FG Inaugurates Rehabilitation of Babban Lamba–Sharam Road, Phase II in Plateau State —  Minister Bags Ngas Land’s Chieftaincy Title   The Federal Government has officially flagged off construction works on Phase II of the Rehabilitation of Babban Lamba–Sharam Road in Plateau State, restating its avowed intention to deliver critical infrastructure that promotes economic growth, regional connectivity, national development, and integration.   Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the ceremony, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, described the project as a strategic investment that will drive economic growth, create jobs, boost tourism and culture, and strengthen regional integration. He noted that the road forms part of the present administration’s infrastructure renewal programme being implemented across Nigeria's six (6) geopolitical zones.   Professor Yilwatda disclosed that the road is of immense national significance, linking the North Central, North East, South East, and, by extension, the South-South zones. He urged the contractor, Messrs Decency Associates (Nigeria) Limited, to ensure the project's timely completion while maintaining the highest standards of quality.   He also highlighted the historical importance of the area as the birthplace of former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, and the late Governor of the old Benue-Plateau State, Police Commissioner Joseph Gomwalk. He appealed to the contractor to prioritise the employment of indigenes along the project’s corridor throughout the construction period.   The APC National Chairman assured the Governor and good people of Plateau State that he would personally convey the state's gratitude and goodwill to President Tinubu. He added that he has a personal interest in seeing the road rehabilitated, given that it has remained in a deplorable condition since 1975.   In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi expressed gratitude to the Ngas community for conferring a prestigious chieftaincy title on him. He said the honour had made him a son of the soil and pledged to give the project special attention until its successful completion.   The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, while highlighting the modest achievements of the Administration in the road sector, as enshrined in the Renewed Hope Agenda, welcomed constructive criticism, stressing that he remains accountable to Nigerians and open to objective public scrutiny. He, however, cautioned against unfounded attacks, noting that genuine criticism strengthens governance and promotes better service delivery.   Engr. Umahi described the four (4) Legacy Road Projects as catalysts for growth and prosperity, and “a major bold step no past administration had dared to take,” describing President Tinubu as “God-sent, a bridge-builder and visionary leader.” He appealed to the people on the plateau to support the renewed vigour of the present administration in changing their lives for the better in many different ways.   “The changing landscape of Nigeria’s road sector is a clear manifestation of a government that truly cares for the now and future of its citizens,” according to the Minister. He informed that no part of the country can talk about marginalisation in the provision of road and bridge infrastructure because “President Tinubu is a leader for all Nigerians.”   Earlier, the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang welcomed the President's representative and commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for prioritising critical road infrastructure nationwide. He described the project as “a landmark intervention that would stimulate economic activities, improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and unlock new investment opportunities across Plateau State and beyond.   Governor Mutfwang praised President Tinubu's commitment to infrastructure development, stating that the people of the State deeply appreciate the Federal Government's intervention. Quoting a Hausa proverb, he said: "Mai hakuri zai dafa dutse ya sha romonsa," meaning that patience begets unexpected and rewarding outcomes.   Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, pledged sustained funding and proper oversight for the sector across the country. They commended the President and the Minister for their uncommon strides in delivering durable road projects nationwide.   A former Governor of the State, and Minister, presently a Senator representing Plateau South, Sen. Simon Lalong, similarly expressed appreciation to the President for extending major infrastructure projects to Plateau State, in particular, and the North Central region, in general. He pledged the continued support and prayers of the people of the state for the administration.   During the ceremony, the paramount ruler of Ngas land, Ngolong Ngas, His Majesty Nde Jika conferred a traditional title on the Honourable Minister of Works in recognition of his outstanding contributions to infrastructure development in his domain. "I am honoured, on behalf of the Panshin and Kanke Joint Traditional Council and the Ngas Nation, to confer on you the prestigious title of Ngorot Ngasmwa (Lover of Ngas). We warmly welcome you as a member of our Council of Traditional Title Holders," stated the Ngolong Ngas.   The Babban Lamba–Sharam Road,  Phase II spans 38.625 kilometres, stretching from Babban-Dungun Village to Sharam, with an additional two-kilometre spur linking Dungun to Kwai. The Ministry, under the purposeful leadership of Engr. Umahi remains committed to delivering durable, safe, and accessible roads and associated infrastructure across Nigeria in support of sustainable economic growth and national development.     ...

FG FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF AKWANGA–JOS–BAUCHI–GOMBE–BIU—MAIDUGURI SUPERHIGHWAY, COMMISSIONS AKWANGA TOWNSHIP DUAL CARRIAGEWAY AND UNDERPASS The Federal Government has officially flagged off the construction of Section One of the 700-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu—Maiduguri Superhighway, reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR's commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The flag-off ceremony, held on the 1st July, 2026, in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, where the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, stated that the project is one of the President's four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects, designed to transform Nigeria's transportation network, strengthen national integration, improve security, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic growth across the North-Central and North-East geopolitical zones. The first phase of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres from Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Jos in Plateau State and forms part of the larger 700-kilometre, six-lane, continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) superhighway stretching through Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno States. The President's representative praised the Minister of Works for his exceptional leadership and dedication to transforming Nigeria's road sector, describing him as one of the administration's most outstanding performers. He described the Minister of Works as “the shining light of the Renewed Hope Administration.”  Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, disclosed that the project is a landmark investment that will improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, lower transportation costs, create jobs, and unlock the region’s economic potential. He explained that the Akwanga–Maiduguri Superhighway is one of four legacy highway corridors being implemented simultaneously by the Federal Government, alongside the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto–Badagry, and the Calabar–Abuja (Trans Sahara) Superhighways. The Minister reiterated the Federal Government's commitment to CRCP technology to ensure greater durability, lower maintenance costs, and a lifespan of up to 100 years. He commended President Tinubu for his untiring support for infrastructure development and urged the contractor to deliver quality work, while engaging local communities through employment, skills acquisition, and technology transfer. The President's representative also commissioned the newly completed Akwanga Township Dual Carriageway and Underpass, executed by the Nasarawa State Government under the leadership of the Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, CON.  He commended him for complementing the Federal Government's infrastructure drive through strategic investments in road development across the state. In his Welcome Address, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., stated that the Superhighway would serve as a major transportation corridor linking North-Central and North-East Nigeria, while facilitating trade, agriculture, investment, and national security. Also speaking at the well-attended event, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammad Idris, highlighted the Federal Government's unprecedented investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic reforms, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible benefits across all sectors and the country. The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs,  Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, described the project as another demonstration of the administration's commitment to inclusive development, noting that investments in infrastructure are being complemented by programmes supporting businesses, women, and youth development. Governor Sule expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving the project, describing it as a strategic national corridor that will connect communities, boost commerce, and attract investments across the region. Speaking on behalf of the benefiting states, Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State said the commencement of the project is the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration of the people of the region and commended the Federal Government for making its promise a reality. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, stated that the project represents a new era in highway development in Nigeria and reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to quality delivery, transparency, and value for money. The Managing Director of CGC (Nig.) Ltd., Engr. Zhong Xiang assured the Federal Government, the State Governors on the road’s corridor, and all Nigerians of the company's readiness to deliver the project safely, professionally, on schedule, and in accordance with international standards and best practices. The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to delivering strategic road infrastructure that will strengthen national unity, promote inclusive economic growth, and improve the quality of life of Nigerians, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Administration of President Tinubu, GCFR.   ...

CEMENT MANUFACTURERS MUST REDUCE PRICES, TINUBU IS RETAKING NIGERIA — UMAHI The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has called on cement manufacturers across the country to immediately reduce the price of cement, insisting that the current cost of the product is placing pressure on ongoing infrastructure projects and increasing demands for contract variations. Umahi made the call while delivering keynote address at the official unveiling of the new corporate identity of Lafarge, now rebranded as HBM, a member of the HUAXIN Group, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on June 21, 2026. Speaking before industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders, the Minister emphasized that the Federal Government would engage cement manufacturers from July 1 to address the issue of cement prices. “I want to insist that Lafarge now HBM and other manufacturers of cement should reduce their prices,” Umahi declared. “We shall be engaging on this from First of July. Manufacturer of Cement must reduce their prices because the contractors are chocking me to review their contracts. But nobody is reviewing anybody’s contract. It’s the manufacturers of cement that should review their cost.” The Minister noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in critical infrastructure across the country, creating unprecedented opportunities for manufacturers and investors. He urged HBM and other industry players to expand their capacity to meet the growing demands of the nation’s infrastructure revolution. Commending the company on its transition and renewed commitment to the Nigerian market, Umahi assured the management of government support and partnership. “I commend you very highly and I say welcome onboard and we are going to work together. The market is smaller than what the president is doing. So, enlarge your coast,” he said. The Minister used the occasion to highlight the remarkable progress being recorded under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of infrastructure development. He pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as one of the evidences of the administration’s bold vision and commitment to national transformation. According to him, the quality and scale of the project have continued to attract global attention and admiration. “When the Dudge Bank came to evaluate our project, they said it was undervalued and that the project is of topmost quality. Today, Our neighboring nations are coming to steal the technology of the coastal highway.” Umahi expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for providing the leadership and political will driving the country’s infrastructure renaissance, assuring Nigerians that the administration remains firmly on course to restore national prosperity. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I commit that Mr. President is committed to retake this country. The President knows what he is doing. The vision and mission are achievable and we are on course and this country will be taken back for the good of Nigerians.”   ...