Federal Ministry of Works Finalizes Discussion with Janson Bridging International, Netherland on a €25-Million Grant for Construction of 28 Priority Bridges in Nigeria, Set to Fine-Tune Processes and Documentations with Federal Ministry of Finance to Realize the Project 1. In keeping with the initiative to think outside the box in rejiggling the nation's economy by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has finalized discussions with investors from Netherland to attract a grant of 25 million Euros for the construction of priority bridges in Nigeria.   2. This was disclosed after a meeting of the Honourable Minister of Works with a team of investors from Netherland led by the Nigerian Ambassador to Netherland, His Excellency Oluremi Oliyide. The Honourable Minister assured the team of the positive disposition of the Federal Government towards accessing international interventions from donor agencies and other development partners to address the infrastructural deficits inhibiting economic development in Nigeria. He said that an increase in partnerships and collaborations was necessary to support the funding of the critical sector of the economy for the promotion of robust and equitable economic growth. He assured the investors that once due diligence was carried out, he would present the proposal to Mr. President for approval. He said" We have a number of projects that we can do together. But I think the best thing to do is to conclude this one, which is a grant, then get the process started, and at the point of agreement and project selection, we shall refer to Mr. President for his approval".   3. In his earlier remarks, the Nigerian Ambassador to Netherland said the team was in his office to discuss the offer of a grant of 25 million Euros by Janson Bridging International for investment in road infrastructure in Nigeria. According to him, "Janson Bridging is the largest modular bridge manufacturing and bridging company in continental Europe and the largest bridge rental company in the world. " He promised to assist in fast tracking the agreement implementation process on the side of the company as soon as all formalizations were concluded.   4. On his own part, a member of the team and International Business Consultant, Eric Okunde, said the investors were ready  with the proposal  and that they  were technically  prepared  to work  with the Federal Ministry of Works in the mapping  and design  of the projects as well as the formulation of the template for the execution of the project. ...

Works Minister, Senate Committee on Finance Re-Affirm Commitment Towards Implementation of Tax Credit Scheme   The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON and the Senate Committee on Finance have re-affirmed their commitment to continue with the implementation of the tax credit scheme as contained in Executive Order 07 issued by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.   This was the position taken this Thursday at the end of the interactive session between the Senate Committee on Finance; chaired by Senator Mohammed Sanni Musa, the Federal Ministry of Works and Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, (NSIA) on the funding of critical roads, NNPC Funding and Infrastructure Development & Refurbish Investment Tax Credit Policy Initiative. The Honourable Minister who expressed the determination of the Tinubu administration to complete the designated road projects under the tax credit scheme, told the Committee members that “we have not initiated new projects, because the President has not granted permission to do that.” Speaking further, Sen. Umahi noted that there was the challenge of inadequate funding especially the non-release of funds by NSIA as expected for the implementation of the scheme. The Honourable Minister assured that the Ministry is up to the task of actualizing the objective of the scheme as he announced that starting from next March, the Ministry would begin publishing details about ongoing projects. He said, “I can assure you that from the month of March, we will be publishing in the dailies the cost of projects, progress made for that month and other necessary information.”   In his own remarks, the Senate Committee Chair on Finance, Senator Mohammed Sani Musa disclosed the support of the Committee for the scheme, stating that the objectives of the scheme were commendable. While lauding the initiative and the need to sustain the scheme, he averred that the Senate was not against the continuous implementation of the scheme as contained in the presidential, He thus “appeal to NNPCL, the Federal Ministry of Works and the contractors handling the projects covered by the scheme to ensure those projects are completed.” Commenting on the role of NSIA in the funding of the scheme, the Senate Chair remarked that “the Committee will recommend to the Senate to pause that initial agreement between the Ministry and NSIA; “so then NSIA can now concentrate more on other investments. Let them leave the issue of road projects because road projects is an emergency and requires emergency attention,” he affirmed. Pledging the support of the Senate for the Federal Government initiative, Senator Musa, said “however you will be able to get the funding on the side of the Senate, appealing that “I want to appeal to the Federal Ministry of Works to seriously look at the issue of funding; on the side of the Senate I hope we will be able to do everything to get funding for the projects,” he reassured. The Honourable Minister was accompanied to the interactive session by senior government officials from the Ministry. ...

Civil Servants in the Federal Ministry of Works Celebrate Sen. Umahi For Quality Leadership and Commitment to the Welfare of Workers   1. It was a day of joy, eulogies and encomiums as civil servants in the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja rolled out their drums to celebrate and honour the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON for his quality leadership and sense of devotion to the welfare of the workers of the Ministry. The workers under the aegis of Joint Union, Federal Ministry of Works took the Honourable Minister by surprise as they converged at the Ministry’s Main Hall on Tuesday, 20th February 2024 and sought an audience with him through their Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofaramata.   2. The Honourable Minister, in his usual unassuming mannerism and deep sense of responsiveness, came down to see his workers and behold it was a mammoth crowd of over 1500 workers in the Ministry's headquarters who were seated to thank him for the quality leadership and devotion to the workers well-being which they have continued to enjoy since he came on board as Hon. Minister of Works.   3. The Honourable Minister was honoured with a 'Pragmatic Leadership Award' by the Joint Union of the Ministry. The workers also danced a treat with the Honourable Minister in demonstration of their love for his leadership style, which they said was unprecedented in the history of the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Works.   4. Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works thanked the workers for the surprise reception by the workers and the award of honour given to him by the workers. He particularly thanked the leadership of the Joint Union of the Ministry for their sense of happiness and thankfulness, which they demonstrated through their surprise reception. He promised to continue to serve the purpose of his appointment with the deepest sense of responsibility and in undiluted collaboration with the workforce. He announced the commencement of training programmes for the Ministry's workers from grade level 14 and above and the establishment of the Ministry's Welfare Fund for the staff to enhance their happiness, effective March 2024. He also announced the involvement of the Ministry's staff in the monitoring and evaluation of the projects executed by the Ministry nationwide and the reactivation of the whistle blowers’ desk of the Ministry to assist in reporting jobs not done in accordance with the Ministry's specifications. He urged civil servants all over the country to take Nigeria first in the dispensation of their public duties, adding that the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR means well for Nigeria and deserves from all the support and cooperation needed for him to achieve enduring solutions to our socio-economic problems. He said, "I want to assure you that Mr. President feels your problems, and he's working out something day and night to give a solution to the teething problems facing the country. You see, the problem of our country is the problem of all of us. We need to bring back to society what we've taken from society. We need to do that. It's not the blame of the President, it's not the blame of the past President. Americans will always say America first".   5. Speaking on behalf of the entire staff, the Permanent Secretary praised the professional and administrative capacities of the Hon. Minister of Works.  The Permanent Secretary described him as a super intelligent, action-packed, and vision -driven Minister who recognizes and values the potential of the workers. He said, “The workers, and indeed, Nigerians, are happy with Mr. President for appointing a round peg to head the Federal Ministry of Works. We assure you that we will continue to work loyally with the core values of honesty, integrity, industry, and objectivity for the good of our Ministry.   6. Presenting the award of honour to the Honourable Minister, the Chairman of the Joint Union, Mr. Omobolanle Kuti stated that the event was organized for all the workers to give honour to whom honour is due. He stated that the Hon. Minister has shown a good example of a compassionate leader who cares for the welfare of his people and the progress of his fatherland.  He continued" You have shown a great difference in the way you care for our welfare, in the way you attend to mails, in supervising the projects executed under the Ministry, in your power of contract negotiations and assuring best standards in the delivery of road projects. You even supervise projects on weekends and public holidays, you come to the office early and go very late. No mail delays in your office for more than 24 hours.  We are proud of you. "   7. In his vote of thanks, the Director, Human Resources Mr. Aliyu Abdallahi appreciated the Hon. Minister for his selfless service and care for the wellbeing of the civil servants in the Ministry and described him as a special breed of politician who works for the good of all persons despite their place of origin. He also described him as a leader who builds the capacities of workers irrespective of their grade levels or competences. He prayed God to continue to prosper the Hon. Minister with greater innovative powers and benevolence of heart as he works to actualize the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Works. ...