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.

Nov

2019

Reconstruction of Trans Sahara Highways within Nigerian Territory in Advanced Stage - Fashola Honourable Minister of Works and Housing,Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, has disclosed that the reconstruction of the major highways that link Nigeria's borders with the six member states of the Trans Sahara Road namely: Chad, Niger, Tunisia, Mali and Algeria is 80% asphalted. Fashola made the disclosure at the opening ceremony of the 70th session and meeting of the Trans Sahara Road Liaison Committee (TRLC) which Nigeria is hosting in Abuja. The ministers in charge of roads in the six countries are taking part at the meeting. The objective of the meeting of the TRLC member countries was to discuss and share knowledge on how to improve African connectivity, integration and trade. Fashola noted that the over 9000 kms Trans Sahara Road Which serves about 37 regions in Africa and connects about 74 urban cities and 60 million people across six countries if completed would create immense opportunities in Agriculture, information technology and the fashion industry among others, adding that most of the roads that were plied by horses and carmels are presently motorable. According to the Minister, “Now if you appreciate that these roads, roads of horses and camels are now the roads of vehicles and trucks, you can imagine the opportunities that lie ahead as we converge here.” He further noted that Nigeria is part of the large urban network of opportunity as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Trans Sahara Road would intensify cultural and economic exchange of goods and services across the African region. Accordingly, the Minister also stated that the reconstruction of these major roads are due to their busy nature, adding that heavy duty trucks of about 5000 in number ply these roads on a regular basis. He listed some roads in the trans sharan route such as: the Abuja- Kaduna- Kano , Lagos - Ibadan-Ilorin-Jebba among others which are at different stages of completion. In an address by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari delivered by his representative, the Minister of Police Affairs Alhaji Mohammed Dingyadi,the Mr.President reiterated the committment of his administration to introduce change in Nigeria geared towards a sustainable and quality infrastructure development to drive economic development and job creation. He explained that provision of road infrastructure was meant to increase Nigeria’s trunks of roads to ease the cost and time of doing business and improve economic competiveness in Nigeria's Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP). The President, however, maintained that his administration “shares the vision of the Trans Sahara Road Liaison Committee to develop the section of the Trans Sahara road within their respective territories.” The President also charged the delegates attending the meeting to remain committed to the prompt delivery of the crucial development of road transport infrastructure for the benefit of the people in member states. In his address, the Secretary General of the Trans Sahara Road Liaison Committee, Mr. Ayadi Mohammed, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Honourable Minister for Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN ,the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar Aliyu and the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for their hospitality and reception given to the delegates. He added that the member countries of the Trans Sahara and Committee have the task to build excellent relationship that would stimulate trade in the region. ...

Nov

2019

Mobolaji Johnson : Fashola Mourns Passage Of An Illustrious Pioneer The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN has expressed deep sadness and condoled with the Government and people of Lagos State over the death of the first Military Governor of the State, Brigadier- General Mobolaji Johnson. Fashola, who served for two tenures as the 13th Governor of Lagos State from 2007 – 2015, described General Johnson as an illustrious pioneer, a man of singular vision, integrity and unwavering duty whose loss is “one that is shared by an entire nation.” According to the Minister, “General Johnson was a dedicated soldier and public servant and a loving husband and father. As the first governor of the newly created Lagos State in 1967, he faced immediate challenges in leading a restive federal capital territory. He handled those challenges with tremendous courage and unwavering grace.” Noting that the late elder statesman established a strong administrative structure for the State, Fashola declared : “Beyond governing a state which was at the heart of a divisive national civil war, General Johnson was an administrative trailblazer. Along with key civil servants like Adeyemi-Bero and Folarin Coker, he laid a template for civil service practices and procedures which set Lagos State apart as a centre of excellence.” Recalling his appeal, as Governor, during the launch of the Biography of the late Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson titled, Lagos State-My Life of Service with Integrity, in 2010, that past leaders should document their periods of Stewardship, Fashola noted that such documentation that showed the great infrastructural strides like how the Lagos City Hall was built, how the Badagry Expressway was constructed, how the Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Complex was built, among several others would serve as inspiration to future leaders that things were successfully done before and could still be done again. Fashola said he would personally miss the wise counsel and support of GeneralJohnson. “During my own tenure as Lagos State Governor, General Johnson was always ready with counsel and advice. If there was any public event or occasion regarding the welfare of the state, his towering figure was certain to be found present,” he said.¥ “On behalf of my wife, Abimbola, we extend our deepest condolences to his entire family. His loss is one that is shared by an entire nation,” Fashola said. ...

Oct

2019

NASS To Support Works Ministry Deliver On Roads The Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Works haveunanimously agreed to give the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing the necessary support to ensure thaton-going road projects in the country are expeditiously constructed and rehabilitated. The assurance was given yesterday during the 2020 Budget Defence of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the National Assembly, Abuja. While answering questions on issues of the deplorable condition of roads in the country and the delay to commence repairs, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing,Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN maintained that the rainy season was not the ideal period for road construction and repairs due to the attendant problem of flood .Fashola stressed that very soon Nigerians wouldwittiness a turnaround in road repairs as his Ministry would swing into action. The Minister, however, maintained that inadequate fundingwas the majorchallenge hindering his Ministry from realizing its mandate and set goals. He further added that while the number of roads that needed to be repaired kept increasing on daily basis, the fund to fix them was grossly inadequate and at times notavailable. The Minister revealed that his Ministry was usually saddled with the problem of land compensation from communities, individuals and various tribes who make exorbitant claims for compensation from the Federal Government. He therefore called on the legislators and the State Governors to help his Ministry out in this regard. Fashola suggested prioritization of the major roads for completion and rehabilitation. According to him, priority in the construction and rehabilitation of roads should be given to the major highways that connect various state capitals, the sea ports, air ports, thefuel deportsamong others. He implored that the repairs of these critical major roads should be staggered and evenly spread across the six geo-political zones across the country so that no zone, individual or group of persons will complain of neglect or marginalization. Earlier, the Chairman of the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aleiro suggested Public Private Partnership Financing Strategy to fix the Nigeria’s roads. The Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee, Engr. Abubakar Karbiru Abubakar Bichi reiterated the support of the members to collaborate with the Ministry to address the challenges of roads in Nigeria. The Minister of State for Works and Housing, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Bukar and directors of the Ministry were at the 2020 Budget Defence. ...