Federal Ministry of Works

BREAKING NEWS

Aug

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

LATEST PRESS

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 workshop also featured goodwill messages from senior stakeholders:

Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed,
For:
Director, Press and Public Relations
28th August, 2025

Aug

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. ...

Aug

2025

FG PREPARES FOR ANTICIPATED ABUJA–LOKOJA FLOOD GORONYO DIRECTS FERMA TO REHABILITATE LOKO–OWETO–AGATU ROAD IN NASARAWA. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately commence the rehabilitation of the Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road in Nasarawa State, as an alternative route for commuters. in case of the envisaged Abuja–Lokoja flooding. The directive was issued during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), The Minister further disclosed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved several critical infrastructure initiatives, including the urgent rehabilitation of other strategic bridges such as the Carter Bridge, third Mainland Bridge, and Donga Bridge in Taraba State to strengthen Nigeria’s economic corridors and improve nationwide access for motorists. Speaking at the Minister’s Conference Room on Friday, 15th August 2025, Goronyo underscored the enormous workload of the Ministry, citing major routes such as Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano, Sokoto–Zaria, and many others across the North, South, East, and West. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as “the people’s president”, and lauded his inclusive leadership and unwavering prioritisation of infrastructure as a “key enabler of growth and development” under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He highlighted ongoing interventions, particularly the Legacy Projects, including Lagos–Sokoto, Lagos–Badagry, Lagos–Calabar, Ebonyi–Nasarawa–Abuja, and the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Trans-Sahara Route, stressing that no state has been left without road maintenance or construction under the current administration. He also applauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FANTE, for bringing engineering excellence and dedication to the Ministry’s projects. Reaffirming the Ministry’s determination to work tirelessly in delivering modern, safe, and durable infrastructure for all Nigerians, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Goronyo acknowledged the need for public re-orientation on road usage and enjoined the leaderships of the two associations on dedication, accountability and selfless service to the masses. “Public office is a burden, and that burden must be discharged with full accountability. There is no time for comfort zones, you must work day and night to deliver on your mandate. This is not a position for enjoyment or status, but for tireless service to Nigerians,” Goronyo stated. Speaking, the MD/CEO of FERMA, Dr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, outlined the agency’s core focus namely; management of the road network with priority on economic corridors and addressing issues such as vandalism and overuse; and Data Collection, Updating Nigeria’s road corridor map with traffic statistics to guide maintenance planning. This, according to the Agbasi, was supported by a technical working group tasked with preparing a draft of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The President, NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, praised President Tinubu’s initiative on the delivery of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, 5 units of 50-seater buses, 20 units of 14-seater buses, and 50 units of 50 -seater buses, which have collectively reduced transportation costs for NARTO operations by over 30%. He also remarked the impact of the Ministry’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in enforcing axle load limits, revealing that, effective from 1st October, no truck will be allowed to load more than 45,000 litres, a move expected to reduce road damage and extend infrastructure lifespan. Similarly, IPMAN President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, pledged full support for the Ministry’s efforts, stating "even a blind man can see this government is doing its best to keep Nigerian roads in order. We stand fully behind your work.” Queenet Iheoma-Hart, For: Director, Press and Public Relations 15th August 2025 ...

Aug

2025

NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS(NSE) HINTS HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS,SEN UMAHI ON SOCIETY'S FORTHCOMING ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, SEEKS COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT ON SHARED GOALS The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency,Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has offered assurance of his collaborative support to the shared goals of the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE). He made this offer of partnership during the courtesy visit of the leadership of the organization led by its president, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala FNSE, which was held at the Honourable Minister’s office on 12th August 2025. The Honourable Minister alluded to the important role of the Nigerian Society of Engineers as an umbrella organization for engineers and commended the efforts of the leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers in enforcing strict standard and professional ethics among its members and in advancing the interest of the engineering profession in Nigeria. He described them as critical stakeholders in the Renewed Hope agenda of revolutionizing road infrastructure in Nigeria. He maintained that engineering best practices and creative innovations are the centrepiece of the policy direction of the Renewed Hope administration of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Earlier in her remarks,the president said the leadership of NSE was in his office to formally notify him about the forthcoming Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE) slated to hold in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State on 1st week of December 2025. It is noteworthy to mention that the leader of the delegation is the first female president in the history of the organization. Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser ( Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works ...

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Jul

2024

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2024

GORONYO MEETS MANAGEMENT AND BOARD OF FERMA
— Advocates Openness and Stakeholders’ Engagement

The Honourable Minister of State (HMS), Federal Ministry of Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq has urged the Management of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to give regular updates to the National Assembly and other Stakeholders, in order to bridge communication gaps. The HMS gave this charge at a meeting with the management of FERMA and Members of its Board led by the Managing Director/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Chukwuemeka Agbasi, today, Wednesday, 6th November, 2024 in Abuja.

The meeting, which was the continuation of a prior one held in Kano on Monday, 4th November, 2024 is aimed at articulating a work plan with a clear roadmap for FERMA activities nationwide. It was also to address the fallout of the invitation by the National Assembly, where the need to upscale communication between the two was emphasised; the need to always bring Board Members up to speed with the activities of the Agency; grey areas observed in the non-implementation of the 2024 budget, as well as drawing a template for all on-going FERMA projects with a view to embarking on a visit to all the geo- political zones to access projects being undertaken by the Agency.

He appreciated the Management of FERMA and the Board for the visit, promising that more of such engagements will be held to bring the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which seeks to enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth.

SPEECHES

Apr

2025

WELCOME REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, ENGR. OLUFUNSO O. ADEBIYI FNSE, DURING THE MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS DECISIONS REACHED IN 29^TH NCW FOR THE PREPARATION OF 30TH EDITION OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

PROTOCOLS

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this Mid-Term Review Meeting in preparation for the 30th National Council on Works (NCW). I extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Works for approving this important gathering, which is a vital step towards ensuring the successful implementation of resolutions from our previous deliberations.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the Nasarawa State Government for the support and hospitality towards the hosting of the meeting in the State Capital. My gratitude equally extends to our distinguished stakeholders who have taken the time to be part of this crucial discourse.

RATIONALE FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING

This Mid-Term Review Meeting serves as a statutory activity critical to tracking the progress made in implementing key resolutions from the 29th National Council on Works, which was held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, from 15th to 18th July 2024. As we approach the 30th NCW, it is imperative that we take stock of our achievements, challenges, and the way forward.

The main objective of the maiden Mid-Term Review/ Preparatory meeting is to provide a veritable and suitable platform for critical Stakeholders in the road infrastructure Sector to have a robust national consideration on the dynamics and emerging issues concerning the sector, while the specific objectives for convening the meeting include to:

Assess the progress of newly deployed initiatives in the construction and maintenance of Nigerian road, especially the “Concrete pavement alternative”;
Examine access to alternative funding sources for argumentation of government scarce resources, especially leveraging on the Public Private Partnership models in construction and e-tolling of economic routes for maintenance of road infrastructure;
Evaluating the progress made so far in the implementation of key decisions reached during the 29^th edition of the NCW held at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State in July, 2024
Identity and benchmark constraints and challenges as well as do a SWOT analysis and make recommendations on the way forward; and
Make holistic recommendations and come up with a roadmap to guide Stakeholders in the preparation of a detailed Status of Implementation Report” for presentation at the 30^th Edition of NCW.

The discussions at this plenary session will set the tone for the deliberations of our six dedicated Desk Review Groups, which have been carefully structured to cover key technical and policy aspects of infrastructure development.

The Desk Review Group on Policy Formation and Implementation Decisions is expected to analyze policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms guiding infrastructure projects, evaluating their effectiveness and proposing necessary adjustments to enhance policy coherence and sustainability.

The Desk Review Group on Institutional Strengthening Decisions will examine strategies for enhancing the capacity and efficiency of institutions responsible for infrastructure development, focusing on governance structures, inter-agency collaboration, and workforce competency.

The Desk Review Group on Alternative Technologies Decisions is tasked with exploring innovative construction methodologies and materials that offer cost-effective, durable, and sustainable solutions in road and infrastructure development.

The Desk Review Group on Technical and Operational Decisions will assess engineering standards, project execution models, and maintenance strategies, ensuring that technical best practices are integrated into the sector’s operational framework.

The Desk Review Group on Alternative Funding Mechanisms Decisions will evaluate existing and emerging financing models, identifying viable options for sustainable funding of infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships, concessional funding, and other financial instruments.

Finally, the Desk Review Group on Rule of Law and Good Governance will review compliance with legal and ethical standards in the sector, ensuring adherence to procurement laws, transparency, and accountability in project implementation.

As we embark on this review process, I urge all technical experts, policy advisers, and stakeholders present to engage in robust discussions, leveraging data-driven insights and global best practices to enrich our deliberations. The recommendations from this session will serve as the foundation for policy refinement, institutional reforms, and strategic decision-making at the forthcoming 30th NCW.

In this regard, we have invited three distinguished Resource Persons from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Central Delivery and coordinating Unit (CDCU), the Budget and National Economic Planning and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to share their expertise and insights. Their contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and provide strategic direction for achieving our collective goals.

I extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his unwavering leadership and commitment to infrastructure transformation in Nigeria. Let us remain focused on our collective mission to build a resilient, innovative, and well-governed infrastructure ecosystem that will drive national development. I look forward to insightful contributions and practical resolutions that will enhance the effectiveness of the Works Sector.

CONCLUSION

As we engage in fruitful deliberations over the next few days, I encourage all participants to be proactive, open-minded, and solution-driven. The impact of our discussions here will go a long way in shaping the deliberations of the 30th NCW and, ultimately, the trajectory of infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Thank you, and I wish us all productive deliberations.