Nov

27

2023

Road Infrastructure Revolution Nationwide has Started, Courtesy of the Renewed Hope Administration of Mr President. Read to Know Your Role

1. The attention of the Federal Ministry of Works has been drawn to the concerns of the public on the deplorable situations of some sections of the Federal roads throughout the Federation as reported in many media platforms, especially social media, the front page, pages 4,5,6 and 14 of the publication of Sun Newspaper of 26th November, 2023. Most of the sections of the roads frequently reported but definitely not exhaustive are: the Makurdi-Nsukka 9th Mile Road, East West Road, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Benin bypass road, collapsed bridges of Enugu- Port Harcourt road, collapsed bridges of Shandam-Plateau State, Abuja-Kaduna- Zaria-Kano road and Gombe- Bauchi etc. 

2. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is aware of the state of our road infrastructure which he inherited on the 29th day of May 2023. Without prejudice to all the good efforts of the past administration on road infrastructure development which they tackled within the limit of their resources, the work to be done to change the ugly state of our roads is quite enormous.

3.  Mr. President is not complaining of the challenges he inherited in nearly all sectors of the economy, especially as it concerns our road infrastructure, but he is quite courageous as he had promised to tackle the problems head-on which he has started to do not minding the debt burden inherited especially the funding gap of over Six Trillion Naira (₦6T) from most of the inherited on-going road projects.

4. Mr. President has since reeled out plans of commitment, consistence, and innovations towards actualizing a sustainable road infrastructure development throughout the country. He has just approved a 2023 Supplementary budget of Three Hundred Billion Naira (₦300B) for the Ministry of Works comprising of One Hundred Billion Naira (₦100B) for immediate palliative works in 36 States and FCT and Two Hundred Billion Naira (₦200B) for continuation of most of the inherited ongoing projects and very few new but critical road projects.

5. Mr. President has directed that works in those palliative projects must commence before 1st December 2023, while observing all due process. On the sections being frequently complained of by the public in all regions of the North and South of the country, Mr. President has equally isolated them and directed immediate actions on them and indeed work has started on all such roads. The public can crosscheck our claims and report back to us.

6. The engagements of the Federal Ministry of Works will not be limited to these isolated reported cases but shall be holistic in our approach through these approved palliative measures and the interventions of FERMA in all the 36 States and FCT also.

7.  The public is hereby requested to assist the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA by supervising the contractors that will be engaged in these palliative works and indeed all ongoing projects of the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA. It is the right of every Nigerian to have value for their money deployed to the road infrastructure sector and therefore must show both interest and passion in all the ongoing projects by the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA, and indeed all projects of the Federal, State and Local governments. All poorly constructed roads should be photographed and reported immediately to the following contacts: 08030986263, 08037086137, or 08106423197; showing the name of the contractor, the location and type of contract and defects observed. The Federal Ministry of Works will document such reports, verify and take effective action to correct such infractions. The Federal Ministry of Works shall also periodically recognize publicly those who made such reports that are genuine in a public engagement forum to be hosted quarterly by
the Federal Ministry of Works and will sanction such erring contractors publicly too.

    
                        
8. THE USE OF ASPHALT AND CONCRETE PAVEMENT IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

 
a. The Federal Ministry of Works is shocked to observe the various acts of darkening counsel without knowledge on the position of the Ministry on the use of asphalt and concrete pavement in the development of our road infrastructure by people who have vowed not to release their hands off the brake of our road infrastructure development just for their selfish gains.

b. The Federal Ministry of Works has at no time banned the use of asphalt or directed that concrete pavement shall be the only means of road pavement structure. For the avoidance of doubt, the new policy of the Federal Ministry of Works is simply put as follows:

i.    contractors for all the ongoing projects are simply requested to have a choice to continue to use asphalt or have their projects redesigned on concrete at no extra cost to government following the underlisted conditions:
ii.    Use of asphalt: contractors shall stick to only 5% Variation on Price (VOP) in line with the signed contract agreement throughout the period of the project and the signed contract shall not be subject to review especially on bituminous items.
iii.    The thickness of the asphalt pavement as designed must be strictly adhered to by all such contractors and the design shelf life for the asphalt (at least 15 years) shall be guaranteed by issuing an insurance bond through a reputable insurance company in favour of the Federal Government. This is in line with Article 2 of the signed contract and clause 51 of the general conditions of contract (which is part of the documents forming the signed contract with contractors which authorize the client through the Engineer to change the scope of the work, the quantity of the work, the quality of the work as the client may deem fit at any time etc.) for all the ongoing projects. These directives to the contractors do not in any way violate the Federal Ministry of Works' signed agreement with the contractors.
iv.    For the use of concrete, contractors must abide by the 5% VOP and 50 years design shelf life using concrete grade 40.

c. Those who are complaining and demarketing this policy are simply those who do not wish Nigeria well and they are the same people that use adulterated bitumen in their projects while putting pressure on our Naira through the importation of adulterated bitumen instead of developing our abundant God given bitumen deposits in Ogun State and other parts of Nigeria. Insofar as this new policy has not violated any law, the Federal Ministry of Works is forging ahead with this new policy.  As at today, most of the ongoing projects are still ongoing with asphalt pavement in line with this new policy while some are redesigned on concrete pavement, depending on the terrain and with full understanding of the affected contractors of those projects.

9. The Federal Ministry of Works is very concerned with the supervision of our projects and effective 1st of December 2023, there will be a revolution in the ways and methods the Federal Ministry of Works supervises her projects nationwide. All concerned are HEREBY put on NOTICE as the Ministry will not spare anyone found culpable in his or her assignment. 

10. The Director of Works of the 36 States and FCT and  FERMA have been directed to audit all projects in their States and FCT especially equipment on and off sites with their pictures, personnel of contractors, status of all projects including financial status (contract sum, date of award, period of construction and time table, amount paid, challenges, % of work completion, augmentation of project if any, VOP claims etc). This assignment must be completed before 30th November 2023. Note that this directive was given since the past two months.

11. The Federal Ministry of Works wishes to thank Mr. President for his directive that all inherited projects from the past administration be continued while he makes frantic efforts to source for funds for the completion of these ongoing projects and the critical new ones within his 1st 4 years of his Divine 8 years of purposeful and fruitful divine administration through the power of God who divinely brought him to  leadership at this critical moment of our Nation’s history.

12. On the part of the staff of the Federal Ministry of Works, I pledge to strictly and Godly follow the divine Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, and God willing, we shall continue to support Mr. President and deepen the good efforts of Mr. President in all our road infrastructure development.

Signed:

H. E. Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE
Hon. Minister.
 

Nov

24

2023

FG is Committed to the Engineering Values in Road Infrastructure Development as Supervision Occupies a Centre Stage in the New Policy of the Federal Ministry of Works

The Federal Government under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is committed to outstanding quality, value for money, innovation, responsiveness, fast deliveries and technical expertise in road infrastructure development in Nigeria. This was contained in the message of the Hon. Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON when the national leadership of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) led by its President, Engr.   Tasiu Sa'ad Gidari Wudil paid him a courtesy call in his office in Abuja on 23rd November, 2023.

The Hon. Minister emphasized the importance attached to quality delivery of construction works by the Renewed Hope administration of Mr. President stressing that the 'business as usual' syndrome in road construction is no longer tenable under the Renewed Hope administration of Mr. President. He reeled out the new policies on road infrastructure to include:

• good stabilized and tested subgrade, sub-base course before pavement placement.

• expose subgrade, sub-base and base course to 60 days vehicular movement and continuous sheep-foot rolling before pavement placement.

• introduction of reinforced concrete road pavement in most roads’ carriageway and shoulders.

• continuous maintenance of all roads under construction throughout the life of the project

under contract.

• effective design of road infrastructure anchored on detailed report of environmental site conditions and geotechnical report.

• community relations in terms of keeping roads motorable under the period of the contract.

He said that supervision was necessary in the actualization of quality delivery of road construction whether concrete pavement or asphalt, noting that each of the two models has its own attendant conditions.

“When you start to compare asphalt and concrete, it is if all things are equal, here all things are not equal, there are many factors why we are talking about concrete”.

He noted that the stand of the Ministry is not about comparing asphalt and concrete pavement but that if you are using either of them, there are conditions attached to them. He said there are certain terrains on our roads that make it   imperative for concrete pavement to  be used." You cannot put asphalt in water but you can put concrete in water”.

The Minister explained that the rate of increase in the cost of materials for construction of the two models is alarming  and argued that the cost of materials for  asphalt  is in  geometric progression while the cost of  materials for  concrete pavement  is in arithmetic progression. He reiterated that prudence and value for money are the watchwords of the Ministry of Works under him, and this involves getting materials at the minimum purchase price and maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the product. He urged the leadership of Nigerian Society of Engineers to consider retraining of members of the society and enforcement of discipline and strict standards of ethics in the practice of Engineering in Nigeria in the interest of public safety and for the protection of the economic investments.

" I went to China, and I saw their roads, there was no evidence of any maintenance in nearly 30 years. And I asked them what the reason is, and they said that if you build a road in China and within your lifetime, the road fails, they will come for test and if there is any evidence of compromise, the person responsible goes to prison for life".

The Hon. Minister offered partnership with the NSE in the area of supervision and consultancy.

In his mission statement earlier, the President of Nigerian Society of Engineers ( NSE) said the  aim of the courtesy call was to seek areas of collaboration with their own and described the Hon. Minister as a round beg in a round hole "Since after your assumption of office, we have been monitoring your  progress, and  I must tell you we are not surprised, what you did as Governor in Ebonyi State is amazing. We visited you when you were the Governor of Ebonyi State, and I am going to visit your Governor now. I must go because it is like a pilgrimage.... In fact, Your Excellency, we are proud of you."

The President said that the Society which is an umbrella organization for Engineering profession in Nigeria is committed to best Engineering practices. He enumerated the achievements of the Society and the prospects of their smart office project, and expressed hope that it would be an innovation hub of the nation.

Nov

22

2023

A Big Thank You to Brekete Family for the Words of Encouragement and Constructive Criticism to the Renewed Hope Administration of the Innovative President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

The truth is that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR means well for Nigeria. He is on a Divine mission to reinvent a nation of the dream of the founding fathers, where all Nigerians will be proud to be associated with.

The new innovations on road infrastructure introduced by the Federal Ministry of Works under Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON is among the numerous innovations initiated by Mr President to change the ugly narrative of our developmental history. This was what Mr President did when he   presided over Lagos as the 1st democratically elected Governor of Lagos State in the history of the 4th Republic. He made Lagos to be truly Africa’s Centre of Excellence. He broadened the economic prospects of Lagos State and since then Lagos has continued to prosper and to dominate as the largest commercial hub in Africa. Now Mr President is presiding over the most populous country in Africa, you all will see a positive change that will beat the estimation of leaders of African continent. He has the will, the experience, the exposure and the ingenuity to achieve excellence in Nigeria's social- economic history.

The cream of resolute Hon. Ministers  and the innovative policies of the Federal Government  under our dear President, especially the idea of looking inwards and thinking out of the box will do a lot in mitigating the forex  challenges, reduce capital flight, discourage corruption, create jobs and wealth for the teeming population, enhance export potentials, boost industrialization, reduce insecurity, increase our Gross Domestic Product, promote local content and prosper our nation.

This is the aspiration of Mr President. Concrete road initiative which was the original brainchild of our dear President when he presided over Lagos State will do a lot to change our narrative as we can be sure the new road policy is more enduring than the old system of asphalting which often fail and cause monumental pains to road users.

This is why the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Works finds it progressively expedient to say a big thank you to the Brekete Family for supporting the road infrastructure initiative of our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Nov

17

2023

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Pays a Working Visit to The Hon. Minister Of Works, Umahi, Seeks Intervention On Road Infrastructure Challenges In Gombe State, North East

.... Says Umahi Has The Capacity To Solve Road Infrastructure Challenges In Nigeria

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON today, 17th November, 2023 had a meeting in his office with the Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency, Muhammadu Yayaha Inuwa.

Though the details of his mission for visiting the Hon. Minister were not disclosed to the press, it was not unconnected with the desire of the State Governor to seek the Federal Government's intervention on the various road infrastructure challenges in Gombe State and Noth East.

During  his interview with the Press which was quite brief, the Governor of Gombe State said he was satisfied with the outcome of his meeting with the Hon Minister of Works and expressed confidence that with the capacity and ingenuity of the Hon. Minister, the people of his  State would  in no distant time breathe a sigh of relief on the conditions of the  Federal roads in their State    “ The Honourable Minister  is somebody that has the passion to see that Nigeria goes out of these challenges of infrastructure and economy,   I came to discuss issues in my own state especially the North East , he has already given a positive answer to  the issues  Our meeting is in affirmative and positive and I hope that very soon we shall overcome the problem of infrastructure in this country . I believe he has the passion and capacity and will be able to deliver on the needs of Nigeria. We are encouraging him, and he is encouraging us to ensure that Nigeria is out of the problems and I have got a positive assurance from him.”

Earlier, the Hon. Minister of Works shared his words of encouragement with the Governor and congratulated him for his passion to make a great difference in his State. The Hon. Minister also congratulated him on his successful re-election as Governor of Gombe State and for emerging as the Chairman of Northern Governors' Forum.

"I congratulate you for your successful re-election as Governor of Gombe State and your emergence as Chairman Northern Governors' Forum. I know you will bring to bare your wealth of experience and knowledge in tackling the developmental challenges not only in your State but also in North East. "

He assured that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is on course and is bringing on board lasting solution to the accumulated developmental challenges in Nigeria.

" The new policies on road construction and rehabilitation are robust and enduring. "The scope of intervention by Mr. President is holistic, and palliatives are underway to cater for the critical parts of our road infrastructure that need emergency attention".

Nov

15

2023

FG Receives Brief on Lagos/ Abidjan Highway Construction.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nwaeze David Umahi has been briefed on the ongoing construction of the Lagos – Abidjan Highway initiated by Heads of States and Government of five ECOWAS Member States.

This took place at the Minister’s office. The ECOWAS delegation led by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalization Engr. Sediko Douka took place recently in Abuja.

The Minister said that for ease of work and speedy completion, the highway project should have processes for its achievement like sectioning the project, considering the peculiarities of the areas across the corridor and also noting that some areas might be viable while some may not be.

“I think for ease of work and speedy completion, the project should be sectioned and put a process in place to make the project achievable because some section might be viable while some other sections might not be” he said.

Umahi underscores the importance of the highway project saying that the road project would propel rapid integration of the region, boast commercial activities, and improve social development among member states.

Umahi also advocated for the use of concrete pavement on the Nigerian corridor noting that there are a lot of advantages using concrete in road construction without having issues of portholes or washout, concrete roads have a longer lifespan, it can withstand heavy traffic loads, low maintenance, less affected by temperature fluctuations and that this has been adopted by the Nigerian government.

“A lot of advantages to use concrete to construct roads, concrete roads last longer compared to asphalt roads reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance, it’s stronger and can withstand heavy traffic loads, it also has low maintenance, and this has been adopted by the Nigerian government” he said.

Umahi said that while adapting to feasibility result and technical studies, Nigeria would fast track the completion of her own section of the highway describing it as laudable and would enhance rapid growth.

“We should fast track the completion of our own section following the feasibility result and technical studies and design.  A laudable project for rapid growth and development.

Earlier in his remarks, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Mr. Sediko Douka thanked the Minister for granting them audience.  He noted that Africa’s economic integration is hampered by large deficits in its transportation infrastructure and thus the 2050 ECOWAS vision seek to enhance infrastructure development recognized as a factor for economic growth and integration of people that will greatly contribute to the creation of a regional environment favorable to the free movement of people and goods.

He said the 1,028 km road project was initiated by the Heads of States and Government of the Corridor Member States namely: Benin 128km, Cote d’Ivoire 155km, Ghana 576km, Nigeria 79.5km and Togo 89.2km in Yamoussoukro, Cote D’Ivoire on 28th February 2013.

He added that the steering committee of the project is made up of the Ministers of Work of Corridor Member States and commissioner for Infrastructure of the ECOWAS Commission and the Minister is automatically a member.  Their role, he said is to provide oversight guidance for the implementation of the project and each of the Minister’s reports back to their respective Head of Government.

Also speaking, the Director Infrastructure Department, ECOWAS, Engr, Malik Ashoke revealed that the link bridge between Nigeria and Cameroon has been completed and commissioned, nevertheless scanning machine and weigh bridges are yet to be put in place, and are therefore requesting that the Nigerian Minister of Works may graciously aid in obtaining  FG directive for ease of clearance of the equipment from the wharf.

Nov

09

2023

Umahi Inspects Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi has inspected the construction of the Lagos – Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos recently. The superhighway shall be funded and constructed by HiTech Construction Company under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The Minister explained that upon completion, the coastal highway will go through to Lekki Deep Sea Port Road, then to Port Harcourt, to Calabar with two spurs, one of the spurs is under phase II going from a point along the coastal road to the ongoing Badagry - Sokoto Road and another spur too along the Ogoja axis of the Trans Sahara trade route.  The phase one he added will be about 650km which consists of two service lanes with four carriageways both sides and a provision for a rail line in the middle of the road.

“The highway shall have multiple spurs that will connect major towns and cities, including a spur connecting Ogoja-axis of the trans Sahara trade route. The phase one he added will be about 650km which will consist of two service lanes with four carriage ways on both sides with a rail line in the middle of the road” he said.

Umahi added that the project is going to be a major breakthrough under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has asked him to “fast track this project because it is going to be a catalyst towards the economic development of this country”.
 

The Minister pleaded with the Lagos State Government on the permission to acquire the Right of Way on the road corridor to prevent encroachment and possible disturbances during and after construction.

He said the project would promote tourism, have industrial clusters including hotels, factories, housing estates and several other facilities. “So, this is beautiful, it will promote tourism, have industrial clusters including hotels, factories, housing estates and several other facilities” he said.

Umahi disclosed that the highway is going to be built on concrete road pavement which he said will bring the concrete road construction to the next level and it is happening during this administration.

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat stated that the project is of public interest, a laudable and a welcome development that will serve Nigeria and its citizens enormously.

He noted that the provision of right of way is the state’s responsibility and must be released for a sustainable road to be delivered for the Nigerian citizens. He admonished the general public to desist from building on right of way because all right of ways in the state has been gazetted by the state House of Assembly.

He thereafter expressed his satisfaction with the Federal Government on the construction of the Coastal Highway saying it will boost the economic growth of the country in general.

With the Honourable Minister at the inspection were the Director Highways Southwest, Engr. Adedamola Kuti, the Director Bridges, Engr. Awosanya, The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr. (Mrs.) Korede Kesha; and the Managing Director of HiTech Construction Company.

Nov

03

2023

Minister of Works, Umahi Appoints Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji as Chief Press Secretary.

Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Former Commissioner for Information, Ebonyi State, has been appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi. The appointment takes immediate effect. He was Deputy Director Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Sub Committee on CSOs 2023. Director, Directorate of Information, Divine Mandate Campaign Council, 2023.

Orji Uchenna Orji Francis was born 3rd February 1976. He hails from Amaedim Ngwogwo, village, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

He is happily married to Mrs Ijeoma Sylvia Orji and the union is blessed with 6 adorable children. The trained articulate Lawyer never hesitates to announce that his Next of Kin is his wife.

Oct

03

2023

Concrete Pavement Better than Asphalt Pavement - Umahi

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Nweze David Umahi has reiterated that concrete road pavement is better, cheaper and will last longer than asphalt pavement in the construction of roads in some part of the country because of the terrain.

He stated this at a meeting with Directors of the Ministry held for purposes of clarification by the Minister that the use of concrete is not a cast on iron but has been tested to be better than asphalt. The meeting took place at the Ministry’s conference room on Tuesday October 3, 2023.

The Minister noted that there are a lot of advantages using concrete in road construction stressing  that roads built with concrete can last for 50 years without having issues of portholes or washout, concrete roads have a longer lifespan, it can withstand heavy traffic loads, low maintenance, less affected by temperature fluctuations.

“A lot of advantages accrue to the use of concrete to construct roads, concrete roads lasts longer compared to asphalt roads reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance, it’s stronger and can withstand heavy traffic loads, it also has low maintenance”.

Umahi maintained that nobody is insisting that all on going road construction in the nation should be changed to concrete but that can happen under the following conditions; all roads constructed with asphalt pavement must be on concrete shoulder; alternative design on the road shoulder, no shoulder on roads with surface dressing.

“Nobody is insisting that all ongoing jobs will be on concrete, but anyone that wants to continue with asphalt can continue under the following conditions: no shoulder on surface dressing, alternative design on shoulder all road of asphalt pavement must be on concrete shoulder”.

He added that some of the contractors are still working with obsolete and old machines the number of machines on site is hard to get up to 50% of needed machines to carry out the project including personnel.

He encouraged the directors to fill free to come to him for any suggestion or logical argument saying that the mission of Tinubu’s administration is to improve on the road infrastructure across the nation for the good of all.

“I am appealing to our consciences to see ourselves as people going to the same direction and pursuing the same agenda for the betterment of all.  All those in the field are the same with people in the office. Services in the office is what is keeping the services in the site".

Sep

30

2023

FG, In Swift Reaction, Visits Collapsed Artisan Bridge In Enugu.

The new Artisan Bridge located at km 0+800 Enugu - Port Harcourt Expressway between New Artisan flyover /NNPC Mega Station in Enugu State collapsed and the FG represented by the Honorable Minister of Works, H.E, Sen. (Engr) David Nweze Umahi has swiftly visited the site of the collapsed artisan bridge a day after the information of its collapse reached the Ministry.

The affected Bridge was constructed in the late 1970’s and its collapse took place on Wednesday afternoon 27th September 2023.

The failed Bridge is located on a subsisting project (REHABILITATION OF ENUGU – PORT-HARCOURT EXPRESSWAY SECTION III: ENUGU – LOKPANTA IN ENUGU STATE. CONTRACT No.6251) and the project is still ongoing.

Consequently, a team of Engineers were deployed to the affected Bridge location so as to collate relevant data, and investigate possible cause of the collapse and come up with solution to restore the failed Bridge.

It has been recommended by the Engineers on site that the entire collapsed span be demolished, redesigned and re-constructed to avert future occurrences and loss of lives.

The Minister visited the site to access the extent of damage and to also proffer immediate solution to quickly assuage the suffering of both motorist and commuters plying the bridge. Sen. Umahi said he had to immediately visit because he knew the collapsed bridge has been of critical use to the Socio-Economic growth of the entire South East Region, particularly those commuters within and outside the Enugu State environ.

Earlier, the Governor of Enugu state, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba, expressed sincere appreciation to  President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the immediate response  to access the collapsed bridge situation with the visit of the Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi who has also assured the Governor that the Federal Government is doing everything humanly possible to reconstruct the bridge with better quality local content materials which he confirmed had been tested and can stand the test of time of long period of usage and longevity of up to Fifty (50) years with no maintenance when built with Concrete Technology that's what is being advocated for use for Nigerian Roads and bridges with such already pioneer  construction both in the Apapa- Oshodi road, the Lekki-Ajah free trade Zone area in Lagos state, also experience has proved that concrete technology used in Ebonyi and recently in Cross River state by the Governor, Sen (Prince) Bassey Otu are the right way to go in Nigeria.

Sep

27

2023

Happy Eid-El Maulud

1  I  heartily convey my felicitations to the Muslim community  across the nation on this year's festival of  Eid-el- Maulud celebrated all over the world to mark the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) held this 27th  September, 2023.

2. As you celebrate this memorable event, may the joy of the ceremony continue to strengthen our resolve to work for humanity and grant us the divine persuasion to bear the fruits of peace, honesty, generosity, self-discipline and sacrifice which are the virtues of Prophet Muhammad and the values of his teachings. At this moment of our trajectory, the power to overcome our challenges lies squarely on our will to cultivate the best leadership and followership attitudes as that will guarantee our hope in seeing the best even in difficult times.

3. The administration of our dear President, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is on a decisive calculated mission to restore the dignity of our nation and this calls for sacrifice and best attitudes by all Nigerians no matter the language, faith or class. Be assured that the predicaments of the time will soon vanish and our dear country, Nigeria will soar again in the comity of nations. This is the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.

4. As we celebrate the birth of a virtuous Prophet, may God continue to bless your endeavours with resounding success. 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.

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

Sep

25

2023

FG in Discussion with Hitech.....Yet to Award

.....Lagos -Calabar Coastal Highway.

The attention of the Ministry of Works has been drawn to information reported online by nairametrics.com crediting a statement to H.E, Sen. (Engr) David Nweze Umahi the Hon. Minister of works as saying that the: “FG Awards LAGOS -CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY TO HITECH”.

This information is totally untrue and misleading.

The general public is to please note and be well guided and for the RECORDS. The FG has only recently opened a maiden  discussion with the Engineering company- HITECH on this project, a  second meeting is being considered to further access the the possibility of the project being handled by them.The Ministry has not awarded any such Contract nor has signed any such Contract Agreement with any company in this regard.

To this effect, media organizations are to please ensure their facts are duely authenticated with the Federal Ministry of Works before putting out incorrect information to the public.

Let's be more thorough in our journalistic activities as the Ministry appreciates as always the cordial and positive reportage of the Ministry's Policies and Programs.

Sep

22

2023

Minister of Works Narrates His Tour of East West Road Experience To Akwa-Ibom And Cross River States Governments.

"...Driving through the East West Rd to feel what people are feeling shows that the right person is on the saddle of operation - Deputy Gov. Akwa Ibom to Umahi

The Honourable Minister of Works H.E. Sen (Engr) David Nweze Umahi, has narrated his experience during the tour of East West road to Akwa Ibom and Cross River State Governments while meeting with them at their respective states on Thursday.

The Minister said “We have been on tour of  East West Road , and I think that the heart of the economy of the Niger Delta people rest on this East West road, I started since Sunday from Abuja through Kogi to Benin , it has been a very ugly experience , I was on the road for 14hours, in some cases we could not pass we have to start going through villages, we saw trucks that have been on the road for more than 7days and then we came into Benin, East West road continues to Warri , it is the same story in some of the locations you see trucks piling over 5kilomettres parked because of bad road , Sapele to Agbor is so terrible , all these projects have been awarded by the previous administration which is a very good intention but while the contractors are on site working , the roads are failing”.

He continued “  I have challenged them to tell us why the roads are failing and they have not been able to do so , the dummy they sold to our people that because the roads are being overloaded , I have challenged them and they have shut their mouth up because they are doing bad construction work , there is no road they are building that is going to last 5years , if you take from Warri down to Port Harcourt , it is a very terrible experience , if President Tinubu did not send me to intervene,  in 30days nobody can travel from here to Warri, it is impossible , we have over 10 locations where the roads are below the flood lane and one section has already cut off “.

The Minister said to the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Sen (Dr)Akon Eyakenyi “In section 2 of the East West road, I got very pleased with the bridges but the roads are very bad,  I have directed the contractor  to use his money and reconstruct it, the claim  that it is flood, I didn’t buy into that, he must reconstruct it with his money I don’t want to mention the name of the contractor , you can’t be working on the road and they are getting bad and you are asking us to pay you “.

“In  14days,  the entire length of the roads that are ongoing in this country the entire stretch must be maintained to relief the ugly incidence that we are seeing on our roads where the people are suffering, I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that asked me to tour all the roads all over the country, he mandated me to tour the road as a  fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers to be able to assess it myself and bring up a comprehensive report to him , and I can assure you that at the time we roll out the concrete road pavement  that the Mr President invented and directed , Niger Delta people will be very happy “ He remarked.

Umahi said he had  inspected section 3 of the East West Road under RCC Construction company coming down to the boundary between Rivers and Akwa Ibom where the road is lower than the plain, he said the scope was not good enough  but had introduced another kind of technology for additional work which they would use  to raise the road.

The Minister reiterated the need to toll the roads, and said states needed to get involved in the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

The Minister has also directed that, when anyone sees any section of the road being worked upon by a contractor and it is not motorable, the contractor should be stopped by the people immediately.

The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State hailed the appointment of the Minister of Works saying “I stand here today on behalf of the Governor and the people of Akwa Ibom to welcome you on this official one day visit to Akwa Ibom State on inspection of Federal roads in Akwa Ibom State. I am very happy this is happening it is a proof that the right person is on the saddle of operation where you have to move personally to drive through all the bad roads to see things for yourself and to feel what the people of the area are feeling, it is the best thing to happen and I am very sure that will give you a great drive to do the needful, we are very grateful and I am very certain that this visit will bring good tiding to Akwa Ibom State”.

The Governor of Cross River State His Excellency, Senator  (Prince) Bassey Otu on his part said “We jubilated here over your appointment, the whole country is going to be better for it , I believe that contractors won’t do bad jobs and go with it, if government officials are not with them, our jubilation was based on the fact that you merited this appointment , you have already started well , just within a few days in office you have identified  some of the problems  and thank you so much for bringing innovation and all these ideas".

Sep

20

2023

Umahi Invites Directors of Ferma Engineers in Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, And Akwa Ibom Over Failures on East West Road 

.....Minister passes vote of no confidence on the construction of East West Road

The Honourable Minister of Works H.E Sen (Engr) David Nweze Umahi in his continuous assessment of the Nigerian roads has travelled by road from Abuja, through Kogi, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa up to Port Harcourt in Rivers State through the famous much talked about East West Road to inspect the progress of work on the highway by himself on Tuesday the 19th of September,2023.

The Minister said  “ I have invited  all the Directors of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) with their engineers from Edo , Delta , Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom , they should be able to attend to the small failures  and redeem all the places that  failed on the road  and  I will hold a meeting with Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC ) Managing Director  this evening  to find out  how we can collaborate on this road”.

On the East West road he said  he had discussed with the Edo State  Governor that the  East West road passed through his state and that was what is causing the traffic jams and hold up, he said they have to design a bye pass, so that the heavy trucks can stop ,moving through the town , it is by so doing that the gridlock can be  stopped and business activity in the state can improve.

Umahi said “We have to look at our constituency projects to see how our constituency projects can be meaningful and impactful and I will be discussing this with the leadership of the House of Representative and the Senate“.

While berating SETRACO construction company working on the East West Road the Minister said “the gimmicks the contractors are using is excuse of overloading.

I am passing A VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE on the construction of this road, I won’t certify anything on this road, the road has failed, and it is not acceptable to us.  the road  is full of pot holes , we have paid over N71b and the road has completely gone down, and the road has been further  reviewed from N44b to 144b billion , apart from the beautiful bridge you have built , the road has completely gone down , project manager tell your team to meet me in Abuja on Monday to tell me  what has caused the failure on the road, I do not accept it is overloading truck, our roads are not properly being constructed and I demand that these roads must be properly constructed , it is a fight that Nigerians must win and Mr. President must win this fight for the sake of the Nigerian people to truly enjoy the dividends of a democratic Government.

Sep

17

2023

Highway Inspection: Umahi Tours Roads in Abuja, Kogi, Edo in One Day

…..FG to RCC - "Reconstruct failed section of Lokoja -Abuja Road”

…..Consultant to supervise road construction henceforth - Minister.

The Honourable Minister of Works, H.E, Sen. ( Engr) David Nweze Umahi ,CON in his continuous assessment of Nigeria's highways in order to find lasting  solution to them since his  assumption of duty has  embarked on several roads  inspections in the country  in the South West , South East while currently touring the  North Central and  South-South Geo-Political Zones of the Country.

Umahi during his inspection of Gada- Biyu Bridge bound 1 & 2 on the Lokoja - Abuja road directed RCC Contractor in charge of the construction work to reconstruct the failed section of the road that was earlier constructed by the company, he said " we have so many failed portions of the road, they have to go round and give me the list of failed portions of the road before returning to work to reconstruct them and stone base must be used, not dust base”.

The Minister said “We must get a reputable consultant to supervise the road construction so that when the road fails, we can hold them accountable, something must be done to change from the present situation of how we construct our roads, our roads should be constructed on concrete, he made this remark while inspecting Phase II of Lokoja –Okene road in Kogi State.

Umahi has also directed that the Ministry should review the road works of CGC Construction Company and revert to his office within seven days, adding that every road being constructed must have a consultant because majority of the job done have all failed because they were not built with concrete.

He told some of the road contractors where he inspected that no one would increase contract price under him and a single lane must be followed to the end where the job is less than 50% on any ongoing dual carriageway under construction.

Some of the roads  inspected on Sunday included the  : Dualisation of Abuja  -Lokoja Road Section II , Sheda – Abaji; Gada Biyu bridge bound 1 & 2 Lokoja ; Rehabilitation and Construction of Abuja -Lokoja Road ; Lokoja – Benin Road ; Okene –Auchi – Benin road (Kogi /Edo States ) ; Obajana Junction –Benin Road Section II ;  dualisation of Auchi –Ehor Section II  Benin Way and Agbor –Ewu road project in Uromi , Edo State.

Sep

15

2023

DFA of Works Ministry Has Fully Complied with FG Directive
 

The Director of Finance and Account (DFA) in the Ministry of Works, Yusuf Dahiru Girel has fully complied with government’s directive to proceed on posting to another ministry.

The information going on in the media that former DFA of Works has defiled the Federal Government directive on posting is misleading and baseless.

The posting of staff by the office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) is an internal issue within the Federal Service and no staff has been reported to have refused directive at the Ministry till date.

Members of the public are hereby urged to disregard the information making the round within some sections of the media that there was a drama as to the effect of refusal of posting by any staff within the Ministry.

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"

Nov

25

2023

RE: Appointment as a Member of Inter-Governmental Committee

H.E. Dr. Abdullahi U. Ganduje, OFR.
National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC),
FCT, Abuja.

I acknowledge with the deepest appreciation the letter of Your Excellency conveying my appointment as a Member of the Inter- Governmental Committee by our great Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

2. I thank you immensely our dear National Chairman together with all the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) for the opportunity offered me to serve our great Party in this capacity and I commend you highly for the lofty ideas, innovations and successes that have been recorded under your able leadership since you came on board. I assure you of my unwavering commitment to the cause of our Party's Inter-Governmental Committee and the objectives set to be achieved.

3. Once again, thank you most profoundly and 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.

H.E. Sen. (Engr.) Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE
(Honourable Minister of Works)

Nov

24

2023

Asphalt Pavement and Concrete Pavement not Compared - Umahi.

.....We will Partner with NSE

The Minister of Works, Sen. Nweze David Umahi has reiterated the stand of the Ministry on the use of either asphalt or concrete on the construction of federal roads across the nation saying that each one has conditions attached to its usage.

He made this assertion when the President of the Nigeria Society of Engineer, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari Wudil paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

Umahi stated that there are many factors why the issue of concrete technology came up and it’s only because all things are not equal and can only be understood by professionals and not by people who have no knowledge about it.

“When you start to compare Asphalt and Concrete, it is as if all things are equal, here all things are not equal, because there are many factors why we are emphasizing about the use of concrete, nevertheless, people speak about  a profession they have no knowledge about” He said.

He noted that the stand of the Ministry is not about comparing asphalt pavement and concrete pavement but that if you are using either of them, there are certain conditions according to the terrains in different states that will require our roads being built with concrete as well as that concrete must be used as pavement.

“We are not just comparing asphalt and concrete, no, that is not what we are doing, first of all, for the use of asphalt, these are the conditions, also for the use of concrete, these are the conditions, but there are certain terrain in states that we stressed must use concrete, we cannot change that.  You cannot put asphalt in water, but you can put concrete into water” he said.

The Minister explained that the rate at which the prices of these two products fluctuates is alarming and that increment in asphalt is Geometric while that of concrete is in Arithmetic progression noting that the FG is the one funding these huge projects and must tread with caution taking into consideration the budgetary allocation of the Ministry of Works.

Umahi expressed his worries saying that the greatest challenge experienced in road construction is the problem of supervision caused by lack of commitment by not putting professional ethics over and above chasing of money but that the Ministry is committed to providing adequate supervision to all road constructions across the 36 states and the FCT.

 "If we are committed to public things, God will give you new ideas, if you are not committed to public things, you will not get new ideas “he said.

The Minister declared that the Ministry will partner with the Nigeria Society of Engineers in the supervision of all road projects across the country and encouraged NSE to improve on the professionalism by opening a training school, both in the North and  in the South one each, while he  pledged his support.

“We are going to partner with NSE in the supervision of all road projects and will also   emphasis the need for retraining schools across states. Engineering is wide, if you are a professional engineer, you will not have problem with professional ethics” he said.

Umahi maintained that the first job of Nigeria Society of Engineer is to bring discipline among members by setting standard for membership in the sense that if any action against the profession is committed, one can be disrobed noting that everyone cannot be an engineer.

“The first job of NSE is to bring discipline, you have to bring us under your leadership so if you hear that a member has committed fraud, you can disrobe him, and it is not everyone that will answer the name -Engineer” he said.

Nov

21

2023

Thinking Out of The Box and Inter- Ministerial Co-Operation Resonate as Mr. President's Minister of Works and The Minister of Steel Development Brainstorm on Tapping into the Opportunities in Ajaokuta Steel Plant for The Development of Concrete Road Infrastructure in Nigeria

The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON and the Hon. Minister of Steel Development, Shuaib Audu have resolved to synergize and strategize in tapping into the opportunities in Ajaokuta Steel Plant for the development of road infrastructure in Nigeria.

This was part of the outcome of their inter-ministerial meeting held today, 21st November, 2023 at the Office of the Hon. Minister of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Headquarters, Mabushi- Abuja and this is in keeping with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR who is doing everything possible to reverse the ugly trend of Nigeria's developmental history and revolutionize national economic development within the shortest period of time.

The far-reaching resolutions of the two Hon. Ministers underscored the imperative of coordination, cooperation coherence, and complementarity in the execution of Federal Government's action plans for national development.

Speaking on the outcome of their meeting, the Hon. Minister of Works said that the Ministry of Steel Development would play a major role in the road infrastructure revolution plan envisioned by Mr. President by providing more than 16% of the materials needed for the construction of Nigeria's roads in concrete pavement. He said that tapping into the opportunities in Steel Industry would not only create jobs and wealth for Nigeria's population, but it would also create a global market and encourage industrialization.

"How do we reactivate Ajaokuta Steel. We are going into concrete road, in this concrete road, about 16 percent of it is from Steel while 30 percent is cement. We need a lot of money to start but we decided to face it and God has given us an idea, we need about 35 billion dollars to start. If we start waiting for FG, it might become difficult. We did Return on Investment (ROI), the profit we could have made, part of it will go to bank interest, we are looking at commercial bank, but Federal Executive Council has to endorse it. If this could be done it means Mr. President is actually living to his words, and this is going to be possible."

The Hon Minister of Works also commended the Hon. Minister of Steel Development for his efforts in developing the steel sector, noting that steel industry is the bedrock of Nigeria's industrialization and the backbone that stimulates national development and economic boost for the industrial growth of any nation. He assured the Hon. Minister of  Steel Development that his Ministry would work collaboratively in his efforts of  enhancing the potentialities of Ajaokuta Steel Plant- the largest Steel Mill in Nigeria.

"Mr. President never made a mistake in his appointment, I call him a Divine President, and the most important thing is that our eyes are on the job”.

The Minister continued, “One of the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President is to think outside the box, Mr. President inherited a large chunk of debt from the past administration. The beauty about it is that he is not complaining, he knew how the country was before he took the job and how it is. The good thing is that if you have passion for something God will give you an idea”.

Earlier, the Minister of Steel Development said the meeting was robust and incisive “My mission is a wonderful one, I had a fantastic meeting initiated by the Hon. Minister of Works.  We are seriously thinking outside the box to see how we can implement the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. What we came to discuss here is how to restart Steel production at Ajaokuta Steel Plant. The Hon. Minister of Works has made it very clear that the Federal Government is looking to develop over 30,000 kilometers of road and a large component of that will be from Steel wrought, and percentage of that Steel wrought will be produced in Ajaokuta. We came to have a discussion on how to implement the process for producing it in Ajaokuta within the shortest possible time".

The Hon. Minister of Steel Development emphasized the importance of the initiative by both Ministers and expressed hope that it would provide the needed economic boost for the nation, generate revenue and provide thousands of direct jobs for skilled and non- skilled technicians and hundreds of thousands of unskilled jobs in Nigeria. "And we are to achieve 2 or 3 three things , one to create job opportunity for Nigerians  as a whole, two, to ensure that the corridor around the North Central Zone and around the Ajaokuta Warri axis is busy with activities and thirdly, the plant has been inactive for close to four decades and we are here to restart the plant within the shortest possible time”.

Nov

16

2023

Governor  Zulum  Pays A Courtesy Call To The Hon. Minister Of Works, Seeks Federal Government's Intervention On Road Infrastructure In Borno State

The Hon  Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen  Engr  Nweze David Umahi, CON  today 16th November, 2023  had an  audience in his office with the Governor of  Borno State, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum CON Although the outcome of the meeting  was not made known to the press,  it was not unconnected with the zeal of the Governor to queue into the   Federal Government's intervention plans on road infrastructure across the States of the Federation.

The Governor, an Engineer, is on his second tenure in office and he is seen as one of the Governors that walk the talk in terms of innovative development.

The Hon.  Minister was happy to receive him in his office and expressed readiness to give him the needed support in the area of road infrastructure.

Nov

10

2023

Federal Government Commences Work at The Collapsed Bridge at New Artisan Flyover Enugu/Ph Expressway, Enugu State

1. The Federal Government has approved the immediate commencement of palliative works at the collapsed bridge at New Artisan Flyover/NNPC Mega Station along Enugu/PH Expressway , Enugu State. This was contained in a statement made by the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi during his inspection visit to the collapsed bridge on this 9th day of November,2023. He directed the immediate take- off of the palliatives and hoped that in the next 10 days one lane of the bridge would be reinforced so that road users can start making use of the road "The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has also through the 2023 Supplementary  Appropriation released some money that we can use to start the rebuilding of these two bridges and other bridges by the depot and also a flyover by that 
location".

2. The Hon. Minister of Works reiterated the determination of Mr President in bringing immediate intervention to the dilapidated road infrastructure across the nation and assured the government and people of Enugu State of having a fair share of the approved interventions by Mr President. "Mr President has released money for palliatives for over 260 roads across the 36 States of the Federation and FCT."

3. While appreciating the leadership will of the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah in turning around the economic development prospects of the State and his support for the good leadership of Mr President, he assured him of the partnership of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in rejigging the road infrastructure of Enugu State. " I know the Governor is very eager to build that Federal Road and he has concluded the design, and he is going to start soon. While he is doing that, we will do the flyover  and some road works to complement the work he is doing on that Federal road" The Hon. Minister assured Nigerians of even spread of the palliative works on our road infrastructure and in doing so would ensure that all such palliative works are designed and quantified and the State Governors through their Commissioners for Works would be involved. "They would help in monitoring the works to be done and would always sign off the sheets before contractors are paid".

4. Earlier, the Governor of Enugu State thanked the Hon. Minister of Works for the interest, passion and speed with which the Ministry had attended to the challenge posed by the collapsed bridge." As you know, the last time we came here the Hon. Minister was also here to inspect and to identify areas of quick intervention and I am happy now to announce to you that the Hon.  Minister has come here to inform us again that work is going to commence here tomorrow."

Nov

09

2023

Federal Government Flags-Off Emergency Repairs at The Third Mainland Bridge Superstructure

..... Approves The Repair of Over 260 Roads Nationwide

1. The Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is set to make a historic mark in road Infrastructure revolution in Nigeria. This was revealed by the Hon. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON during the flag-off of the emergency repair of the Third Mainland bridge, Lagos on the 8th day of November, 2023. The Hon. Minister during the event reiterated the determination of the President to turn around the accumulated ugly conditions of the Nigerian roads particularly the Federal Highways.

2. Speaking on the essence of the emergency repair of the Third Mainland Bridge, the Hon. Minister said that the conditions of the bridge superstructure and other elements including the loops and ramps connecting the bridge were bad and required urgent maintenance to serve the road users better. " This is yet another milestone in the actualization of the Renewed Hope agenda of the Divine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration which among other things is aimed at the total repositioning of the road and bridge infrastructure in Nigeria and to bring succour to road users who have suffered the effects of the decayed infrastructure over the years,"

3. The Hon. Minister recalled that the immediate past administration had awarded a contract for the comprehensive repair of the loops and ramps connecting to the Third Mainland bridge at the total cost of N6,278,063585.58. But the Renewed Hope administration of Mr President upon coming on board observed that the intervention was for a limited scope as it would not address the problems created by the extra layers of asphalt on the bridge deck of about 150mm thickness that occurred as a result of previous overlays which constitute extra dead load on the bridge."

4. According to the Hon. Minister, "it therefore became imperative to expand the scope of works as awarded to accommodate the additional works and quantities of work items needed to restore the integrity and serviceability of this very important bridge" Hence, the need to expand the scope of the contract which is now "awarded to Messrs CCECC Nig Ltd in the sum of N21,047,430,431.71.

5. The Hon Minister who used the opportunity to thank the President of Nigeria for approving the repair of over 260 Federal Roads across the nation also reiterated his Ministry's commitment to quality and timely delivery of road and bridge infrastructure in Nigeria, pointing out that under his watch, the road users will not suffer discomfort and inconveniences because of road repair. He maintained that his Ministry’s target is to ameliorate the sufferings of road users and give them the best comfort anyone can get in advanced countries of the world.

On his own part, the Lagos State Governor who was represented by his Deputy, His Excellency, Dr Femi Hamzat assured the Hon Minister of Works of a robust partnership in the road revolution agenda of Federal Government, as far as Lagos State is concerned. He praised the initiative of the Federal Government in tackling the deficiencies in road Infrastructure across the nation. 

The Governor also assured road users of adequate traffic management within Lagos State and adequate traffic plan during the festivities. The Governor thereafter performed the flag-off ceremony at the instance of the Hon. Minister of Works.

6. Repair works on the four ramps on the Third Mainland bridge started in earnest on the 6th day of November,2023 and is expected to be completed on or before 13th December,2023. The work of the major carriageway of the bridge will commence on 15th January, 2023.

Oct

30

2023

Works Minister Inspects Lagos Bridges

Minister of Works Engr. David Nweze Umahi was on a working visit to Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina and Iganmu Bridges in Lagos State.

The Minister inspected the bridges alongside some Directors in the Ministry with contractors on Saturday 28th, October 2023.

Umahi, while briefing the Press, pointed out problems on the Third Mainland Bridge which was built in two sections Sixty years ago by an Italian Company and Julius Berger.

He said the reason for deflection on the bridge was lack of maintenance from the national level, other than the last administration where intervention came from and the State Government especially when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in office.

The Minister said due to the technicality of the job on Eko Bridge where the Bridge deck would be open, equipment worth one point two million Euros would be imported into the Country that would be used in maintaining the aspect of the bridge.

He commended the last administration's work on the bridge, the bridge suffered two problems. " Eko Bridge suffered two problems such as lack of maintenance, and the bearings eating up, lots of the pair gaps have serious issues but the last administration did a very good and wonderful work."

"Work is on going, it will finish in 2024 because we are pushing for increase in the number of workers and equipment to site, they are doing a beautiful work”. 

Umahi said "Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any truck coming into Island so that is our saviour."

Engr. Umahi, thanked the President and the National Assembly for looking at Infrastructure strategically in Lagos State, the financial capital of the country which has lots of national infrastructure that tremendously add to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) therefore it cannot be neglected. He added.

The works Minister congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima on their victory at the supreme court  and urged the  leaders in the country to put the nation ahead of all interest  and the region.

Oct

01

2023

63 Hearty Cheers to Our Fatherland - Nigeria

1. It is with a deep sense of honour that I express my profound felicitations to the President and Commander-In- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and indeed all Nigerians on this grand occasion of the celebration of 63 years of the Independence of Nigeria, this 1st day of October, 2023.

2. This year’s Independence Anniversary is remarkable as it is historic; it is an event that marks the first Independence Anniversary celebration under the administration of a leader par excellence and living legend who made inestimable sacrifice for the survival our nationhood.  We remember with nostalgia the great zeal with which our fore bearers received the Charter of Freedom from our colonial masters on that glorious day and the turbulence that greeted our journey to nationhood till this administration came on board. Today, the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President has come with a Divine purpose for the actualization of the dreams of our founding fathers and the aspirations of Nigerians.

3 Although the challenges are well accumulated and humongous, we vouch that with Mr. President who is a man of honour, courage and great integrity, the glory of our nation shall return to its pride of place. We pledge to work concertedly to improve the quality of life of Nigerians and prosper their livelihood. It is a mission that must be accomplished and a determination that requires the cooperation all Nigerians and the collaboration of all stakeholders for us to succeed. Let's together renew our covenant with God and confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President in this onerous task.

4. As we celebrate a new anniversary of our nationhood, may God continue to bind us together in love, unity and faith and may we progress in bounds in our determination to transform the socio- economic narrative of our nation. 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.

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

Sep

28

2023

No Issues. One United Works Ministry.

This is to bring to the attention and proper information of the general public that the Minister of Works H.E, Sen. (Engr) David Nweze Umahi CON was at no time locked up in his office nor denied access today, Thursday the 28th of Sept. 2023.

The Hon Minister, in all fairness, had attempted to bring sanity and orderliness to the service by ensuring that services are rendered as at when due to grow the Nigerian economy to everyone's benefit. Therefore,   to imbibe the spirit of discipline, daily Work activities in the Federal Ministry of Works now begins at 9a.m, Mondays to Fridays for all staff while the closing hour shall be 4p.m.

The Ministry's Union Chairperson, Mr. Williams Kuti during a meeting with the Minister, Permanent Secretary and Management Staff opined that the Minister had started on a good note by identifying both the needs of Nigerians in the quest for good and durable roads and bridges had taken a personal inspection tour of most of the road infrastructure in the South West, South East, South-South and part of the North Central and North west geo political zones of the country, more so he has reached out to staff by means of personal welfare during the just celebrated Muslim festival. The Union Chairman alongside other staff during the meeting requested for more staff buses to ease their movement to and from their locations.

In his address the Minister reminded them that we all have to work in unity to be able to deliver Nigeria our dear country from total collapse. The Minister recalled his several attempts at ensuring that things are done right and also that international best practices are respected by all Contractors in the construction of all Nigerian roads hence forth, by this, proper discipline, and respect of the rule of law and Contract agreement ,we can be sure to see roads that can last more than Seven (7) years but rather roads that will last up to fifty (50) years and that is when the Concrete Technology method of building our roads is put to use, this again the Minister assured will create more jobs for Nigerian Engineers, while increasing the use of local content which are in abundance in Nigeria rather than putting more pressure on the Nigerian Naira for the importation of bitumen and asphalt for road construction.

The Honorable minister promised to go to other zones within the next three weeks and see first-hand the problems Nigerians are facing on the road.

It was a fruitful meeting which ended with the Honorable Minister, being given three Gbosas for playing the role of a true Father to the staff.

Sep

26

2023

FG, COREN Collaborate To Develop Nigerian Roads

The FG and the  Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) have both met to discuss the way forward to develop Nigerian roads, the Minister of Works, H.E Sen. (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi CON  represented the Ministry and presided over the meeting while the President and Chairman of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Engr. Prof Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, FNSE led the engineering team to   the meeting, the deliberation  was held at the Ministry of Works Headquarter in Mabushi, Abuja.

The Minister in his remarks said “I want to involve COREN and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in our road construction. l have gone round three regions of Nigeria, I am very dissatisfied with the supervision of these construction works. It seems that it is only in the South West that there are very capable hands and hardworking Directors and controllers, notwithstanding, will put the same template to use in all the regions”.

“We would like you to join us as COREN, there is no concrete road constructed in Ebonyi that has not lasted Seven years, our recommendation is that most of our highways are  going to be a continuous reinforced highways, this is the vision of the Ministry” he added.

Umahi further said “when growing up in engineering we use to have consultant, consultant would always know that if they compromised their certificate of practice will be withdrawn even at the ministry level, that is the kind of discipline we want to bring on our road infrastructure, there is no supervision in all our projects, like I said other than the South West. Henceforth every project is going to have one senior consultant later we can begin to have other junior ones, like surveyor, geotechnical and material engineers and other road engineers“.

He enjoined COREN to join him in the propagation for the reintroduction of Concrete pavement in Nigeria. The Minister said that no road that was built in this country had lasted more than three to four years even in the Northern part of Nigeria, he said that the roads in the South East are collapsing even while still under construction. The design in the roads are mostly built below the flood plain and the rains comes, and they are washed away, in his words, the Minister said he counted 9 locations that have collapsed.

The President of COREN in his reaction said “having listened  to you carefully COREN  and NSE  will key into these new positions that you have mentioned, the lack of supervision  you talked about, will be addressed, and we  believe that needs to change totally, we will be able to give our own contribution in that respect”.

He said “COREN   has been restructured, we now have, six Regional offices, with Lagos as a special Region, and then the  thirty six state offices with desk offices with seven departments, these  will play key roles in this supervision, we have developed  a protocol  to engage our members. l believe we are going to play a positive role when we develop modalities on how this will be worked out“.

“ln the aspect of seven professionals per project we are going to look at that and also contribute, the introduction of reinforced concrete, there is a ministerial committee with this ministry which have been working on the specification. l am the chairman of that committee with senior expert along with the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA and others in the next one month we will make the submission and  interim report to you, that should be the first point of engagement which  will expand the horizon for us to this new agenda of concrete road pavement” he said.

Sep

23

2023

Minister of Works Inspects Pilot Concrete Road Project in Cross River State, Enumerates Its Benefits

.....“Let me use this opportunity to debunk reports that I refused to sign certificate of contractors” - Umahi.

The Honourable Minister of Works H.E. Sen (Engr) David Nweze Umahi  while rounding off his tour of the South-South Federal highways and bridges, also  inspected a pilot concrete road  project  that was constructed by the Cross River State Government in Calabar on Friday.

The technology was borrowed from one of Works Minister’s constructed roads in Ebonyi State during his tenure as Governor of the state, the Minister also used the opportunity to highlight the huge benefits and importance of the construction of concrete roads in Nigeria.

During the inspection of the concrete road along Nyong Edem Street in Calabar South , Umahi said “ this pilot project is being initiated by the Governor of Cross River State and this is what we are talking about and I want the press people to see it, in the next 50 to 60 years nobody will touch this road , it  has  being a pilot project from the Governor and his very hard working Commissioner, I want to encourage him to use this concrete to do all his road works and he will not have any regret weather there is rain or sun, this road will continue to remain the way it is and this is what we are talking about “, adding that “ a lot of failures on our roads is because of the method of construction , so I commend the Governor for this bold initiative and I want him to expand it to all his roads”.

The Minister used the opportunity to highlight   the benefits of concrete roads as follows; it lasts up to 50years, cheaper than asphalt, concrete roads contract can be determined without increase in price , It will lift the pressure on the naira as there won’t be need for bitumen importation, nothing less than 10 companies have indicated interest in opening cement factories , it will create jobs , no expatriate is doing the job but local people through direct labour, we are developing our engineering profession , allowing local content by  allowing local engineers to practice what they have learnt  and it will create expansion of the existing cement companies to 90%  from the current 30%.

While responding to allegation of refusal to sign contract certificate, the Minister said “let me use this opportunity to debunk the report that I refuse to sign certificate of contractors and that contractors are dying.

That's not the truth, l am signing the certificates that I am convinced that are all right   but when a project is N34b and is jerked up to N120b or a project that is N44b is jerked up to N126b, I am a civil engineer I have been on this for 30years or more and I am a member of Nigeria Society of Engineers, as a professional anything you sign, you have to know and you have to take responsibility for it “.

Umahi said “ I won’t sign anything I cannot defend, I have told Mr. President this and he is supporting me , so those whose certificates are clear and ok, I have signed, those whose roads have failed I will not sign, they have to go and fix the road back. That is the truth, they say I am signing a certificate for contractors that big men are behind, the only big man before me is God Almighty and Mr. President.“

The Governor of  Cross Rivers State Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu in his remarks said to the Minister “I am so glad today that we have such an action Minister , We started this pilot project as a matter of fact we borrowed this technology from Ebonyi because when we checked the cost and the durability and sustainability we came to the conclusion, we have to do something very economical but beneficial to the people , we are going to replicate this in many localities in as much as you give us your support”.

The Commissioner for Works, Cross River State, Hon. Pius Edet in his appreciation of the Minister's visit said “Your Excellency I want to thank you very much for coming as the proponent of Modern Construction facility in Nigeria, as a proponent of concrete pavement, we felt that it will not be fair to allow you leave without seeing one of your theory being implemented. We pray that God gives you more wisdom and ideology for the success of our country”.

Sep

21

2023

FG Will No Longer Accept Road Contract Certificate for Payment Generated by One Person – Umahi

.....No one will make unnecessary request during road construction – Eleme LGA Chairman.

The Honourable Minister of Works H.E Sen (Engr) David Nweze Umahi has remarked that the Federal Government will no longer accept road contract certificate for payment generated by one person, he made this statement while inspecting some roads within Rivers and Akwa Ibom States on Wednesday.

He said “No longer will certificate for payment be generated by one person, contractor must sign it, resident engineer as well. state controllers, regional controllers, and they will all endure inspections are done, state Commissioners of Works shall generate work done, prepare the certificate with calculations and geotechnical reports, sketches and valuation, then they will bring it to me, the moment I see that things are working I will sign within 6hours”.

“I have directed that any project that motor users cannot go through the entire length and breadth of the project awarded to a contractor, I will not sign the certificate, contractors must maintain all the roads,  the length and breath within their contract , I am directing the controllers and Directors of the Regions to ensure between Abuja and Port Harcourt they must fix the remedial works within the next 14days” He briefed the press.

The Minister, speaking further said “how could a  payment certificate be given for a road that has failed and the contractor is on site and you turn around to blame the leaders, who signs the papers ?, you  sign the paper and originate the certificate but I have directed that enough is enough , they must show me how increase in our contracts come about , anyone can sign a paper for them to pay but as for me I will not sign anything that I don’t know how it came about if you want to do ashphalt continue with it but you must sign a performance bond that the road must not fail within the life time of the project , I want Nigerians to know that overloading is not responsible for failure of the road , most of the contractors have jobs in more than ten locations with two equipment so they cannot cope with the volume of jobs”.

The Minister had also   directed that any contractor without COREN Certified Engineer must not be allowed to work, he said any consultant or civil servant that behaved the way they have been behaving their certificate would be withdrawn.

Umahi said President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is determined to end the sufferings of the road users in Nigeria, he said “road is everything to this country, road is everything to Commerce, road is everything to Solid Mineral, Medicine, Education, Agriculture and to Food Security".

The Honourable Minister was approached by youths of Eleme during his inspection for upgrading of four lanes to six lanes for Eleme junction to Onne junction road projects in Rivers State where he promised them that he would work with the youths to ensure that the road does not remain the same.

Earlier the Eleme Local Government Area Chairman, Hon. Obarilomate Ollor who spoke on behalf of the youths said “ I thank the Minister for coming to inspect this road on behalf of Mr President , this bad road has been responsible for the untimely death of so many people and more that ten thousands of vehicles ply this route daily , and from what you have said the youths will cooperate with you to deliver this project and we will not make unnecessary request”.

Some of the projects inspected by the Minister in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states included Aba- Port Harcourt road, Bodo Bonny road, Ogoni bridge, Reconstruction of Abak – Ekparakwa –Ette- Ikot Abasi road and the dualization of the East West Road Section four at Eket By Pass.

Sep

19

2023

Minister of Works, State Governments in Joint Inspection of Edo and Delta Federal Roads.

....."I have just directed that every project must have a COREN registered engineer”- Umahi.

.....Community Group, Driver express hope of having a good road soon.

The Honourable Minister of Works H.E. Sen (Engr) David Nweze Umahi, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief (Sir) Monday John Onyeme and the Commissioner for Roads and Bridges in Edo State Osazemen Ethan Uzamere with some stakeholders toured some ongoing road construction works in Edo and Delta States respectively on Monday.

During the joint inspection, Levant Construction Company that is handling some of the Federal Government Road projects linking Edo and Delta States in Benin were directed by the Minister of Works to do the maintenance work of the construction of Benin – Sapele road at night and that work should start immediately, while the bad spots should be made motorable within 30days.

Umahi said “we have directed them to immediately maintain the road , we are redesigning  the road irrespective of the fact that they have gotten advance payment , we are redesigning the road on concrete , We have agreed with the commissioner of Works and Bridges in Edo State that  the drains should be opened so  that the water can go out  in order for  the contractor to maintain the road, I am giving the contractor  7days to come up with the new design so that we all look at it together”.

The Minister said “ I have looked at the road projects from Abuja to Benin City  , the intention of the past administration all the way from Abuja to Benin City , very wonderful intention I commend the initiative but Nigerians do not have value for all money spent on the roads, I was on the  road for 14hours with all the securities attached to me and if I could be on the road for 14hours imagine what ordinary Nigerians are passing through without security , this is not acceptable ".

"Unless we change our procurement process, this country cannot move forward. I am very happy that Mr President is a man of infrastructure, he is a man that knows how every aspect of this country will be reset, I am very happy about that, and I will do everything within my power to support him” Umahi told the states stakeholders.

He said , “On the side of the contractors there are no good intentions , they don’t have enough personnel that are qualified , I have just directed that every project must have a Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN )registered engineer  to be the project manager for all  contracts for every company on the road and the person must not have less than 15years on road construction and I have also directed that we shall no more do surface dressing on our road shoulders , I have directed that all projects must stop and be redesigned on concrete , the truth is that non of these roads that are built from Abuja to Benin will last more than 5years and that is very unfortunate , roads are failing because most of the contractors don’t do what is  called penetration test , we also have adulterated bitumen , the bitumen imported into this country are adulterated , they should go to Ondo and Ogun State and develop our abundant bitumen there “.

“We don’t want to put anybody out of business but we must develop our economy, they should employ our engineers; material engineers, geo technical engineers, surveyors, structural engineers and road engineers , every project should not have less than seven professionals supervising it for Ministry of Works, we are going to reset our road construction so that the people can smile again under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu” the Minister reiterated.

The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief (Sir) Monday John Onyeme after touring  Benin –Sapele –Warri road , Sapele Roundabout , ongoing dualization of  Sapele –Ewu road , Sapele – Agbor road and  Nigerian Port Authority roads in Delta State with the  Minister at a press briefing said to the Minister “ Thank you for coming to see for yourself  the importance of caring to do these roads , I do know that you have been tested , we have no fear that you will do it . We assure you of Delta State support and we will give you 100% cooperation”.

Earlier in Benin, a community group known as Sapele Road Bypass Axis Group (SARBAR), through its Association General Secretary Pastor Moses Omo- Osagiede said “We are happy with the visit of the Honourable Minister to Edo State on road inspection and we do hope that the maintenance work will be done quickly”.

Similarly, a bus driver Mr Emmanuel Felix who volunteered to speak on behalf of other drivers who ply Sapele Road Bypass Axis and the Benin –Sapele –Warri Road regularly said, “we hope with the inspection of the road by the Minister and this team, the contractor will do a good job and not their usual fake road works”.

Sep

16

2023

President Tinubu Supports Concrete Road Technology.

...Nigeria to respect right engineering practices - UMAHI

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is interested in concrete road technology, since this is more durable and fairly moderate in cost effectiveness. The Minister also stressed that the time has come for all Contractors working in Nigeria to ensure that they respect strictly the Global Right Best Practices in Engineering that enhances the durability of all construction work, both for roads and bridges with the best quality of materials being used.

The Minister made this statement during a meeting with contractors handling projects in the North East Geo-political Zone of Nigeria.

In his words "I had recently met with contractors handling road dualization projects and my position on the issue is to take one lane and complete it because of paucity of fund, but with the availability of money they could start the second lane. We can manage with one lane instead of not having anything at all,' he said.

Umahi said, presently we have up to N14 Trillion on-going projects against Eighteen Thousand Kilometers, adding that with the Renewed Hope Mantra contractors should not stay on site more than four years.

The Minister frowned at situations where some contracts have been on-going for 20 years, he said it was not good for the contractors, not good for the projects and not good for the client.

"We are introducing CONCRETE ROAD TECHNOLOGY and some of you are not happy about it. Some are saying it is too expensive but we have to try the both and see which is better.

"In any case, any contractor with an on- going project that is not willing to cooperate with us for a redesign with concrete road technology which with fifty years period free of maintenance, we'll demand for performance bond. The situation and time when roads are built on asphalt and within two to three years the project is back to square one is gone," he said.

He highlighted the reasons for road failure which among others include, poor workmanship from contractors, importation of adulterated bitumen into the country and the laying of less than correct thickness of asphalt.

Umahi said, our people were suffering as a result of poor workmanship and all manner of cheating and we have come to solve the perennial problem once and for all.

"We don't witness this kind of construction pattern in developed countries, you came from developed countries so we are going to respect Engineering Best Practices in Nigeria. We will build a road that is going to last," he said.

The Minister however disclosed that subsequent signing of certificate would be based on status certificate.

Umahi was delighted to inform the contractors handling projects in the North East Zone of the country not to bother to report him to Mr. President because he had already reported himself to him on all issues.

The Minister said he is taking instruction directly from Mr. President and he is interested in concrete road technology.

"He has given a tooth to bite and to bite Nigerians into Good Roads so that they can Enjoy. This will be one of the Greatest Legacies of Mr. President and other legacies he is bringing so that the world will know we are not here for business but we are here for an assignment," he said.