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

Jan

2023

FG Hands over 2 Kilometre Road to University of Jos. The Federal Government has commissioned and handed over the two-kilometre road rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of works and Housing to the Management of the University of Jos, Plateau State. At the commissioning ceremony, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Plateau State, Engineer Usman Abubakar Majin stated that the gap of the infrastructure need was steadily been bridged by the gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and schools. The Minister pointed out that the quality of education is connected with the quality of Infrastructure in an institution of learning. He said, "It is undebatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedback from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place." Fashola further said," We have successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various Federal Tertiary Institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the Country making a total of 83." The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Tanko Ishaya who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Professor Joshua Amopitan, expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government for the road rehabilitation, adding that it has brought a lot of relief to the students and staff of the Institution. He said, "The road was in a terrible shape before it was reconstructed, it will not only benefit the students because it leads to the hostel but also our staff and parents who normally come to the institution." The VC added that the vehicular hiccups normally experienced in the University had been drastically reduced due to the current good condition of the road. He further said that the forthcoming 22nd and 23rd convocation of the University will be merrier as a result of the road. The occasion was witnessed by the Registrar, Dr Rejoice Songdem, Director Physical Facilities, Halima Auta, the University Librarian, Dr. Thomas Adigun and other staff of the institution. It was a joyful moment within and around the University community in Jos, Plateau state. ...

Jan

2023

Fashola Hands Over Intervention and Reinstatement of Gully Erosion and Connecting Road At UNIBEN ... Says Buhari Govt intensifies work in our national life Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN handed over an important asset, Intervention and Reinstatement of Gully Erosion and Connecting Road at the Ugbowo Campus, University of Benin [ UNIBEN) Edo State. At the commissioning he said " It is true that a lot of work needs to be done in many sectors of our national life, including education, the Buhari government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that work done" Before the completion of the project some staff and students residing close to the Ugbowo Campus of UNIBEN and residents in Iguo-Osaigie and other surrounding communities in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo were about to be cut off because of the ravaging gully erosion in the area. The Edo State Controller of Works who represented the Minister at the event Engr. (Dr) Aransiola Ademola said " the structural work and the water drainage were professionally displayed and the filling of sand is about 7 metres high " Vice Chancellor, UNIBEN Professor Lilian Salami in her remarks said " this gully erosion has taken its toll on critical areas of development of the University over the years, it is not in doubt. The good news is that we made our pleas and cries to government and the pleas have received the desired attention of government and we are today savoring the result of a government that listens and acts. She said " kudos must also go to our worthy Alumnus of the University, Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN for his commitments to the successful implementation of the project". Executive Officer, Edo State flood Erosion & Watershed Management Agency, Dr Tom Obaseki said “We are very happy to see that the reinstatement of gully Erosion and connecting road is completed today , we are always available to support the Federal Government in executing project" The Manager of the Construction Company, Levant Construction Ltd in charge of the project Engr Albert Abboud said ' we have delivered many projects and handed them over to the government, this road was washed because of erosion and it was not motorable before we completed the project" A 300-level student of Animal Science, UNIBEN Edogiawerie Jason said the road was no go area before the intervention work of Federal Government, he thanked the Ministry of Works and Housing for remembering the institution. A student from Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Courage Uchemefune who was at the event said " I used to work as a dispatch rider, the road was not really good, I appreciate Federal Government for working on the road and the gully erosion, UNIBEN needs more intervention of this type ". ...

Jan

2023

Federal Government Hands Over Internal Road Project at Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa …...MD and others express gratitude. On behalf of the Federal Government, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing has handed over a 380 metres internal road at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The minister who was represented at the event by the Federal Controller Works, Bayelsa State, Engr. Patrick Nneji said that the road project was an intervention in the health sector to improve the health condition of all humanity. Fashola said, "It is undebatable that the quality of health will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from staff of the Centre, where this type of intervention has taken place." The minister disclosed that, "The Federal Government has successfully delivered through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing 64 internal road projects at various Federal Tertiary Institutions and Federal Hospitals and also handed over a total of 46 as at March 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to other 19 internal roads in similar institutions/federal hospitals across the country, making a total of 83." The minister noted that staff and patients are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to the face lift at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State because some defective roads have been restored to good condition. Fashola disclosed that during the construction about 60 persons were employed thereby contributing to the job creation initiatives of the Federal Government. In his remarks the Medical Director of the Centre, Prof. Dennis Oju Allagoa who was represented by Dr. Peter Alabrah, Head of Clinical Services at the Centre expressed joy and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister for this laudable internal road project that was handed over. Prof. Allagoa said, "It is on record that and it is noted that Mr. President’s, Slogan of 'On the Next Level' is already happening at the Center. Today, we are seeing the impact of what Mr. President has done from what we have seen in this road project that has been handed over to us. We have indeed moved to the next level." The Medical Director also noted that the centre in deed benefited a lot from other Federal Government projects in year 2022. The Medical Director also appreciated Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister for keeping faith and ensuring that the road project was completed and handed over. He noted that the road project has transformed the landscape of the Centre and made it very beautiful. He added that it has made access possible by those walking and driving through with vehicles. During an interview session with some of the staff, they expressed their feelings thus as follows: Mrs. Christian Soseipiriala Mozimo, a nurse at the centre said: "I work at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Over the years this road has been bad. It was not fair enough for patients’ movement. After the construction of this road, you can see how beautiful the whole environment is looking and aiding patients’ accessibility to healthcare. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN." Another staff who is also a nurse at the centre, Deborah Emmanuel has this to say: "I work at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. I really want to thank the Federal Government for this good road they brought to us. Before the construction the road was very difficult to access and not in good shape. But after the renovation we thank God that we now have a good road to ply on by both students and staff. The constructed road will enable us to perform our jobs better." ...

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Nov

2025

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May

2018

Protection Of National Assets: A Pinnacle To Nation’s Development

The Honourable Minister of State II for Power, Works and Housing, Surv. Sulieman Hassan Zarma, mnis, has called for community participation in the ownership of public assets and critical infrastructures in the country, stressing that people in the communities need to be sensitized to take personal responsibility for the protection of public infrastructures.

He added that at a time like this, the federal government still consider as a matter of priority, spending the nation’s meagre resources to provide its citizens with necessary and critical infrastructures.
Hassan stated that ‘It is sad to note that there are lots of damages and inadequate maintenance of these public assets which are yet to meet the need of the citizenry’.

Declaring the workshop opened, the Minister said this at a one Day Stakeholders Conference on Preservation, Protection and Community Ownership of Public Assets and Critical Infrastructure organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja.

He commended NOA for choosing the topic for discussion, adding that the forum will help inform, educate and enlighten the people on the efforts the government is making towards the provision of adequate infrastructures and the need to encourage stakeholders to cherish and preserve them for posterity.

The Minister also stated that the Ministry will continue to make concerted efforts in ensuring that the three Sectors meet up with the mandate of delivering critical infrastructures to Nigerians in the areas of improved power generation, adequate funding and resuscitation of abandoned/new road projects and provision of mass housing across the country.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, stated that infrastructure development, preservation and protection are critical element in measuring the level of development of a nation.

According to Abari, ‘’If we accept this as a fact, it then stands to reason that no nation can be said to be truly developed, unless it continues to invest not only in the development of new infrastructures, but also in the protection and preservation of existing ones’’.

The NOA boss called for collaboration and synergy between stakeholders in Nigeria’s infrastructure and the National Orientation Agency, for the protection and public ownership of national infrastructures in the country.
The function was graced with notable discussants who presented relevant papers on the topic and key note addresses.