Federal Ministry of Works

Jul

2026

LATEST PRESS

PRESIDENT TINUBU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY AT THE 34TH COREN ENGINEERING ASSEMBLY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, promoting quality infrastructure, and safeguarding public safety across Nigeria.

Represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, *Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE *, while declaring open the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, the President described the Assembly’s theme, *"Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,"* as timely and relevant to the nation’s developmental aspirations.

The President stated that engineering remains the backbone of national development and that effective regulatory enforcement is essential for protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in the engineering profession.

He stressed that regulations are not intended to punish professionals but to protect public interest, noting that *” no road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.”*

President Tinubu assured participants that his administration remains fully committed to completing the four (4) Legacy Road Projects across the six geopolitical zones, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He described them as strategic investments that will transform the nation’s economy, improve connectivity, and stimulate sustainable development.

The Honourable Minister of Works commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for choosing an apt theme that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for quality infrastructure delivery and adherence to public safety.

He noted that engineering is a profession where mistakes can cost human lives, emphasising that, unlike many other professions, there is often no opportunity for appeal after a structural failure. He, therefore, called for stronger regulations, strict enforcement, and effective sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals, who compromise ethics and standards.

Engr. Umahi stressed that site engineers must discharge their responsibilities professionally and should never allow contractors to dictate engineering decisions. He urged Council to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms, similar to other professional regulatory bodies, to ensure that only qualified engineers are allowed to practice.

The Minister highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, especially the ongoing Legacy Road Projects spread across all the geopolitical zones, designed to improve economic integration, enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate investment.

He expressed confidence that with continued discipline, transparency, and adherence to engineering ethos, Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit would be significantly reduced within the coming years.

Presenting the *Keynote Address* on behalf of the Honourable Minister, the *Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan,* stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation. He explained that the Ministry is implementing four major Legacy Projects across the geopolitical zones to connect communities, promote commerce, improve national integration, and encourage investment.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that quality assurance, competence, professionalism, and independence amongst stakeholders remain fundamental requirements for sustainable infrastructure development. He urged engineers to uphold ethical standards, comply strictly with engineering regulations and best practices, and strengthen resilience through adherence to due process

The Chairman of the occasion, *Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,* represented by *Prof. Hassan Umaru* described the Assembly as timely and significant, noting that engineering excellence remains the foundation of public trust, industrial competitiveness, and national development.

He observed that every infrastructure project must be executed according to approved standards and maintained throughout its lifespan. Drawing from the experience of the *Dangote Refinery* project, he explained that rigorous engineering design, quality control, technical discipline, and strict compliance with standards were critical to its successful delivery.

The Chairman called for sustained excellence within the engineering profession and urged COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks, while enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners, in order to safeguard lives and property.

In his *Welcome Address,* the *President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, FNSE,* outlined the Council’s statutory responsibility of regulating engineering education and practice in Nigeria, in line with international standards and recommended practices.

He explained that engineering graduates are expected to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing practical exposure as critical to professional competence.

Prof. Abubakar further disclosed that COREN has successfully introduced digital verification and enforcement systems to improve transparency, eliminate fraudulent practices, and strengthen regulatory compliance.

He assured members that the Council would continue to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while addressing attempts by some practitioners to circumvent established standards. According to him, engineering regulation must remain transparent, sustainable, and effective in preventing infrastructure failures across the country.

In his introductory remarks, *Prof. O. A. U. Uche* emphasised the importance of sustaining quality infrastructure development through continuous improvement in engineering practice. He described infrastructure development as a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among government, professional bodies, academia, industry, and private sector stakeholders. In this vein, he, therefore, called for stronger synergy in advancing engineering excellence and national development.

The *Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani*, stated that science, technology, and engineering remain critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and public safety. He pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry and engineering regulatory agencies.

Representing the Nigeria Governors' Forum, the *Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang,* opined that engineering is one of the most respected professions globally and emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for engineers to thrive, while sustaining public safety and economic development.

The *National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda*, commended COREN for its achievements in regulating engineering practice. He described engineers as the backbone of national development and praised the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi for the remarkable progress recorded on the four Legacy Road Projects and others across the six geopolitical zones.

He congratulated the Ministry for its commitment to quality infrastructure and affirmed that Nigerian engineers continue to distinguish themselves through professionalism and excellence both nationally and internationally.

The 34th Engineering Assembly reaffirms
COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime to ensure public safety and sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Jul

2022

Timely Completion of The Rehabilitation of Kaduna - Pambeguwa - Jos Road Assured - Engr. F. Esan The Director, Highway Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Folorunsho Esan has assured the completion of Kaduna - Pambeguwa - Jos Road in Kaduna and Plateau state within the next 12 months. The Director made this known during an inspection tour on the road recently to ascertain the progress and level of work done so far by the contractor. Esan is optimistic that the rehabilitation work on the road will be completed in due cause saying he is highly satisfied with the quality and pace of work on the road. " Yes, the quality of work is satisfactory, we have 35km of binder and if you don't look properly, you'd think the job is finished. We are still expecting another layer on top.18% is done currently because 35km out of 190km is 18%, which shows there is a lot of progress from the date the contract was awarded" he said. The Director confirmed that the funding of the project is not a problem as the source of funding the project has already been mapped out. "Everything is together, when you think of the time of completion, you'd think of the funding that is available, the funding has to match the time frame and we are trying with what we have to ensure that the project is completed within the next 12 months" he said. Esan encouraged the contractor to continue with the pace of work and that whatever challenge they may encounter, will be attended to in good time. " They should not stop work; they should continue working. Whatever is the problem would be solved and they should just keep up the pace of work" he said. At the inspection of the road too, the Director, Highway, North West, Engr. Adebayo Taiwo said that the road has added value and economically impacted on a lot of communities along the road corridor. "You can see that this road cut across many states, starting from Kaduna and going towards Jos border and there is also a spur to Bauchi. So, there is a lot of economic impact. Agricultural areas are being more accessible, rural communities too are now being well connected" he said. He pointed out that the road has helped the local communities to have easy access to bigger cities like Kaduna to sell their farm produce. " you can see that this particular location we passed now, where there is a settlement, with drainage and proper layout makes easy access to Kaduna and if they want to go to Jos too they can easily connect to move their agricultural products" he said. While explaining the progress of work done so far, the contractor handling the project Messes Setraco Nig. Limited represented by the project Manager, Engr. Jabir Mustapha appreciated the Ministry for the award of the contract and confirmed that funding of the project has not been a challenge. He noted that all the communities along the road are cooperating with them. He promised that the road project will be delivered on time but noted that the rainy season might reduce the pace of work but the specifications and the standard must be maintained. He thanked the Ministry for regular release of funds. He also appreciated the nearby communities for their security support. The Engineer's representative on site, Engr. Eyitayo Aluko gave the project description saying that, the existing road is approximately 199.50km in length. The project begins from Maraban Jos to Tudor Fulani in Plateau State border 189.9km, while spur begins from Saminaka junction to Bauchi State border 9.6km. The road he said serves as a link road from Kaduna State and other North Western States to Plateau and other North Eastern States of the country. ...

Jun

2022

FG Commissions Lafia -Obi -Awe-Tunga Road in Nasarawa State. President Muhammad Buhari, today commissioned the Lafia -Obi - Awe-Tunga Road in Nasarawa State. The 118km road links Lafia - Obi -Awe towns of Nasarawa State in the North Central region of Nigeria with the Tunga extension linking Taraba state. The President while commissioning the road said, "As you can all see, we are handing over today a 118-kilometre Road, which links the towns of Lafia- Obi- Awe- Tunga roads in Nasarawa State." The President who was represented by the Nasarawa State Director, Raw Material and Development, Dr. Zakari Musa Eladoga, explained that "Our commitment to improve road transport infrastructure, our determination to improve the ease of doing business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty brings us here today because the results of our investment are manifesting, " adding that the road is indeed a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business because travelling hours on the roads have been reduced. President Buhari further advised road users to drive in accordance with the law of high way codes. "Now that we have this new well -built road, we owe it as duties to ourselves and to other road users to ensure that we take responsibility for the good usage of it. One of such duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the laws of the highway codes," he noted. Speaking earlier, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, represented by the Director of Works, North Central, Engr. Omonege Rugba, noted that embarking on roads project by the administration of President Buhari was to ensure economic growth and prosperity for the country. "These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as driver for economic growth and prosperity," he remarked. In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali, FCA,FCTI, who was represented by the Controller of Works, Nasarawa State, Engr. Daikwo Idah disclosed that this project has created both direct and indirect jobs as well as provided social and economic benefits for the citizens. In his goodwill message, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, while expressing appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for the rehabilitation of the road, disclosed that travelling period from Obi to Lafia which used to be about one and a half hour has been reduced to 30minutes journey. ...

Jun

2022

FEC Approves Funds for The Revised Estimated Total Cost for The Rehabilitation of Yola-Hong-Mubi Road in Adamawa State and The Reimbursement of Funds Expended for The Construction of Federal Roads by The Yobe State Government The Federal Executive Council (FEC) presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on Wednesday 22nd June 2022, approved the rehabilitation of the Yola-Hong-Mubi Road in Adamawa State, as well as the reimbursement of funds expended for the construction of Federal roads by the Yobe State Government. The council approved the revised estimated total cost for N29,826,449,000.00 thereby revising the initial contract from the original N21,841,578,000.00 to N51,668,027,000.00, and an additional period of Twenty-four (24) months for completion of the Yola – Hong – Mubi road in Adamawa State. In a similar development, Yobe State Government undertook the construction of five (5) Federal Roads: Rehabilitation/Construction of Kaliyari-Bayamari-Geidam, 109km road, Rehabilitation/Construction of Gashua-Yusufari 31km Road, Rehabilitation/Construction of Damaturu – Buni – Magza 77km Road, Rehabilitation/Construction of Nguru – Machina 57km road and Rehabilitation/Construction of Katarko Bridges (4 spans Bridge) to the tune of N20,942,211,672.25 being expenditure incurred for the rehabilitation of the five (5) projects. The Federal Executive Council, however, approved the total Sum of N18,663,843,119.39 following a thorough review and issuance of a certificate of no objection by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). The Yola-Hong-Mubi Road connects Yola, the capital and administrative center of Adamawa State to Mubi town, enabling the movement of people and goods. Similarly, the roads constructed in Yobe state will go a long way to better the lives of the affected communities. The public will recall that on Wednesday 15th June 2022, the Federal Executive council had approved the award of contract for the rehabilitation of Kashimbila – Takum – Chanchanji road in Taraba state. These approvals are all aimed at facilitating the reconstruction of infrastructure in the North East areas of the country that were impacted by the Boko haram insurgency, and giving Nigerians a better lease of life. ...