HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, SEN UMAHI, CONDOLES WITH VP SHETTIMA ON THE LOSS OF HIS MOTHER-IN-LAW, HAJIYA MARYAM It is with a deep sense of sympathy that I condole with the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Sen. Kashim Shettima GCON and his dear wife, Her Excellency Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, on the unfortunate loss of his mother-in-law, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar Albishir who passed away on 23rd June,2024 at the age of 69 years. She was a woman of high moral worth who worked devotedly in fostering national dialogue, social harmony, and mutual understanding in a plural society. The nation will miss her, but our solace is in the values of her moral legacies, which impact future generations. While wishing her a peaceful rest, I assure His Excellency, the Vice President and the bereaved family of the deepest commiserations, esteemed regards and best wishes of my family, the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works. H.E. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON Honorable Minister of Works ...

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES FINAL FUNDS FOR THE COMPLETION OF BODO-BONNY ROAD, TASKS JULIUS BERGER NIGERIA PLC ON DECEMBER DEADLINE FOR PROJECT DELIVER As Honourable Minister Berates RCC for Leaving the Site Despite being Funded, Issues A Seven-Day Ultimatum to Remobilize of Risk Job Termination 1. In furtherance of the resolve of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to bring to a conclusive end the perennial transportation challenges in Bodo-Bonny, South South of Nigeria and thus enhance the socio-economic prospects of the two communities of Rivers State, the Federal Government has approved the total and final sum of N280 billion for the completion of Bodo-Bonny road project. This was revealed by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON during his inspection visit to the project site this 19th June 2024. He warned that the contractor handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, must work round the clock to beat the project delivery timeline of December 2024. 2. The Honourable Minister expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, insisting that the amount of money paid needed to correspond with the project completed. He, however, enjoined the contractor to ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline as Federal Government would not approve further funds for the project for any reason of variation whatsoever. "And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It's a package, and it's called lump sum final completion package to Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach their name. It has been 11 years, and we don't want it to exceed this year. And so it is in your interest that you cooperate, " He further added during the site visit, " I will be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is there anything that the Minister of Works and NLNG will do to fast track this engagement so that we can arrive at the destination by the 15th of December 2024?". The Honourable Minister commended Mr. President’s commitment towards the completion of the road project. He praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the cooperation and uprightness of NLNG funding the project. 3. Similarly, the Honourable Minister has expressed dismay over the attitude of RCC handing 15km East West Road (From Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) for their inordinate delay on the project despite receiving mobilization for the job and warned that Federal Government would not entertain any request for Variation on Price (VOP). "We are very sad with the manners and behaviours of this contractor, RCC. The federal government has paid over 40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometer has been completed. And let me make it very clear that the cost we have given on the review of this project does not attract any VOP. There is no VOP on the project as far as the rates are concerned now." He decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed intention to source funds to maintain the road for the time being pending when the company remobilizes to the site. "So, we have to see where we can search for funds and get any contractor around here to maintain the road. We need to maintain the road. We need to pity the people. It's not acceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job. 4. Other projects inspected by the Honourable Minister were the dualization of East-West Road section II (sub section II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) being handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood damaged locations along the dualization of East-West Road (section II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd. 5. In their words of commendation to Mr President, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District. Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi who was part of the inspection visit and the spokesperson to the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, Professor Jasper Jumbo thanked the President of Nigeria for the great difference his administration has brought in the Nigeria's road infrastructure trajectory. They appreciated the Honourable Minister of Works for handling the mandate of the Ministry of Works with an exceptional sense of passion and professionalism.  Sen. Nwaebonyi said, “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate once again the performing Minister of Works who is doing wonderfully well on all our roads across the nation. This is one of them, the Bodo-Bonny Road. And I believe that with this constant supervision, the contractors will live up to expectations and deliver the job within a record time." Professor Jasper Jumbo said, "And I must commend your patriotism. I must commend your professionalism. One thing that this administration has shown us is that we enlisted people of credibility and people of integrity. I commend Mr. President, for bringing such a minister that is committed to giving Nigeria the best. This is the practical aspect of Renewed Hope.  6. The NLNG representative and manager Government Relations, Dienye Godson also thanked Mr. President and his team for the will to complete the project. "I must commend the Honourable Minister for all the efforts he has put in. He has spent several weeks and obviously has been very patient. And that has led us to where we are today. So, as a company, we are happy. So, at this stage now, we'll go back and go through our own internal processes to ensure that we provide as much support as we can to the government." In his assurances on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the project manager stated, "We will not lean back, and we'll continue and expedite the re-mobilization of this project to ensure our full commitment. And as you rightly have said, Honourable Minister, we as partners in progress must have all hands-on deck." ...

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, SEN UMAHI CELEBRATES EID AL-KABIR WITH THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY IN EBONYI STATE, ENJOINS ALL NIGERIANS TO IMBIBE  THE VIRTUES  OF SACRIFICE,CHARITY, HARMONIOUS CO-EXISTENCE WHICH ARE THE LESSONS  OF EID AL-ADHA The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has urged Nigerians to reflect on the religious significance of Eid al- Kabir and the reinforcing values of sacrifice, gratitude, charity and compassion, devotion and unity among one another, and quest for national harmony which are the hallmarks of the Festival of Sacrifice celebrated by the Muslim faithfuls all over the world.  He gave this advice when the Muslim community in Ebonyi State and other stakeholders came to solidarize with him in his residence in Abakaliki on this important holiday in the Islamic calendar. The Honourable Minister commended the sense of unity and love among the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba communities who are Muslim faithfuls in Ebonyi State and charged them to continue to support and pray for the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, who is working magnificently to return the country to the part of honour and glory.  He further urged them to continue to support the administration of the Governor of their host State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB GGCEHF, who has remained inclusive and steadfast in the discharge of his People's Charter of Needs. "President Tinubu is trying very much to help this country. We know that things are hard. And if he doesn't do what he's doing, in the future, we may not have a country called Nigeria. So, the much his disciples can help, they try to help. That's why I rushed home, so that I will join my government, to assist you people, to buy food, to celebrate. And so, I want you to pray for Mr. President and pray for our Governor. In Ebonyi State, there's no discrimination, whether Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba or other tribes. We are one people." Similarly, the Honourable Minister celebrated with former State Executive Council members and other stakeholders who visited to bid him welcome to the State on the Salah holiday.  He charged them to continue to be very loyal, responsive, and supportive to the administration of Mr. President and that of the Governor of Ebonyi State, noting that the APC administration at the Federal and State levels is working concertedly and inclusively to meet the yearnings of Nigerians. "Let's try to know that we are a community of one people. Let's try to know that North, South, Central is just for the convenience of our political administration. Let's be united, for if you are segregated, you are not helping the government."  He commended the State Government and the stakeholders for the peace in the State. "I want to commend you people and commend the government again for the peace that is in the State. And I want you to continue to support and pray for him." In his response, the spokesman to the Muslim faithfuls, Alhaji Idris Datti Suleiman thanked the Honourable Minister of Works for his usual sense of benevolence to the Muslim community. He particularly thanked him for the huge Salah gifts and donations he made to them, including the women, youths, and others whom they represented in the visit. He assured the Honourable Minister of the unwavering support and solidarity of the Muslim community in Ebonyi State to the administration of Mr. President and that of their host Govermor.  "Permit me to say the truth. I was born and brought up in Ebonyi. I grew up here. We have so many Honourable Ministers since the creation of Ebonyi State to date. No one has shown such a kind gesture as you, the Honourable Minister of Works.  Not any Minister has ever invited the Muslim faithfuls in his house to celebrate a Muslim festival.  In fact, your own is quite unique because you invited us at a time that every Nigerian needed help. Thank you sir"   ...