Federal Ministry of Works

Mar

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI DECLARES AN END TO YEARS OF DEADLY TRAPS AND GRIDLOCK ON THE ENUGU–ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY, SETS MARCH 31 DEADLINE FOR REOPENING

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has declared that the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway is fast shedding its grim past, as the Federal Government intensifies a sweeping infrastructure upgrade across the South-East under the President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Umahi made the declaration on Monday, March 23, 2026, during an inspection of ongoing projects in Enugu, including the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover, where he expressed confidence that the era of consistent fatal accidents, endless traffic, and public frustration along the road is coming to an end.

“I’m going round the six geopolitical zones assessing what is possibly to be commissioned before May 29th by Mr President. There are mega project that the President will be available for before May 29th and we mean it,” the Minister said.

Once regarded as one of the most dangerous highways in the region, the Enugu–Onitsha road had for years been plagued by tanker explosions, loss of lives, and economic disruptions. But Umahi said decisive intervention by the Tinubu administration has changed the trajectory.

“Now this route, the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, you recall that when we came on board, everyday, people were talking about this road. There were a lot of tanker accidents, a lot of people died and so forth. But my joy is that the whole thing is a past story, because the President has swinged into action,” he stated.

The Minister disclosed that the dual carriageway, which spans 107 kilometres on each side, is undergoing a major structural shift, with a significant portion being converted from asphalt to concrete to ensure durability.

“It is not only that we are repairing this road… about half of it is going on to be concrete. I have no confidence in asphalt I continue to say it. By the time the asphalt fail we will have 50 percent of the road still intact and if it fails within the second tenure of the president then be rest assured that we will fix it,” he said.

He added that the same approach is being extended to sections in Anambra State, including the head bridge axis, where an initial asphalt design is being replaced with concrete pavement to align with modern highway standards.

“At the head Bridge we have 39k, we’re changing that to concrete so that we can have this coastal road type of road pavement there in Anambra and here in Enugu,”.

Beyond reconstruction, the project is also being enhanced with solar-powered street lighting and environmental features aimed at improving safety and sustainability.

“So that is going to happen but then not only that. We are putting solar light both for the one that was constructed before us and the one that is being done by us. Within the first one week we will have solar light up to this 1km and we continue we are also going to plant trees which is very important,” he added.

The Minister urged the people of the South-East to recognise the level of federal intervention in the region, noting that such attention to infrastructure was previously lacking.

“The people of South East have to be very grateful to Mr President. The reason is that we never had it like this. I was governor for 8 years and I can’t think of any Federal road project in Ebonyi State,” he said.

He also cautioned against divisive narratives, warning that some actors were misleading the public for selfish interests.

“I want to ask our people to be very very careful, there are people that pretend that they are helping us but they actually inciting us against government… we need to know when people are genuinely interested in our case,” he said.

Calling for sustained support for President Tinubu, Umahi described the ongoing works as part of a broader effort to correct past neglect and integrate the South-East more fully into national development.

“Let us allow this man that have started to right the wrong metted on us as the people of Southeast in the past. Let us allow him the next four years and we will be very much fully integrated,” he stated, adding, “To know the revolution that is going on in infrastructure… this is the Biafra we are looking for.”

As a major milestone, the Minister directed that the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway be reopened for public use on or before March 31.

“I have given the controller the authority, by the 31st or before, he should call the press to open this road, call the people of South East… let them know that this road is open for travel and that will be our Easter celebration,”.

Addressing concerns over project costs, Umahi clarified that the Ministry of Works does not unilaterally determine project pricing, noting that approvals pass through multiple regulatory layers, including the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.

“I’m not the final authority when it comes to the cost of a project, there are layers of approval, the Bureau of Public Procurement, their own stands and not my own,” he explained.

He maintained that the standard being applied to the Enugu–Onitsha project is consistent with major road projects across the country.

“The same road architecture as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway… so no discrimination with the president, everybody is the same,” Umahi said.

Oct

2025

OUSTANDING WORKS ON ABUJA-KADUNA-ZARIA-KANO ROAD PROJECT GET EXPEDITIOUS DELIVERY BOOST, AS WORKS MINISTER, SEN DAVID UMAHI AND KADUNA STATE GOVERNOR,SEN. UBA SANI MEET ON MODALITIES TO FASTRACK DELIVERY OF PROJECT. In the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration towards achieving timeous completion of the outstanding works on Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project, handled by Messrs Infiouest International Limited, the Hoonourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has directed the contractor to fastrack the delivery of the two sections of the road project particularly by increasing the number of work zones between Jere and kaduna in Kaduna State and ensuring that the project is delivered in record time. The Honourable Minister of Works gave this directive after a meeting he had with the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani CON together with the contractor handling the project, held at the Honourable Minister’s office, Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi, Abuja on 10th October, 2025. Speaking on the importance and priority accorded to the project by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Hounourable Minister stated; “We have been monitoring this project almost every week, and so we insisted that we must do a meeting with the MD of Infiouest who has the contract of these sections, lot 1, which is N252,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Two Billion Naira), and lot 2 which is basically in Kaduna, 82 kilometres by 2 that is 164 kilometres costing Federal Government N502,000,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Two Billion Naira), so altogether to complete all the sections from Abuja down to Kaduna, down Kano is costing the Federal Government N754,000,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Four Billion). Lot 1 is 118 kilometres, costing N252,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Two Billion Naira), and lot 2 is 164 kilometres, costing N502,000,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Two Billion)”. He directed the contractor, Infiouest, to deploy on 4 sections and ensure steady work progress, and the Engineer Representative to relocate to Kaduna and monitor strictly the progress of the project and feed him back on daily basis. He assured the Governor that the progress and quality of work would be tracked with a view to achieving delivery in record time. " I want to assure you that the President is very highly concerned to get this project done. But the quality of using the same standard of coastal highway is something that our brothers and sisters in the North will never forget President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his love and commitment towards the development of every part of this country ." Also, speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the Governor of Kaduna State expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and the quality of the job being done on the project. He said that he had no doubt that in the next two weeks, the contractor should be able to record commendable milestones given the quality of the meeting held with the Honourable Minister of Works and the contractor handling the job.He further stated that the road is a very important transport corridor that connects not only the economic corridors of the North West but also that of the North Central and the North East " What is more important for us here is for you to understand that Abuja, Kaduna, Kano road connects about 12 States. States from North West, as well as some States from North Central and North East. So it is a very important road that I believe that by the time you complete this project, many people, apart from Kaduna, will be very happy." He commended the professionalism, passion, and innovation brought to bare by the Honourable Minister of Works, whom he described as a rare gem in public service delivery." We are proud to have a Minister of the caliber of Engr. David Umahi, who is of very top profession. I am surprised, when I came here he had to break down the entire project ( off hand) from the size of the project to the level of the project as well as the quality of what is going on there, and I can say that if we have a lot of Honourable Ministers like him in Nigeria,we have to go to sleep without having any problems " In the response of the contractor handling the project, the Managing Director of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Joseph Abou Jaounde assured of keeping to the directive of the Honourable Minister. “ I am here to assure you, even though we have some little challenges in Kaduna, but from now to 2 weeks, we are going to have a visit a site and to make sure that this portion of the road will be joined with Zuba to Kaduna, and all the sections will be joined together to make sure that the work will be done on time in the right way and quality required ”. This collaborative support and encouragement from the Governor of Kaduna State is made possible because of his interest to tap into the massive infrastructural development programmes of the federal government across the Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria. He is a visionary leader and development advocate who is widely recognized for his contributions to democracy, governance, and social transformation. He is a product of Nigeria’s diverse educational system, a financial guru, business administrator, and engineer in thought. He played a frontline role in the struggle against the military rule in Nigeria. He was a courageous pro-democracy activist, organizing and mobilizing citizens in Northern Nigeria against military dictatorship. Today, he is on the saddle as the Governor of Kaduna State and he is one of the serving Governors in Nigeria who have shown untiring determination to right the wrong in the socio-economic conditions of their people and he is achieving progressive and exponential result given the unprecedented wave of support and leverage provided by the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu to the sub-national governments. Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works. ...

Oct

2025

Minister Inspects Ongoing Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararaba-Keffi Road (43.65km) Under Tax Credit Scheme. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, conducted a site inspection of the ongoing reconstruction and expansion works on the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba-Keffi Road. The project, a critical infrastructure upgrade under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, is being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited. The Minister, during the inspection, expressed serious concern over the pace of work and the persistent traffic congestion along the corridor, which serves as a vital link between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. He noted that the daily gridlock severely affects thousands of commuters, particularly civil servants residing along the axis, many of whom struggle to arrive at work on time. Rt. Hon. Goronyo emphasized the urgency of expediting the construction timeline, reminding the contractor that the Federal Government had granted permission for night-time construction activities to ensure faster delivery and to mitigate the hardship faced by road users. "This project is of national importance. The volume of traffic here is massive, and many public servants are suffering. The government is fully supportive of this project, but the contractor must rise to the occasion. You have approval to work at night — please utilise it to meet the delivery schedule," the Minister stated. In response, Mr. Dong Hong, the Project Manager representing China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, assured the Minister and the Nigerian public that the project remains on track and will be completed within the agreed timeline. "We understand the importance of this road and the urgency to ease traffic for the people. Our team is fully mobilised, and we are committed to delivering quality work on time," said Mr. Hong. The Mararaba-Keffi Road project forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure needs through innovative financing mechanisms such as the Tax Credit Scheme, which allows private sector partners to invest in public road projects in exchange for tax reliefs. The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to ensuring that all ongoing infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently, timely, and to the highest standards, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed. Director, Press and Public Relations Department. Federal Ministry of Works. ...

Oct

2025

Independence Day: Goronyo Hails Tinubu, Urges Nigerians to Renew Patriotism As Nigeria marks another year of its independence, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has extended warm felicitations to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to all Nigerians at home and abroad. In his Independence Day message, the Minister emphasized that the celebration is not only a tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers but also a reminder of the unity, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people. “Independence is a call to renew our shared responsibility in building a stronger, more prosperous, and peaceful nation for generations to come,” the Minister stated. He further urged both leaders and citizens to embrace patriotism and dedication in order to ensure that Nigeria continues to stand tall among the comity of nations. “May this anniversary inspire us all to work together with renewed hope and commitment towards the growth and greatness of our dear country,” he added. The Minister concluded by wishing Nigerians a joyous celebration, declaring: “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! Long live Mr. President." Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed. For: S A (Media) to the Honourable Minister of State for Works 1st October, 2025 ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jan

2023

FUT Minna Gets FG's 1.25 km Road Intervention

The Intervention Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in the Internal Roads of Federal Tertiary Institutions Nationwide has reached the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, as a 1.25-kilometer road in the institution got rehabilitated.

The rehabilitated road was handed over to the Management of the University by the Federal Controller of Works Niger State, Engr Moshood Adekunle Samotu on behalf of the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Friday, January 27, 2023.

In his address, the Minister, Mr Raji Fashola stated that the intervention in the internal roads of tertiary institutions across the country by the federal government is a critical investment in education.

Fashola described the intervention as a critical support and an investment in education.

He explained the need to bridge the infrastructure gap in schools, saying that the government has successfully intervened in 64 internal Road projects in various Federal Tertiary Institutions.

" We have handed over a total of 46 as at March, 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 19 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 83 ".

Mr. Fashola pointed out that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has stepped up effort in leading the process of getting the work done, pointing that the intervention has contributed to the job creation initiative of the government and disclosed that 30 people had been employed during the road construction in FUT Minna.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, FUT Minna, Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta described the road intervention as laudable and important to the University Community.

Professor Kuta appreciated the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola for the road intervention in his school, praying that the University should also be considered as a beneficiary when similar intervention is conceived in future.

In an interview, Dr. Auta Manaissa, Dean Students Affairs said that, the University was experiencing a helpless situation before the intervention and now the entire University community are happy as free access has been facilitated by the road rehabilitation

Testimonies from Students in the University, all pointed out that the rehabilitated 1.25km road had greatly impacted on their learning environment, as free and faster access has now been facilitated for staff and students in the course of carrying out their academic activities

The students that spoke include; Financial Secretary of the Students Union Government (SUG), Aminat Abdulraheem, a student of Agriculture and Bio- Resources; Attah Danladi Mustafa, Student Representative member; Zaccheus Philip Adinoyi, a 200-level student of Mechanic Engineering; and Abdulrahman Khidir Olayinka, a student of Animal Production Technology.

Generally, the students commended the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari for bringing this laudable project to the institution.

Accordingly, the students were of the view that the University needs more of such projects in its permanent site to further fast track its development.

The 1.25 kilometers newly rehabilitated internal road in FUT Minna connects the following buildings in the University; University Clinic; Sports Complex; School of Innovative Technology; Ultra-modern market; Students Hostels (block A-G & H); Hostels Mosque and the University Chapel.

SPEECHES

Aug

2022

Introductory Remarks By The Director, Planning Research And Statistics Federal Ministry Of Works And Housing , Mr. Jide Ode-Martins At The Technical Session Of The 28th Meeting Of The National Council On Works Holding In Kano, Kano State From 22nd – 26th August, 2022

Protocol

I welcome you all to the 28th Meeting of the National Council on Works with the theme: ”Infrastructure, the Season of Completion” holding here in Kano from today Monday, 22nd – 26th August, 2022.

2. As you are aware, the Meeting of the National Council on Works is the highest policy-making organ where stakeholders in the Works Sector deliberate and discuss critical issues concerning the Sector with a view to proffering sustainable solutions.

3. It is pertinent to highlight that the Council Meeting is heralded by a 2-Day Technical Meeting of the Directors and the Meeting of the Permanent Secretaries. The responsibility of the Technical Meeting of the Directors as you are aware, is to create a solid and resourceful foundation by the diligently reviewing the memoranda submitted by stakeholders and fine-tuning the recommendation made by the Meeting of the Permanent Secretaries for presentation to the Council.

4. In view of the foregoing, I would like to urge all Directors present to rise to the occasion as usual and come up with recommendations worthy of consideration by the Council. This is a task that most of us here are very competent at and committed to doing year in year out. I am therefore, very confident of our ability to timely deliver on this assignment.

5. At this juncture, I would like to assure you that all necessary logistics have been made to ensure the success of this year’s Council Meeting. The Secretariat is available to attend to enquiries and render any assistance needed.

6. On a concluding note, I wish to express our profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, the Honourable Minister of State Umar Ibrahim El- Yakub and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing Bashir Nura Alkali FCA, FCTI for providing the required support and enabling environment for the success of this Meeting. I also appreciate the support of all Directors and entire staff of the Ministry whose efforts made today a reality. The role of Kano State Government and the Local Organizing Committee to the preparation for this meeting is highly commendable.

7. Once again, welcome to the 2-Day brainstorming Session preceding this year’s National Council Meeting on Works. I wish all of us fruitful deliberations.

8. Thank you and God bless you all.