Jun

21

2022

FG Commissions and Hands Over Isoko Ring Road

The Federal Government has commissioned a number of road projects under its second phase of projects completion across the country   tagged “Season of Completion and Delivery of Projects” which include: the Efon -Alaaye -Erinmo –Iwaraja Road linking Ekiti and Osun States as well as Hadejia-Nguru –Gashua road linking Jigawa and Yobe States within the month of June 2022.

The projects are expected to create easy transportation, ease of doing business and reduction in accident rate in the country.

At the commissioning and handing over ceremony of   Isoko Ring Road II covering Aviara – Uzere in Oturu -Uzere Community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Festus Keyamo said, “Our commitment to improving the ease of doing business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty brings us here today because the results of our investment are manifesting."

President Buhari remarked, “I can confidently say that as we enter the final lap of the tenure of the Buhari administration we are also entering a season of completion and delivery of projects.”

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Deputy Director Highways South-South Ministry of Works and Housing Engr. Peter Umoren said,” My principal message to you all is that this is the first of the second phase of projects completion and handovers our country will be witnessing as we progress further in this season of completion and impact which started in the last quarter of 2022."

“In this second phase of completion Mr. President has also approved that Ministers from various states where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities. These   projects represent major investments in road transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity," he said.

Earlier the  Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of  Works and Housing, Mr.Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Delta State, Engr.Jimoh Olawole, said, ‘’ As part of President Muhammadu Buhari's development agenda of addressing road infrastructural development across the length and breadth of Nigeria , the Federal Government as a policy direction focused on the completion of several on-going projects to stimulate economic development, job creation and promoting local content. The focus is to link the major arterial roads to refineries, ports, tertiary institutions and high-volume commercial centres with a view to reducing travel times, vehicle maintenance costs, safety and security of commuters etc.”

The Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who was represented by the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Urban Roads and Highways), Engr. Omodon Noel remarked, " This event is important because this project underscores the need for strong collaboration between the Federal and State Government in the delivery of development projects. "

He said, " At the peak of the raining season last year, a bridge on the Oleh - Uzere community, this Ring Road being commissioned today became the saving grace that provided access to the community."

In his goodwill message, Comrade Ejoor Uweh representative of the President General of Uzere community expressed his gratitude by saying, "Special thanks to the President and all the people that contributed in one way or the other to facilitate the construction of the Isoko Ring Road to develop Isoko nation   to an enviable height."

The Area Manager of Levant Construction Nigeria Limited, the contractors of the road project, Mr. Ghassan Fiadel said, " Federal Government has invested so much on roads, bridges and infrastructure across this country. This very road is helping a lot in helping people to transfer food, properties within the communities around."

He said, “The payment is not delayed at all within the period we worked on the road. We thank the Federal Government and hope to get more jobs from the country."

A former Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Uzere who is an indigene of the community said, " With this road we now have the presence of Federal Government in our area. Before this project, agrarian activities in this area suffered a lot, and the road has impacted a lot on Uzere people for good."

A farmer and  an artisan in the community Oghenerobor Ojo have this to say, " We are happy with this road. Before we couldn't get vehicles to convey us to Aviara from Uzere .We needed to trek for two hours but we are happy now we can move our farm produce from farm to different locations. Please , everyone should salute President Muhammadu Buhari for me. "

A transporter in the locality, Aghraghra Francis expressed his joy with the project saying " My business as a transporter has improved because I no longer have issues with movement of goods and services due to impassable road."

Jun

18

2022

Speech by President Muhammadu Buhari Represented by The Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu at The Commissioning and Handover of Hadeija – Nguru Road, Phase II (Kirikasama-Nguru) in Jigawa State on Saturday 18th June, 2022.

On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring best wishes to the Government and people of Jigawa State.

Our commitment to improving road transport infrastructure, our determination to improve the ease of doing business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty brings us here today because the results of our investment are manifesting.

I can confidently say that as we enter the final lap of the tenure of the Buhari administration we are also entering a season of completion and delivery of projects.

As you can all see, we are handing over today the 33 Kilometre Road, which links Hadeijia-Kirikasama in Jigawa State. A very important Road that connects agrarian and trading communities to ease the movement of their farm products.

By linking these communities together, this road becomes a critical component of our national road network.

This road has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if is well used and not abused, it should last for the designed service life.

Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them.

The road is also a story of the capacity of our people. The patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction.

These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth.

This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business.

This is because the travel time before construction has now reduced since the completion of the road.
Of course, this road is part of our many roads to prosperity because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money.

This road also symbolizes change as you will observe in the road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs.

These components had all but disappeared on our highways but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state.

Of course, another element of change is the travel experience on a new and well-built road from the old and previously unmotorable road.

Now that we have this new and well-built road, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users.
One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code.

Accordingly, for the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to reiterate that the maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM PER HOUR and no more.
On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I formally declare this Hadeijia-Nguru Road in Jigawa State completed and open for public use. 

For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM PER HOUR. 
We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. 

I wish you safe and happy motoring.

Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu
Honourable Minister of Water Resources
 

Jun

18

2022

Welcome Address by The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali, FCA, FCTI, Represented by the Federal Controller Jigawa State, Engr. Atewolora Oladele Gabriel at The Commissioning and Handover of The Hadeija-Nguru Road, Phase II (Kirikasama-Nguru) in Jigawa State on Saturday 18th June, 2022.

PROTOCOLS
        It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this significant event in the affairs of our National life. I welcome all the eminent and distinguished invited guests to the occasion of the commissioning of the second phase of the completed roads across the country. 
2.        On behalf of the Honourable Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Directors and Head of Units, Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, I welcome all distinguished invited Guests, the Royal Fathers and the entire people of Jigawa State to this event.
3.        As part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s developmental agenda of addressing road infrastructural development across the length and breadth of Nigeria, the Federal Government as a policy direction focused on the completion of several on-going projects to stimulate economic development, job creation and promoting local content. The focus is to link the major arterial roads to Refineries, Ports, tertiary institutions and high volume commercial centres with a view to reducing travel times, vehicle maintenance costs, safety and security of commuters etc.

4.        The Ministry has successfully completed several roads and maintained several bridges to ensure that road users have a rewarding road travel experience. Several other roads and bridges are at various stages of completion such as the 2nd Niger Bridge and its approach road, Dualization of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Loko-Oweto Bridge linking Nasarawa to Benue States, Dualization of Enugu-Portharcourt Expressway, Bodo-Bonny Brigde, Lagos-Ibadan Dualization project, to mention just a few. 
5.         We have now entered the season of completion and handover of several roads and bridges projects across the country. Recently, 5-roads were commissioned by Mr. President who was represented by the Cabinet Ministers from the states where the projects were sited such as:
i.    Commissioning of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kotangora-Makere Road, Phases I&II in Kebbi State;
ii.    Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road Phases I&II in Benue State;
iii.    Nenwe-Oduma Road Sections I&II in Enugu and Ebonyi States;
iv.    Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi/Yobe States; and
v.    Kano-Maiduguri Road Section II Shuwarin-Azare, with spur from Dutse to Kwanar Huguma in Jigawa/Bauchi States.
6.         In this phase of the commissioning, Mr. President approved the commissioning of the following roads:
i.     Rehabilitation of Efon Alaaye-Erinmo-Iwaraja Road In Ekiti/Osun States;

ii.    Isoko Ring Road in Delta State;
iii.    Rehabilitation of Hadeija-Nguru Road, Phase II CH 40+000-CH 73+150 Kirikasama-Nguru in Jigawa State;
iv.    Completion of Gombe-Numan-Yola Road Phase II (Gombe-Kaltungo) in Gombe State; 
v.    Construction of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section II, Phase I, (Gashua-Bayamari), Yobe State;
vi.    Rehabilitation of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section I (Nguru-Gashua) Phase II in Yobe State;
vii.    Rehabilitation of Lafia-Obi-Awe-Tunga Road in Nasarawa State.
7.        As we complete the commissioning of this road here in Jigawa State, the train will move to Nasarawa State and on to the others.
  8.         Our joy is that Nigerians are benefitting from the fruits of democracy and the promises made by the present Administration. These projects have created direct and indirect jobs as well as provided socio-economic benefits that the magnitude of such projects carries with it.
9.    At this juncture, I welcome you all once again to the commissioning ceremony of this laudable road project in Jigawa State.  

Thank you and God bless you.

Jun

17

2022

FG Reaffirms Commitment To Complete Idukpani- Itu - Ikot Ekpene Road In 2023

... East-west Road bridge section iv will be ready soon

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing dualization and rehabilitation of the Odukpani - Itu - Ikot Ekpene road in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

The Director, Highway Construction and Rehabilitation of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Folorunsho Esan made the reaffirmation on Thursday, June 16, 2022 during the inspection of work on the 83 .3 kilometres road being handled by Julius Berger, SERMATEC and CCECC companies.

The Director however called on the State governments to prevail on its people who have structures on the right of way to remove them in order not to frustrate the effort of the contractors so that the roads can be delivered on target since the land belongs to the state government.

Engineer Essan said, " The challenges are mainly on the right of way, people have their structures on the right of way and this will delay the work, the land belongs to the states, they are the owners of the land, they are the ones that can talk to them so that we can have space to work".

He disclosed that funding is not a problem as the road is being funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) under the Federal Government Tax Credit Scheme.

The Director expressed satisfaction at the pace of work by Julius Berger and SERMATECK companies while urging CCECC to improve on its pace of work.

The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engineer Bassey Nsentip said the contractors have the equipment and are willing to work, adding that the road project include five bridges and several culverts.

Engineer Bakari Kehinde and Engineer Joseph Ukpata, site engineers of Julius Berger and SERMATECK respectively also called on the state governments to help in resolving the problem of the right of way.

Similarly, Engineer Esan informed newsmen that the bridge on section iv of the east-west road in Akwa Ibom state will be opened to traffic soon

He said, " The contractor is working on the bridge so that it can open up traffic in order to work on the other side of the road and they are saying it will take them eight weeks and we are taking them by their words ".

He disclosed that the road was under the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs before it was recently handed over to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to continue with the supervision and completion

He further said that the east-west road is not yet under the Tax Credit Scheme but hoped that it will be part of it soon.

Jun

01

2022

Suleja - Minna, Agaei - Baro Roads For Completion May 2023 - FG

The Federal Government has given the assurance that work on section II of the ongoing dualization of Suleja - Minna road and construction of the  Agaei - Baro  road will be completed by January  and May 2023 respectively as planned. 

Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Folorunsho Esan gave the assurance during an assessment inspection of the roads, Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Both roads are being funded  by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under the Tax Credit Scheme introduced by the federal government.

While speaking to journalists, the Director Highways expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work. 

On the Suleja - Minna road he said "My impression is  that the contractor is on site making progress and we can see the various aspects of work, the earthwork, the pavement work and even the asphalt laying is going on smoothly, the only challenge is that of security but it's being taking care of with the presence of security agents".

Speaking on the 52 kilometers Agaei - Baro Port road which connects the Lambata - Bida highway, Engineer Esan said, " work is progressing, 14 kilometres have been asphalted, earthwork is up to 32 kilometres and the rest which is about 18 kilometres is still outstanding, but we have the assurance that the work will be delivered on target".

The Director said the road when completed will boost the economy of the Nation and the North Central region in particular as it leads to the Baro Port through which goods and services can be brought into the country and exported to other countries. 

Team Leader of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Tahir Ahmed who took part  in the inspection exercise to asses the quality and progress of work also expressed satisfaction with the work done so far. 

He said NNPC is funding the construction of the roads under the Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal government that allows corporate organisations to invest the tax that would have been paid to the Federal Government into infrastructure development, stating that the work will aid the progress of their business, the economy and improve the wellbeing of Nigerians. 

Mr. Tahir also stated that the roads were among the other critical roads selected to be funded by the NNPC  because of their importance to the economy of the nation through which Petroleum products are being conveyed to other parts of the country.

The contractors working on both sites expressed confidence that the projects will be completed and delivered on target as funding is readily available. 

Some residents of Takalafiya community along Lapai  - Bida road who recalled the hardship and accidents that were experienced on those roads,  praised the Federal Government for the job.

Muhammed Abdullahi said, " we use to see different kinds of accidents on this road, now that they are reconstructing the road we are very happy because we are satisfied with the work going on.

Another resident of the area, Abdullahi Audu said, " We were facing problems on this road but now we have started having some relief because the people working on the road are trying seriously" " Now driving from here to Lambata is done with ease,  before it would take up to 2 hours or more but now it will take only about 30 minutes. Federal Government is trying, we are happy" he added.

May

28

2022

FG Commissions Erosion Control Project in Taraba State

The Federal Government has commissioned the completed Erosion and flood control project at the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.

President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu'azu Jaji Sambo as the Special Guest of Honour observed that the project was approved under the ecological intervention projects in 2020 to address the perennial problem of erosion in the area so as to enhance the comfort of the youth corps members during their orientation programme.

Sambo emphasized the zeal with which the Buhari led administration had been executing infrastructural projects across the country since inception.

He said, " Since the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration various government Ministries and Agencies have taken steps to boost infrastructural development for the wellbeing of the citizenry."

He explained that the commitment of the administration to infrastructural development was informed by the social economic role that it plays in enhancing connectivity, safe mobility and the provision of opportunities, all of which add value to the living standards of the people.

The Minister described the project as well envisioned and positioned, adding that it underscores the administration's sincerity of purpose and responsiveness in tackling the challenges of its citizens thereby making life more meaningful. He praised President Buhari for carrying every part of the country along in the distribution of social amenities.

The Minister commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and the Ecological Project Office under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aisha Lawal for ensuring timely and speedy completion of the project and many others across the country in fulfillment of government promises to the people.

The Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku who was represented by the Commissioner Taraba State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development Mrs. Napisa Clara Ibrahim commended the Federal Government for executing the project which will bring relief to the benefitting community.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ecological Project Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal said the project was executed by the Ecological Project Office to tackle the erosion and flood problem as well as enhance the road sustainability by constructing concrete drain networks within the camp.

She disclosed that the contractor, Messrs. Peters and Partners Inter-Global Limited worked assiduously and conscientiously to ensure that the project was completed on time and in accordance with the specifications contained in the contract document.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the purpose of the commissioning and handing over of the project to the benefitting community was to enable them exercise ownership and to ensure its care, protection as well as sustenance.

She therefore implored the residents of the NYSC orientation camp and its environs to jealously guard the facility. Dr.Lawal applauded  the exemplary and towering leadership qualities of the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing.

The Director General of the NYSC, the Chairman Taraba State NYSC Governing Board and the Taraba State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment were represented at the occasion.

May

11

2022

Fashola Meets Stakeholders On Rehabilitation Of Eko Bridge, Burnt Section At Apongbon, Other Brigdes, Seeks Cooperation Of All Commutters

...Says the rehabilitation of the Bridge is part of ongoing rehabilitation works on bridges across the country neglected over the years

....AMATO, transport companies, Apapa Local Government officials and traffic regulatory agencies also in attendance

....Reiterates directive for the evacuation by traders, other businesses from under bridges in Lagos, other parts of the country by June 9

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, on Monday in Lagos briefed transportation stakeholders on the ongoing rehabilitation works on bridges nationwide including Eko Bridge and the recently burnt section at Apongbon with an appeal to commuters for cooperation as the Federal Government provide solutions to the vital road transport infrastructure neglected over the years. 

Addressing a Town Hall Meeting of the Stakeholders including representatives of Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), transport companies, Apapa Local Government officials and traffic regulatory agencies held at the Conference Room of the Ministry’s Central Workshop in Ijora, on comprehensive repair of the bridge, and others across the country, Fashola explained that the repairs on Eko Bridge had become expedient as several portions of the bridge had become worn out due to years of neglect.

Fashola, who had earlier gone round to see the situation under some bridges in Lagos Island, including Oja Oba/ Third Mainland Bridge/Ring Road, Obalende under Bridge and Apongbon under Bridge incuding the burnt section, where he sensitized traders, artisans and other squatters on the dangers and risks to life that their operations constitute, also extended the evacuation ultimatum to the squatters till June 9, warning that they either comply voluntarily or face forced eviction.

At the meeting also attended by top officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Permanent Secretaries of the Lagos State Ministries of Environment, Transportation and Office of Infrastructure, alongside their Directors, at Ijora-Olopa, in Lagos, the Minister said the government was tackling the problem holistically, and needed support of stakeholders for smooth operations.

Soliciting for the support of the Lagos State Ministries of Environment, Transportation and Office of Infrastructure, as well as the Local Governments, to help create awareness among the people over the roles to be played by all stakeholders during rehabilitation works, Fashola added, “We know the problem, we know the solution, we have a plan but we need your support”.

The Minister also appealed to the transportation Stakeholders to encourage their members to build truck parks, urging them also not to always resort to “subtle threats or blackmail” each time issues of their members parking in the wrong places was pointed out to them.

Fashola said that the colossal damage to the Apongbon section of the Eko Bridge was being addressed by the contractors on the project.

Speaking with some of the business owners under the bridges, Fashola said government was giving them one month to relocate their businesses from under the bridges, saying that what happened at Apongbon section of Eko Bridge was an eye opener and government would not want a repeat of the incident.

“We are building new bridges and maintaining some old ones so it will not be right to continue to allow you people to do business here as usual. Your businesses here constitute a threat and government wants you people to leave”, the Minister said assuring commuters on Eko Bridge that Government was working hard to mitigate their inconveniences while the rehabilitation work lasts.

Recalling that Eko Bridge was built in 1975 and noting that it serves as a a strategic link between the Island and Mainland areas of Lagos, Fashola, who said emergency repair work has already commenced on the Bridge including the damaged section, cited its strategic importance to Lagosians as reason for the expediency.

On the burnt section of Eko Bridge at Apongbon , the Minister, pointed out that the repair work needs planning, adding, “I have instructed the Ministry’s Engineers to carry out comprehensive assessment of repairs we need to carry out to know what it will cost government”. He explained that the cost was not in the 2022 Budget “because nobody planned for it”, but added, “So, we have to navigate and overcome the problem”.

Earlier, while delivering his welcome address, the Director of Highway Bridges and Design Engr. Oluropo Oyetade, said Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing was supervising 1732 bridges across Nigeria adding that Lagos State, with105, ranked fourth after Taraba, Niger, and Cross River. He said out of that number, government has intervened in 23, with 10 completed, 11 ongoing and new contracts awarded for Carter and Iganmu Bridges in the 2022 Budget.

According to the Director, the first phase of the emergency repair of Eko Bridge was carried out in June 2020, during which another set of defects were noticed adding that this led to another contract award for Phase II in September 2020 during which more defects were detected, adding, “The Honourable Minister then directed for a holistic review of the whole bridge. This took all Directors of Highways months to accomplish and culminated in award of Comprehensive Maintenance of Eko Bridge in February 2022”.

In his own remarks, the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olowoshago Kamal, promised collaboration with the Federal Government for speedy completion of the rehabilitation works.

While expressing concern on how to evict traders in a popular fish market and truck drivers who have occupied the under bridges, Chairperson of Apapa Local Government, Mrs. Idowu Shobanjo, said that the traders and the truck operators were insisting on remaining under the bridges and on roads adding that they anchored their insistence on alleged promises the State government made to them. 

Several business activities including mechanic workshops, ram market, welder workshops, selling of other various commodities were going on as at the time the Minister and his team visited the under bridges.

Apr

25

2022

HDMI: Works And Housing Ministry Concludes Evaluation For First Phase Of The Value-Added Concession’s RFP Submissions

The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has concluded evaluating proposals submitted for phase one of the Value-Added Concession (VAC) under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

The HDMI is a PPP initiative of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing that seeks to attract sustainable investment and funding in the development of road infrastructure and maximize the use of assets along the Right of Way (ROW) of federal highways in the country.

The first phase of the VAC under the HDMI seeks to concession 12 economically viable road corridors to technically and financially capable private sector firms/consortia. The 12 highways represent 1,963km or 5.6% of Nigeria’s 35,000km Federal Highway as follows:

Benin-Asaba, Abuja-Lokoja, Kano-Katsina, Onitsha-Owerri-Aba, Sagamu-Benin and Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga Highways; the others are Kano-Maiduguri (Kano-Shuarin), Kano-Maiduguri (Potiskum-Damaturu), Lokoja-Benin, Enugu-Port Harcourt, Ilorin-Jebba, Lagos-Otta-Abeokuta and Lagos-Badagry-Seme Border.

The Value-Added Concession Request for Proposal (RFP) Evaluation Report was presented and approved on Thursday, April 21, at the Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting chaired by the Minister of Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN. 

Members of the PSC from the Ministries of Works & Housing, Environment, Finance, Budget & National Planning and Justice, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, and Bureau of Public Enterprises attended the meeting.

Speaking, the Head, PPP Unit, FMWH, Abimbola Asein, disclosed that the Project Delivery Team (PDT) had concluded the evaluation of the Bidders' technical and Financial proposals and proposed Preferred/Reserved Bidders had been identified. 

She, however, explained that the HDMI Project Steering Committee (PSC) reserves the right to disqualify any Preferred Bidder found to have supplied inaccurate or misleading information, following due diligence or is unable to reach a mutual agreement on the Project's Technical and Financial

Parameters.

After deliberating on the prayers presented by the PDT, the PSC approved the prayers and adopted amendments agreed on during the meeting. 

The PSC reiterated the importance of due diligence on the preferred bidders and recommended the constitution of a team made up of high-ranking officials from the relevant Ministries, noting that this would help achieve value for money for Nigeria during negotiations.     

The rationale behind the HDMI, a private sector engagement, is to provide alternative sources of financing for road development and management in the country.

It is consistent with the provisions of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) Establishment Act 2005; National Policy on Public-Private Partnership ("N4P"); Federal Highways Act CAP. 135, 1971; and Federal Roads and Bridges Tolling Policy. 

The scope of the VAC under the HDMI includes the expansion, re-alignment, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the existing road pavements and bridges; construction of interchanges and pedestrian crossings and construction and operations of tolling facilities. 

There is also the installation and operations of weighbridges; installation and operation of intelligent traffic systems for remote highway monitoring; physical patrol of the highway; provision of towing services, ambulance service, and refuse management. Others include the provision of directional

signage, rest areas, and highway illumination, amongst others.

The Request for Qualification (RFQ) Notice was published on March 29, 2021, through the HDMI Portal. At the close of the RFQ portal on May 31 2021, 75 firms/Consortia successfully submitted valid applications. 

An Inter-Ministerial Evaluation Committee evaluated the 75 submitted bids, wherein 18 firms / Consortia were prequalified, having met all the criteria outlined in the RFQ notice.

The RFP documents were then issued out to the 18 prequalified bidders on October 29, 2021, through the HDMI portal. 

The deadline was February 22, 2022, while documents from the 18 bidders were officially opened during the RFP Bid opening ceremony held on February 23, 2022.

The Project is now at the Due Diligence Stage and will be followed by Negotiation of Technical and Financial Parameters. The Negotiated Parameters will be populated in the Full Business Case (FBC) to be forwarded to ICRC for FBC Compliance Certificate. 

The Compliance Certificate will be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for consideration and approval. If approved, the Concession Agreement will be vetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice within a stipulated time frame to enable Commercial Close.

Apr

01

2022

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Acceptance Speech Of The 2021 Trophee Babacar Ndiaye

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is an auspicious African day, in the capital city of Africa’s most populous nation.

It is an African day of Pride, where the story of Africa’s long-awaited Renaissance begins to unfold inside her largest country by population and GDP.

It is a day of Pride for the African Union and Her Dreams for the continent.  The policies and programmes that have been inaugurated over the years are beginning to bear fruits and results.

The Trans African Highway programme, launched in 1971 sought to connect the whole of African through a major system of Nine (9) highways, the TAH1 to the TAH9 covering an aggregate distance of 56,683km.

The African Development Bank, a financial institution set up to support the African Countries in their developmental objectives.

The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement set up to create a unified, borderless market of over one billion people to facilitate intra-African Trade.

I am delighted to report that Nigeria is playing her membership and leadership role in all of these institutions and in the pursuit of achieving their objectives.

Only a few days ago in the city of Lagos, our private sector opened a 3,000 metric tonne granular Fertilizer Company to support Farmers and Agriculturalists on the African continent and beyond.

Our collaboration with the African Development Bank has been productive and results are now manifest in projects like the Mfum-Bamenda Bridge that connects Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon.   I also acknowledge the support of the Bank in financing Feasibilities, Consultancies and Pre-construction work on the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor comprising Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire which is part of Trans African Highway No. 7 from Dakar in Senegal to Lagos in Nigeria.

I am happy to report that the Nigerian sections of this highway is now under construction on the Lagos-Badagry corridor through our local financing institution such as the Tax Credit Scheme introduced by Executive Order No. 7; and in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.

I am able to report that apart from Trans African Highway No. 7, Nigeria is also connected by Trans African Highways No. 2, Algiers to Lagos and Trans African Highway No. 8, Lagos – Mombasa.

The East to West crossing of Nigeria across the Second River Niger Bridge which will be finished this year is a major investment by Nigeria on the Lagos-Mombasa Trans African Highway, as is the Enugu – Abakaliki to Mfum Highway.

The 375Km Abuja to Kano that is now under construction is Nigeria’s major part of the Trans African Highway No. 2; Algiers to Lagos.

Apart from these Trans African connections, we are rebuilding, expanding or replacing strategic Highways and Bridges across our country.

The Apapa-Oworonshoki Highway in Lagos is strategic for trade and business facilitation to support our busiest and largest Sea Port in Apapa and Tin Can Island.

The Suleja-Minna Highway is critical to our petroleum distribution network and access to strategic petroleum products Depot in Niger State; and it is receiving attention, while the Calabar-Itu-Odukpani unlocks access to agricultural produce and supports mining and extractive activities for construction, in the South South and South East of Nigeria.

Ladies and Gentlemen, these are only examples of over 13,000Km of Road and Bridge construction, expansion and rehabilitation nationwide.

They have been a major boost for the growth of our economy, keeping people at work; driving a supply value chain, stimulating productivity at Quarries, Cement Factories, Steel Factories, and the Petroleum sectors for lubricants, fuel and bitumen.

Our most recent GDP results of 3.40%, the biggest in the last 7 years clearly show that the construction sub-sectors and related sub-sectors of the economy were among the big performers of the growth surge.

Very evidently, infrastructure investment is good for the economy.

By building Roads, we are building Economies.

The founding vision of African Leaders is coming to fruition, Evidence of the African Renaissance is being showed today in Nigeria.

The Trophee Babacar Ndiaye 2022 at the 7th Edition of Africa Road Builders symbolizes this Renaissance.

On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I accept the Africa Road Builders Award for the Hope, Prosperity and Progress that it symbolizes.

State House
Abuja

Mar

30

2022

FG Scales Up Infrastructure Development in Tertiary Institutions

Hands Over 1.1km road to Fed. Poly Ukana-Uyo

76 Tertiary Institutions to benefit

The administration of President  Muhammadu Buhari has again lived up to its campaign promise of bridging the infrastructural gaps in the country by providing accessible roads network in tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones.

That was evident as a fully rehabilitated and constructed 1.1 kilometre road at the Federal Polytecnic Ukana-Uyo in Awka Ibom State executed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing was commissioned and handed over to the institution on Tuesday,  March 29,2022 by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing,Mr.Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN.

Represented at  the  ceremony by the Federal Controller Works in Akwa Ibom State, Engr.Gabriel Akinwande  said, " The gap of our infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs,  renewal and construction on major highways  and it has reached the schools."

Fashola described the construction of internal roads at various campuses as a deliberate step by government to positively impact on the quality of education as well as create a conducive learning environment for renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes by students.

 '' We have successfully intervened in the internal road networks of 46 tertiary institutions and have handed over 29 as at 2021.We now have another 17 ready to be handed over with about 30 more roads in similar institutions across the country receiving attention of the Buhari-led administration," he added.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Rector of the Federal Polytecnic Ukana, 
Akwa Ibom  State, Dr. Udak Ukekpe appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for his interest in enhancing education in the country through the provision of logistics like the construction of internal road network in tertiary institutions.

He added that the road rehabilitation was timely and will add great value to the students and other road users in the campus, noting that the action of the Federal Government will also go a long way in addressing the infrastructural deficit in the institution.

Dr. Ukekpe pleaded with the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN  to further assist the institution in the remaining 3.1km road  left to be covered.

In an Interview, the Vice President of the Students Union Government (SUG) Ms. Blessing Mbonisa said the construction of the road had made the school opened to everyone and that it has boosted the morale of the students academics.

A lecturer, the coordinator of Mechanical Engineering Department, Engineer Emabong Etieakpan, while appreciating the Minister, pointed out that the road has been helpful to both staff and students most especially the motorists and those walking in and out of the school.

“There was no road in this place before. It was a busy area that nobody can access, but now, with the road construction, students can now easily go to their lecture rooms without flood which was not like that before."

The event was well attended by students, staff and board of directors of the school as well as the traditional leader of Ukana West in person of His Royal Highness Okuku Sylvanus Obot Ekanem.
 

Mar

24

2022

FG Hands 0ver 1.6 Kilometre Road To Bayero University Kano.

.     To install transformers for the institution soon

.     Plans to work on more internal roads in BUK

The Honourable Minister of  Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola ,SAN,  has  handed over the 1.636 internal road in Bayero University Kano  to the University authorities on Wednesday, March 23, 2022.

Represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Kano State, Engineer Yahaya Baba Ali, the Minister stated that the internal road construction and rehabilitation in tertiary institutions by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on behalf of the Federal Government was part of the steady effort by the Federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to bridge the gap in the Infrastructural needs in the country. 

Fashola said "The gap of our Infrastructural need is steadily being bridged by the gradual process of repairs, renewal and reconstruction on major highways and it has reached the schools."

He further said, "We have successfully intervened in the internal roads network of 46 Tertiary Institutions and handed over 29 as at 2021 and we now have another 17 ready to be handed over while we are currently attending to 30 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 76".

The Minister revealed that efforts were being made for another  intervention work on the internal roads of BUK  that is three times bigger than the one that was being handed over to  the University. This is in addition to the plan to construct a pedestrian bridge at the entrance gate of the institution to put a stop to the accidents that occur sometimes when people are trying to cross the road to the University. 

In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University , Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas who was visibly overjoyed expressed gratitude to the Federal government and the Ministry of Works and Housing for the intervention work adding that the road being handed over which leads to the solar plant of the institution was in a very bad shape before.

He said, " We are really very grateful to the Minister and the Federal Government and we are appreciative of another gesture of coming in to rehabilitate more roads for us so we extend our gratitude to the Minister and the Ministry."

The VC also disclosed that the University had received the award letter to the contractor that is coming to install transformers in the institution, adding that once that is done most of the problems of the school associated with power supply will be a thing of the past.

 Mustapha Aminu, a Deputy Registrar in the University said in an interview, "Before the commencement of the project,  this place was very hard to reach .  Now with the completion of the road done by the Federal Government, it has linked the main road that leads to all parts of the University community. So it will make movement and other activities easier.I want to commend the effort of the Ministry for doing a great job."

The Acting Director Establishment in the institute, Binta Yahaya Naisa said, " The road was bushy, so bushy that sometimes people could not pass through.  But now that the road has been constructed, it has opened up the place so much that you can see the next village from here."
" It is a very good development .  It will improve our security and provide easy access from one place to another."

Nura Garba had this to say, "It is a road that leads to other parts like farms around and new hostels under construction." It was very difficult to pass through this place especially during the raining season, we had to park our cars far away."

" This work is a sigh of relief, you can see people moving around. It is so good to move around here now because the contractor has done a very good job so we thank the Federal Ministry of Works for doing this great job."

Mar

22

2022

FG Committed To Development Of Quality Education Through Quality Infrastructure - Fashola

..... 1.06 km internal roads with reinforced concrete culverts and drains handed to AKTH

.... CMD lauds Buhari for the intervention
 
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, has said that the Federal Government will remain committed to the development of Education in the county through the provision of quality infrastructure.

The Minister spoke in Kano while handing over 1.06 km internal road, including construction of reinforced concrete culverts and drains at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano (AKTH), Tuesday, March 22, 2022.

Fashola was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Kano State Engr. Yahaya Baba Ali.

He said " it is undebatable that the 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".

The Minister stated further that President Buhari's administration has successfully intervened in the internal Road networks of 46 Tertiary Federal institutions and handed over 29 as at 2021.

Accordingly, he said that another 17 tertiary institutions Internal roads are now ready to be handed over, while work is ongoing on 30 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 76.

Earlier, in his welcome address the Chief Medical Director AKTH Prof. Abdulrahaman Abba Sheshe expressed happiness an important project of this magnitude has been executed in the teaching hospital, pointing out that it will allow easy access for patients seeking medical treatment in different parts of the hospital.

" We are indeed very happy that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari through the Federal Ministry of Works realized the importance of this project which was carried out through special Intervention, the result is what we are seeing all around the hospital today" he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman Board of Directors, AKTH, represented by Dr. Dahiru M.D Shehu said he is hopeful that the present administration will continue to bring in more projects to the hospital.

" I thank Pesident Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola for the road which will help in the development of the Health Sector in the country" he said.

He also commended the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for the support given to the hospital in terms of improvement of the health care system in the country.

In an interview, the Principal Iman Academy AKTH Mallam Zakariya'u Muhammad thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the internal road.

He said " this has brought relief to the people. Before the intervention visitors to this hospital suffer from dust due to the bad road and during raining season patients and pupils finds it difficult to access the road".

The ward head in the Hospital, Alhaji Sulaiman Shehu, expressed his happiness for the intervention and thanked the government for removing the pains of the people while using the road, saying that they can now move freely on the road.

Mar

15

2022

Commitment To Human Resources Determines Quality of Life – Fashola

…As Ministry of Works and Housing hosts 2020 Staff Recognition and Reward Ceremony in Abuja

The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN has declared that the commitment of the human resources comprising men and women determines the quality of life in every given environment.

He stated this at the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing 2020 Staff Recognition and Reward Ceremony during which 35 outstanding members of staff were honoured for productivity and diligence in service delivery at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Monday 14th March 14, 2022.

The Minister emphasized that the quality and quantity of man and woman power commitment determines the quality of life and should be accorded adequate attention and care hence the institution of the awards to encourage better productivity from the staff.

“I believe that human resources require more attention to get the best out of them and it is part of the reason why we undertake this process of recognition and reward ceremony to those who have given their skill, their time, some beyond the call of duty and who have demonstrated a commitment that is an enchantment to others,” he said.

Fashola said that Civil and Public Servants are goal getters who can do everything and anything if they are challenged, stating that whatever government initiates, civil and public servants will deliver on them.

“I also tell my colleagues when we hold our monthly meetings, that perhaps we have not paid enough attention to the activities and possibilities that lies in the public service.   I truly believe that Civil and Public Servants can do everything and anything if they are challenged, if a government responds today and say I want to run a policy of education, civil service will deliver and if after an election and a change of government and it comes and says I want to deliver a programme on free education, the same civil service that delivered paid education will move again and deliver on free education,” he said.

The Minister also reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring adequate and conducive environment for workers to thrive by making sure that the federal secretariats across the nation are in good working condition.

“At our assumption of duty, we saw that the federal secretariats across the nation where some of our staff work require attention. Today, we have essentially refurbished, renovated and now undertaking daily and routine maintenance in 24 Federal Secretariats across the nation to make the place more habitable and hoping that this will provide better and more deserving work accommodation and better environment for civil and public servants not only in our Ministry but all Federal and Public staff employed in all states.”

Fashola applauded the awardees and admonished them to keep on working hard, adding that the reward called for more work. He added that the awardees represent the 5000 staff strength of the Ministry nationwide who do the hard work, and make possible some of the things that seem impossible before now.

“For me, the Nigerian Civil and Public Servants deserves to be resourced, rewarded and also to be accountable,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Chukwunwike Uzor said the awardees were carefully selected using quantifiable and objective parameters that ensured that the best candidate emerged from each of the category’s field of selection, explaining that it was necessary to ensure transparency, integrity in the mode of selection, and above all to achieve the objective of the exercise which promotes excellence.

He congratulated the awardees and advised them not to rest on their oars, adding that to whom much is given, much is also expected.

In her goodwill message, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan represented by the Permanent Secretary Staff Welfare, Office of the Head Of Service Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe   congratulated the Management and Staff of the Ministry for joining the train of MDAs that have accepted the need for recognition of the contribution of staff who have shown outstanding performance and exemplary conduct in the discharge of their duties towards the attainment of the mandates of the Ministry.

She urged the awardees to be shining stars and examples for other members of staff and also continue to maintain the reputation of effective service delivery for which the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is known in the public service.

The Head of Service also encouraged those that were not so lucky at this year’s award to work harder to be the shining stars for recognition at the next recognition and award ceremony.

The awards were in the categories of: Most Hardworking Junior Staff, Best Performing Senior Staff, Best Performing Task Team and Most Outstanding Director of the year.

Responding on behalf of the recipients, the award winner of the Most Outstanding Director of the year, Director Highways, Planning and Development, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engr. Ibi Terna Manasseh, thanked the management and staff of the ministry for the special award.

Mar

09

2022

Varsity Lauds Fashola Over 2.0 km Internal Road Intervention

•    Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has been commended for the 2.0 kilimeters road Intervention project done in the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS)

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lawal Sulaiman Bilbis gave the commendation during the official handover of the completed road to the University, Wednesday, March 9, 2022.

The Minister, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr Akintunde Akintade, said that the Ministry is working on 76 road projects in selected Federal Tertiary Institutions across the nation.

"We have successfully intervened in the internal road networks of 46 tertiary institutions and handed over 29 as at 2021 and we now have another 17 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 30 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 76," he said
 
Fashola explained that there were clear indications that responses from institutions who benefited with the intervention revealed that the gap of the infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs and construction on the major highways and schools.

Accordingly, he added that the construction of the internal roads in the tertiary institutions by the Federal Government has enormously helped the students' renewed enthusiasm to attend classes because bad roads across the tertiary institutions have been restored to good condition.

Similarly, the Minister explained the project has created jobs for no less than ninety (90) people during the execution which contributed tremendously to the job creation initiatives of Buhari’s administration.

In his response the Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Lawal Sulaiman Bilbis, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Garba Mahuta applauded the Minister His Excellency Babatunde Fashola for the intervention, describing it as a giant stride in the course of humanity

Prof Bilbis stated that the rehabilitation of the road commenced last year and was completed 100 percent by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under the able leadership of Minister Fashola

The President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Umar Shamsudeen, said he was so delighted with the road project and under his tenure the project would be protected and maintained, adding that the road would enhance the environment and improve teaching and learning.

While speaking, the Sector Commandant of 10.1 of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Sokoto State, Muhammad Kabo, appreciated the effort of the Federal Government in putting the road in good condition and appealed to the road users to always observe road signage and speed limit.

Mar

09

2022

Second Niger Bridge To Be Ready By April - FG

·  As Gambari, Fashola, Ngige, others inspect Bridge, record milestone of walking from Asaba to Onitsha end of Project

The Federal Government has assured that the Second Niger Bridge will be completed by April 2022 and would be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari before the end of the year.

Describing the Second Niger Bridge as a national infrastructure with immense socio-economic benefits for the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari , Prof. Ibrahim Gambari who in company with the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, his Labour and Productivity counterpart , Dr. Chris Ngige and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Uche Orji inspected the bridge on Tuesday March 8, 2022, said  that the project has once again demonstrated the President’s commitment to the bridging of the infrastructure gap in the country. 

He said that the project being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is funded through the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund in conjunction with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

On tolling of the asset when completed, Prof. Gambari said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had developed a National Tolling Policy for the entire nation and that whether or not the bridge would be tolled was not the key issue, adding that the priority of the government was to get the project delivered. He added that if the road was eventually tolled, there would be alternative route. “So, when this bridge is tolled, the old bridge is an alternative route, so you have the choice to make between speed and price,” he said.

Speaking on the possibility of managing the bridge through a concession arrangement, the Minister of Works and Housing said the major responsibility of the government was to deliver the project in collaboration with NSIA saying, “Once we have finished, if they choose to concession, they can concession.”

Fashola said that the Ministry has secured the approval of the Federal Executive Council on a National Tolling Policy that is of international standard.  “Concessioning of projects is regulated by law. There are rules on how it is done. We are currently supervising the concession of 12 highways across Nigeria through the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) and the process is opened to the general public. “So, if we choose to concession this one, it will also be opened to the general public,” he said.

He stated that the Chief of Staff to the President was on tour of the project to see that what the Ministry has been reporting is in consonance with what is happening on the Bridge so that he can brief Mr. President appropriately.

The Minister said work on the bridge had reached appreciable level and appealed to the communities around the impressive Second Niger Bridge project to bear with the Federal Government as power supply was going to be interrupted for two weeks to put finishing touches to the project, adding that adequate notice would be given ahead when that would be done.

The Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State and the Engineer Representative of the 2nd Niger Bridge, Engineer Ajani Adeyemo said that the existing Niger Bridge was built in 1965 noting that it has remained the crucial East-West link over the years. However, due to age and excessive axle load and the heavy traffic congestion arising from the enhanced economic activities in the South-East and South-South transport corridors, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing initiated the second Niger Bridge which has attained 93 percent completion under the leadership of President Buhari.

According to him, the bridge when completed would reduce the strain on the existing Niger Bridge, improve traffic flow, improve health, security and create opportunities for the host communities as well as Nigerians to improve their socio-economic activities.

The highlight of the inspection visit was the historic walk of the Chief of Staff to Mr.President, the Honourable Ministers of Works and Housing, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Productivity and others including senior journalists from various media houses from the Onitsha end to the Asaba side of the Bridge.

Jun

21

2022

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI AT THE COMPLETION AND HANDOVER OF ISOKO RING ROAD IN DELTA STATE ON TUESDAY, 21st JUNE, 2022

On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring best wishes to the Government and people of Delta State.

Our commitment to improving road transport infrastructure, our determination to improve the ease of doing business,create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty brings us here today because the results of our investment are manifesting.

I can confidently say that as we enter the final lap of the tenure of the Buhari administration we are also entering a season of completion and delivery of projects.

As you can all see, we are handing over today the 7.85 Kilometre Road, which links Aviara-Uzere in Delta State. A very important Road that connects agrarian and fishing communities to ease the movement of their farm products.

By linking these communities together, this road becomes a critical component of our national road network.

This road has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if is well used and not abused, it should last for the designed service life.

Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them.

The road is also a story of the capacity of our people. The patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction.

These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth.

This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business.

This is because the travel time before construction has now reduced since the completion of the road.

Of course, this road is part of our many roads to prosperity because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money.

This road also symbolizes change as you will observe in the road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs.

These components had all but disappeared on our highways but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state.

Of course, another element of change is the travel experience on a new and well-built road from the old and previously unmotorable road.

Now that we have this new and well-built road, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users.

One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code.
Accordingly, for the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to reiterate that the maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM PER HOUR and no more.

On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I formally declare this Isoko Ring Road in Delta State completed and open for public use. 

For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM PER HOUR. 

We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. 

I wish you safe and happy motoring.

Festus Keyamo, SAN
Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment

Jun

19

2022

Roads: FG Commission's 33 Kilometre Road Section linking Jigawa - Yobe States

It was celebration galore, over the weekend in Jigawa State when the Federal Government commissioned the completed phase 2 (Kirikasama-Nguru) of the Hadejia- Nguru-Gashua road linking Jigawa and Yobe States.

The commissioning of the completed section took place over the weekend in Birniwa town, Birniwa local government headquarters in Jigawa State.

The commissioning tagged ''Season of Completion and Delivery of Projects' was performed by President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu, FNSE.

In his address, the President said, “it is our commitment to improving road transport infrastructure. It is also our determination to improve the ease of doing business, create jobs, wealth and prosperity in order to lift citizens from poverty "

President Buhari described the over 33 Kilometre Road, which links Hadejia-Kirikasama in Jigawa State as a very important road that connects agrarian and trading communities, which to a large extent will ease the movement of their farm produce .

He said, the road became a critical component of national road network for linking communities together, pointing out that the travel time has now reduced with the completion of the road.

Accordingly, the President called on all road users not to abuse the road, pointing out that forms of road abuses such as: overloading of vehicles and trucks accelerates pavement damage, also spilling of petroleum products dissolves all the road components and allows penetration of water, worst still, converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places results in quick  onset of road failure from the shoulder.

The President pleaded with all road users to take responsibility and play their part in ensuring that  they avoid these unwholesome practices, and make every effort to report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them.

" Now that we have this new and well-built road, we owe it as  duties to ourselves and to other road users to protect these facilities.
One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Road Highway Code, " he said.

In his remarks, the  Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, said that the phase 2 (Kirikasama-Nguru) of the Hadeja-Nguru Federal road project was among the other projects lined up for commissioning in the second phase under the season of completion and impact which started in the last quarter of 2021

The Minister who was represented by the Zonal Director Highway (Construction & Rehabilitation) North West, Engr Wasiu Adetayo Taiwo said the projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari led-administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

He described the projects as visible and incontrovertible Assets and as proof of what Nigeria’s resources are being invested into from a combination of earned resources and borrowings.

Accordingly, Fashola listed the other roads lined up for commissioning across the geo-political zones to include:
Isoko Ring Road (Section II) covering Aviara -Uzere in Delta State; Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari (section I, phase II) covering Nguru-Gashua in Yobe State; Lafia-Obi-Awe-Tunga Road in Nassarawa State, and Gombe -Numan-Yola Road (Phase II) covering Gombe- Kaltungo in Gombe- State.

In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Jigawa State, Engr. Atewolora Oladele Gabriel, said the project was part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s developmental agenda of addressing road infrastructural development across the length and breadth of Nigeria

He said " Federal Government has a policy direction which was focused on the completion of several on-going projects to stimulate economic development, job creation and promoting local content. The focus is to link the major arterial roads to Refineries, Ports, tertiary institutions and high volume commercial centres with a view to reducing travel times, cost of vehicle maintenance, safety and security of commuters, "

Alkali disclosed that the Ministry has successfully completed several roads and maintained several bridges to ensure that road users have a rewarding road travel experience, adding that several roads and bridges are at various stages of completion.

He listed among other projects: the 2nd Niger Bridge and its approaching  road, Dualization of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Loko-Oweto Bridge linking Nasarawa to Benue States, dualization of Enugu-Por-Harcourt Expressway, Bodo-Bonny Brigde, and Lagos-Ibadan Dualization projects.

In his remark, Jigawa State Governor, Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the numerous projects executed by the administration of President Muhamadu Buhari in Jigawa state.

Governor Badaru was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Alhaji Umar Namadi .

He stated that the road being commissioned today was a nightmare to the people before the intervention of the Buhari's administration, pointing out also the many other roads being constructed by the Federal Government in Jigawa State.

" What do we have to say to Mr President. The many interventions by the Federal Government in Jigawa State has improved the lives of the people. Jigawa State is grateful for all the Interventions, including the Social Interventions, N Power, Trader Money etc " he said 

The Governor also commended the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola for what he described as his commitment in making things happened for the visibility of the Buhari Administration, stating that the Interventions have improved the social lives and economic status of his people.

House of Representatives Member representing Kirikasama/Birniwa/
Guri Federal Constituency, the location of the project, Hon. Dr. Abubakar Hassan Fulata , appreciated the Federal Government for the many laudable projects in Jigawa State.

Dr. Fulata said " the road project being commissioned today had defied many administrations for almost four decades. The road project budget was alot of money without commensurate result. President Buhari has now completed the road within a reasonable time. We are grateful to Mr President. Jigawa State is grateful for benefiting from the Federal Government's projects"

In a goodwill message, the Emir of Hadejia and Chairman Jigawa State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Alh. Adamu Abubakar Maje expressed delight witnessing the commissioning of the project in his Emirate

The Emir who was represented by the Galadiman Hadejia, Alh. Usman Abdul'aziz, commended President Muhamadu Buhari for ensuring completion of the project which he described as critical and important to the economy of the society.

He said the road was critical and has opened the Hadejia Emirate to Yobe State and by extension to Borno State, adding that other projects such as water project, tomatoes factory and siting of some higher Institutions in the stated were also commendable.

"We all know the importance of roads to the economic and social existence of every community and every society. We are grateful for the infrastructural projects. Hadejia Emirate got a large share of it. We also wish and pray for more" he said.

In his vote of thanks, the Project Contractor, Mothercat Limited, Fady Khoury Hanna, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and to the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, for the ample opportunity given to them to handle the project.

Fady appreciated Jigawa and Yobe States Government for their cooperation, hospitality and making them feel at home during the construction, assuring the Federal Government of their commitment to deliver quality work at any time in any project they undertook.

Testimonies from the people of the community and road users were also full of commendation and appreciation.

Mallam Ali Alaska, a transporter narrated how terrible and difficult the road was before the rehabilitation. He appreciated the Federal Government for the road project. He said that there was no doubt the contractor has done a good work and the travel time has drastically reduced.

Jun

18

2022

Remarks by The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN Represented by Zonal Director Highways (C&R), Engr. Wasiu Adetayo at The Commissioning and Handover Ceremony on Saturday 18th June, 2022 at Birniwa, Jigawa State

On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring good tidings to the peoples and Government of Jigawa State, who will be impacted by the Hadeijia-Nguru Road, that our President will hand over today.

My principal message to you all is that this is the first of the second phase of project Completion and Handovers our country will be witnessing as we progress further in this season of completion and impact which started in the last quarter of 2021.

In this second phase of completion Mr. President has also approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities.

The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities Jigawa will be in:

a) Delta for Isoko Ring Road Section II covering Aviara – Uzere.

b) Yobe for Section II and Phase I of the Nguru – Gashua – Bayamari Road covering Gashua to Bayamari; Section I, Phase II covering Nguru to Gashua.

c) Nasarawa for Lafia – Obi – Awe – Tunga Road.

d) Gombe for Phase II of the Gombe – Numan –Yola Road covering Gombe – Kaltungo.

These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.

This occasion affords the opportunity to restate that in addition to other innovative sources of funding, our Budgetary provisions are also being diligently applied to complete projects such as these.

I want to express deep gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support.

To our staff and contractors who have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion I also say thank you, as I cannot fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the host communities where these projects pass through or are hosted.

I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government.

Ladies and Gentlemen, none of these would have been possible without the support of Ministers in the Federal Executive Council during debates over the projects.

To all Ministers in the first term and this current term, I express gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Housing for your support.

To the President and Vice President who preside for long hours over the Council meetings, your leadership is now bearing fruits and the evidence of change is now manifesting.

Ekiti/Osun, Delta, Gombe, Yobe, and Nasarawa among several other States bearing witness and there is more to come.

Thank You.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN

MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING

Jun

18

2022

Rehabilitation And Expansion Of Lagos–Badagry Expressway: Funding Substantially Addressed – Fashola

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN during his working inspection tour of the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos – Badagry Expressway while fielding questions from  journalists remarked,   “The main problem on the Lagos –Badagry expressway project was always funding and budget , now that has been substantially addressed with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Road Infrastructure Tax Credit  Scheme and the contractor is progressing with the project  as we can see.”

‘’The Lagos –Badagry route is part of the Lagos –Abidjan highway which is about 1,048 Kilometres. It is also a very strategic investment Nigeria is making as Nigeria’s contribution to West African Trade and also for the local community,” he explained.

During the inspection, while interacting with the Oni Ibereko of  Ibereko 1, Oba Israel Adewale Okoya, Fashola urged the King to discourage some members of the communities from carting away construction materials meant for the road embankment for personal use, and to also tell his subjects  in the area to stop trading by the road side.

The Minister advised the Management of the Contractor handling the road project, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited to employ more staff and get more equipment in order to speed up the progress of work on the road before the weather condition and other factors start to impede the progress on the construction work.

One of the Community Chiefs in the area, Oni Ibereko of  Ibereko 1, Oba Israel Adewale Okoya speaking earlier said “ The completed portion of the road has brought succor to the people. In the past Badagry to Agbara used to be a journey of about four to five hours but the travel time is now less than 30 minutes, and the contractor keep working on the road , we are so happy. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of our own son Babatunde Raji Fashola.”

The Oba assured the Minister that he would have meeting with his fellow chiefs and elders in the communities to ensure that the people stop trading by the road side and those carting away building materials would be handed over to the police if they failed to heed warning.

Jun

16

2022

Road Commissioning: FG - financed Road linking Ekiti -Osun State opens, speedy  Commercial  and Transport  activities expected

The Federal Government -financed road linking Ekiti -Osun State has been commissioned, the road is expected to boost both  commercial, social and developmental activities  across the two states.

The Efon Alaaye -Erinmo-Iwaraja Road links the three towns of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State , Erinmo and Iwaraja in Osun State.

The road  linking the two  states was commissioned and handed  over to the states  in  Efon Alaaye  Ekiti State amid hopes that the new infrastructure will help reduce road fatalities, ease mobility and spur trade within the two states  as well as with their neighbouring states.

 President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the road   on  Thursday, June 16, 2022 . The event was  attended by government officials , transport operators, members of parliament and traditional chiefs draped in colourful regalia.

*President Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Industry,  Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo said, "As you can all see, we are handing over today a 22 kilometre Road, which links the three towns of Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State and Erinmo and Iwaraja in Osun State."

Buhari remarked " By linking Ekiti and Osun State together,  this road becomes a critical component of our national road network.''

 President Buhari further remarked, " This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business.  This is because the travel time of averagely One hour before construction has now been reduced to 20minutes with the completion of the road.''

The Representative of the Minister of Works and Housing , the Zonal Director  South West in the Ministry, Engr. Ademola Kuti remarked, "The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities which is  flagged  off today in Ekiti will also  be in : Delta State for Isoko Ring Road Section II covering Aviara -Uzere, Jigawa State for Phase II of Hadejia - Nguru covering Kirikasama -Nguru, Gombe State for Phase II  of the Gombe -Numan -Yola Road  covering Gombe- Kaltungo ,  Yobe State for Section II and Phase I of the Nguru -Gashua -Bayamari Road covering Gashua to Bayamari ; Section I, Phase II covering Nguru to Gashua  and Nasarawa State for Lafia-Obi-Awe -Tunga  Road."

Fashola continued, "These projects represent major investment in road transport infrastructure,  which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity."

Earlier in his welcome address,   the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr.Bashir Nura Alkali who was represented by the Controller of Works Ekiti State, Engr.Ishaq Lawal said, "As part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s developmental agenda of addressing road infrastructural development across the length and breadth of Nigeria, the Federal Government as a policy direction has focused on the completion of several on-going projects to stimulate economic development, job creation and promoting local content. The focus is to link the major arterial roads to refineries, ports, tertiary institutions and high volume commercial centres with a view to reducing travel times, vehicle maintenance costs, safety and security of commuters etc."

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi who represented the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr.John Kayode Fayemi said, " We thank God that the job has been completed after 40years . We thank Buhari for attending to the calls of the people and the contractor has done a good job."

The Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele remarked " I will say on behalf  of the Senate Committee on Works that the Contractor has passed oversight test and the contractor must  also  ensure that all safety measures on the road including adequate road signage and lane markings should be engraved on the road. I congratulate Federal Government and those involved in the project."

The  Chairman of Efon Local Government Area Ekiti State, Engineer Bode Adetunji expressed  joy over the completed and commissioned road. He  remarked, " Efon is a  town for over forty years that has no outlet,  but now we have a road linking us to the outside world. We thank the contractor for a good job , Minister of Works and Housing and President Buhari for the project."

His Royal Highness Obalufon Alayemore , Oba Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare Agunsoye II , the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye said, "Onbehalf of the community and the people involved in the road rehabilitation,  I say thank you to the Federal Government. We want the Government to continue to maintain the road so that we can enjoy the road for a long time."

His Royal Highness Awaraja of Iwaraja Ijesa Oba Sunday Ibironke , Samoyekon I remarked, " I just want to commend the Controller and  the Minister , the job is  wonderful and good. "

The Managing Director of Kopek Construction Limited, Engr Issam Feghali  that handled the project commented,  "There was no road in Efon Alaaye before the construction started, moreso the topography but we have achieved alot . We appreciate the efforts of the people for their cooperation and better funding from Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN."
The Head of Market Association in Efon Alaaye,  Chief ( Mrs). Gbadamosi Olayemi, said, " We are happy with the road , goods and people can move into Efon, with the road we can now get to Ilesha and Ife in no time."

The Unit Chairman  Efon Alaaye Motor Transport Union , Emmanuel Sere Ogun have this to say, " The road has become the fastest route for commuters and we don't spend much money on vehicle repairs anymore."

Senior Motor Mechanic in the area ,Mr. Adedeji Adewale expressed his satisfaction with the project, " The beauty and aesthetics of the town has been greatly improved with the new road and the harrowing of 15years going through rough road is over."

One of the leading farmers in Efon Alaaye,  Timothy Agbalajobi said, " We are happy with the handing over , God bless Fashola and Federal Government. We no longer have problems moving our produce from farms to town. Issues of breakdown of vehicles with our produce getting  delayed is over."

May

30

2022

SUG President Lauds FG and Fashola for Road Intervention in Fed Poly Birnin Kebbi

The President of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the Federal Polytechnic Birnin Kebbi, Commrade Naziru Muktar has commended the FG under President Muhammadu Buhari and the  Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN for the 1.8km road intervention project being commissioned   in the Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Commrade Muktar described the road intervention in the Polytechnic as timely and  that the road had also brought succour to the Polytechnic Community who before now had  faced difficulties in their daily movement around the institution.

In his words, " Our students are elated and highly commended the  Government  who have promptly  responded  to their need, adding that the timely intervention in this regard has enormously helped the students  community and motorists."

Comr. Naziru Muhktar said, today we converge at the Waziru Umaru Federal Polytechnic to handover an important and timely 1.8km rehabilitated road by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under  President Muhammadu Buhari’s led Administration.

In his remarks, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Usman Sani Tunga described the project as great and thanked God Almighty and  that the intervention by the Federal Ministry of Works under Fashola had reached them at the right time.

He said,  "Before the intervention, we encountered several accidents. I am glad  to inform the Minister that not the students only are benefitting from this road project but also the entire Polytechnic community and we are not only thanking you sir, but also asking for more road rehabilitation especially the 2.2km road portion leading to the female hostel."

The former Rector of the Polytechnic, Arc. Sani Aliyu who witnessed the hand over said,
" Mine is simple, I sincerely appreciate the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for providing us with this  ultra-modern road network."

" Honestly speaking, it is indeed a timely intervention which has brought smile on the faces of the students and the entire community" he added.

Architect Aliyu pointed out that the project was completed in a record time with quality materials and thanked the Federal Government for the quick response.

Earlier in his address , the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Kebbi State, Engr. Ahmed Yabo said that his Ministry had made road intervention in 46 Tertiary Institutions Nation wide.

 " We have successfully intervened in various internal road networks of 46 Tertiary Institutions and handed over 29 as at 2021and we now have another 17 ready to be handed over, while we’re currently attending to 30 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 76 roads"  he said.

The Minister stated that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was consistent with its progressive ideal of improving human conditions, describing the process as a critical intervention to support Education. 

Fashola said, "The gap of our infrastructural needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and it has reached the schools."

He expressed the hope that the school will ensure proper maintenance of the asset and not abuse it, pointing out that about 50  people were provided with direct employment during the project.

May

22

2022

Press Statement

The attention of the Ministry of Works and Housing has been drawn to the activities of the Management Committee of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), a transition committee created by law to undertake routine management of the ARCON upon expiration of tenure of its statutory council and pending the constitution of a new council.

2.            In spite of presidential approval for the inauguration of a new council, it has not been possible to inaugurate the council as a result of litigation instituted by members of the Architecture Profession seeking to stop the inauguration.

3.            In the face of this self-induced stalemate, the Management Committee is purporting to exercise powers which only a full committee is permitted by law to exercise.

4.            Such conducts are clearly not only in violation of their enabling statute but could also attract criminal sanctions. These activities include:  a plan to organize the 2022 Colloquium for architects in Nigeria from Monday 23rd –Thursday 26th May, 2022 and a plan to undertake Architects Professional Competency Evaluation (APCE) Exercise. These are core functions of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and not that of the Management Committee.

5.            In order to forestall any breach of law and guide the Management Committee of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, the stakeholders, and members of public appropriately, it is pertinent to make the following clarifications in line with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria Act (Cap A19 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004).

6.            The membership composition of the Council is spelt out in Section 2 (2) of the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria Act, Cap A19 L.F.N 2004 which provides for the constitution of a 49-member Council of ARCON.

7.            It is this Council that the Act vests with the performance of the core functions of ARCON as provided for by Section 2 (1) (a- c) of the Act. These functions can only be undertaken by the Council when there is a quorum of the membership of the Council.  This is expressly stated in Section 4 of the First Schedule to the Act, thus: “The quorum of the Council shall be ten, so however that, at least one of the persons appointed by the Institute and five of the representatives of the States of the Federation are present at the particular meeting and the quorum of any committee of the Council shall be determined by the Council''

8.  The Ministry is not unaware of the provisions of Clause 1 (5) of the First Schedule to the Act, which provides that: “Notwithstanding that the term of office of a member of the Council has expired by the effluxion of time, a person appointed as the President, Vice-President or Treasurer of the Council shall continue in that office until a fresh appointment is made to the office.” It is the position of the Ministry that this provision does not entitle the President,  Vice-President or Treasurer who now constitute Management Committee to assume the role of the Council having regards to the statutory provision of Quorum of the Council. Clear guidance is provided by Section 27 of the Interpretation Act Cap. 123 L.F.N 2004, Thus: “any act or thing which a statutory body is authorized or required to do 
shall only be done by a majority of members of such statutory body or a quorum of them.''

9.           A compound reading of the provisions of Section 4 (on the Quorum of the Council), Clause 1(5) of the First Schedule to the Act and  Section 27 of the Interpretation Act clearly indicates that, the President, Vice-President and Treasurer of ARCON do not constitute a quorum for the purpose of carrying out the core functions of the Council. It therefore, follows that the President, Vice-President or Treasurer who now constitute Management Committee can only oversee the routine management of the Council. Moreover, Section 7(3) of the First schedule to the Act further provides that: A decision of the Committee shall be of no effect until it is confirmed by the  Council.

10.    The attention of the Ministry of Works and Housing has been drawn to the  activities of the Management Committee particularly the  newspaper publication  in The Guardian Newspaper of 16th May 2022 in respect of the Architects Professional Competency Evaluation (APCE). These are core statutory functions of the Council when properly constituted and therefore ultra vires the functions of a Management Committee to act upon.

11.       Consequently, in exercise of the supervisory powers of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing pursuant to the provision of sections 3 and 4 (1) of the Act, as well as Clause 2(2) of the First schedule to the Act, I have been directed by the Honourable Minister to convey the following to the Management Committee of ARCON that the Committee should:

i.             refrain forthwith from all activities which constitute statutory functions of the Council as enumerated in Section 2 (1) (a- c) of the Act until a new properly constituted Council is in place;

ii.            only oversee the routine administrative management of the Council until a new properly constituted Council is in place;

iii.          Retract recent statement in the advert by the Committee on the Architects Professional Competency Evaluation (APCE);

iv.          intensify efforts to reconcile the warring factions to embrace dialogue in resolving issues leading to the stagnation of the Profession rather than engage in   needless litigation that created the current impasse; and

v.           ensure that the issues that led to the litigation that created the current impasse are speedily and amicably resolved in the best interest of the Architecture profession and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

DATED THIS MONDAY, 23RD DAY OF MAY 2022.

Signed:
Bashir Nura Alkali, FCA, FCTI
Permanent Secretary
For: Honourable Minister
 
 

May

07

2022

FG To Finance Numan Jalingo Rd with N3bn Sukuk Fund –Sambo

………Says people of Taraba are happy with FG internal road works in Jalingo

The Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mr. Mu'azu Jaji Sambo said there is a provision of N3bn Sukuk fund in year 2022 by the Federal Government to finance the Numan- Jalingo Road in Adamawa and Taraba States, adding that once the Sukuk fund is accessed shortly there would be remarkable progress at the construction site. He made the disclosure during his working tour to the rehabilitation of the road and other road projects in Taraba and Adamawa States.

The Minister said that, “The 103-kilometer Numan-Jalingo Road is part of the Maiduguri –Calabar Highway. The section of the road that is not motorable is not acceptable. The road is the only connection between the North and South on the North Eastern axis of the country."

Sambo said the people of Taraba State are very appreciative and delighted with the 80 housing units commissioned in Taraba State this week by President Muhammadu Buhari and they are very calm and happy with the ongoing works on township roads in Jalingo.

The township roads: Hassan,Yelwa and DSS are three critical roads in Jalingo   which have defied all the civilians administrations in Taraba State since 1999.

Sambo said that the successful works on the internal roads in Jalingo, the Taraba State Capital has given the people the hope that this current administration is capable of delivering the Numan -Janligo Road.

He remarked   that he wouldn’t blame the contractor for the slow pace of work, saying it was due to the insufficient budgetary provision in the past and covid -19 pandemic that affected the progress of work.

He said, however, with the current improved funding provision the contractor was expected to service its equipment and be more serious on the construction work.

He added that if the company was found not to have the capacity to complete the job, government would not hesitate to terminate the contract and re-award it to a competent one.

While briefing the Honorable Minister on the progress of work on the Numan- Jalingo Road Project, a Senior Civil Engineer at the site, Engr. Maria Kenneth Zirrah representative of the Federal Controller of Works Adamawa State said insecurity, lack of construction materials and funding were responsible for the slow pace of work on the road project.

The Project Engineer of Deux Project Limited, the contractor for the Numan-Jalingo Road Project, Engr. Frank Koshihuk who spoke on behalf of the contractor said inflation, funding, insecurity were the major challenges on the construction of the road project.

He promised that as soon as the funding pattern for the rehabilitation works improved, the work would be completed within 8months.

The Minister of State also inspected the construction of Zing –Yakoko-Monkin Road in Taraba State during his 2-day working inspection visit.

Apr

12

2022

Bashir Nura Alkali Resumes Office As New Permanent Secretary For Works Ministry

The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali has resumed duty following the recent approval and redeployment of Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.

The Permanent Secretary in his taking over speech at the Ministry’s Headquarters Conference Room, Mabushi, Abuja yesterday appealed for the support of the management and staff of the Ministry to move the Ministry forward.

Alkali expressed hope that the cordial relationship he had with the staff and management at Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development would be the same and better in Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. He added, ‘’Every Civil Servant would want to come to this Ministry because of its activities and programmes. ‘’Every Civil Servant will want to come to Federal Ministry of Works and Housing because the experience there is huge and challenging and by extension if you could manage in the Ministry, I believe you could manage anywhere in Nigeria,’’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, pledged to work with the directors and staff he met on ground and to assist the Honourable Ministers in carrying out the mandate assigned to them. ‘’I will say I’m here to work and from what I had been told and seen we have excellent directors and staff that are going to assist in this job. I was just telling the Minister that our job as Permanent Secretaries is to assist the Ministers implement and deliver the mandate of the Ministry and I believe that is what we are going to do,’’ he said.

He assured of paying attention to issues brought to his attention by staff with a view to addressing them’’. I assure you that I’m a listener, I will listen to everybody but I will not be able to solve each and every problem of individuals’’, he said.

Mr. Bashir Nura Alkali had worked in Ministries of Justice, Police Affairs, the State House. His last posting was at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as the Permanent Secretary before his deployment to Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Earlier in his remarks, Engr. Chukwunwike Ogbonna Uzo, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary welcomed the new Permanent Secretary, and said that it was his first time for over thirty-three years of service to witness a Permanent Secretary taken over in a Ministry and all his former directors accompanying him. That tells you the kind of person the new Permanent Secretary is. ‘The people he is leaving behind are not happy losing him. But it is a gain to us in Federal Ministry of Works and Housing,’’ said Engr. Uzo.

Uzo handed over two sets of hand over notes. That of the former Permanent Secretary and that of when he acted as the Director, Overseeing the Permanent Secretary’s Office.

Mar

31

2022

East -West Road Returns to Works Ministry for Completion 13 years after

... As Akpabio handed Project back to Fashola

.... We need peace to deliver the project  - Fashola

As directed by the Presidency, the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs has handed  over the East-West Road back to the Ministry of Works and Housing for completion.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio handed over  the project back to the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN Wednesday, March 30, 2022. 

At the handing over Fashola said, "It is an uncommon act because it is the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria that this project that started then in the Ministry of Works be transferred to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and thirteen years after the President directed that the project be handed over to the Ministry of Works and Housing for  completion."

Accordingly, the Works and Housing Minister said that peace is needed within the host communities for the project to be delivered.  “One condition for any project to take place is communal peace. If we don’t have peace there, we cannot do anything,” he said.

While appealing for peace, collaboration and sacrifice from the communities, Mr. Fashola also urged  representatives of the various communities at the event to take the message back home that peace is needed to deliver the project.

On the progress of work done he said, “Progress has been made from 2009 till date no doubt but unfortunately that progress is not reported because of the passion with which the uncompleted part has been reported."

Fashola directed the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary  in his Ministry, Engr.Chukwunwike Ogbonna Uzo to constitute a requisite team from the Ministry to undertake actual assessment with the contractors so that the Ministry will be able to sign off in the proper engineering and civil construction terms at  the point the Ministry is taking over, adding that Mr. President will be briefed on the progress of work done so far.

Earlier in his remarks, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio said that  in order to fast tract the completion of the project, the people of Ogoni Land demanded that  the project be supervised by  Federal Ministry of Works and Housing that has much more experienced professionals in terms of engineering services.

Akpabio explained that the project was awarded in 2006 by the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo and that as of 2022 Sections 1-4 of the project is  eighty percent completed.

 “As we hand over the East-West road to you today, about 80% of the project has been completed and that the situation today is that it is easy to drive from Port Harcourt to Yenagoa under fifty minutes.”

On the length of the road, he said it is a 328 kilometre road that starts from Effurun in Delta State and transverses the Niger Delta, Rivers State and ends up in Oron in Akwa-Ibom State, while Section 5 of the road is from Oron to Calabar in Cross River State.

On Funding, the Minister said that the sum of 10.4 billion naira was awaiting release and that he has directed that the money should be released to the East-West Road Account to be controlled by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.
 

Mar

28

2022

Roads: President Buhari Wins Great Builder Award For Africa

·       As Fashola receives Award of Excellence for commitment to road infrastructure

·       Nigeria to host the 2022 Inaugural  on March 31
 
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has won the Super Prize Great Builder Award while the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, received an Award of Excellence for the African Road Builders -Trophee Babacar Ndiaye for the year 2021.

President Buhari was chosen for the award for significant Improvement in road transport network in Nigeria while the Minister was chosen as recipient of his award for commitment to road and transport infrastructure in the country during the 2021 Inaugural Conference of the African Road Builders - Trophee Babacar Ndiaye - which was held in Cairo, Egypt.

With headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d' Voire, the African Road Builders - Trophee Babacar Ndiaye holds the annual event with the objective of celebrating good examples and encouraging all African countries to improve road and transportation Infrastructure.

The Conference also aims to promote development of road transport in Africa by rewarding each year an African Head of State for significant Improvement in road transport in his country.

The Conference members and participants drawn from some African countries also include; Political authorities from the member countries, Road and Transport Authorities, The African Development Bank, Development Partners operating in the member countries, Local Road and Transport Actors in Nigeria, among others.

Nigeria is billed to host the 2022 Inaugural Conference – “Conference Inaugurale”, in Abuja on Thursday, 31 March, 2022, during which President Buhari will be conferred with his Award at the closing dinner of the conference. The Conference theme is "Building Roads, Building Economies – “Construire Des Routes, Batir Des Economies”.

Mar

23

2022

Fashola Restates FG’s Commitment To Quality Education As AKTH Receives 1.06 Km Rehabilitated Internal Road

·       CMD, other academic, non-academic staff, laud Buhari, Minister for intervention
 
The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, took delivery of a 1.06 kilometer internal road rehabilitated in the institution by the Ministry of Works and Housing with the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, restating Federal Government’s commitment to the development of education in the county through the provision of quality infrastructure.

With the handover of the 1.06 km internal road, which included the construction of reinforced concrete culverts and drains, AKTH joined the Federal Tertiary institutions which have benefitted from the ongoing Federal Government Road Intervention Scheme across the country which has so far reached 46 Federal tertiary in across the six geopolitical zones.

Fashola, who was represented at the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in Kano State, Engr. Yahaya Baba Ali, said President Muhammadu Buhari's administration has successfully intervened in the internal road network of 46 Federal Tertiary institutions handing over 29 in 2021 with17 others now ready to be handed over, while work is ongoing on 30 roads in similar institutions across the country bringing the total number to 76.

Noting the show of joy and enthusiasm that always accompanied such handovers, especially among students of benefiting institutions, the Minister declared, “The 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 feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place”.

Earlier, in his welcome address the Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, Prof. Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe, expressed happiness that an important project of that magnitude was executed in the institution, pointing out that it would allow easy access for patients seeking medical treatment in different parts of the hospital.

"We are indeed very happy that the Federal Government, under President Muhammadu Buhari and through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, realized the importance of this project which was carried out through special intervention. The result is what we are seeing all around the hospital today”, he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, represented by Dr. Dahiru M.D Shehu, expressed the hope that the present administration would continue to bring in more projects to the hospital.

"I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, for the road which will help in the development of the Health Sector in the country," he said. He also commended the administration of President Buhari for the support given to the hospital in terms of improvement of the healthcare system in the county.

The Principal Imam, Academics, AKTH. Mallam Zakariya'u Muhammad thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the internal road adding, “This has brought relief to the people. Before the intervention visitors to this hospital suffered from dust due to the bad road and during raining season patients and pupils found it difficult to access the road."

The ward head in the Hospital, Alhaji Suleiman Shehu, expressed his happiness over the intervention and thanked the government for removing the pains of the people while using the road. “We can now move freely on the road”, he said.

Mar

17

2022

Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Agog As Fashola Commissions, Hands Over Internal Road

•  Minister reiterates FG’s commitment to impacting Education through Infrastructure upgrade nationwide
•    Medical Director says intervention is the first since the establishment of the school. “Pro. Adeoye Lambo and his wife are dancing in their graves”, he says
•    Some people only close their eyes to what President Muhammadu Buhari is doing for the country –SUG President
 

Students, Academic and non-Academic staff of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital, were jubilant on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, as the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, commissioned and handed over a 1.3-kilometre internal road rehabilitated in the institution by the Ministry.  

Wednesday’s ceremony would bring to 35 the number of rehabilitated internal roads commissioned and handed over to various institutions since the resumption of the second session of the Season of Completion and Impact in Federal Tertiary Institutions temporarily suspended earlier as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.

In his address at the ceremony, which attracted a large number of the academic community, stakeholders and members of the public, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, said the objective of the Buhari administration in extending its Infrastructure delivery Initiative to the schools was primarily to enhance the learning environment in the institutions.

Fashola, who was represented at the ceremony by the Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Engr. Umar Bakare, said the 1.3 kilometre road, which, according to him “is part of Federal Government's Intervention Roads Rehabilitation Programme for Tertiary Institutions across the country”, would help the movement of people, ease learning and facilitate speedy healthcare delivery service in the institution.   

The Minister, who handed over the road to the Provost / Medical Director of the Institution, Dr. Paul Agboola, declared, “Today we converge here at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta to hand over an important asset , a 1.3 kilometre  internal road rehabilitated and reconstructed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on behalf of the Federal Government”.

According to him, the fact that the quality of infrastructure and upgraded learning environment  in all the institutions nationwide would impact positively on the productivity of students and the academic as well as the non-academic staff was already being attested to by students of the  institutions that are already enjoying their upgraded infrastructure assets.

 “It is undebatable that quality of healthcare delivery will be impacted by and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from staff in the hospital where this intervention has taken place”, the Minister said adding that because of its convictions, government had taken on the rehabilitation of internal roads and other assets in 76 Federal Tertiary institution across the country with 29 roads already completed and handed over with 17 also completed and being handed over while 30 others are ongoing. 

In his remarks earlier, the Medical Director of the institution, Dr. Paul Agboola, noted that the Buhari administration’s intervention in the school was the first since the establishment of the school adding that the act would surely invoke great joy in the hearts of the academic community as well as the founding fathers of the institution.

 “Since the establishment of this hospital several decades ago, this is the first time in recent years where internal road networks construction within the hospital is carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. This singular act has put smile in the faces of the hospital staff and patients. In fact, one of our outstanding founding fathers, Late Professor Adeoye Lambo and his wife are dancing in their grave saying thank you to  President Muhammadu Buhari and his team, especially the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola , SAN”. 

Also the institution’s Head of Administration, Mr. Richard Kayode, in his remarks noted that before the rehabilitation the road was “almost impassable to motorists and caused discomfort to pedestrians especially during the Raining Season”, adding, “We say thank you to the Federal Ministry of Works Housing and its head, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. President Muhammadu Buhari has been doing a lot from what we can see today in road repairs across the six geo political zones of the country”.

In her remarks, the Chief Nurse /Tutor in the institution, Mrs. Dada Joseph, commended the quality of the road saying “it is the type that can stand the test of time”, adding that the road represented a major achievement for the Buhari government in assisting the school. “For some years back, it has been difficult moving around while people complained about the road including patients and staff”, she said. 

The Press and Public Relations Officer of the Hospital, Mr. Oluwatoyin Abiola, in his  vote of thanks on behalf of the institution, said, “On behalf of the entire Management and the Board of Directors, I am saying thank you to President Muhammadu Buhari for repairing the internal road in our institution. It is a plus to his administration."

One of the contractors who spoke at the event from Henod Integrated Limited, Prince Louis Okojie, thanked the institution and Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for giving the company “the enabling environment to complete the scope of work within the time frame without disturbance or financial constraint”, adding, “We thank the Honourable Minister much more for believing in indigenous contractors to handle this project”.

The Vice President of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution, Comrade Odutola  Samuel, while expressing delight that the repaired road would provide good opportunity for the students and staff to teach and learn in conducive environment “after so many years of bad road and hardship”,  gave kudos to the Federal Government for the gesture that has also been extended to other institutions across the country, adding, “Some people only close their eyes to what President Muhammadu Buhari is doing for the country”. 

The event was well attended by representatives of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, staff and students of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta and contractors of the project. 
 

Mar

09

2022

Convoy Of FG’S Team To Second Niger Bridge Not Involved In Road Crash 

No fatal crash occurred during Tuesday’s inspection of the Second Niger by a Federal Government Team led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari. 
 
Contrary to the sensational report making the rounds on the social media, the Team which also comprised the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, his Labour and Productivity counterpart, Dr. Chris Ngige and the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr Uche Orji  on arrival at the Asaba Airport in Delta State visited the Interchange along Owerri-Onitsha Road and the East approach to the Bridge in Onitsha from where they walked across to the West approach. 
 
After a media briefing by members of the Team, the Chief of Staff was conducted to the West approach at Asaba and the Toll Plaza of the Bridge before returning to Abuja. 
 
It was discovered much later that one of the vehicles in the Team of the Commissioner of Police from Anambra State had a mishap during which two policemen sustained injuries. It was confirmed from the Nigeria Police, Anambra State Command that they were treated at the Federal Medical Centre Asaba and had since been discharged. 
 
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN, following anxious calls from well-meaning members of the public about the safety of the members of the Federal Government delegation, expresses deep sympathies over the injured two men of the Anambra Police Command. 
 
However, no lives were lost at all as claimed in the false report by the online platform of a national daily. 

Mar

09

2022

FCE Guzau Joins Beneficiaries Of FG’s Ongoing Road Intervention Scheme

· As Fashola commissions, hands over 1.5 km rehabilitated road to the all-female institution
 
The Federal College of Education (Technical) Guzau, Zamfara State, Tuesday, March 8, 2022, joined other beneficiaries of the on-going Federal Government Road Intervention Scheme in Federal tertiary institutions across the country as the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, commissioned and handed over a 1.50-kilometre internal road rehabilitated by the Ministry.

The road, which, according to some students and staff of the all-girls institution, was in a very dilapidated condition before the intervention by the Federal Government, constituted a very big challenge to both residents and day students, especially in terms of access to lecture halls and hostels as it is a major link between the halls of residence and lectures as well as administrative blocks.

In his address at the event which attracted top administrators of the institution and other dignitaries, including the Emir of Guzau, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Bello, among others, Fashola reiterated the commitment of the President Muhammad Buhari administration to extend infrastructure provision to tertiary institutions saying the purpose was to improve the education environment of the institutions.

The Minister, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in the State, Alhaji Hassan Muhammad Isa, said in addition to improving the quality of education in the institutions, the objective was also in line with the progressive ideal of the Buhari administration to improve human condition, adding that the scheme represented “a critical intervention to support education”.

The Minister told the esteemed audience which also included the Chairman Governing Council of the Institution, Architect Ubokutom Nyah, “It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment.” He added that those in doubt of the assertion should “Simply listen to feedbacks from students in the various institutions that have already benefited from the scheme.”

Pointing out that the Ministry is currently intervening in internal roads in 30 Federal Institutions across the country, Fashola said the Ministry had already successfully intervened in 45 such institutions, 29 of which had been handed over since 2021 while the handing over of another set of 17 completed ones, including the FCE (Technical) Guzau, has commenced.

“Today, we converge at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Guzau, to hand over an important asset, 1.50-kilometre rehabilitated road by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on behalf of the Federal Government”, the Minister said, adding that while a lot of work still needed to be done in all sectors of the nation’s economy, including education, the Buhari government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that work done.

He declared with delight,” The gap of our infrastructure need is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewals and constructions on our major highways and it has now reached the schools,” pointing out that the interventions have enhanced the enthusiasm of students with regards to attending classes as some defective roads in the institutions had been restored to good condition.

Pointing out that although the interventions come as civil Works project, they represent an investment in education as well as means of job creation. The Minister added that during the construction of the road, 31 people were employed in the process “contributing to the job creation initiative of the government”, expressing the hope that the benefiting schools would take ownership of the assets and protect them from abuse.

In his address, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Hassan Muhammad Nashiha, commended, the Federal Government for the intervention in the institution describing it as unique in the history of governments in the country. He specially congratulated the Minister “for undertaking the project in a very special way”.

He also commended the Chairman Governing Council of the Institution, who, according to him, has brought so many projects to the institution during his tenure, including renovation of hostels and toilets as well as recreation centre. The Deputy Governor, however pleaded with the Federal Government to build a perimetre fence around the institution considering the state of insecurity in the state.

Also in his goodwill message, the Emir of Gusau, HRM Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Bello, thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for carrying out the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road in the institution saying it had constituted a grave challenge to students. He also pleaded with the government to help put a perimetre fence around the school especially as it is an all-female institution.

As for the students, the event was an occasion to express their joy and gratitude to the Federal Government and particularly the Minister of Works and Housing whom they praised for his consistency and dedication in carrying out the project to conclusion.

From the President of the Institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG, Comrade Mariam Salisu, who studies Home Science to Nwada Oluchi Alago, who studies Home Economics and Fatima Abubakar, a Second Year Primary Education student; through Salihu Hamisu of ICT Department and Promise Julius and her two friends, Yemisi and Justina, who both study Biology and Integrated Science as well as Fatima Mohammad, a physically challenged student in Special Education Department, the intervention was both “God-sent and timely.”

Also present at the occasion were the Secretary to the Government of Zamfara State, The Chief of Staff to the Governor and some top officials of the State Government, deans of faculties and Directors of Departments as well a the executive officers of the Students Union Government and the students body who came in their large numbers to show their gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention.