FG INTERVENES IN NNPCL-FUNDED PROJECTS, REASSURES OF CONTINUITY AND PAYMENT *— No Project Stalled, No Payment Lost* The President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has swiftly intervened in the ongoing concerns surrounding the potential discontinuation of funding for road infrastructure projects under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) Tax Credit Scheme. Speaking during a high-level engagement held on 31 July 2025 at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja with the affected contractors, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE relayed Mr. President’s message, reaffirming the administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development.  He assured stakeholders of continuous funding and guaranteed that no project would be abandoned. Addressing the issue of unpaid certificates under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme, the Minister moved to dispel fears within the contractor community. He clarified that the majority of projects under NNPCL’s funding will remain unaffected.  Furthermore, he assured the contractors, particularly those working on concession-bound roads, that before such projects are handed over to prospective concessionaires, who have proof of funds and capacity to perform, all debts and outstanding entitlements to such contractors will be fully paid for. Engr. Umahi directed that all contractors and field officers return to the sites and resume work immediately. He emphasised that updated project documentation, including revised scopes for critical corridors like the Lokoja–Benin Dual Carriageway and all other projects must be submitted within seven days.  He warned that inaccurate data submissions could result in project misinformation and delays in execution. On the issue of unpaid certificates, the Honourable Minister stressed the need for accurate reconciliation of certified amounts with payments received, including VAT, other taxes, and 5% retention fee, which remain a part of the contractors’ entitlements.  He revealed that the Ministry is actively engaging with NNPCL to clear all outstanding verified certificates earned before 1st August 2025.   Engineer Umahi informed all contractors of NNPCL projects that Mr. President has approved that funding of such projects from 1st August 2025 will continue on a new sustainable funding mechanism, and that all such projects must continue.   To ensure proper oversight and accountability, Engr. Umahi constituted a committee with representation from the Directors of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation (C&R), Highways, Bridges and Design, Press and Public Relations, and Public Procurement to collate and verify all necessary information within the stipulated deadline.  He further announced that Zonal Directors, Federal Controllers of Works, and Contractors will be deployed across the six (6) geopolitical zones for physical inspections of ongoing projects and commissioning of completed palliative projects with the full participation of members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). Reiterating the Ministry's zero-tolerance stance on financial misconduct, the Honourable Minister ordered that all projects exceeding ₦10 billion be reported separately from those below to enhance transparency. Any unresolved payment issue or financial discrepancy after the seven-day deadline will be escalated Concluding the meeting, Engr. Umahi called on all stakeholders to treat their respective assignments as a golden opportunity to anchor Nigeria’s infrastructure revolution under the Renewed Hope Administration. “We are building with integrity, accountability, and in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” he affirmed. He declared, “Let the public, press, and the National Assembly inspect our work, and let us publicly hear from them.     ...

A NEW ERA OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT UNFOLDS WITH  EQUIPMENT DONATION In a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure development efforts, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has described the commissioning of construction equipment donated by the Government of Japan to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) as a strategic milestone in the nation’s pursuit of sustainable infrastructure renewal. The commissioning ceremony on 1st August 2025 brought together key stakeholders and distinguished figures from both the public and private sectors. Those in attendance included the Chairman, Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Sahabi Yau; the Chairman, House Committee on FERMA, Engr. Remi Oseni; the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Suzuki Hideo; the Managing Director of FERMA, Engr. Emeka Agbasi; members of the Board of FERMA, former Managing Directors, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margret Oguntala, FNSE, and the Programme Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi), Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi. Valued at ₦3.6 billion (three billion, six hundred thousand Naira), the donated equipment is expected to transform FERMA’s capacity to maintain and rehabilitate Nigeria’s vast road network. Goronyo emphasised that the donation ushers in a new era of road maintenance, enabling engineers and technicians to deliver faster and more sustainable outcomes. “This generous contribution from Japan brings us closer to our vision of a smoother, safer, and more reliable travel across the country. Roads are the lifeblood of our economy and daily life, and this equipment is a game changer in our ability to utilise and preserve them,” he added. The Honourable Minister also noted that Nigeria’s extensive road network remains vital to commerce, agriculture, healthcare, and national integration, even as it continues to face significant maintenance challenges. Goronyo further commended the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for making infrastructure a top priority and a key driver of economic growth under his Renewed Hope Agenda - an administration that recognises infrastructure as an enabler of growth. “We envision a future where travel across Nigeria is seamless, secure, and dependable. This generous donation moves us closer to making that vision a reality,” he further stated. On behalf of the President and the people of Nigeria, Goronyo extended profound gratitude to the Government of Japan for its tangible support and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s development. The Honourable Minister urged the leadership of FERMA and its technical team to ensure that the equipment is put to optimal use, emphasizing, “This equipment is a valuable asset, and its effective deployment will reflect our commitment to improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.” He concluded by noting that the commissioning of the equipment signifies more than a ceremonial handover, as it marks the beginning of a new chapter in road maintenance that aligns with Nigeria’s broader vision of infrastructure-driven prosperity. Mohammed A. Ahmed Director, Press, and Public Relations. 2nd August 2025.   ...

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