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. 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. 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. 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
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.
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.
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.
Director, Information and Public Relations
21st May,2026
EMERGENCY ROAD INTERVENTION COMMISSIONED AS SSA-P LEADS STAKEHOLDERS ON NATIONAL MEDIA TOUR TO INSPECT KOGI PROJECTS As part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to deliver quality infrastructure across the nation, ensure the effective execution of Federal road projects, and improve safety on critical highways, the Federal Ministry of Works, on 12 January 2026, undertook an inspection of key road projects in Kogi State. The visit covered the ongoing reconstruction works on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, Section III (Abaji–Koton Karfe), and included the formal commissioning of the Itobe–Ayingba Road Emergency Intervention Project. The event, part of the Ministry’s National Media Tour across all geopolitical zones, brought together key stakeholders, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, members of the Press, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and other stakeholders. It featured the inspection of ongoing Federal road projects and the commissioning of an emergency intervention project in the State, the first stop in the North Central zone. During the inspection, Dr. Essiet highlighted the strategic importance of the Abuja–Lokoja Highway as a key link between Northern and Southern Nigeria. She assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved sustained funding for critical road projects nationwide and urged contractors to accelerate work, while upholding high-quality standards. She commended host communities and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), for their cooperation with traffic management and diversion measures. She also disclosed that security arrangements are being strengthened to enable nighttime construction, where required, to accelerate project delivery. Engr. Zira Adamu, Engineering Representative (ER) on the project, provided technical insights, explaining that the construction involves a composite pavement system comprising rigid (concrete) and flexible (asphaltic) pavements. He stated, “Eight kilometres of rigid (concrete) pavement have been completed, while 13.8 kilometres of asphalt binder course have been achieved. Overall project completion currently stands at 10.21 per cent, with approximately 66.67 per cent of the project timeline elapsed. The contract sum for the project is ₦89,888,414,585.20.” He added that the project was initially awarded on 24 March, 2022 with a completion period of three years, noting that progress has been largely affected by traffic management and security challenges along the corridor. The project is being executed by two contractors, with Messrs Geld Limited/Triacta (Nigeria) Limited handling one carriageway (Lokoja- Bound) and Trucrete Solutions Limited managing the Abuja-bound section. The Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, Engr. Patiko Musa, assured the public that construction work is ongoing, adding that additional equipment and work gangs are being deployed to accelerate progress. Similarly, the Itobe–Ayingba Road Special Intervention Project, a 1.6-kilometre emergency repair completed at ₦972 million, was commissioned on behalf of the President by the SSA-P. The project is part of the 260 emergency interventions carried out nationwide to address critically failed sections of inherited projects by the present administration. With 2,064 road and bridge projects inherited, emergency repairs on the most hazardous sections remain a top priority. The Itobe–Ayingba Road is a vital federal highway linking the Eastern, Central, and Western parts of Kogi State and connecting with the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road. It serves key industrial corridors, including the largest iron and steel plant and one of the largest cement factories in Africa, playing a critical role in commerce, transportation, and socio-economic development. The scope of work executed included site clearance and scarification, provision of lateritic sub-base and crushed stone base, asphaltic binder and wearing courses, cut-and-patch of potholes, desilting of drainage systems, and installation of road markings. The project received commendations from representatives of the Kogi State Government, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lokoja Branch, and the host communities, who expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges. Community leaders confirmed that the intervention has significantly reduced road accidents and improved safety and economic activities. At the Dualisation of Lokoja - Benin Road, Section I, Phases 1 & 2 (Lokoja - Okene), after receiving briefings by the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Kogi State, Engr. Musa Patiko and the Project Manager, Messrs CCG (Nig.) Limited, the SSA-P expressed dismay at the slow pace of work, urging the Contractor to put in more effort, while assuring that funding constraints would be met. The host community complained about the menace of dust buildup occasioned by the construction work and the company was admonished to be health-conscious and environmentally friendly in their operations. As a proactive measure to surmount the security issues affecting the pace of work on some projects, the SSA-P met with the Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, who promised to provide 24-hour security cover to any construction company, on demand. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Kogi State, Engr. Abdulsalam Sagir, while thanking the present administration for the various projects in the state, asked for more. The Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lokoja Branch, Engr. Adanu Emmanuel and a representative of Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Conscience of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Lokoja, Mr. Idris Miliki Abdul urged the contractors to abide by the specifications and timelines of their respective contracts. Other projects inspected by the Team include the Rehabilitation of Abuja - Lokoja Expressway, Sections 4a and 4b, and the Special Repair of Lokoja - Ganaja Road. ...
Goronyo Commends Excellence, Youth Impact at 2025 Caliphate Icon Awards The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has commended the organizers of the Caliphate Icon Awards for sustaining a credible platform that recognizes excellence, service, and positive societal impact. The Minister gave the commendation while delivering a goodwill address at the 2025 Caliphate Icon Awards, organized by Amazing Fame Concept in collaboration with the Caliphate Youth Forum, held on Friday, 2nd January 2026, at the Sokoto Guest House, Sokoto State. Rt. Hon. Goronyo described the awards as more than a recognition ceremony, noting that they serve as a powerful source of inspiration, particularly for young people, to embrace integrity, resilience, and selfless service in nation-building. “Progress is built by individuals who consistently give their best, often quietly and sometimes against great odds, for the good of society,” the Minister stated, urging Nigerian youths to remain committed to making meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large. He congratulated the award recipients, describing them as role models whose achievements demonstrate that dedication, hard work, and service are always recognized and celebrated. The Minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration to promoting excellence, rewarding merit, and creating an enabling environment where innovation and talent can thrive across all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Rt. Hon. Goronyo concluded by congratulating Amazing Fame Concept, the Caliphate Youth Forum, and all award recipients, expressing confidence that the recognition would further inspire greater service to humanity and national development. ...
Goronyo Receives SPN Membership Certificate, Tasks Professionals on Unity, Mentorship, and National Development at Sokoto Professionals Network AGM The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has called on Nigerian professionals to embrace unity, strengthen mentorship, and actively deploy their expertise toward national development, describing professional collaboration as a critical driver of sustainable progress. The Minister made this call while delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) held on 26th December, 2025, in Sokoto State, with activities concluding on 27th December, 2025. Speaking on the theme “Expanding Horizons, Strengthening Bonds,” Rt. Hon. Goronyo noted that the gathering was both timely and strategic, stressing that in an increasingly complex global environment, sustainable development depends on strong professional networks built on trust, shared responsibility, and a common vision. He emphasized the vital role professionals play in shaping institutions, driving economic growth, and translating ideas into practical solutions to societal challenges. According to him, platforms such as the Sokoto Professionals Network provide an invaluable space for mentorship, policy engagement, innovation, and meaningful contributions to community and national development. The Minister highlighted infrastructure development as a major catalyst for economic and social advancement, explaining that quality roads, bridges, and transport corridors are essential enablers of commerce, education, healthcare delivery, security, and national integration. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to delivering durable and sustainable infrastructure nationwide through professionalism, accountability, and the development of local capacity. Rt. Hon. Goronyo further urged members of the Network to strengthen collaboration between senior and emerging professionals, home-based and diaspora members, as well as between professional bodies and government institutions. He noted that a united, credible, and solution-oriented professional voice can significantly influence policy direction, innovation, and development outcomes. In recognition of his contributions to public service, infrastructure development, and professional advancement, the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) formally presented a Certificate of Membership to Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., admitting him as a member of the Network during the closing ceremony of the AGM on 27th December, 2025. The Minister expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and commended the leadership and members of the Sokoto Professionals Network for sustaining a credible, inclusive, and impactful professional platform. He expressed confidence that the Network’s contributions to the development of Sokoto State and Nigeria would continue to grow in relevance and impact. ...
Oyo People Eulogise FG For Infrastructure Development
The people of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state were full of joy and gratitude as the Federal Government commissioned and handed over a 0.75 kilometre internal road to the National Centre for Generic and Biotechnology Agency, ( NACGRAB) located at the National Cereals Research Institute Complex in Ibadan in Oyo State rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of works and Housing.
Speaking at the occasion, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Oyo State, Engineer Kayode Ibrahim revealed that Oyo State is benefitting tremendiously from the federal government road projects. He said, " I can testify that a number of roads have received attention, from Lagos to Ibadan and Shagamu to Ibadan roads. We are pushing to finish them before May,2023."
Fashola added that "When you go round the state you will see that work is going on in many places at a great speed." He said that the Ibadan-Ife - Ilesa road was a night mare to road users before now, adding that Iwo road to Asejire to Ife is also presently receiving massive attention .
The Minister also confirmed that the contract for the rehabilitation of Ibadan - Oyo road had been awarded and the contractors are ready to hit the ground running.
He also disclosed that "Reynolds Construction Company, (RCC) is working round the clock on the Oyo Ogbomosho road with the aim of connecting it to the highway at the end of this year." The Minister also disclosed that work is on going at the Ogbomosho road because all obstacles had been removed and funds also released.
Babatunde Fashola in the same vain said that construction work is currently on going in a session at Oke - Ogun called Okerete from Shaki which is about a hundred kilometres, this previous administration had abandoned.
He also said that Isaleadini road that was abandoned for long and Okeohun road are receiving attention while road users are currently plying them freely with ease.
The Minister said other projects implemented by the Buhari administration in Oyo State include, the school of Survey, an internal road at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan and Moor Plantation.
In his welcome address, the Director of The National Centre for Generic and Biotechnology,( NACGRAB) Dr. Anthony Okere who was represented by Dr. Abisoye Ojo expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the internal road intervention project. The Director said access road to the Animal Generic Resource and Field in NACGRAB had worsened over the years due to gully erosion and transportion of farm equipments, livestock and their feeds as well as mobility of staff and guests of the Centre had been a nightmare but with the rehabilitation of the road by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing it has become a thing of the past.
Officials of some other Federal organisations such as the National Cereal Institute, Regional Office of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science with office and residential accommodation within the NCRI Complex expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the work done.
This road network will benefit about fourteen organisations both state and federal, who are being accommodated within the complex.
Opening Remarks By The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Works And Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali, At The 28th National Council Meeting On Works, Holding In Kano, Kano State On Wednesday, 24th August, 2022
Protocols
The Hon Com for Works & Infrastructure Engr Idris Wada Saleh
The PS Kánó State Min for Works and Infrastructure Arc Ahmed Salisu
Permanent Secretaries here present
President NSE here represented
MD FERMA
SOGOF
Federal Controllers of Works here present
President Surveyor’sCouncil of Nigeria
Directors from the FMWH and other MDAs both state and Federal
Reps of other agencies both state and federal
Members of the Press
Ladies and gentlemen
2. I am pleased to welcome you to the 28th Meeting of the National Council on Works holding in Kano, Kano State which incidentally is also my home state. As you are aware, the theme for this year’s National Council Meeting is “Infrastructure, the Season of Completion”. The theme is apt and timely, considering the push by all governments at this point to complete and commission most of its roads and bridge projects initiated and/or inherited.
3. Accordingly In order to ensure that the target of completing and commissioning of these projects is achieved, it has become necessary for all stakeholders to consider and provide creative and contemporary ideas and policy suggestions that will support the attainment of the above target. You may recall that a few weeks ago the National Council on Housing was also held in Sokoto where far reaching decisions were taken on sustainable development in the housing sector especially with a view to the provision of social housing and other related matters.
4. I must at this juncture thank our esteemed host, the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR (Khadimul Islam) and the good people of Kano State for the gesture of receiving us to deliberate on this crucial theme that was carefully chosen to ensure that the massive spending of public funds by governments at all levels in Highways and other roads infrastructure to ensure smooth mobility and access is duly accounted for through completed and commissioned road infrastructure across the country. It is of special note that the Kano State Government under his able stewardship has brought tremendous developments in the road sector that are worthy of emulation.
5 The Meeting is therefore significant as it will afford stakeholders the desired opportunities to identify some of the challenges in the highways and related sectors that could militate against successful completion and commissioning of roads in the country as this Administration winds up and to discuss strategies and possible practical solutions towards addressing them.
6. We are required to have the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021 - 2025 in mind as we look at ways of ensuring that road projects are completed and commissioned in order to galvanize national growth and sustainability. I am aware that our directors and other executives in the road sector have spent the last two days discussing these issue and these should form the basis for our discussions and our recommendations for the consideration of the council. Our recommendations should focus on restoring economic growth, the ease of doing business, local content utilization, investing in our people and creating a competitive economy through the availability of good and completed road network across the country.
7. Distinguished delegates and officials, the timing of this meeting, therefore, is very auspicious as it affords us the opportunity to think through and make necessary arrangements as well as take critical steps to ensure that road infrastructure projects are completed, commissioned as well as maintained throughout their lifespan. This will also ensure that money spent on roads and bridges impacts on the Nigerian economy and the citizens positively.
8. Finally, Let me take this opportunity to thank all those other officials and experts who have made this council meeting a success especially the Hon Comm Kánó State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Permanent Secretary, Directors from the FMWH and other Federal and State MDAs, Our Dev Parners, the Local Organizing Committee, the Press and Security Agencies. I thank you most sincerely.
9. On this note, I once again welcome you all and wish us fruitful deliberations.
10. Thank you
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE OF ENGR MUTTAQHA RABE DARMA, PHD, HON MINISTER, FMHUD, MONDAY, APRIL 27TH, 2026
Assumption of Office of Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, PhD, Hon Minister, FMHUD, Monday, April 27th, 2026