President Buhari Commissions Seven Legacy Projects Under Works and Housing Sector. ...the Second Niger, Ikom and Loko-Oweto bridges; Kaduna-Kano Road section and Federal Secretariat Projects commissioned President Muhammadu Buhari has today virtually commissioned seven laudable legacy projects under the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing across some states of the federation. These projects are: the Second Niger bridge linking Asaba and Onitsha in Delta and Anambra states, Ikom bridge in Cross River state and Loko-Oweto bridge linking Nasarawa and Benue states. Other projects include: Kaduna-Kano Road section dual carriageway and Federal Secretariat building complex in Anambra, Bayelsa and Zamfara states. Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, has been the Minister superintending over the Works and Housing sector under the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari since inception in 2015. The Presidential commissioning was conducted virtually and simultaneously across the seven project locations in the respective states. President Buhari described the projects as symbols of his administration's efforts and commitment to renew the Nigerian stock of Infrastructure, pointing out that it was a deliberate choice and not an accident. Which today has greatly enhanced the Nigerian GDP from 20% to 40% there by delivering on the prosperity of citizenry. The President further explained that government's debts were tied to Infrastructure, pointing out the assets and investments of the government is in place. Accordingly, President Buhari stated that the projects were an example of the change promise of his administration as well as a practical effort to confront the multi-dimensional poverty instead of lamentation. Earlier, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola stated that the projects these projects have massively impacted on Nigerians of various geo-political zones, saying that with these projects, President Buhari had met people at their door steps even when they never saw him in person. Accordingly, Fashola explained that the economic activities that took place during the construction work had resulted in pushing back the multi- dimensional poverty from the society. He listed the benefits to include; job creation for the people; reduced travel time with additional comfort during travels, business efficiency and value appreciation of properties. Fashola commended the cooperation and support of all the stakeholders, such as Ministers, State Governors, National Assembly Members, Contractors, Traditional and Community Leaders in the project locations for the success achieved in delivering the projects. Governors of Anambra and Imo states, Professor Charles Soludo and Hope Uzodinma respectively, the Governor of Delta State represented by the Chief of Staff, Rt Hon. Festus Ovie Agas as well as the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr (Sen.) Chris Ngige, who all delivered goodwill messages. They all expressed joy and commended President Buhari for delivering on the projects which they described as having huge economic impact on the Nation. The three Federal Secretariats were named after some dignitaries such as, Dr. Good luck Ebele Johnathan for Baylelsa, Ebele Okeke for Awka and Mallam Yahaya Gusau for Zamfara Federal Secretariat complex in Gusau. It was a very colourful and eventful legacy project commissioning ceremony across the Nation. ...

FG Directs Immediate Closure as Theft of Reinforcements Lead to Failure of Section of Ijora Olopa Road The Federal Government on Wednesday directed the immediate closure of the Ijora-Olopa Bridge following the discovery that some miscreants have tampered with the major reinforcement elements of the deck from underneath which led to the failure of a section of the Bridge along Ijora Olopa Road, beside Water Corporation, Ijora. The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, in a Press Statement signed by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Hakeem Bello, identified the failed section as the Ijora-Olopa inward Ijora-Oloye–Apapa. According to the Statement, Roads leading directly to the Bridge such as Costain inward Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge descent inward Ijora Oloye have, as a result, been closed to traffic from last night. Working with the Lagos State Government and other traffic management authorities, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos has also issued the following Traffic Advisory to ensure that motorists and other members of the commuting public are able to use alternative routes. •      From Eko Bridge motorists should take IGANMU/ SIFAX to Ijora Oloye or Apapa, •      From Iddo to Ijora-Oloye/ Apapa; traffic will be diverted at the intersection underpass at Ijora Olopa on contraflow, and reconnected at the U-Turn to Ijora-Oloye or Apapa. It would be recalled that the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing has on several occasions asked illegal squatters occupying Lagos under-bridges to quit as fire incidents and other illegal activities underneath such bridges often result in extensive damage of the vital infrastructure constructed with the nation’s scarce resources. ...

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FG Appeals For Patience, Says Reconstruction Work On Final Stretch Progressing Satisfactorily …Work within OPIC area between Kara Bridge and Long Bridge completed, to be opened to traffic Sunday (April 30) As the reconstruction work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway enters its final phase, the Federal Government has appealed for patience and understanding of motorists on account of the heavy traffic being experienced on the stretch from Toll Gate to Kara Bridge in Lagos. The Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN in a Press Release signed by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr Hakeem Bello, said he empathizes with members of the public who have had to endure longer than usual traffic as the reconstruction work in the heavily built-up stretch progresses towards the finish line. According to the Minister, the intensity of work and the high volume of traffic which had to be accommodated at the same time have been complicated by impatience on the part of some motorists who drive against the planned traffic flow and breakdown of vehicles. He however noted that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is working with the Lagos State Government, all traffic management and security agencies to minimize the discomfort of motorists. The Minister also explained that the contractors are also being encouraged to ensure that the final challenging phase of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction work are concluded as soon as possible.  While noting that the earlier envisaged April 30 date for conclusion of the final stretch could not be achieved due to a combination of factors, work within the OPIC area between Kara Bridge and the Long Bridge has been completed and would be opened to traffic tomorrow, Sunday (April 30). This means that the main carriageway, both bounds, from Berger (New Garage) and Sagamu Inter-change on Section 1 of the Project has been completed.  All attention, according to the Minister, would now be focused on the outstanding work between Otedola Bridge and Berger (both bounds).  ...