*FG COMMITS TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WITH MAJOR CONTRACT AGREEMENTS — UMAHI* The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians. The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows: Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated. The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country. Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation. Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows: All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide. The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.
1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,
2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,
3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and
4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.
Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.
He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.
1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State
Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited
Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00
Length: 122 Kilometres
2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States
Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,
Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77
Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)
3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State
Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited
Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90
Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and
4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State
Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited
Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93
Length: 73 Kilometres
FG PRIORITISES EMERGENCY WORKS ON BENIN–SAPELE ROAD, REAFFIRMS SWIFT INTERVENTION ON FAILED OBAYANTOR STRATEGIC AXIS The Federal Ministry of Works has reiterated its commitment to urgent intervention on the severely deteriorated Benin–Sapele Road, particularly the section leading towards Obayantor in Edo State. This pledge follows a formal appeal by the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), which highlighted the road’s deteriorating condition and its serious socio-economic impact. During a strategic meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., who represented the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE expressed concern over the insecurity and economic paralysis stemming from the road’s poor condition. In his remarks, Goronyo stated: “I have listened with a heavy heart to your presentations. The kidnappings along that corridor, the economic losses, and the direct threat to food security are not palatable. This is not just about roads; it's about national stability and the well-being of our people. I assure you that the Ministry, under the leadership of Engr. Umahi is committed to acting swiftly and decisively.” The Managing Director of Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), Dr. Adekanmbi Samuel gave a detailed account of the challenges along the 24-kilometre stretch, emphasising the insecurity, economic dislocation, and impact on agriculture and power infrastructure. He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergency declaration on food security. Earlier, the Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Engr. Bede Obioha, who stood in for the Permanent Secretary, acknowledged the urgency of the issues raised and commended the spirit of cooperation. “We welcome engagements like this as they help us identify critical gaps. This Ministry remains responsive and committed to resolving transport-related challenges, wherever they occur,” he affirmed, assuring that the concerns raised would be captured for prompt action. ...
FG REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE EXPANSION OF ABUJA (MARARRABA)-KEFFI ROAD PROJECT -ASSURES OF COMPLETION BY JUNE 2026 The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the timely completion of the Abuja (Mararraba)-Keffi Section of the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway. This was the outcome of the inspection conducted on the project site today, Saturday, 10th May 2025 by the Honourable Minister of State for Works (HMS), Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi and other officials. While fielding questions from the media, the Minister confirmed that the project constitutes Section I of the contract, which spans 43.65 kilometres on one side and totals 87.3 kilometres for both carriageways. According to him, this road corridor is a critical segment of the larger Abuja–Lafia-Makurdi-Enugu–Port Harcourt route designed to enhance mobility, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic activities across the FCT, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Abia, Imo and Rivers States. Commenting after the inspection, Goronyo expressed satisfaction with the current pace of work, having achieved 42% completion. He remained optimistic that by the June 2026 dateline, the project would be completed, assuring Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering life-transforming infrastructure that will enhance economic growth, improve regional connectivity, and enhance the quality of life. “This is a commendable progress. Our goal is to ensure that the full stretch from Abuja to Port Harcourt is completed by June 2026. We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for prioritising this critical and life-changing infrastructure that would significantly enhance the national economy and facilitate the movement of goods and services,” the Minister disclosed. He also assured that funding will not hinder the project’s execution. “This is a priority project under a special funding arrangement. Once certified payment claims are submitted, the Ministry is ready to process and disburse funds without delay,” he further stated. Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) for the FCT, Engr. Yakubu Usman provided a technical update on the project. It features a two-way six-lane structure with outer shoulders but lacks inner shoulders, which the reconstruction aims to improve for better traffic flow and safety. According to him, they have done the site clearing, and scarification, while the stone base and binder coarse are at 80% completion. “We are also advancing work on the median drains and rigid shoulders,” he said. Acknowledging challenges posed by high traffic and densely populated areas along the corridor, the Controller disclosed that they are partnering with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a free flow of traffic while carrying out their job. He also informed the audience that the contractor has resorted to working only at night in critical areas to minimise disturbances to public activities during the daytime. The Project Manager, China Habour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd. (CHEC), Mr. Ronald Liao, expressed confidence that with the support from the Ministry and relevant stakeholders, the company will deliver the project in a record time, according to the project’s design. ...
THANK YOU, MR PRESIDENT FOR INSPIRING GENERATIONS OF NIGERIAN NATIONALITIES WITH A PURPOSEFUL AND ALL- INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP. YOUR STATE VISIT TO ANAMBRA STATE ON 8TH MAY 2025 UNDERPINS YOUR SENSE OF EGALITARIANISM -WORKS MINISTER, SEN.UMAHI The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON profoundly thanked the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his State Visit to Anambra State, South East of Nigeria, on 8th May 2025. Mr. President's sense of inclusive leadership and commitment to an egalitarian nation speaks volumes in his words during the event, "Anambra has huge potential, and with Soludo, we can all work together to fast-track the vision." "We will continue to partner with your State to deliver shared prosperity to Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians." The Honourable Minister deeply appreciates Mr. President and assures him that as a people of gratitude, Anambra State and indeed South East will continue to cherish and honour him and will overwhelmingly reciprocate his unwavering love for Ndigbo come 2027 General Elections. He expresses gratitude to Mr. President for prioritizing South East in the national development architecture of the Renewed Hope administration and for guaranteeing its actualization in policy and implementation. By Mr. President's words in Anambra State," We are working to build critical infrastructure — roads, rail, and power — and ensure that every corner of Nigeria, including Anambra, feels the impact of governance that works. The Presidential Power Initiative and the ongoing digital economy drive will open more doors for the resourceful people of this State," he has continued to inspire generations of Nigerian nationalities with a purposeful and inclusive leadership and this underpins his sense of egalitarianism. God bless Mr. President. ...
FCE Guzau Joins Beneficiaries Of FG’s Ongoing Road Intervention Scheme
· As Fashola commissions, hands over 1.5 km rehabilitated road to the all-female institution
The Federal College of Education (Technical) Guzau, Zamfara State, Tuesday, March 8, 2022, joined other beneficiaries of the on-going Federal Government Road Intervention Scheme in Federal tertiary institutions across the country as the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, commissioned and handed over a 1.50-kilometre internal road rehabilitated by the Ministry.
The road, which, according to some students and staff of the all-girls institution, was in a very dilapidated condition before the intervention by the Federal Government, constituted a very big challenge to both residents and day students, especially in terms of access to lecture halls and hostels as it is a major link between the halls of residence and lectures as well as administrative blocks.
In his address at the event which attracted top administrators of the institution and other dignitaries, including the Emir of Guzau, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Bello, among others, Fashola reiterated the commitment of the President Muhammad Buhari administration to extend infrastructure provision to tertiary institutions saying the purpose was to improve the education environment of the institutions.
The Minister, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in the State, Alhaji Hassan Muhammad Isa, said in addition to improving the quality of education in the institutions, the objective was also in line with the progressive ideal of the Buhari administration to improve human condition, adding that the scheme represented “a critical intervention to support education”.
The Minister told the esteemed audience which also included the Chairman Governing Council of the Institution, Architect Ubokutom Nyah, “It is undebatable that the quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment.” He added that those in doubt of the assertion should “Simply listen to feedbacks from students in the various institutions that have already benefited from the scheme.”
Pointing out that the Ministry is currently intervening in internal roads in 30 Federal Institutions across the country, Fashola said the Ministry had already successfully intervened in 45 such institutions, 29 of which had been handed over since 2021 while the handing over of another set of 17 completed ones, including the FCE (Technical) Guzau, has commenced.
“Today, we converge at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Guzau, to hand over an important asset, 1.50-kilometre rehabilitated road by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on behalf of the Federal Government”, the Minister said, adding that while a lot of work still needed to be done in all sectors of the nation’s economy, including education, the Buhari government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that work done.
He declared with delight,” The gap of our infrastructure need is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewals and constructions on our major highways and it has now reached the schools,” pointing out that the interventions have enhanced the enthusiasm of students with regards to attending classes as some defective roads in the institutions had been restored to good condition.
Pointing out that although the interventions come as civil Works project, they represent an investment in education as well as means of job creation. The Minister added that during the construction of the road, 31 people were employed in the process “contributing to the job creation initiative of the government”, expressing the hope that the benefiting schools would take ownership of the assets and protect them from abuse.
In his address, the Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Hassan Muhammad Nashiha, commended, the Federal Government for the intervention in the institution describing it as unique in the history of governments in the country. He specially congratulated the Minister “for undertaking the project in a very special way”.
He also commended the Chairman Governing Council of the Institution, who, according to him, has brought so many projects to the institution during his tenure, including renovation of hostels and toilets as well as recreation centre. The Deputy Governor, however pleaded with the Federal Government to build a perimetre fence around the institution considering the state of insecurity in the state.
Also in his goodwill message, the Emir of Gusau, HRM Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Bello, thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for carrying out the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road in the institution saying it had constituted a grave challenge to students. He also pleaded with the government to help put a perimetre fence around the school especially as it is an all-female institution.
As for the students, the event was an occasion to express their joy and gratitude to the Federal Government and particularly the Minister of Works and Housing whom they praised for his consistency and dedication in carrying out the project to conclusion.
From the President of the Institution’s Students’ Union Government (SUG, Comrade Mariam Salisu, who studies Home Science to Nwada Oluchi Alago, who studies Home Economics and Fatima Abubakar, a Second Year Primary Education student; through Salihu Hamisu of ICT Department and Promise Julius and her two friends, Yemisi and Justina, who both study Biology and Integrated Science as well as Fatima Mohammad, a physically challenged student in Special Education Department, the intervention was both “God-sent and timely.”
Also present at the occasion were the Secretary to the Government of Zamfara State, The Chief of Staff to the Governor and some top officials of the State Government, deans of faculties and Directors of Departments as well a the executive officers of the Students Union Government and the students body who came in their large numbers to show their gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention.
ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA SAN AT THE 27TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WOKS
PROTOCOL
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the fourth day of this memorable event of the 27th meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) being held in Bauchi State.
2. Let me first express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Bala A. Muhammed CON, the Executive Governor and the entire people of Bauchi State for accepting to host the 27th meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW). This has demonstrated the mutual relationship and peaceful coexistence between the Federal and Bauchi State Government. The Bauchi State, "the Pearl of Tourism" is no doubt the treasure of the Nation considering its many beautiful tourist attraction canters across the State.
3. The theme of this year's Council meeting "Infrastructure Delivery, Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity" was carefully selected to alleviate the problems associated with lack of maintenance of infrastructure being provided by the Federal, State and Local Governments which results to huge money and retard the economy growth.
4. Nigeria like other developing Countries is seriously confronted with inadequate resources for establishment of infrastructure which are essential for National Economic Development. Since the Independence, a large chunk of the country's resources has been channelled to infrastructure constructions including roads infrastructure. However, maintenance culture which encompasses provision for adequate care of hard-earned infrastructure is needed to ensure sustainability of these roads’ infrastructure for national prosperity. Experts have posited that if any nation can imbibe the maintenance culture in every sector of the economy, it will reduce cost and ensure national economic growth. Therefore, provision of adequate road infrastructure with a maintenance backup will no doubt help the government in saving more money to achieve National Economic Prosperity.
5. The highly acquired capital infrastructure is not given adequate maintenance to enable it have a longer lifespan needed to support development efforts and thereby deteriorate to the point of starting afresh. Therefore, acquired infrastructure such as constructed road network, bridges, road signage should be properly managed and adequately maintained to ensure durability and enable them live up to their life span of 20 years of road construction.
6. In prioritizing Maintenance culture in the road network with the goal of improving its 195,500 km road network of which about 60,000 km are paved while 135,000 road networks are un-tarred, the Federal Government and the States need to collaborate together along with investments from International
Finance Institutions and Public Private Partnership intervention in order to achieve the desired goal in Infrastructure Delivery, Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity.
7. Therefore, the 27th Council is expected to provide policy frame work that will sustain concerted and consistent culture of maintenance on the infrastructure on ground and also build in maintenance policy in the future road projects to move the country to the next level.
8. Kindly bear in mind that your recommendations will bear far reaching importance in Nation building and it is my prayer that our Highways will become safer and more comfortable for all and the nation's economy will be revamped and sustained.
9. I urge you to contribute meaningfully to the deliberations here today which will not only enhance improvement in the road infrastructure but will also stimulate world standard maintenance culture in the Nigerian road system.
10. Once again, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Executive Governor and the entire people of Bauchi State for providing necessary provisions to ensure the hitch free of this year's Council meeting.
11. Thank you all and God bless
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE OF ENGR MUTTAQHA RABE DARMA, PHD, HON MINISTER, FMHUD, MONDAY, APRIL 27TH, 2026
Assumption of Office of Engr Muttaqha Rabe Darma, PhD, Hon Minister, FMHUD, Monday, April 27th, 2026