Project Inspection: Minister Chides Contractor In continuation of his inspection of projects in the South-South geopolitical zone, the Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE visited ongoing works on the Dualisation of East-West Road, Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) and the Construction of Multiple Box Culverts at Flood Affected Areas on East-West Road, Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) in Rivers and Bayelsa States, yesterday, Wednesday, 8th January, 2025. Engr. Umahi disclosed that he was highly impressed with the quality of work on Section II-II (Ahoada-Kaiama) by Messrs Setraco (Nig.) Ltd. but directed them to speed up the process through the addition of more resources to the job. He reminded them that the April, 2025 delivery date remains sacrosanct. He directed that due to the nature of the soil in the areas affected by floods, where box culverts are being constructed, continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) should be used. The affected area is about 2.3 kilometres. The Project Manager of Setraco, Engr. Isaa Michel, while appreciating the Minister for the site inspection and the savory, as well as unsavoury comments, promised to hasten the pace of work, to meet the dateline. The Minister was also at the site of the Construction of Multiple Box Culverts on the East-West Road being handled by Messrs Rock Result (Nig.) Ltd., where he praised the standard of work but frowned at the level of work achieved. He expressed his disappointment with the pace, stating that the contract was scheduled for finishing by November, 2024 but was extended to December and is still uncompleted. He, therefore, gave the contractor up till the end of January, 2025 to complete it or it stands revoked. Engr. Umahi informed the contractor that the provision of roads and bridges remains a top priority of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Revolution of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. He advised them to up their games or be left at the bus stop
ROAD PROJECT DELIVERY UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU DONE WITH INCREDIBLY LOWEST COST AND GREATEST QUALITY, AND SPEED ...Works Minister Describes The Statement Credited To The Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar On The 700km Coastal Highway As A Gross Misrepresentation Of Facts And Figures, And A Ploy To Mislead Nigerians By Darkening Counsel Without Knowledge The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON has expressed that despite the skyrocketed cost of materials in the construction industry caused by the dynamics of commodity price inflation and supply chain disruptions, the administration of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has remained unmatched in prudence, cost effectiveness, speedy and quality delivery of road projects. He made this comment during his inspection visit to the on-going rehabilitation of Enugu - Port Harcourt dual carriageway section 4 (Aba - Port Harcourt) handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC) on 8th April 2024. The Honourable Minister who also visited the construction of a 23-span flyover bridge project at Eke-Obinagu Junction (NNPC Depot), along Enugu Abakaliki Road, Enugu State handled by Reinforced Global Resources Ltd, the rehabilitation work at the collapsed bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge near NNPC mega fillings station Enugu Capital City, Enugu State handled by CCECC, the rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Section 3, Enugu- Lokpanta handled by CGC, the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway section 2 (Umuahia Tower-Aba Township Rail/ Road) in Abia State, handled by the Arab Contractors and the reconstruction of the dualized 15km section of the East-West road section III: (Eleme Junction- Onne Port in Rivers State being executed on reinforced concrete pavement like the coastal road) handled by RCC, said that the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a diversified and sustainable economic future of Nigeria, and this he is doing in the works sector through aggressive infrastructure development that would provide access to trade, tourism, industrialization and safety, especially along the local economic corridors. While reacting to a statement credited to the former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on the 700 km coastal road projects, the Honourable Minister described the analysis he made on the coastal road project figures and the economic importance of the all-important coastal highway project as a gross misrepresentation of facts, and figures and a ploy to mislead Nigerians by darkening counsel without knowledge. "He doesn't understand figures. I am going to run figures for him to understand, and he will understand how prudent the administration of President Tinubu has been. He will understand how prudency is taking the centre stage in this administration. The President has once queried me on the cost of on-going projects nationwide. I had to analyse every basic rate of construction materials to arrive at our unit rates. I showed it to Mr. President. He still thinks I should bring down the cost of projects. At the same time, the contractors are crying that I am oppressing them so much by reviewing the costs of their projects downwards. They lamented that what they were getting before, they are no longer getting it now. They cried out. But when I run the figures, Nigerians will see what this present administration is doing. So, I'm not here to run the figures now. I will do that in a press conference on my visit to Lagos from 10th April 2024 to 12th April 2024.” On the economic importance of the coastal highway, he stated, "I will tell you the economic benefits of the project and how the coastal road is tying the entire country together. It's not tying just South-South and South- West. It is tying the North and South together. We are starting a project from Badagry to Sokoto, and we have a spur on this coastal route to that route and the African Trans Sahara Road that is passing from Enugu to Abakaliki to Ogoja to Cameroon which has a spur to the North". His Excellency, former Vice President Akitu Abubakar, may not know that the third section of the project is starting in Calabar by July 2024. The Honourable Minister commended the pace and quality of work on the projects he visited but harped on the need for the contractors to heed the project delivery timeline. On the progress of work at the East West Road section III, he said, "The reinforcement is very good, the concrete is very good, the speed is not very good, so they have to increase their speed. If RCC doesn't increase their pace, I will take out a portion of this road and give it to another contractor. We will not want contractors to stay on a job like this 15km dualization for two years or more." ...
PRESIDENT TINUBU PRAISES CONCERTED EFFORTS OF SOUTH-EAST LEADERS IN PEACE BUILDING AND GOVERNANCE 1. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has commended the leaders of South-East for their concerted efforts in harnessing their collective experience, knowledge and relationships to advance developmental ideals, peace building and robust democratic governance in South-East. The President made this commendation during the burial ceremony of late Deaconess (Mrs) Theresa Osinachi Omoke JP, the mother of his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, South East, Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Nweze, CEHF. 2. The President, represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi. FNSE FNATE, GGCEHF, CON, particularly thanked the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, GGCEHF for raising the bar in the peace and security of the State and for deepening the cause of development of the State and all who live in it. He said, "You have taken every challenge of Ebonyi State as the challenge of the people, and you have raised the bar in advancing the People's Charter of Needs of Ebonyi State. The President is very excited about your performances." In his condolence message to the family of the deceased, the President described the late mother of his SSA on Community Engagement as a woman with exemplary virtues who made immeasurable contributions to the advancement of the cause of humanity, and enjoined her and the entire Omoke family to take solace in the accomplishments of her age. "I would like to condole with you and the entire Omoke family on the death of your beloved mother, an icon and the matriarch of your family who sadly passed away on 18th of December, 2023 at the age of 75". 3. The Honourable Minister of Works used the opportunity to clear the air on misrepresentations on media platforms over the government that handled the much commended rehabilitation of Third Mainland Bridge Lagos, which is now opened for road users. "The Third Mainland Bridge was not done by Lagos State Government. No, it was done by the Federal Government as directed by President Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Everything about the funding was entirely done by Mr. President through his Minister of Works." He also used the opportunity to thank the leaders and people of South East for their support to the Renewed Hope administration of Mr. President. He said, "I want to send a message of thanks from Mr. President to the people of South East, for their support; I want to thank the Governors and appreciate them for their support, which is beyond party lines." He revealed, "In a very short moment, leaders of South East will come together to openly, publicly, and heartily appreciate Mr. President, and let Nigerians and the world know that we stand with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. 4. In his address during the event, the Governor of Ebonyi State thanked Mr. President for his fatherly disposition to all the States of the federation and his inclusive governance, which has renewed the hope of Nigerians in actualizing positive trajectories in the political and socio- economic history of the nation. He offered his deep condolences to the deceased family and his compassions to the cause of the family and community who would deeply miss her love and charity. While praying for the repose of her soul, he expressed commitment towards immortalizing the good name she bequeathed. He said, "As government, we must do a very significant thing today. The State Government will build a befitting pavilion in this field, and that pavilion will be named after the late mother of Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Nweze. The road leading to this field will be constructed as a mark of honour to late Deaconess (Mrs) Theresa Osinachi Omoke JP" ...
Lagos 3RD Mainland Bridge Reopens Today The Lagos 3RD Mainland Bridge is to reopen to traffic today in the coming hours. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator David Nweze Umahi in a phone call in the early hours of today,directed the Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr Mrs O.I.Kesha to open the Bridge to traffic inorder to ease the stress which motorist have been subjected to, during the period of the first phase of Rehabilitation works on the Bridge Speaking to journalists soon after the directive, the Minister of Works said, the successful completion of the first phase of the Rehabilitation works which was started and completed by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is a clear Indication that President Tinubu is working . Senator Umahi called on all Nigerians to continue to have faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President ,maintaining however, that nothing good comes so easy. The Minister revealed that work has already begun on the underwater damage to the bridge, which is the second phase of the Rehabilitation works on the bridge. Similarly, the Minister said, Rehabilitation works will commence on the Carter bridge in the coming weeks, adding that the contractor has already been mobilised. ...
6th Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) GABFEST To Hold June 28
As part of efforts targeted at creating a platform for the active involvement of the youth in Nigeria’s future, the 6th Babatunde Raji Fashola (BRF) Gabfest will hold next week, Tuesday 28th June, at 11a.m as a ZOOM Webinar (bit.ly/gabfest6).
The BRF Gabfest which holds in honor of the 59th birthday celebration of Legal practitioner and Public Servant, the Honorable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, is expected to have in attendance stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as members of the general public.
This year’s event which is themed: ‘What am I voting for?’ is anticipated to have numerous attendees and is open to members of the public via a registration link (bit.ly/gabfest6).
The BRF Gabfest will feature 6 speakers on a panel, who will offer constructive insights cut across both the public and private sector, and offer the audience a chance to also engage on issues pertaining to the theme.
Now in its 6th year, the goal of the BRF Gabfest is to create an interactive platform where the role of the youth in Nigeria’s future will be discussed and heard. It is targeted at those who are sincerely concerned about the future of Nigeria, and the role young people have to play in that future.
Speech by President Muhammadu Buhari Represented by The Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu at The Commissioning and Handover of Hadeija – Nguru Road, Phase II (Kirikasama-Nguru) in Jigawa State on Saturday 18th June, 2022.
On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring best wishes to the Government and people of Jigawa State.
Our commitment to improving road transport infrastructure, our determination to improve the ease of doing business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty brings us here today because the results of our investment are manifesting.
I can confidently say that as we enter the final lap of the tenure of the Buhari administration we are also entering a season of completion and delivery of projects.
As you can all see, we are handing over today the 33 Kilometre Road, which links Hadeijia-Kirikasama in Jigawa State. A very important Road that connects agrarian and trading communities to ease the movement of their farm products.
By linking these communities together, this road becomes a critical component of our national road network.
This road has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if is well used and not abused, it should last for the designed service life.
Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.
We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them.
The road is also a story of the capacity of our people. The patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction.
These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth.
This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business.
This is because the travel time before construction has now reduced since the completion of the road.
Of course, this road is part of our many roads to prosperity because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money.
This road also symbolizes change as you will observe in the road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs.
These components had all but disappeared on our highways but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state.
Of course, another element of change is the travel experience on a new and well-built road from the old and previously unmotorable road.
Now that we have this new and well-built road, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users.
One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code.
Accordingly, for the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to reiterate that the maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM PER HOUR and no more.
On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I formally declare this Hadeijia-Nguru Road in Jigawa State completed and open for public use.
For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM PER HOUR.
We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria.
I wish you safe and happy motoring.
Engr. Suleiman H. Adamu
Honourable Minister of Water Resources
THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE, H.E. MOHAMMED UMARU BAGO AT THE TOWN HALL MEETING AND STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 127-KILOMETRE, 3-LANE, SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY (NIGER STATE COMPONENT) OF THE 1,068-KILOMETRE SOKOTO - BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY IN MINNA, WEDNESDAY, 13TH NOVEMBER, 2024
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PICTURES FROM DAY 2 OF THE 29TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS
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