Federal Ministry of Works

May

2026

LATEST PRESS

INFRASTRUCTURE REMAINS CRITICAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH — PERMANENT SECRETARY TELLS INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE CONFERENCE 2026 IN ABUJA

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, has reaffirmed that infrastructure development remains the foundation of economic growth and sustainable national development, stressing that no nation can attain meaningful progress without substantial investment in critical infrastructure.

Speaking at the International Civil Service Conference 2026 held on Thursday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary described infrastructure as a key driver of economic transformation, noting that the present administration has prioritised infrastructure and transportation as central pillars of national development.

According to him, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa have continued to achieve significant economic advancement through deliberate and sustained investments in roads, railways, power, and other essential infrastructure.

He explained that infrastructure plays a strategic role across all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, transportation, commerce, and oil and gas, by facilitating the movement of goods and services, enhancing productivity, attracting investments, and improving the quality of life of citizens.

Adeladan further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works has adopted modern and resilient road construction technology known as Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), in line with global best practices and in response to the growing impact of climate change on road infrastructure.

He noted that although CRCP roads require higher initial construction costs, they are more durable, environmentally sustainable, cost-effective over time, and capable of withstanding heavy traffic loads for up to 50 years with minimal maintenance.
The Permanent Secretary added that the adoption of concrete pavement technology promotes local content development through the utilisation of locally sourced materials and labour, thereby creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

Addressing the challenges confronting infrastructure development in Nigeria, Adeladan identified inadequate funding as a major constraint, particularly given the enormous resources required to bridge the nation’s infrastructure deficit.

He explained that government alone cannot provide all the funding needed for infrastructure development, hence the increasing adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and concession arrangements for major road projects nationwide.
He cited the Benin–Asaba Road and the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga corridor as examples of projects already concessioned to ensure sustainable maintenance, improved efficiency, and enhanced service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of designing infrastructure projects with clear developmental objectives, sustainability, climate resilience, and community needs in mind, noting that infrastructure investments must deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and long-term public value.

Also speaking at the conference, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, underscored the importance of proper planning and climate-conscious infrastructure delivery to mitigate losses caused by flooding, erosion, and poor maintenance culture.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Emanso Umobong, advocated the integration of technology, smart city concepts, community participation, and human capital development in infrastructure planning and implementation.

In his remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) emphasised that Nigeria’s huge infrastructure gap requires stronger private sector participation, noting that sustainable infrastructure financing can only be achieved through an enabling environment that guarantees investor confidence and reasonable returns on investment.

The conference brought together top government officials, policymakers, development experts, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening infrastructure delivery and promoting sustainable national development through innovation, technology, and collaborative partnerships.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations
21st May,2026

Sep

2021

FG Begins Immediate Repairs On Sections Affected By Flooding In Five States * Others to receive attention soon. The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN Tuesday directed the immediate Emergency Repairs on Sections where failure had occurred due to flooding caused by heavy rainfall in five states across the country. Fashola who gave the directive at a briefing meeting in Abuja named the roads for immediate intervention to include Ibadan – Ife Road, Gombe – Bauchi Road, Gombe – Darazo; Bauchi – Ningi, Bida – Lambata, and Tsamiya bridge in Jigawa State, also assured of continuous attention to other roads with similar problems. The Minister said that the Federal government is committed to infrastructure development and will respond promptly to complaints from citizens. He however, appealed to commuters to be patient with the government as the excessive rains being witnessed has negative effect on road construction and rehabilitation. He expressed his Ministry’s commitment to do all within its means to ease the hardship of commuters. ...

Sep

2021

FG Has Not Abandoned Birnin - Yauri- Rijau- Zuru -Daki Takwas Road The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing (FMW& H) has assured the road users of her commitment to fix Birnin -Yauri- Rijau- Zuru -Daki -Takwas Road in Kebbi State and make it safe for the public as, H & M Nigeria Limited, a Civil Engineering Company, Kau International (Nig) Ltd and Great Northern International Construction Company were engaged by the Ministry to deliver the project as proposed. Speaking, on the receipt of a report from road users that the Federal Government has abandoned the road, the Director, Highway Construction and Rehabilitation (FMW& H), Engr. Folorunsho Esan noted that, although the contractors had achieved various levels of progress but had suspended activities due to challenges poised by banditry, however with the reduction in activities of bandits in the area, all the contractors have decided to resume work on site. While commending the understanding of the motorists over the temporary stoppage of construction works and its attendant inconveniences, the Federal Government assures the members of the public and the road users that, all necessary supports will be put in place to ensure that the road is delivered on scheduled. ...

Aug

2021

Minister Assures Motorists For Prompt Intervention On Gashua - Potiskum Damaged Road Minister of State for Works and Housing Engr Abubakar Aliyu has assured motorists plying the Gashua-Potiskum axis of prompt intervention by the government to restore to normal the flood damaged parts of the road. The Minister disclosed this during an on-the - spot assessment of the portions of the road damaged by the flood, assuring motorists that government is already taking urgent steps to remedy the situation. Engr Aliyu spoke through the Federal Controller of Works in Yobe State, Engr Olusegun B. Akinmade, whom he delegated to visit the site said the Gasua-Potiskum Federal highway was recently damaged by massive flooding as a result of heavy downpour. " The ministry would deploy the relevant agency to attend to the affected parts of the road in no time" he said, adding that the most affected part of the highway is a stretch between Garin Gada to Tarajim along the Gashua-Potiskum highway. While commending the understanding of the motorists over the incidence and its attendant inconveniences, Engr Aliyu reaffirmed that the federal government would do all it could to remedy the situation as well as taking measures of averting future occurrences. He said " President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to road infrastructure is unprecedented, as evidenced by his administration’s huge investments in road reconstruction and rehabilitation across the country" . Accordingly, the Minister said the prompt assessment of the damaged portion of the highway is a demonstration of the leadership commitment of his ministry working round the clock to deliver on its mandate. Yobe State Commissioner for Works, Engr Umaru Wakili Duddaye, was among the team that inspected the damaged portion. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had earlier predicted that about 25 states, including Yobe, would experience flood in 2021 ...