Federal Ministry of Works

Nov

2025

LATEST PRESS

FG Decries Road Vandalism, Reaffirms Commitment to Record Completion of Abuja-Kano Expressway

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects across the country, warning that such irresponsible acts threaten the lifespan and safety of critical national infrastructure.

Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., issued the warning on Saturday, 8th November 2025, during a holistic inspection visit to the Outstanding Sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway project, where he condemned the destructive activities of some hoodlums along the completed and active sections of the road.

The Minister, in particular, decried instances of individuals removing safety railings, damaging concrete pavements, or converting portions of the highway into refuse dumps and drying grounds—especially around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State.

“Maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility,” Goronyo stated. “We have observed people cutting through newly completed road sections or tampering with vital components. These acts of vandalism must stop immediately,” he warned.

In this vein, he urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and ensure that such national assets are protected from misuse, adding that the government’s huge investments in road development must be safeguarded for future generations.

“The Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committing enormous resources to the building of durable roads across the country. Every act of vandalism or road abuse undermines national progress and the deployment of taxpayers’ money to other critical national priorities,” the Minister emphasised.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway within record time, Goronyo described the project as a flagship of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance trade, promote unity, and strengthen economic integration between the Northern and Southern regions of the country.

He disclosed that the Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) of the project, spanning 144 kilometres, is progressing steadily across several active sections - from Tungan Maje and Jere to Katari, Kakau, Gonigora, and Agogo Junction—with significant work already completed in drainage, reinforcement, and the construction of the shoulders.

“So far, about 26 kilometres of continuous rigid concrete pavement and 15 kilometres of binder and wearing course have been completed,” the Minister revealed. “The President has made it clear that funding will not be a constraint. It is now a matter of work and getting paid,” he informed the contractor, Messrs. Infiouest International Limited.

In line with the President’s directive for durable infrastructure, the Acting Director, Highways, Bridges and Design at the Ministry, Engr. Musa Sa’idu explained that the project design was upgraded from flexible (asphalt) to rigid (concrete) pavement, capable of lasting for about a century and withstanding the stress of heavy-duty and overloaded vehicles.

He further disclosed that a recycling approach is being used to strengthen the substructure, by mixing milled asphalt with stone base and cement to improve durability and minimize environmental impact.

Mr. Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager of the company, reaffirmed their commitment to engineering excellence and set a target, adding that work is progressing seven days a week, with plans to introduce night shifts to accelerate completion.
“We are determined to deliver this project ahead of schedule. The government has demonstrated exceptional consistency in funding, and we are matching that commitment with performance,” Turner assured.

Concluding the inspection tour at the additional location of the Kano end of the alignment, the Minister reiterated that the Abuja–Kano Expressway remains one of the most strategic road corridors in the nation, symbolising Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal, national security, and economic prosperity.

“This project is dear to the President’s heart. It is not just a road - it is a lifeline for trade, social and political integration, as well as national unity. Every Nigerian must play a part in protecting it,” Goronyo declared.

Earlier at the end of Section II (Kaduna-Zaria), which has been completed and handed over by the previous contractor, the
Minister detoured to inspect another ongoing construction work on the Unguwar Iliya-Bagudu-Kwantakaran-Tsiga-Bakori Road with Kadabo Bridge in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, which has an approximate length of 17.3 kilometres, starting from Tsiga Town and passing through the Barde community. The scope of work includes the construction of a single carriageway and three reinforced concrete bridges.

Briefing the Minister on the Project, the Federal Controller/Engineers’ Representative, Engr. Muhammad I. Matinja and the Project Manager for Messrs. Halis Matrix Limited, Engr. David Omotosho expressed optimism about the progress of work, assuring that it will be completed on time and according to its design.

**Mohammed A Ahmed, **
Director Press and Public Relations.
9th November 2025.

Jun

2018

FG DIRECTS IMMEDIATE REMEDIAL WORKS ON COLLAPSED BRIDGE IN TARABA STATE The Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, wishes to notify commuters and the general public of a bridge collapse at Maraban Gassol in Taraba State which occurred towards the evening hours of today Wednesday 20th June, 2018 after a heavy downpour. The bridge links Jalingo and Wukari and further into Benue State. Fashola has directed the Federal contractor on that axis to mobilize immediately to site and commence emergency remedial works by tomorrow, Thursday 21st June, 2018 in order to normalize the flow of traffic. Motorists are advised to use the alternate route through Jalingo - Garba Cheda - Bali - Takum - Katsina Ala. Meanwhile, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi has deployed Road Marshals from Mutum Biyu Unit Command to divert, control and ease traffic on that route. Motorists and the general public will be informed of further developments on the route as work will commence immediately. ...

Jun

2018

FG Restates Its Commitment To Deliver On East West Road - Niger Delta Minister The Federal Government has once again reiterated its commitment to deliver on critical infrastructure especially the East West road despite lean resources that is being generated. According to the Minister of Niger Delta, Usani Uguru Usani, the Federal Executive Council has given preference to the timely completion of the East West Road because of its importance to the region and the nation at large. He added that government is poised to deploying available resources towards its actualization and delivery, hence, the setting up of an inter-ministerial committee comprising, Ministries of Power, Works and Housing, Niger Delta Affairs, Transport and Aviation and Information and Culture to see to the speedy completion of the road. While conducting journalists on a road tour of the alignment, Usani stated that contrary to the general opinion that work is not progressing on the road, ‘you can see for yourself driving from Warri, Delta State where the road begins to section iv which is Oron, Akwa Ibom State, that substantial work has been achieved’. The Minister added that though there are some remedial works to be carried out on some of the completed sections of the road, he could attest to the fact that there is an improvement and immense progress recorded compared to 2016 when the inter-ministerial committee visited. He also acknowledged in his address that section v, which is the last section of the East West road will soon be awarded, stressing that government might in future consider the inauguration of the completed sections of the road as work progresses. Usani was accompanied by his colleague, Minister of Transport and Aviation, Rotimi Ameachi, Permanent Secretary, Niger Delta, Alhaji Aminu Bisalla alongside with Director, Highways South-South, Engr. Charles Okonmah from Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and Director, Infrastructural, Engr. Uche Uzoegbu, Ministry of Niger Delta and other government officials. The East West road is an arterial route conveying heavy traffic of goods and services especially those used in the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in the Niger Delta region. The road is connecting Warri in Delta State to Oron in Akwa Ibom, through Kaiama in Bayelsa State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State. The 338Km dual carriages equivalent to (676km single carriage way has 4 nos bridges) was initially awarded in 2006. The project is in four sections. Section I of the road is 87.4km from Warri to Kaiama was awarded to Sectraco Nigeria Section II, 101km is from Kaiama to Port Harcourt was also awarded to Sectraco Section III with 99km is from Port Harcourt to Eket is been handled by RCC Nigeria Ltd, while Section IV with 51km from Eket to Oron was awarded to Gitto Construczioni Nigeria Ltd. The dualization of the East West road was transferred from the defunct Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) to Ministry of Niger Delta (MNDA) in 2009 to fast track the progress of work and the development of the Niger Delta region. It is important to note that, the major challenges confronting the completion of the road is due to the short dry season period and unavailability of fund, as budgetary provisions alone cannot meet up with the demand and magnitude of the project. ...

May

2018

FG Commences Rehabilitation of Ikorodu-Sagamu Road, Says It Will Boost Economy The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on Monday said the rehabilitation of the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road would boost agriculture and the economy of Lagos. Fashola said the road was strategic to industrailisation and agricultural development which were the priorities of the Buhari administration. He added that the road was strategic and would promote the growth of agricultural activities, boost business for industries in the axis and create employment opportunities. He listed the Odogunyan Industrial Estate, the NNPC Mosimi Depot and other firms as some of the beneficiaries of the project. “The present government is very strong on agric and very strong on industrialisation and, indeed, on energy,” he said. According to him, the project had a national outlook and urged politicians to shun sentiments and focus on the developmental goals when constructing projects. “President Muhammadu Buhari has said I should tell you that not only are you getting Ikorodu-Sagamu Road, work has also started on Lagos-Ota Road to Abeokuta. And work would continue on Lagos-Ibadan expressway. “And if we get approval in the 2018 budget, hopefully, we would be able to start work on the last part of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway,” he said. He said the contractors’ first priority was to stabilise the road before the rains start. He urged residents to be patient and cooperate with the contractors as the construction was likely to cause them some inconveniences. General Manager, Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, Mr Wael Salem said, “We would try our best to make the road motor able.” The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, the traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, represented by Otunba Ayodele Elesho also thanked President Buhari for making the project a reality. “I have the mandate of Kabiyesi to thank you,” he said. He assured the contractors of the cooperation of residents of the community. Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, President Buhari’s senior special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mr Jimmy Benson, Federal House of Representatives member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency and others commended the Buhari administration. They all noted that the important road had been abandoned by previous administrations and appealed to the contractors to deliver the project on schedule. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 30.1-kilometre road links the Ikorodu round about in Lagos and Sagamu in Ogun State. The project is being handled by ARAB Contractors Nigeria Limited and has a completion period of 36 months. Source: (NAN) ...