95% OF NIGERIANS DEPEND ON ROAD TRANSPORT — PERMANENT SECRETARY The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, has disclosed that approximately 95 percent of Nigerians rely on road transport for their movement and the transportation of goods and services across the country. Engr. Adebiyi made this known, while delivering his Address at the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works, which opened today, 3rd November 2025, at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He explained that despite the development of other modes of transportation such as rail, air, and water, road transport remains the dominant means of mobility in Nigeria — a situation that places enormous pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure. “The resultant effect is heavy traffic volume and rapid deterioration of our pavements caused by heavy-duty vehicles and cargo movements,” he stated. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the completion and effective utilisation of the national rail network would significantly reduce road congestion, improve safety, and enhance economic efficiency. “If rail transport becomes fully operational and reliable, many Nigerians would prefer to travel by train. It is cheaper, safer, faster, and less stressful,” he disclosed. Engr. Adebiyi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for hosting the milestone event and for the warm hospitality extended to delegates. He noted that holding the Council meeting in Ado Ekiti was symbolic, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the state’s infrastructure development strides. He also lauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., for their exceptional leadership and untiring commitment to improving the nation’s road network, ensuring transparency in project implementation and management, and upholding professional standards in engineering practice. The theme of the 30th National Council on Works, “Discipline, Transparency, and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to entrench integrity, accountability, and creativity in infrastructure management and delivery. According to Engr. Adebiyi, the theme reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring value for money in public projects through ethical practices, openness in procurement, and the adoption of modern technologies to achieve durable and sustainable infrastructure. He further called on all delegates and other stakeholders to engage in constructive deliberations during the Technical Sessions to develop practical strategies that will enhance service delivery, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote economic diversification through efficient road networks. The meeting brought together Commissioners for Works from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, representatives of professional bodies, contractors, and other key stakeholders in the works and infrastructure sectors. In her remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs. Emily I. Sounde, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government and good people of Ekiti State for hosting this important national event in such a calm, secure, and beautiful environment. She described Ekiti State as “a wonderful land, where nature’s beauty meets tranquility,” noting that the hospitality extended to delegates made the state a truly fitting venue for this year’s Council meeting. Mrs. Sounde emphasised that the National Council on Works remains a veritable platform for formulating policies and strategies that guide the growth and performance of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policy formulation, robust data systems, continuous research, and stakeholder engagement — all in line with national priorities and global best practices. She encouraged delegates to use the opportunity of the forum to evaluate current policies, identify implementation gaps, and propose actionable strategies to improve service delivery and sustainability in the works sector. The Director further commended the Honourable Ministers of Works, the Permanent Secretary, and all delegates for their leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the nation’s infrastructure development. Speaking earlier, the Director of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State Ministry of Works, Engr. B. J. Oke, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ethical governance, transparent procurement processes, and sustainable infrastructure delivery. The 30th National Council on Works will continue in Ekiti State tomorrow through Friday, with active participation from Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Engineers, Contractors, and other key stakeholders from across the Federation. Mohammed A. Ahmed
He stated that “As we commence this important engagement, let us approach our deliberations with discipline in thought, transparency in purpose, and innovation in action — for these remain the enduring foundations of progress in Nigeria’s engineering and works sector,” he stressed.
Director, Press and Public Relations.
3rd November 2025.
SEN. UMAHI HAILS PRESIDENT TINUBU FOR REDEFINING ROAD CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND METHODOLOGY SAYS ROAD CONSTRUCTION SITES ACROSS THE 6 GEO-POLITICAL ZONES UNPRECEDENTED The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,His Excellency,Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for redefining road construction in Nigeria and for inclusive resource allocation across the construction sites in the 6 geo-polical zones. He made this commendation during his inspection visit to the descoped sections of the completion of the construction of Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageway in Enugu State dated 25th September 2025. Speaking during the visit, the Honourable Minister described the new design pattern, aesthetic appeal, and functional benefits of the ongoing road constructions across the project sites in the 6 geo-political zones as a vision in action aimed at enhancing the next generation of road sustainability and connectivity, courtesy of the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu. He maintained that Ndigbo as people of honour and integrity have a reciprocal duty of supporting the ideals and aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu "And so, South East is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and no one is going to deceive us. All our votes will go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Seeing is believing. We are on it. Our people are benefiting just like other regions. And we are very grateful to the President.The President's 3rd Renewed Hope Legacy project is passing through South East, which is 123 kilometres, costing N464 billion.The President has already paid 30 percent. Yesterday, he approved further payment of 20 percent, just like in other regions. So we have every cause to be grateful to God for bringing the President on board. And we know very well that for all these projects, give him another five years plus, they will all be completed. And Nigeria will never be the same again. He continued, "I'm very excited that we have a President who is a father to all sections of this country. I'm excited that what is happening in North West, what is happening in South West, North East, North Central, South South, that's the new road construction technology by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is happening here in South East, here in Enugu State. There are going to be many of this type, be it in Ebonyi, be it in Abia, be it in Anambra, of course the second Niger Bridge through Section 2B, be it in Imo State, the five States of South East. will be witnessing this" He expressed pleasure over the commitment of the contractor that is handling the descoped sections of the dualization of Enugu-Onitsha dualization and the quality of the job they are doing. " This.is 72km, which is the balance of what MTN is doing on Enugu - Onitsha dua carriageway. Their subcontractor is RCC. The last time we had a meeting with MTN, we agreed that within the contract sum of what they had with MTN, which is N202 billion, they should concentrate and finish that scope of work.The balance of it is 72 kilometres, which we are redefining under the legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is building. Under him, we are not constructing. We are building roads; roads that will last up to 100 years. That's what we are witnessing now in Enugu State, 72 kilometres on reinforced concrete pavement, and the cost is N150 billion.The contractor has already been paid N45 billion, and work is ongoing. This section alone is 15 kilometres. And we have another section. We have about four sections. And I'm very happy with the quality of work. SKECC is one of our best contractors." He urged the contractor not to be threatened by the rains but should continue to handle those levels of construction that would not be affected by the rains. Projects visited by the Honourable Minister of Works, included: The descoped sections of completion of the construction of Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageway in Enugu/Anambra State,contract No. 8854 handled by SKECC Nig Ltd; the construction of Interchange at Abakpa Junction Interchange in Enugu State being handled by Messrs. CCECC Nigeria Limited, and the construction of 23-span flyover bridge project at Eke-Obinagu Junction, along Enugu - Abakaliki Road, Enugu State being handled by Reinforced Global Resources Nig. Ltd. 345m(Bridge), 1.05km (Dual Service Road) Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works ...
Umahi Inspects Sections One and Two of Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road Project The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has carried out an inspection of Sections One and Two of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure to Nigerians. Speaking during the inspection today 20th September, 2025. He added that the quality of work so far is commendable. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to this project. By God’s grace, we will ensure timely delivery for the benefit of Nigerians,” Senator Umahi stated. The Minister has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to delivering durable road infrastructure that will stand the test of time. We are constructing roads that will last for 100 years — roads designed with modern engineering standards, durability, and sustainability in mind. These projects are for the future of our children and the prosperity of our nation,” the Minister said. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo Esq, state that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road is one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors, linking major cities, facilitating trade, and enhancing the movement of people and goods across the North and beyond. The Federal Ministry of Works reiterates its resolve to deliver a world-class, durable road that will stand the test of time. Accompanying the Minister, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, acknowledged that while good progress has been made on Section One, some delays persist, particularly in Section Two where only about 3% completion has been achieved against a 40% target. He emphasized the need for contractors to deploy more equipment to meet delivery timelines. Engineer Representing Works on the construction of Abuja-Kaduna- Highway, Engr. Chukwuma Kalu disclosed that Section One, which covers 40.5km (dual carriage on concrete pavement), has recorded significant progress. Of the total stretch, 22km have been completed on both sides, with work actively ongoing on other portions. He further noted that the 17.3km Kano section and the 6.63km dual carriage airport access road have both achieved major milestones, with the airport road already completed and awaiting commissioning. Clement Ezeorah AD Press For: Director, Press and Public Relations 20th September, 2025 ...
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS ADOPTS FUNDING PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK ON NNPCL INHERITED TAX CREDIT PROJECTS NATIONWIDE. -PROMOTES NIGERIA FIRST POLICY, SAYS CONTRACTS BELOW ₦20 BILLION TO BE DONE BY INDIGENOUS CONTRACTORS. As part of strategic plans towards sustainability in project funding and execution and in pursuance of the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on strategic and systematic funding of inherited NNPCL funded projects, the Federal Ministry of Works has adopted funding prioritization framework to ensure the continued execution of road projects hitherto funded by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme. The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON made this disclosure during his inspection visit to the ongoing dualization of the East-West Road (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction, Port Harcourt to Onne Junction in Rivers State handled by Messrs RCC Nig Ltd dated 9th September 2025. Speaking during his visit, the Honourable Minister stated that the Federal Ministry of Works had compiled all the NNPCL inherited Tax Credit projects for strategic priority funding, noting that the most critical projects within the national economic corridor would receive precedence in the hierarchy of prioritization. “We are inspecting projects of federal government in Rivers State, and this particular one is the dualization of Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction by RCC. Recall that one carriageway was completed and commissioned, even though there are a few things we ordered afresh like the retaining wall and hanging drainage. For the second carriageway with some bridges and flyovers, work has started on it. Let me say that this is part of the NNPC Tax Credit that has been stopped in terms of funding by NNPC. But graciously, we have compiled all the NNPC inherited Tax Credit projects, and we presented as Ministry of Works to Mr. President. And Mr. President has graciously directed that none of such works should stop now. However, as Ministry, we are going to do prioritization of the projects and look at the most critical of these projects within the national economic corridor like this one. And we are going to put it forward for immediate funding because the President directed that none of such projects should stop now.” He admonished contractors handling road projects under the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure speed, quality, compliance with specification and sustainability in project delivery and cautioned that the attention of the anti-graft agencies would be called to any case of violation of the regulations or terms and conditions set out under the contract of every project handled by the Federal Ministry of Works. He stated, “I have also noticed in some of the projects in Rivers State, and same with the Six Geo-Political zones, that contractors go ahead to put stone base and put binder course of asphalt, sometimes over 20 kilometres and leave the binder unprotected without putting wearing course. The binder is like a reinforcement to the road architecture. The wearing is the sealant that doesn't allow water to go beyond the surface. And so when you now put stone base, which has dust as designed, and you put binder, which is like a reinforcement, and you see that the composition of the binder asphalt has bigger stones, and it has holes, so the water penetrates. The moment it gets to the stone base, which has some dust, the road fails. It may technically look safe, but with time, it will definitely fail. And we've seen it in a number of roads we inspected. And what I've directed the Controller to do, and it's going to be nationwide, is that when you are putting binder and you have left it for more than two months, we are going to redo the certificate and remove all the binder and remove the stone base.” He directed that henceforth any project below the contract sum of ₦20 Billion would not be given to expatriate firms, and this he said is part of measures to promote the Nigeria First policy of Federal Government of Nigeria. He commended the construction company handling the Eleme - Onne project, Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for the quality of work so far done and for working on the project despite the fact that NNPCL has stopped funding the project, but frowned at the slow pace of work which they said was affected by the rainy season. He restated that 15th December 2025 remains the agreed deadline for the project’s completion with no extension or Variation of Price (VoP) allowed. “On this project of Eleme Junction, the quality of the work is excellent. The pace of the work is totally not acceptable. And let me make it very, very clear to the contractor that this project can never be reviewed by a kobo. Neither can there be any variation of price or any other claims.” He expressed dismay over the destructive habit of packing heavy duty vehicles on the road by drivers and warned that forthwith punitive measures would be taken against such perpetrators. “Our roads are not designed to carry these heavy trailers that are parking on the road. And the press should help us on that. When I was coming yesterday all the way from Aba to here, I saw that the trailers are taking over the entire roads, putting their waste, destroying the pavements, and so on and so forth. So I'm going to write to our dear Governors to see what they could help us to do about it, and will also complain to the Inspector General of Police. Let us see what we can do about it. Mr. President is doing everything possible to right the wrongs in terms of road construction. We are doing quality roads now that are going to last from 50 to 100 years. But it's being destroyed by ourselves.” Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in River State, Engr. Enwereama Tarilade (Mrs.) said the contractor handling Eleme- Onne road had completed the 15km Eket bound on the right carriageway and had moved to the left carriageway which is Port Harcourt bound for which 1km stretch had already been done on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP). Projects visited by the Honourable Minister include, the rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt, Abia/Rivers State, contract No: 6252 being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited (CCECC), the upgrading of the 15km section of the East-West Road (Section 111A) from Port Harcourt (Eleme Junction) to Onne junction in Rivers State, contract No: 701 being handled by Messrs. RCC Nig. Ltd and multiple sections of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, including the sections handled by Arab Contractors and China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited (CCECC). Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works Works ...
Meeting of Cement Manufacturers – Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc, Larfarge Africa Plc & Cement Producers Association with the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite and the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON held at the Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Mabushi, Abuja on Monday, 19th February, 2024
1. The meeting noted the challenges of the manufacturers like:
a. Cost of gas;
b. High import duty on spare parts;
c. Bad road network;
d. High foreign exchange; and
e. Smuggling of cement to neighbouring nations.
2. The government noted the challenges and reacted as follows:
a. Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to seek some remedies from Mr. President on cost of gas and import duties.
b. Federal Ministry of Works to give more attention to fixing of the roads, especially around the locations of the manufacturers.
c. On the issue of smuggling cement, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to deepen the already started engagement with the National Security Adviser on how to stop the smuggling.
3. The cement manufacturers and the Government noted that the current high price of cement is abnormal in some locations nationwide. Ideally, cement retail prices should not cost more than ₦7,000.00 to ₦8,000.00/ 50kg bag of cement. Therefore, the three cement manufacturers: Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Larfarge Africa Plc have agreed that cement cost will not be more than between ₦7,000.00 and ₦8,000.00/50kg bag depending on the location.
4. Going forward, Government advised cement manufacturers to set up a price monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance, and manufacturers have willingly accepted to do so and to sanction any of her distributors or retailers found wanting.
5. Government expects the agreed price to drop after securing government's interventions on the challenges of the manufacturers on gas, import duty, smuggling, and better road network.
6. The meeting agreed to reconvene in 30 days to review progress made.
Welcome Remarks By The Director, Planing Research And Statistics At The 29th Edition Of National Council On Works Holding In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State From Monday 15th – Friday 19th July, 2024
PROTOCOL
I am delighted to welcome you on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Works to the 29th Meeting of National Council on Works with theme “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.
The National Council on Works is a meeting of all the relevant stakeholders in the Works Sector to proffers new ideas and solutions to the challenges of moving the sector and the country forward. The theme of this year’s Council “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda” is critical for our national development and well-being. Infrastructure is the backbone of any nation’s economy, providing the necessary support for economic activities and societal progress. Unlocking these potentials and opportunities is essential for sustainable development and the prosperity of our country.
As we gather here in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, we have the opportunity to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that can enhance our infrastructure. Our discussions and deliberations over the next few days will focus on identifying key areas of improvement, leveraging technology, and ensuring that our infrastructural development is inclusive and sustainable. This council meeting provides a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and developing actionable plans that will drive the Renewed Hope Agenda forward.
Proper infrastructure development is not just about building roads and bridges but also about ensuring that these structures are resilient and beneficial to all Nigerians. We must also ensure uniformity in infrastructural standards across the Federal, State and Local levels, fostering a cohesive approach to development. Our focus should be on creating infrastructure that can withstand future challenges, including climate change and urbanization pressures. It is crucial that we incorporate sustainable practices and innovative solutions to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of our infrastructure projects.
I urge all participants at this meeting to engage actively, share your valuable insights, and collaborate towards developing concrete solutions that will unlock the full potential of our infrastructural development. Let us work together to create a framework that supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians.
Enjoy the moment and hospitality of Ebonyi State. I wish you a happy deliberation.
Thank you.
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1