WORKS MINISTER, SEN. UMAHI PARTNERS FORUM OF STATE APC CHAIRMEN ON ROAD PROJECT MONITORING AND FEEDBACK MECHANISM DESCRIBES AS UNPRECEDENTED RENEWED HOPE INTERVENTION ON ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT NATIONWIDE The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has assured the Forum of State Chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria of a strategic collaboration in project monitoring and in fostering feedback mechanism in project delivery management. He made this assurance during a courtesy  call by the forum held at the conference  hall of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi, Abuja, on 6th May 2025. Speaking during  the event,  the Honourable Minister gave a thrilling account of the achievements of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR in the works sector across  the six Geo-Political Zones, which he said had helped  to accelerate economic recovery in line with the 8-point agenda of the Renewed Hope administration. He praised the  progress made by Mr. President in taking Nigeria out of recession. "There are a lot of improvements in our economy.  I've always said that Mr. President inherited an economy that was in oxygen; that was in shock, and then he came, and he put oxygen. Today, we have removed the oxygen. And the economy is promising.  If you come and look at the fuel subsidy removal, you just ask yourself, if that was not done, where would this country have been? People darken counsel without knowledge. And when you criticize, can you give us an alternative? When people criticize  fuel subsidy removal and we came at the time that the ugly effect of the Naira redesign brought a lot of hardship for the people. But with the floating of the Naira, Mr. President has been able to stabilize the economy. When we came on board, we saw the way the Naira and the dollar were.  But today, we have a stable Naira.  He maintained that the policy direction of Mr. President was aimed at stabilizing and strengthening the economy  and making  Nigeria  to be self-sufficient and self-reliant in the world  of economic uncertainties. "Just yesterday, Mr. President unveiled  a policy  on local content, and his address touched on this  local content because jobs that our people are supposed to be doing, we can't give it to outsiders. The President has directed that local materials that could be locally sourced can not be imported. The food prices are coming down. I was very shocked for the first time in this celebration of the Muslim festival. Instead of food prices going up, the food prices came down. And it's something that we have to appreciate Mr. President. Commending the President on the huge intervention he has made on the road infrastructure, he said, "He is a man that understands that the road sector, the bridge sector, the infrastructural sector is the catalyst that grows the GDP of the nation of which every other sector will grow from." He particularly thanked  the Forum of State APC Chairmen, the National Chairman and the National Working Committee  of APC, as well as  the Governors in Nigeria for their support to the progressive economic reforms of the Renewed Hope administration and their confidence in it efficacy, noting  that  road project delivery policy under Mr. President guarantees active citizenship participation and consensus building. He urged members of the forum to feel free to task contractors and project managers on quality and accountability.  Earlier in his mission statement on behalf  of the forum of State APC Chairmen, the spokesman in the event and Chairman of APC Cross River State, Alphonsus Ogar Eba Esq, JP  thanked  the President of Nigeria for his illuminating stewardship in the works sector which he said would  speak for him at the time of his re-election in 2027.  He praised  the profound  passion, the intellectual  capacity  and the professional  sagacity and dexterity of the Honourable Minister of Works which has added  great  impetus  to the transformation witnessed in the road sector of the economy. "Your Excellency, we are Chairmen and this visit is a solidarity visit to commend you for being the light that has brought proper illumination to the pitiful darkness that was found in the road infrastructure  And so for us, we can only thank  Mr. President, who discovered you even when you were in a comfort zone of being a Senator.  He continued, "This is a visit of thanksgiving to the Honourable Minister and his very supportive Honourable Minister of State, and all the Directors that have been giving  you this support. If we remain in our respective States, we'll write a long letter and send it to you. People will not know about it. We have come to seek partnership with you. We are ready in the field. We have done our political evangelism and are prepared for the election of Mr. President. The partnership we seek today is to say we want to become volunteers who will be helping to supervise your projects. We have always been trying to get to sites. When we are not satisfied with the contractors, we take immediate action. Your Excellency, we want to be the catalyst towards those actions." In his vote of  thanks, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq described Senator Umahi as a patriotic professional with deep expertise in the road sector. He emphasised that Nigeria is fortunate to have a Minister so knowledgeable and committed to nation-building. He also thanked the APC Forum for their warm visit, encouraging party chairmen across the States to continue supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Your presence here is not just a show of solidarity but a testament to our shared commitment to building a stronger infrastructure base for Nigeria. ...

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT COMMENDS PROGRESS ON ABUJA-KADUNA ROAD, SECTION I, PHASE 1 The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., expressed his satisfaction with the progress and quality of work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road (Zuba Section). He commended the contractor, Messrs Infiouest (Nig.) Limited for its professionalism and alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. During an inspection tour, the Minister announced that approximately six (6) kilometres-three (3) kilometres on each side had already been completed using reinforced rigid concrete pavement. “The quality of work delivered so far reflects the President’s unwavering commitment to national development through robust infrastructure,” he stated. He praised the dedication of the workforce and the use of modern equipment, saying, “The commitment of the workers is commendable. I salute their resilience and their support for Mr. President's vision. “The Minister emphasized that once completed, the road will reduce travel time, improve safety, curb insecurity, enhance trade, and create employment opportunities. Regarding the quality of construction materials, the Minister remarked, “What we are seeing here is superb. The reinforced rigid pavement is expected to last 50 to 100 years superior to conventional asphalt.” Mr. Robert Turner, the Project Manager and Representative of the construction company reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class project. “There are no shortcuts. We are giving our very best to achieve the project’s goals,” he stated. Turner highlighted that the team operates daily from 6:00 a.m. to as late as 9:00 p.m., constrained only by security concerns along the corridor. “We have a spirited and dedicated team. Despite challenges, we are fully focused on delivering this critical project within record time,” he added. Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, emphasised the strategic importance of adopting rigid pavement technology, especially given Nigeria’s soil composition, water table level, and high axle loads. “Rigid pavement is new to Nigeria, but it has become necessary due to the consistent failure of flexible pavements under our local conditions,” he explained. He cited previous challenges with bitumen and cement interactions that compromise flexible pavements, particularly in high-traffic corridors like the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway in Lagos state. “This new method, reinforced with Y20 steel bars at 200mm centres, is stronger than most bridge decks,” he noted. Adding that “It is a sustainable solution that will outlast many of us and withstand the test of time.” Engr. Adebiyi urged road users to be patient during the construction period, assuring them that the phased opening of completed sections will help minimize disruptions. “We understand the temporary discomfort, but in the end, this road will significantly improve lives and the economy.” The Zuba section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road remains a critical link in Nigeria’s transport network, and the Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to ensure its successful and timely delivery. ...

REVVING UP PROGRESS: HISTORIC FLAG-OFF OF LAGOS–CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY IN CROSS RIVER STATE The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator David Umahi Nweze, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on behalf of the Federal Government has officially launched Sections 3A & 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway in Cross River State on Monday, April 14th, 2025. The event which was held in Calabar, marks the beginning of a monumental infrastructure project aimed at connecting eight coastal states across Nigeria. In his speech, the Honourable Minister highlighted the project's groundbreaking nature, describing the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway as not just another road but a symbol of progress for Nigeria. Engr. Dr. Umahi reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to completing the highway on schedule, with the project set to boost trade, tourism, and economic growth in the affected regions. He also reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's dedication to fulfilling his promises on infrastructure development.   Senator Umahi praised Hitech Construction Ltd. for their outstanding work and for their partnership in delivering this significant project that will benefit not only Calabar but the entire nation. Governor Prince Bassey Otu, representing President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, spoke passionately about the historical importance of the project. He expressed deep gratitude to the federal government for initiating such a transformative project in an area long deprived of modern infrastructure. Governor Otu emphasized that the completion of the road would improve connectivity and open up significant economic opportunities for Cross River State, fostering long-term growth and development.   Bello M. Goronyo, Esq. Honourable Minister of State for Works, who was also in attendance, spoke about the fulfillment of promises made during President Tinubu’s campaign, noting the critical infrastructure needs of underserved regions. He expressed gratitude for the continued support from local communities and emphasized the collaborative efforts between the federal and state governments in achieving national progress.   Mr. Danny Aboud of Hitech Construction Ltd., the project contractor, assured attendees of the company’s commitment to delivering a high-quality road. He discussed the use of innovative concrete pavement technology that will ensure the durability and longevity of the highway. Aboud also emphasized the significance of engaging local Labour and businesses, contributing to regional socio-economic development and job creation.   In his goodwill message, Engr. Pius Edet Ankpo, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Cross River State, expressed sincere gratitude to the Federal Government for initiating the project. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s visionary leadership and acknowledged the historic nature of constructing a road through forested terrain. Ankpo also advocated for the reinitiation of other key federal road projects in the state, such as the Ikom–Odukpani Junction and Calabar–Itu road, which have faced delays. He urged the Federal Government to prioritize these projects to ensure ongoing development in Cross River State.   Mr. Asuquo Ukpanyang, the Youth Liaison Officer for the state, conveyed the excitement and anticipation of local communities regarding the project. He emphasized that it would not only create jobs but also drive economic participation, improving residents' standards of living. Ukpanyang stressed the importance of involving local populations to ensure the project’s success.   Prominent figures such as Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, an Elder Statesman, and Senator Eteng Williams, representing Cross River Central, also delivered powerful goodwill messages. Both leaders expressed profound gratitude to the Federal Government and shared how the hopes of Cross Riverians are being renewed through this project. They pledged strong support for the initiative, recognizing its transformative potential for the region. Prof. Nyong commended the Federal Government’s commitment to lasting development in the South-South, while Senator Williams highlighted the project’s role in unlocking new trade and economic opportunities for Cross River State and neighboring regions.   Additional goodwill messages were delivered by Former Senator Ita Giwa and Hon. Gift Johnbull, SSA to the President on Committee Engagement. Senator Giwa praised the federal government for spearheading the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, noting its potential to create new economic opportunities. Hon. Johnbull echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader importance of the project in line with President Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to nationwide infrastructure development.   Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, also addressed the audience. He expressed full confidence in the project’s success and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is completed to the highest standards, benefiting not only Cross River State but the entire nation. His remarks reinforced the Ministry of Works’ dedication to providing the necessary oversight and support for the project’s successful execution. The launch of Sections 3A & 3B of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway signals a transformative infrastructure project that will greatly enhance the lives of Nigerians, particularly in the South-South region. With the combined efforts of the Federal Government, state authorities, contractors, and local communities, the successful completion of this critical initiative is assured. The project is set to be a key driver of Nigeria’s long-term economic growth, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s infrastructure development.   ...