NIGERIA MOVES TO UNLOCK TRANSFORMATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND GROWTH WITH GLOBAL PARTNERS The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to deliver transformative development projects across priority sectors, particularly infrastructure. This came during a high-level meeting with the Vice President of the Bank, relevant stakeholders, held in Abuja and hosted by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun at the Ministry’s conference room, today, 1st september, 2025.  In his remarks, The Honourable Minister of Finance, Wale Edun welcomed the IsDB delegation, describing the Bank as a steadfast ally in Nigeria’s development journey since 2005.“Your visit marks a significant moment in our shared journey of partnership, progress, and purpose. Despite fiscal constraints, Nigeria has continued to honor its obligations, and we deeply value the Bank’s flexibility in aligning with our realities,” he said. The Minister noted the success of IsDB interventions across education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and innovation, stressing that these projects are “lifelines for communities, engines of growth, and symbols of hope.” He underscored the alignment between Nigeria’s bold economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the IsDB’s 2026–2035 Strategic Framework.   The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, who was represented by the Minister of State for Works,  Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq,  emphasized the administration’s prioritization of road infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted the Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry economic corridor, describing it as a strategic lifeline that connects Nigeria to the Niger Republic and other African countries: “This corridor is a vital economic artery that will boost trade, create jobs, and lift communities out of poverty. President Tinubu’s commitment to this project reflects his determination to drive Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he stated.  The Honourable Minister of State also confirmed that construction works have commenced on the Sokoto and Kebbi sections, with Hitech Construction achieving clearance and 25 kilometers of work on the Kebbi axis. Other projects cited included the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Calabar–Nasarawa–FCT corridor, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway, all of which require additional financing to accelerate delivery. Responding to issues raised in terms of road infrastructure, the Operations  Vice President of the Islamic Development Bank, Dr. Rami M. S. Ahmad, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure agenda. He stated that Infrastructure is a core pillar of our strategy, and we work from each country’s own priorities. For the road projects raised today, we will not allow delays to persist; where they can be re-scoped, we will act; where not, we will close them and move forward with new initiatives. The Ilela–Lagos–Sokoto–Badagry corridor and other key projects align with our mandate, and through the Country Engagement Framework, we are ready to accelerate their delivery,” he assured. In closing, the Honourable Minister of Finance expressed his profound gratitude to the IsDB team for their assurances and reiterated that  Nigeria’s ownership and alignment of priorities under the Country’s  Engagement Framework. He said, “It is our bank, our sovereignty, our projects, our priorities. Today, my colleagues from Education, Environment, Transportation, Works, Water Resources and Sanitation, and my team from the Ministry of  Finance, have given a comprehensive insight into our key priorities and legacy projects. The time has come to move beyond frameworks and concept notes to implementation, beginning with the signing of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project,” he affirmed.  The Honourable Minister of State for Finance,  Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, in her closing remarks, expressed her appreciation for the depth of engagement achieved during the meeting . “This dialogue has enhanced the strength of our partnership and the vast potential that lies ahead. From infrastructure and human capital to Islamic finance and the Nigerian economy, the opportunities for collaboration are both strategic and urgent. As custodians of Nigeria’s public finance, we are committed to deploying every naira transparently, efficiently, and in line with our national priorities,” she stated. Clement Ezeora  For: Director Press and Public Relations.  2nd September, 2025. ...

Goronyo Calls for Stronger Workplace Safety Culture as Stakeholders Rally Support Minister urges collective action, commends President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, and is decorated as Fellow of OSHA The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., has reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening workplace safety standards in Nigeria, stressing that occupational health and safety must remain a national priority for sustainable development. Speaking at a national stakeholders’ workshop on Workplace Safety and Health held on 28th August 2025, at the Ministry's Hall, the Minister emphasized that workplace safety is not merely a regulatory duty but a shared responsibility that requires the active involvement of government, the private sector, labour unions, professional bodies, and society at large. “When safety measures and protocols are enforced, accidents reduce drastically, productivity improves, and the human development index records significant gains. Protecting human lives must be at the center of every workplace policy and practice,” Barr. Goronyo stated. The Minister acknowledged existing challenges such as weak enforcement, inadequate regulations, and low awareness, but called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to adapt global best practices to Nigeria’s realities. He commended the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) for its leadership in promoting international standards, while also applauding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said “is already yielding results across all sectors.” Highlighting Nigeria’s workforce as one of the nation’s greatest assets, Goronyo warned that the loss of lives and productivity due to unsafe work environments cannot be ignored. Research, he noted, shows that organizations prioritizing workplace safety enjoy higher employee morale, reduced injuries, and improved efficiency. The workshop also featured goodwill messages from senior stakeholders: The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi (represented by the Director, Central Workshop and Equipment, Engr. Atule Isaac), stressed that workplace safety is especially critical in high-risk sectors such as construction, oil and gas, and manufacturing, as well as in the informal economy where enforcement is weak. He urged employers to treat safety as part of production costs while encouraging workers to adhere strictly to safety guidelines. He reaffirmed that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that workplace safety is upheld across all its operations and projects. Also speaking, the President of OSHAssociation UK, Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Aderemi (JP, FIMC, CMC, MCArb, FOSHA), represented by the Chairman, Council of Fellowship (OSHAssociation), Dr. Dalhatu Mohammed, described health and safety as both a moral and economic responsibility. He urged stakeholders to embrace prevention over cure, embed a safety-first culture across workplaces, and reiterated the Association's guiding principles. Rear Admiral (Rtd.) BEE Ibe-Enwo, FOSHA, Chief Technical Officer, OSHA Nigeria, highlighted alarming statistics showing that fatalities from workplace accidents rose from 71 deaths in 1997–1999 to 238 deaths between 2014–2016, underscoring the urgency of sustained action. In recognition of his exceptional leadership and advocacy, Barr. Goronyo was formally decorated as a Fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA). The prestigious honor reflects his outstanding commitment to advancing workplace safety, health standards, and the promotion of safer work environments in Nigeria. Responding to the conferment, the Minister described the fellowship as a call to greater responsibility, pledging to deepen his efforts in protecting workers’ lives, promoting safer workplaces, and ensuring that safety becomes an integral part of national development. Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed, For:  Director, Press and Public Relations 28th August, 2025 ...

Goronyo Commends Swift Rescue Response, Reaffirms FG’s Commitment to Waterway Safety The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to improving safety and rescue operations across Nigeria’s waterways following a recent boat mishap in Sokoto State, which saw a quick response from rescue agencies. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., provided this assurance on August 25, 2025, during an interactive meeting with the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamji, and senior officials of the agency. The Minister praised NIWA and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their timely intervention, noting that their coordinated rescue efforts saved several lives and ensured the prompt recovery of victims. “The rescue efforts in Sokoto demonstrate the importance of synergy between agencies. In the previous week, NIWA and NEMA were on-site even before other responders arrived, rescuing passengers and recovering victims. This level of dedication illustrates what can be achieved when we work together in unity,” Goronyo stated. The Minister also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, observing that the administration’s vision and policy direction continue to create a supportive framework for enhanced safety, infrastructure, and service delivery across critical sectors, including water transportation. In his remarks, NIWA’s Managing Director, Mr. Oyebamji, thanked the Honourable Minister for his leadership and assured that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect lives and improve navigation safety on the waterways. He announced that the Federal Government is set to receive five new boats in the coming months, including one aluminum and one iron boat designated for deployment to Sokoto State. The NIWA Managing Director also revealed that immediate measures are being implemented to clear water hyacinth that obstructs free movement on the waterways in the region. Additionally, arrangements have been finalized for distributing life jackets to riverine communities in the coming weeks. Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, Minister Goronyo emphasized that such engagements should be sustained as an ongoing platform for collaboration rather than a “one-off meeting.” He underscored that the Federal Government remains fully dedicated to providing the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and policies to prevent casualties and ensure safe, efficient, and secure inland water transport across the nation. *Mohammed A. Ahmed*   Director, Press and Public Relations   August 26, 2025. ...