EMERGENCY ROAD INTERVENTION COMMISSIONED AS SSA-P LEADS STAKEHOLDERS ON NATIONAL MEDIA TOUR TO INSPECT KOGI PROJECTS As part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to deliver quality infrastructure across the nation, ensure the effective execution of Federal road projects, and improve safety on critical highways, the Federal Ministry of Works, on 12 January 2026, undertook an inspection of key road projects in Kogi State. The visit covered the ongoing reconstruction works on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway, Section III (Abaji–Koton Karfe), and included the formal commissioning of the Itobe–Ayingba Road Emergency Intervention Project. The event, part of the Ministry’s National Media Tour across all geopolitical zones, brought together key stakeholders, including the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, North Central Zone, Dr. Abiodun Essiet, members of the Press, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and other stakeholders. It featured the inspection of ongoing Federal road projects and the commissioning of an emergency intervention project in the State, the first stop in the North Central zone. During the inspection, Dr. Essiet highlighted the strategic importance of the Abuja–Lokoja Highway as a key link between Northern and Southern Nigeria. She assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved sustained funding for critical road projects nationwide and urged contractors to accelerate work, while upholding high-quality standards. She commended host communities and security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), for their cooperation with traffic management and diversion measures. She also disclosed that security arrangements are being strengthened to enable nighttime construction, where required, to accelerate project delivery. Engr. Zira Adamu, Engineering Representative (ER) on the project, provided technical insights, explaining that the construction involves a composite pavement system comprising rigid (concrete) and flexible (asphaltic) pavements. He stated, “Eight kilometres of rigid (concrete) pavement have been completed, while 13.8 kilometres of asphalt binder course have been achieved. Overall project completion currently stands at 10.21 per cent, with approximately 66.67 per cent of the project timeline elapsed. The contract sum for the project is ₦89,888,414,585.20.” He added that the project was initially awarded on 24 March, 2022 with a completion period of three years, noting that progress has been largely affected by traffic management and security challenges along the corridor. The project is being executed by two contractors, with  Messrs  Geld Limited/Triacta (Nigeria) Limited handling one carriageway (Lokoja- Bound) and Trucrete Solutions Limited managing the Abuja-bound section. The Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, Engr. Patiko Musa, assured the public that construction work is ongoing, adding that additional equipment and work gangs are being deployed to accelerate progress. Similarly, the Itobe–Ayingba Road Special Intervention Project, a 1.6-kilometre emergency repair completed at ₦972 million, was commissioned on behalf of the President by the SSA-P. The project is part of the 260 emergency interventions carried out nationwide to address critically failed sections of inherited projects by the present administration. With 2,064 road and bridge projects inherited, emergency repairs on the most hazardous sections remain a top priority. The Itobe–Ayingba Road is a vital federal highway linking the Eastern, Central, and Western parts of Kogi State and connecting with the Okene–Ajaokuta–Itobe Road. It serves key industrial corridors, including the largest iron and steel plant and one of the largest cement factories in Africa, playing a critical role in commerce, transportation, and socio-economic development. The scope of work executed included site clearance and scarification, provision of lateritic sub-base and crushed stone base, asphaltic binder and wearing courses, cut-and-patch of potholes, desilting of drainage systems, and installation of road markings. The project received commendations from representatives of the Kogi State Government, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lokoja Branch, and the host communities, who expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for addressing long-standing infrastructural challenges. Community leaders confirmed that the intervention has significantly reduced road accidents and improved safety and economic activities. At the Dualisation of Lokoja - Benin Road, Section I, Phases 1 & 2 (Lokoja - Okene), after receiving briefings by the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Kogi State, Engr. Musa Patiko and the Project Manager, Messrs CCG (Nig.) Limited, the SSA-P expressed dismay at the slow pace of work, urging the Contractor to put in more effort, while assuring that funding constraints would be met. The host community complained about the menace of dust buildup occasioned by the construction work and the company was admonished to be health-conscious and environmentally friendly in their operations. As a proactive measure to surmount the security issues affecting the pace of work on some projects, the SSA-P met with the Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Lokoja, Brig. Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, who promised to provide 24-hour security cover to any construction company, on demand. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Kogi State, Engr. Abdulsalam Sagir, while thanking the present administration for the various projects in the state, asked for more. The Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lokoja Branch, Engr. Adanu Emmanuel and a representative of Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Conscience of Human Rights and Conflict Resolution, Lokoja, Mr. Idris Miliki Abdul urged the contractors to abide by the specifications and timelines of their respective contracts. Other projects inspected by the Team include the Rehabilitation of Abuja - Lokoja Expressway, Sections 4a and 4b, and the Special Repair of Lokoja - Ganaja Road. ...

Goronyo Commends Excellence, Youth Impact at 2025 Caliphate Icon Awards The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has commended the organizers of the Caliphate Icon Awards for sustaining a credible platform that recognizes excellence, service, and positive societal impact. The Minister gave the commendation while delivering a goodwill address at the 2025 Caliphate Icon Awards, organized by Amazing Fame Concept in collaboration with the Caliphate Youth Forum, held on Friday, 2nd January 2026, at the Sokoto Guest House, Sokoto State. Rt. Hon. Goronyo described the awards as more than a recognition ceremony, noting that they serve as a powerful source of inspiration, particularly for young people, to embrace integrity, resilience, and selfless service in nation-building. “Progress is built by individuals who consistently give their best, often quietly and sometimes against great odds, for the good of society,” the Minister stated, urging Nigerian youths to remain committed to making meaningful contributions to their communities and the nation at large. He congratulated the award recipients, describing them as role models whose achievements demonstrate that dedication, hard work, and service are always recognized and celebrated. The Minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration to promoting excellence, rewarding merit, and creating an enabling environment where innovation and talent can thrive across all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Rt. Hon. Goronyo concluded by congratulating Amazing Fame Concept, the Caliphate Youth Forum, and all award recipients, expressing confidence that the recognition would further inspire greater service to humanity and national development.   ...

Goronyo Receives SPN Membership Certificate, Tasks Professionals on Unity, Mentorship, and National Development at Sokoto Professionals Network AGM The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., has called on Nigerian professionals to embrace unity, strengthen mentorship, and actively deploy their expertise toward national development, describing professional collaboration as a critical driver of sustainable progress. The Minister made this call while delivering a keynote address at the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) held on 26th December, 2025, in Sokoto State, with activities concluding on 27th December, 2025. Speaking on the theme “Expanding Horizons, Strengthening Bonds,” Rt. Hon. Goronyo noted that the gathering was both timely and strategic, stressing that in an increasingly complex global environment, sustainable development depends on strong professional networks built on trust, shared responsibility, and a common vision. He emphasized the vital role professionals play in shaping institutions, driving economic growth, and translating ideas into practical solutions to societal challenges. According to him, platforms such as the Sokoto Professionals Network provide an invaluable space for mentorship, policy engagement, innovation, and meaningful contributions to community and national development. The Minister highlighted infrastructure development as a major catalyst for economic and social advancement, explaining that quality roads, bridges, and transport corridors are essential enablers of commerce, education, healthcare delivery, security, and national integration. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to delivering durable and sustainable infrastructure nationwide through professionalism, accountability, and the development of local capacity. Rt. Hon. Goronyo further urged members of the Network to strengthen collaboration between senior and emerging professionals, home-based and diaspora members, as well as between professional bodies and government institutions.  He noted that a united, credible, and solution-oriented professional voice can significantly influence policy direction, innovation, and development outcomes. In recognition of his contributions to public service, infrastructure development, and professional advancement, the Sokoto Professionals Network (SPN) formally presented a Certificate of Membership to Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., admitting him as a member of the Network during the closing ceremony of the AGM on 27th December, 2025. The Minister expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed on him and commended the leadership and members of the Sokoto Professionals Network for sustaining a credible, inclusive, and impactful professional platform.  He expressed confidence that the Network’s contributions to the development of Sokoto State and Nigeria would continue to grow in relevance and impact. ...