured them that the Ministry would consider the review of contracts previously consumated in line with set parameters and prevailing economic situations, and that all generated certificates would be verified and paid accordingly, while urging them to ensure that all issues of contract variations were brought to the notice of the relevant departments of the Ministry. He thanked Mr. President for the prompt release of funds for palliatives works.

”The Bureau of Public Procurement has approved over 80% of requests for palliative projects. Those who indicated interest in the palliative project should please come to the Ministry to collect award letters and complete documentation. Mr. President has graciously released 50% of funds on palliative work, and so he wants to see action in all the 36 States and Abuja.”

The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to announce the re-organization of the supervision structure for the Special Projects across the nation and introduced a special mechanism for tracking of certificates generated by contractors and expressed hope that with the new initiative under the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President, each State of the Federation would record not less than 150km roads in the Federal roads network in the year 2024, in addition to the special road projects funded through different extra budgetary platforms.

4. Earlier in his remarks, the representative of the Permanent Secretary and Director Highway, Bridges and Design, Engr. Awosanya Onatuga, stated that the meeting of the Directors and contractors with the Honourable Minister was agenda setting for the year 2024, and the essence was to take the task of performance that would help them move the Works sub-sector forward in accordance with the innovative plans of Federal Government under Mr. President. He thanked the Honourable Minister for the relief given to road users toward the Xmas and New Year seasons. 

"We can say we did very well towards the end of last year. There were no adverse reports on any blockage, people sleeping on the road. Yes, we have not done so much; we are not where we are supposed to be, but with the spirit of the Hon Minister, the can-do spirit, and it's not slowing down, we are on the right track"
 

Jan

09

2024

Our Plan on Road Infrastructure Development is Holistic and Sub- Nationally All- Inclusive

This is the policy direction that drives the synergy between the Federal Ministry of Works and sub- national governments in tackling accumulated road infrastructure challenges across the nation.

The Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON is committed towards making all the States have a feel of the positive impact of the Renewed Hope administration of our dear President His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on road infrastructure, which is a catalyst for the socio-economic development of progressive nations. This was disclosed during the visit of the Governor of Katsina State, H.E Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, in his office today, 9th January, 2024.

Although it was a closed-door meeting, the visit was not unconnected with the zeal of the Governor of Katsina State to tap into the innovative road infrastructure agenda of Mr. President in the Works sub-sector.

Dec

25

2023

Happiest Season's Greetings on this Christmas Day From H.E. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, Hon. Minister of Works

1. It is with the deepest  pleasure that I express the happiest  season's greetings  of my family, the management  and staff  of the Federal Ministry  of Works on this  momentous occasion  of the 2023 Christmas celebration, shared  by Christians all over the world. We thank  God Almighty  for the grace and privilege to celebrate  this year's Christmas season and for the hope of sharing in the prospects  of a new year.

2. As we all know, Christmas  is celebrated  by the Christian  faithfuls to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to redeem all mankind and also to share the significance of love, peace, and goodwill towards  all persons irrespective  of creeds, colours, or cultures. We are therefore  enjoined to use this  moment  and always to focus  our  thoughts and open our hearts towards  the promotion  of the best attitudes in  our public and private lives; let us emphasize  that which unites and strengthens our bonds and dreams  of achieving a prosperous nation  which God, through  the instrumentality of the Renewed Hope administration of the President  of Nigeria, His Excellency  Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is anchoring  to the glory of His Holy Name. Mr. President’s administration is committed  to achieving a loving, prosperous, and united  nation. Road infrastructure is among  the critical sectors that are receiving  the priority  attention of Mr. President, and this  is hoped to assist  in fully  unlocking  the economic  potentials  of our dear nation and the well-being of all her inhabitants.

3. Let us, therefore, see this season as a moment  of reflection on the need for concerted efforts and renewed  vigor in our collective hope of building a nation  of boundless  possibilities. May God continue  to strengthen our confidence in the hope of  a better  future and grant us greater  years of Renewed  Hope accomplishments.  Merry Christmas, and please  accept the assurances  of the esteemed  regards  and best wishes  of my family, the management and staff  of the Federal Ministry of Works,  this season, and always.

H. E Sen. Engr. Nweze  David  Umahi, FNSE FNATE CON GGCEHF
Hon. Minister  of Works

Dec

17

2023

The Commitment of the Federal Ministry of Works under H.E Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, on Prompt Supervision and Quality Delivery of Projects is Yielding Fruits, Contractors Now Ready to Meet the Expectations of Road Users and Indeed Nigerians

The Works Minister, His Excellency Sen. Engr Nweze David Umah did not spare a moment upon arriving in Nigeria from Cotonou, Benin Republic where he chaired a Steering Committee on the construction of Lagos- Abidjan Highway Corridor Development Project on 15th December,2023, and he moved to pay unscheduled inspection visit to some ongoing Federal Road projects around Rivers State.

The action minister is particular on standard, design, and specification. He gives attention to every detail on the contract award, ensures that certificates generated are accounted for by the Ministry's Engineers, and that Resident Engineers, Controllers and Consultants are on the ground to monitor project details. Umahi works on weekends, day and night, and takes no excuse for an answer. His eyes are on the ball, making sure that the vision of Mr. President on the road infrastructure revolution under his Renewed Hope administration is achieved within a record time.

Sen. Umahi visited the following Federal Projects on 16th December 2023, upon arrival from Cotonou, and it was a marathon inspection that did put the contractors, the Ministry's Engineers and the consultants on their toes. The projects visited are:

1. Rehabilitation of Enugu to Port Harcourt Section 4: Aba to Port Harcourt at Km 204 to Km 206 by Messrs. CCECC and
2. RCC section of the East West Road between Eleme junction and Onne Port.

Very soon, Nigeria will see that the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is on a mission to restore the hope of Nigerians for a prosperous future we can all be proud of.

Pictures Speak. Pls share and be ready to be part of the supervision. It is your right. Contact us on our dedicated numbers to report any shoddy job or unnecessary inconveniences to road users by contractors.

Dec

12

2023

Nigeria LNG Commended for Commitment to The Completion of Bodo-bonny Federal Road In Rivers State And Interest To Connect To East West Road

The Hon. Minister  of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has commended Nigeria  NLG Limited for its commitment to funding the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Federal road in Rivers State in line with the tripartite agreement with Federal Government and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and for indicating  interest  to connect the road to East West Road to maximize the economic potentials  of the area. The Hon Minister  made this commendation when the management  of Nigeria  NLG   Ltd led by its MD/ CEO, Dr Philip  Mshelbilla, visited him in his office at Federal  Ministry  of Works Headquarters, Mabushi Abuja on 11th December,2023. He further  commended  them for  putting  the interest  of Nigeria  first in their contractual  negotiations and for keying  into the innovations and ideals of the Renewed  Hope Administration of President Asiwaju  Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR with respect  to quality, innovations, cost effectiveness  and timely completion  of  road projects embarked upon by Federal Government. 

"Thank you very much. When I see Nigerians that are standing for the country, I feel very excited because Nigeria is our only country. We can't mortgage the country; we can't sell the country.

I saw your letter with regard to requests by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor, to increase the contract sum. And you and your board together  with your team vehemently stood against that.  That gave me some teeth to bite because I saw a commitment by all parties that this project will not increase beyond the augmented amount of 199,000,000,000. 

So, I want to commend you for that." 

The Hon. Minister enjoined Julius  Berger  to respect the spirit and letters  of the tripartite  agreement and go back to site, assuring  that Federal  Government  would   offer compassionate  considerations on the remaining  16% uncompleted  job without  necessarily expanding the contract envelope.

"I discovered by the letters of JB that they have abandoned the site, and that's against the contract they signed, even if they needed to leave the site, the general conditions of contract specify the procedures  for notices in such a circumstance.

Well, we have discussed with them and I said, we are going to look at the remaining 16% on a compassionate ground,   and see whether there is any merit, and  we can see if there is any money left in the contingency, but definitely will not expand the envelope.

Expanding the envelope means you are going back to your Board. Expanding the envelope means my going back to Federal Inland Revenue, going back to BPP, going back to Mr. President, going back to  Federal Executive Council. So it's a long journey, and that will not allow that project to be completed as planned".

Speaking  on behalf  of the management  of Nigeria NLG Ltd, the  MD/CEO reiterated the  vision of the company  in not only building  a globally competitive LNG  company but also in contributing  towards  building  a better  Nigeria by  delivering  quality  infrastructure through projects  such  as the Bobo-Bonny  road being  funded  by NLNG. He assured  that everything  possible  would  be done to complete  the road on time  as provided under the agreement bearing in mind the concerns of the contractor handling the project.

"With regards to  coming back to the Bonny Bodo road, we see two parts to it, the main road itself. We are really looking forward to that being completed on time. We have had commitments in the past from the contractor around its completion and we do understand that there are concerns around  what is happening  in the economy  now".

He thanked  the Hon. Minister  of Works for his commitment to road infrastructure  revolution  and expressed hope that the economy  of Nigeria  would  bounce back with the  manifest  determination  of President  Tinubu's administration  in fixing  the critical  infrastructure  for the growth of our economy. He assured the Hon. Minister of the  readiness  of the company  to partner  with  Federal  Government  always  in her developmental  efforts.

"We have indicated an interest to pursue the extension of that road from Bodo so that it connects to the East West Road. That way you then have a complete corridor of major roads connecting to East West Road, rather than ending in Bodo.

In summary, just to thank the Minister  again, your commitment to projects like this across the country  will indeed make a huge difference to the common man, to transportation of people, farmers who need to move their products".

Dec

09

2023

Minister and Directors Meet in Preparation for Budget Defence with the Joint Committees of National Assembly

The Directors of the Federal Ministry of Works have risen from their in-house budget defence with the Honourable Minister in preparation for budget defence with the Joint Committees of National Assembly slated for 11th December 2023.

The Honorable Minister thanked the Acting Permanent Secretary and all the Heads of Departments who handled the Ministry's budget for their commitment to the appraisal of the 2023 budget and the preparation of the 2024 budget proposal.

The Minister noted that the road sector needed a different kind of attention beyond the 2024 budget envelope received by the Ministry.  For a developing nation like Nigeria, road sector development is a catalyst for economic development.  The road sector has the potential to improve the security sector, agricultural sector, trade and investment, health, education, and, in fact, every aspect of the development of every nation.

The Minister thanked very highly the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the attention given to the Ministry and his approval of concrete pavement  in most of the 2024 projects. He stated that the Ministry is committed to the development of road infrastructure in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. The Minister noted the huge debts arising from unpaid certificates inherited from the past administration, which runs up to N1.5 trillion up till date and the expected contract reviews arising from inflation.

These two factors are recognized in the Ministry as issues that must be confronted in order to move forward.

The Minister has, therefore, set up six committees of one committee per geopolitical zone to review all debts of unpaid certified certificates generated before May 29th, 2023, and from May 29th 2023 to date. The committees will also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or are yet to be approved and make recommendations to the Ministry's management. The Ministry has exposed these debts and all reviews in the Ministry to Mr. President’s economic team and also to the Federal Executive Committee on road sector funding. It is believed that the internal works through these constituted committees will help them to use external Consultants to reverify the works so that concrete decisions will be made to move the Ministry forward.

Contractors who are being owed are requested to approach these committees with all documents to back up their claims from Tuesday 12th 2023 to Friday, 22nd of December 2023 from 9 am to 7 pm at the Honourable Minister’s Conference Room, 1st floor, Federal Ministry of Works,  Headquarters, Mabushi Abuja.

The Minister again thanked Mr. President very highly as well as National Assembly and pledged their commitment in using judiciously whatever fund allocated to the Ministry and such funds must impact on the road infrastructure  improvement.

The entire Directors of the Ministry pledged for a renewed vigor in the supervision of the projects, and the results are already evident.

Dec

06

2023

Federal Government Committed to the Completion of Bodo-Bonny Road Project in Rivers State, Directs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to go Back to Site

The Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has assured the host communities to the Bodo-Bonny Road & Bridge project in Rivers State that Federal Government under the Renewed Hope administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR would ensure the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road and bridge project on record time.

The Honourable Minister gave this assurance during the courtesy visit of a delegation of Bodo–Bonny Road Peace Committee to his office at Federal Ministry of Works, Abuja on 5th December 2023. The Honourable Minister who described the project as a catalyst for economic revolution in the area stated that the project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc by the previous administration and only about 84% of the project has been completed.

He noted that there was a partnership agreement in 2017 between Federal Government via Federal Ministry of Works and NLNG on modalities for the funding of the project. He wondered why the contractor; Julius Berger Nigeria PLC was no longer on site despite their commitment under their agreement to deliver within the revised date of completion.

He faulted the stand of Julius Berger PLC on variation of the project even when the company had signed a commitment to complete the project without asking for further variation. He maintained that "no equipment must be allowed to be moved out of site, they must complete that project as agreed and as signed and nothing has removed that responsibility which they willingly on their own signed. "I implore you the peace committee to report to me the progress that has been made on that road.”

“Bobo-Bonny project was augmented to 199billion, I am told by the Ministry and NLNG Limited (NLNG) that there was a document signed by Julius Berger that the project cannot be varied which means that the project cost cannot be increased, the project is about 35 kilometers.”

The Honourable Minister thanked the host communities for maintaining peace between them and the contractor handling the project despite the delays in handling the project and charged them to continue with their peaceful disposition to contractors handling projects in their area, noting that the Ministry would make sure that the Bobo-Bonny Road project would be completed by April 2024. “Nobody will hold this country to ransom, if they cannot do it, another person will come and do it and finish it even better but the only charge I give to you is not to allow any equipment out of sight until they complete the project."

The Minister equally said the Federal Government will equally handle a coastal road in the area of even greater site challenges, and the cost would not be up to what Government is paying Julius Berger. “I respect them for their quality and commitment, but we shouldn't be taken for granted” “it is a character of arrogance for them to demobilize from site.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Federal Director Bridges and Design Engr. O. O. Awosanya gave a brief history of the award and funding of the project by Julius Berger. He said the initial date of completion was supposed to be 31st December 2023 and that the road consisted of 13 bridges “We have three main bridges and we have nine mini bridges and one bridge over the pipeline. The project completion as of today is about 84% and the contractor has requested for a review which is against the spirit of the propagated agreement that was signed between the Federal Government, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas and JB in 2021.”

Delivering the mission statement of the delegation of the Bodo-Bonny Road Peace Committee, the Acting Chairman and leader of the delegation, Chief Dr. Charles John Jumbo thanked the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the massive intervention he is bringing to the road sub-sector and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Works in changing the narrative of the road infrastructure in Nigeria “We also take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dear President, His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for appointing a distinguished Engineer and administrator of your caliber to oversee the crucial Federal Ministry of Works. Your appointment has indeed sparked hope within us for the successful execution of various infrastructure projects within Nigeria, especially the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridges Project.”

He said the delegation was in the Minister’s office to register their displeasure over the sudden demobilization from site and abandonment of the Bodo-Bonny Road and Bridge project by Julius Berger Plc despite the huge funds committed by the Federal Government through NLNG and implored the timeous intervention of Federal Government to avert the imminent hardship to be faced by the people of the area. “We observed the seeming demobilization of the contractors, Messrs. Julius Berger Nigeria Plc from the project site at about 80 per cent completion, leaving us deeply troubled as the Peace Committee and representatives of the communities directly imparted by the vital road network, we are apprehensive that the project’s discontinuation might result in yet another addition to catalogue of abandoned initiatives" He continued, "We  earnestly implore your immediate attention and intervention in addressing the current state of the Bodo –Bonny Road Project. Our communities remain committed to fostering peace and progress and the successful completion of this project.

Dec

01

2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Commissions TETFund Sponsored Projects- Faculty of Education Building, University Library, ICT/ Research University Library, ICT/Research Centre in Ebonyi State University

....Describes Education as a Bedrock to National Development

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has described education as one of the most critical sectors of our national development that would be given priority by his Renewed Hope administration The President disclosed this during the commissioning of the TETFund sponsored education projects in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The President who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON commended TETFund for the roles it has been playing in advancing educational development in Nigeria noting that education has a pride of place in the 2024 proposed project which is now before the National Assembly for consideration.

"TETFund is playing vital roles in our educational system. TETFund has over the years played the role of bridging the gap of infrastructure and research in our tertiary institutions."

The President commended the Governor for the environment provided by State which saw to the successful completion of the TETFund sponsored projects." I want to thank you very much our dear Governor. You are well suited for this position". He also commended the TETFund management for the sense of prudence and value for money exhibited in the course of the execution of the TETFund projects in the University and  gave assurances that education and road infrastructure among other critical sectors of the economy shall attract unprecedented commitment  of the  Renewed Hope administration as they are among the precursors for the  rejigging of the national economy.

In his earlier address, the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt Hon. Bldr Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, GGCEHF described as laudable the TETFund sponsored projects in the University and commended the Federal Government for finding the State worthy of benefiting from such funding from TETFund. "I have analyzed the project of TETFund, I have looked at it and found out that the value of and the reason for the project is enormous. This is the Agency of government that is not given to any story. If you are a contractor to TETFund, you must know they don't take story. “There is no provision for revaluation of job, no variation” And this he said is the way to go for us to show effectiveness and efficiency in the use of the taxpayers’ resources. The Governor expressed hope that TETFund would give more interventions to the State, noting that a lot of interventions had eluded the State especially infrastructural interventions from Federal Government and so the State is hoping to benefit more from the Federal Government.   He thanked the representative of Mr. President for his roles in the Federal Government's interventions in the State so far and hoped that more would be attracted to the State.

In their earlier remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Chigozie N  Ogbu, OFR and the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S T Echono, OON, FNIA took their turns to commend the President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his manifest commitment in raising the bar in educational development in Nigeria, particularly his interest in the development of tertiary education.

The Vice Chancellor noted that it was the first time in the history of the University that TETFund sponsored projects were being commissioned at the University and they are grateful to the President. "I am very happy to report that all our infrastructural and supply projects from TETFund are completed except for one pending installation of the solar panels for the lecture podia already supplied. "We are grateful to TETFund for these impactful input into the development of Ebonyi State University".

The Executive Secretary of TETFund on his own part said he was optimistic that the TETFund sponsored projects in the University would strengthen the University's efforts in becoming a global player in the tertiary education sub- sector and significantly contribute to educational research and development. "Our resolve as a Fund is to ensure that our interventions are sustained and improved upon as much as possible to enable our institutions undertake bigger and more laudable and impactful projects that will make them become globally competitive and situate them in enviable positions among their peers both nationally and globally. We shall continually engage with our beneficiary institutions towards ensuring the delivery of iconic and impactful intervention projects in subsequent intervention years."

It is noteworthy to mention that the Projects commissioned by Mr. President were attracted by the representative of the President when he was the Governor of Ebonyi State. The Projects commissioned are:

[1] Faculty of Education
This is a Four-Floor structure containing 27 classrooms, 3 major teaching laboratories, 66 offices, Faculty Library and 2 lecture theaters. The classrooms, offices, laboratories, and lecture theaters are furnished.

[2] University Library
This is a three-floor structure housing e-Library, Library Sections for each Faculty; Sections for bindery, references and cataloging. There is a section for bookshop. There are twelve offices and a Board Room.

[3] Information Communication Technology/Research Center
This is a 2-Floor building containing 500 seating capacity furnished auditorium, four ICT Halls with 582 desktop computers for CBT Exams and training. MacArthur Foundation Advertising Practitioners Laboratory and offices.