Federal Ministry of Works

Nov

2025

LATEST PRESS

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.

Jan

2025

EIGHT-POINT AGENDA OF MR. PRESIDENT LINKED TO GOOD ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE - Umahi The Honourable Minister of Work, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNTI has reiterated that the availability of good road network is instrumental to achieving food security, ending poverty, improving security, enhancing economic growth and job creation. He affirmed this, while opening a two-day retreat organised for Highways Engineers and management staff of the Ministry with the theme, “Ensuring Delivery of Mr. President’s Agenda on Road Infrastructural Development” on 17th January, 2025 in Abuja. According to Engr. Umahi, the massive infrastructural development embarked upon by the present Administration across the entire six (6) geo-political zones of the country is premised on stimulating the economy and improving the lives of the citizenry. He re-affirmed the present administration's commitment towards the reconstruction and rehabilitation of failing major highways across the zones, which will provide robust road infrastructure, as well as alleviate the sufferings of the citizens. He also added that the retreat, which is aimed at enhancing optimum service delivery, efficiency, and unity in the delivery of road projects, nationwide, is expected to help participants ensure that the government gets value for money expended on all projects. While urging participants, especially the Ministry’s supervisory staff, to make the best use of the retreat to sharpen and improve their technical capabilities, he expressed optimism that they would acquire enough resources to help in delivering Mr. President's 8-point agenda. The Minister, who earlier maintained that bad roads are tantamount to keeping people in prison, as it hinders their movement, also called on Highway Engineers to change their _modus operandi _and work professionally, imbibing internationally recommended engineering standards and practices, to achieve the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. He directed that henceforth, contractors must mobilise to the site before requesting for mobilisation fee. Acknowledging the need for continuous capacity building for Engineers, as an enabler for improvement in service delivery, he promised that such exercises would be institutionalised. He, as well, directed all Federal Controllers of Works (FCW) to dismantle all speed calming devices/measures (speed breakers or bumps) on Federal highways in their respective states, insisting that there is nothing wrong in mounting such bumps but there should be approval and standard design and specifications guiding such endeavours. In his Goodwill Message, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE thanked and welcomed the Honourable Ministers for approving, as well as gracing the occasion. He called for rapid transformation in service delivery in the road sector. The Permanent Secretary, however, formally presented to the Honourable Ministers, a team of transformed Engineers, who are willing to support the government achieve its Renewed Hope Agenda. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Muhammadu Bello Goronyo, Esq., eulogised the personality of the Minister, whom he revered and referred to as a go-getter, intelligent, hardworking and highly professional. He expressed gratitude to all stakeholder for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the success of the present administration, particularly in the provision of critical road infrastructure. The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon, Akin Alabi enjoins the Ministry to put in more effort, so that our roads work for the citizens, while the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Mpigi Barinada, called on the need to engage the members of the National Assembly (NASS) to ascertain that correct appropriation is made to accommodate all Nigerian roads. He concluded by saying that the good works of the Ministry are an indication of support for Mr. President’s Agenda. The retreat was facilitated by a panel of experts delivering insightful presentations on critical topics. The panelists included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, representative of the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Francis Useni, the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Engr. Emeka Eze and retired directors from the Ministry such as Engineers Bala Danshehu, Bola Aganaba, J. A. Yusuf, A. A. Adebiyi and Olufemi Oyekanmi. Their Sessions covered Compliance with Procurement Laws, Prudent Use of Resources, Project Planning and Alignment with President Tinubu’s Eight-Point agenda. Discussions were centred on the composition of the Site Management Team; Project Planning; Resolving Bill 1; Direct Labour Policy; Inter Relationship between Engineers; Adherence to the Rules of Law and lastly, Funding of Projects. It was agreed that the Ministry should return to its original structure; waiver for recruitment of young Engineers is to be pursued to bridge the gap of shortage of staff; there is no free money in Bill 1 anymore; the issue of direct labour was stepped down, as extant laws do not support it, more so, to avoid conflict of interest with the Federal Emergency Road Management Agency (FERMA). It was rather agreed that FERMA should be strengthened to effectively carry out its mandates. The Ministry was advised to lobby for the establishment of a Federal Highways Authority; Participants were admonished to eskew backbiting and learn to bond with each other, as well as to forgive one another. As takeaways from the Retreat, participants were asked to reduce the use of emergency contracts; publish all contracts on the Ministry’s websites, including the names of the contractors, and value for money expended on every project; ensure that effective from 2025, categorisation of contractors will start and no longer portfolio or envelop contractors. To avoid unnecessary embarrassment, Officers need to apply extant rules in discharging their duties. The year 2025, being a year for enhanced performance for Mr. President, priority projects will be tracked by the second quarter of 2026, which should be ready for commissioning. Participants also were urged to ensure that Nigeria roads are motorable, especially that of Abuja - Kaduna, a vital artery linking the South to the North of the country. Civil Servants were, as well as urged to guide and support politicians in performing their jobs. ...

Jan

2025

DISCOUNTENANCE THE BASELESS RUMOUR THAT THE 3RD MAINLAND BRIDGE IS JERKY AND DEFECTIVE AS A DECEPTIVE PROPAGANDA FROM THE FIFTH COLUMNISTS The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has been drawn to a widely circulated but baselessly and maliciously orchestrated rumour that the 3rd Mainland bridge is shaky and defective. The rumour, for all intents and purposes, is nothing but an untactful falsehood by the fifth columnists whose mission is to undermine the confidence and solidarity reposed on the works sector of the Renewed Hope administration by Nigerians. The Honourable Minister of Works had upon getting wind of this needless rumour and, for the benefit of the doubt, deployed a team of engineers led by the Federal Controller of Works in charge of Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha to inspect the entire length and width of the bridge measuring 11 kilometers with a view to ascertaining if by the whiskers anything went amiss with the 3rd Mainland bridge. The report is the same; that the bridge is hale and hearty, and its integrity is undoubtedly intact Members of the public are therefore enjoined to disregard the false rumours making the rounds on the state of the 3rd Mainland bridge. The Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has demonstrated unprecedented commitment to the revampment of the inherited road infrastructural deficiencies. The 3rd Mainland bridge, including other iconic bridges in Lagos, has received priority intervention by Mr. President knowing their vitality to the road communications and transportation ecosystem in Lagos and beyond. That is why the superstructure, the substructure, and other underwater elements of the 3rd Mainland bridge are receiving profound repairs by the Renewed Hope administration. The Federal Ministry of Works is up to task and speed in changing the narratives in the road infrastructure development in Nigeria. The code is quality, speed, and value for money, and you can be sure that the roads done by the Renewed Hope administration can stand the test of time. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ...

Jan

2025

Project Inspection: Minister Chides Contractor In continuation of his inspection of projects in the South-South geopolitical zone, the Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE visited ongoing works on the Dualisation of East-West Road, Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) and the Construction of Multiple Box Culverts at Flood Affected Areas on East-West Road, Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) in Rivers and Bayelsa States, yesterday, Wednesday, 8th January, 2025. Engr. Umahi disclosed that he was highly impressed with the quality of work on Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) by Messrs Setraco (Nig.) Ltd. but directed them to speed up the process through the addition of more resources to the job. He reminded them that the April, 2025 delivery date remains sacrosanct. He directed that due to the nature of the soil in the areas affected by floods, where box culverts are being constructed, continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) should be used. The affected area is about 2.3 kilometres. The Project Manager of Setraco, Engr. Isaa Michel, while appreciating the Minister for the site inspection and the savory, as well as unsavoury comments, promised to hasten the pace of work, to meet the dateline. The Minister was also at the site of the Construction of Multiple Box Culverts on the East-West Road being handled by Messrs Rock Result (Nig.) Ltd., where he praised the standard of work but frowned at the level of work achieved. He expressed his disappointment with the pace, stating that the contract was scheduled for finishing by November, 2024 but was extended to December and is still uncompleted. He, therefore, gave the contractor up till the end of January, 2025 to complete it or it stands revoked. Engr. Umahi informed the contractor that the provision of roads and bridges remains a top priority of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Revolution of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He advised them to up their games or be left at the bus stop ...

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Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jun

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."

SPEECHES

Jun

2022

WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING, BASHIR NURA ALKALI, FCA, FCTI AT THE COMMISSIONING OF ISOKO RING ROAD IN DELTA STATE ON TUESDAY, 21st 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 Delta 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:
Commissioning of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kotangora-Makere Road, Phases I&II in Kebbi State;
Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road Phases I&II in Benue State;
Nenwe-Oduma Road Sections I&II in Enugu and Ebonyi States;
Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi/Yobe States; and
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:

Rehabilitation of Efon Alaaye-Erinmo-Iwaraja Road In Ekiti/Osun States;
Isoko Ring Road in Delta State;

Rehabilitation of Hadeija-Nguru Road, Phase II CH 40+000-CH 73+150 Kirikasama-Nguru in Jigawa State;
Completion of Gombe-Numan-Yola Road Phase II (Gombe-Kaltungo) in Gombe State;
Construction of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section II, Phase I, (Gashua-Bayamari), Yobe State;
Rehabilitation of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section I (Nguru-Gashua) Phase II in Yobe State;
Rehabilitation of Lafia-Obi-Awe-Tunga Road in Nasarawa State.

7. As we complete the commissioning of this road here in Delta State, the train will move to Jigawa State, 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 Delta State.

Thank you and God bless you.