FG Decries Road Vandalism, Reaffirms Commitment to Record Completion of Abuja-Kano Expressway The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects across the country, warning that such irresponsible acts threaten the lifespan and safety of critical national infrastructure. Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., issued the warning on Saturday, 8th November 2025, during a holistic inspection visit to the Outstanding Sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway project, where he condemned the destructive activities of some hoodlums along the completed and active sections of the road. The Minister, in particular, decried instances of individuals removing safety railings, damaging concrete pavements, or converting portions of the highway into refuse dumps and drying grounds—especially around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State. “Maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility,” Goronyo stated. “We have observed people cutting through newly completed road sections or tampering with vital components. These acts of vandalism must stop immediately,” he warned. In this vein, he urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and ensure that such national assets are protected from misuse, adding that the government’s huge investments in road development must be safeguarded for future generations. “The Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committing enormous resources to the building of durable roads across the country. Every act of vandalism or road abuse undermines national progress and the deployment of taxpayers’ money to other critical national priorities,” the Minister emphasised. Reaffirming the government’s resolve to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway within record time, Goronyo described the project as a flagship of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance trade, promote unity, and strengthen economic integration between the Northern and Southern regions of the country. He disclosed that the Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) of the project, spanning 144 kilometres, is progressing steadily across several active sections - from Tungan Maje and Jere to Katari, Kakau, Gonigora, and Agogo Junction—with significant work already completed in drainage, reinforcement, and the construction of the shoulders. “So far, about 26 kilometres of continuous rigid concrete pavement and 15 kilometres of binder and wearing course have been completed,” the Minister revealed. “The President has made it clear that funding will not be a constraint. It is now a matter of work and getting paid,” he informed the contractor, Messrs. Infiouest International Limited. In line with the President’s directive for durable infrastructure, the Acting Director, Highways, Bridges and Design at the Ministry, Engr. Musa Sa’idu explained that the project design was upgraded from flexible (asphalt) to rigid (concrete) pavement, capable of lasting for about a century and withstanding the stress of heavy-duty and overloaded vehicles. He further disclosed that a recycling approach is being used to strengthen the substructure, by mixing milled asphalt with stone base and cement to improve durability and minimize environmental impact. Mr. Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager of the company, reaffirmed their commitment to engineering excellence and set a target, adding that work is progressing seven days a week, with plans to introduce night shifts to accelerate completion. “We are determined to deliver this project ahead of schedule. The government has demonstrated exceptional consistency in funding, and we are matching that commitment with performance,” Turner assured. Concluding the inspection tour at the additional location of the Kano end of the alignment, the Minister reiterated that the Abuja–Kano Expressway remains one of the most strategic road corridors in the nation, symbolising Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal, national security, and economic prosperity. “This project is dear to the President’s heart. It is not just a road - it is a lifeline for trade, social and political integration, as well as national unity. Every Nigerian must play a part in protecting it,” Goronyo declared. Earlier at the end of Section II (Kaduna-Zaria), which has been completed and handed over by the previous contractor, the  Minister detoured to inspect another ongoing construction work on the Unguwar Iliya-Bagudu-Kwantakaran-Tsiga-Bakori Road with Kadabo Bridge in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, which has an approximate length of 17.3 kilometres, starting from Tsiga Town and passing through the Barde community. The scope of work includes the construction of a single carriageway and three reinforced concrete bridges. Briefing the Minister on the Project, the Federal   Controller/Engineers’ Representative, Engr. Muhammad I. Matinja and the Project Manager for Messrs. Halis Matrix Limited, Engr. David Omotosho expressed optimism about the progress of work, assuring that it will be completed on time and according to its design. **Mohammed A Ahmed, ** Director Press and Public Relations.  9th November 2025. ...

OYEBANJI DECLARES OPEN 30TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS   - MINISTER COMMENDS PRESIDENT TINUBU AND EKITI GOVERNOR FOR INFRASTRUCTURE STRIDES  The 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) officially commenced in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji declaring the event open on Thursday, 4th November 2025. The Council, which drew participation from Honourable Commissioners of Works and Permanent Secretaries from the 36 States of the Federation, focused on advancing transparency, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure delivery across Nigeria. In his address, Governor Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress recorded by his administration in road construction and rehabilitation, describing it as a “road revolution” that has opened up communities, enhanced connectivity, and improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. He reaffirmed Ekiti State’s commitment to infrastructural excellence and inclusive development, noting that hosting the NCW was a recognition of the State’s growing reputation for innovation and good governance. “Since inception, our administration has made deliberate efforts to invest in infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and social development,” he stated. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his interventions on Federal roads in our State, which we have complemented through the repair of the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki dual carriageway,” he added. The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FANTE, represented by the Minister of State, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., commended both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for their shared commitment to infrastructure renewal. He described their collaboration as a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s success in fostering synergy between the Federal and State Governments for sustainable national development. The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Government and the good people of Ekiti State for graciously hosting the 30th Council. He commended the Governor for providing an enabling environment for collaboration and dialogue, describing Ekiti as a hub of responsible governance and infrastructural innovation. He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has empowered the Ministry to deliver transformative projects that enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and restore public confidence. He particularly applauded Governor Oyebanji for the successful completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport, describing it as a landmark project that has repositioned the State for economic growth and investment. Reflecting on the Council’s theme, “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” the Minister emphasised the need for a renewed mindset in public service and infrastructure delivery. He stressed that discipline builds trust, transparency ensures accountability, and innovation drives sustainability in modern engineering. He further revealed that the Ministry is adopting advanced technologies, including digital project monitoring, geotechnical mapping, drone-assisted planning, and the use of climate-resilient materials, to meet Nigeria’s evolving infrastructure needs. “Infrastructure is more than concrete and steel or asphalt, it is the backbone of our economy and a bridge to opportunities. “Through discipline, transparency, and innovation, we will deliver roads that reflect our people’s aspirations,” he promised. The Council, chaired by the Minister of State reviewed 67 memoranda, out of which 62 were adopted. These memoranda had undergone robust deliberations during the three-day Technical Sessions preceding the main event, which included Meetings of Directors and other Stakeholders, as well as those of the Permanent Secretaries. The meetings underscored enhanced policy coordination, institutional strengthening, innovation-driven engineering, and transparency in project delivery. Among key resolutions reached were: * Adoption of a National Monitoring, Evaluation and Control (MEC) Framework to ensure value-for-money and accountability. * Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to publish project details and progress updates on official websites for transparency. * Approval for the constitution of a National Road Infrastructure Coordination Committee (NRICC) to harmonize efforts across agencies and prevent duplication of contracts. * Recommendation for increased adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in road and bridge infrastructure. * Endorsement of the use of solar street lighting and climate-resilient construction materials in line with national sustainability goals. * Call for inter-ministerial collaboration between the Federal Ministries of Works, Transportation, and that of Innovation, Science, and Technology to drive digital innovation and smart transport systems and  * Support for FERMA’s Direct Labour Unit to strengthen rapid road maintenance response nationwide. In a Vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for hosting the high-level meetings. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works and the Minister of State for making the NCW a reality. He also commended the latter for his exceptional dedication in presiding over the final session and lauded the Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, their Permanent Secretaries, and all Stakeholders for the constructive engagements and teamwork exhibited throughout the week-long event. The 30th National Council on Works concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to promoting transparency, fostering innovation, and strengthening discipline in the delivery of sustainable infrastructure across Nigeria. “The NCW has come up with far-reaching resolutions that will reposition the road sector for greater efficiency and accountability,” he concluded. The Council announced that the 31st National Council on Works will be hosted by Sokoto State in 2026, subject to confirmation.  Mohammed A. Ahmed  Director, Press and Public Relations. 7th November 2025. ...

95% OF NIGERIANS DEPEND ON ROAD TRANSPORT — PERMANENT SECRETARY The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, has disclosed that approximately 95 percent of Nigerians rely on road transport for their movement and the transportation of goods and services across the country. Engr. Adebiyi made this known, while delivering his Address at the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works, which opened today, 3rd November 2025, at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He explained that despite the development of other modes of transportation such as rail, air, and water, road transport remains the dominant means of mobility in Nigeria — a situation that places enormous pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure. “The resultant effect is heavy traffic volume and rapid deterioration of our pavements caused by heavy-duty vehicles and cargo movements,” he stated. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the completion and effective utilisation of the national rail network would significantly reduce road congestion, improve safety, and enhance economic efficiency. “If rail transport becomes fully operational and reliable, many Nigerians would prefer to travel by train. It is cheaper, safer, faster, and less stressful,” he disclosed. Engr. Adebiyi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for hosting the milestone event and for the warm hospitality extended to delegates. He noted that holding the Council meeting in Ado Ekiti was symbolic, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the state’s infrastructure development strides. He also lauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., for their exceptional leadership and untiring commitment to improving the nation’s road network, ensuring transparency in project implementation and management, and upholding professional standards in engineering practice. The theme of the 30th National Council on Works, “Discipline, Transparency, and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to entrench integrity, accountability, and creativity in infrastructure management and delivery. According to Engr. Adebiyi, the theme reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring value for money in public projects through ethical practices, openness in procurement, and the adoption of modern technologies to achieve durable and sustainable infrastructure. He further called on all delegates and other stakeholders to engage in constructive deliberations during the Technical Sessions to develop practical strategies that will enhance service delivery, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote economic diversification through efficient road networks. The meeting brought together Commissioners for Works from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, representatives of professional bodies, contractors, and other key stakeholders in the works and infrastructure sectors. In her remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs. Emily I. Sounde, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government and good people of Ekiti State for hosting this important national event in such a calm, secure, and beautiful environment. She described Ekiti State as “a wonderful land, where nature’s beauty meets tranquility,” noting that the hospitality extended to delegates made the state a truly fitting venue for this year’s Council meeting. Mrs. Sounde emphasised that the National Council on Works remains a veritable platform for formulating policies and strategies that guide the growth and performance of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policy formulation, robust data systems, continuous research, and stakeholder engagement — all in line with national priorities and global best practices. She encouraged delegates to use the opportunity of the forum to evaluate current policies, identify implementation gaps, and propose actionable strategies to improve service delivery and sustainability in the works sector. The Director further commended the Honourable Ministers of Works, the Permanent Secretary, and all delegates for their leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the nation’s infrastructure development. Speaking earlier, the Director of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State Ministry of Works, Engr. B. J. Oke, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ethical governance, transparent procurement processes, and sustainable infrastructure delivery. He stated that “As we commence this important engagement, let us approach our deliberations with discipline in thought, transparency in purpose, and innovation in action — for these remain the enduring foundations of progress in Nigeria’s engineering and works sector,” he stressed. The 30th National Council on Works will continue in Ekiti State tomorrow through Friday, with active participation from Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Engineers, Contractors, and other key stakeholders from across the Federation. Mohammed A. Ahmed Director, Press and Public Relations. 3rd November 2025. ...