


FG MOVES TO PROTECT BRIDGE INFRASTRUCTURE, WARNS AGAINST OVERLOADING AND NON-COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY STANDARDS The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE stated this today, July 17, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, in response to recent damages to the structural integrity of key bridges and flyovers, nationwide. Engr. Umahi cited a recent structural incident at the Keffi Flyover, which prompted an immediate technical evaluation. The investigation revealed that the damage was caused by a container-laden trailer exceeding the permitted clearance height, highlighting a national disregard for vehicle height and load regulations. “When the height or weight of what you're transporting exceeds the permitted clearance, it directly compromises the structural integrity of bridges and flyovers,” the Minister stated. He further emphasized that “These infrastructures were never designed to accommodate such abuse. A single impact from an overloaded or improperly configured vehicle can lead to multi-billion-naira damage and threaten lives, as well as properties.” The Honourable Minister also noted that the minimum standard headroom for flyovers and interchanges ranges between 5.5 and 6.5 meters. Violating this engineering requirement not only breaches federal regulations but also significantly shortens the lifespan of essential transport infrastructure. Engr. Umahi reported that no fewer than seven bridges along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway have suffered structural compromises due to similar violations. He referenced the Eko Bridge, which was damaged by fire under the previous administration and is currently undergoing rehabilitation; it is now 80% complete, thanks to expedited funding approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Addressing the state of the 3rd Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos, the Honourable Minister acknowledged the discomfort faced by commuters due to ongoing maintenance exercises as witnessed during a recent inspection and urged them to be patient, while complying with the approved standards. He reaffirmed that integrity tests are essential to ensuring the long-term safety of these structures and the millions of Nigerians who use them daily. “We appreciate the patience of Nigerians during this time. All findings from our assessments are being addressed with precision, and every repair and reinforcement is being executed according to international engineering standards. No shortcuts will be taken,” he assured. The Honourable Minister also announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with enforcement agencies, would launch a nationwide crackdown on non-compliant vehicles. This initiative includes strict enforcement of weight load regulations, clearance heights, and transport configurations across federal roads and bridges. The Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho O. Adebiyi, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, emphasising that bridge protection is a shared responsibility, not solely the government’s. “The bridges across Nigeria are a critical component of the nation’s economic and transport network. These structures are designed and constructed with load and height specifications. When motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, ignore these, they place undue stress on our infrastructure, leading to premature and costly damage,” he stated. Engr. Adebiyi urged transport unions, construction firms, logistics companies, and motorists to comply with the federal regulations to preserve public assets and ensure road safety. “The government alone cannot monitor every kilometre of road or every single bridge. This must be a collective effort. We are open to collaboration, sensitisation, and enforcement because Nigerians must understand that protecting our roads is in our shared interest,” he affirmed. In conclusion, the Ministry also called on all stakeholders—transport unions, construction companies, logistics operators, and road users—to join hands with the government in ensuring that the nation’s infrastructure investments are not rendered futile by negligence and lawlessness. Mohammed A. Ahmed Director, Press and Public Relations 17th June, 2025
Road Rehabilitation Has Technically Improved Learning... Fashola ... A Clean environment has increased attendance at Lectures. Yaba Tech Rector. The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, has confirmed that the rehabilitation of some roads within Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos State has technically improved the desire for learning in students of the institution. He made this assertion during the official Commissioning and handover of some rehabilitated roads by the Federal Government under the Ministry of Works and Housing. The Minister, who was represented by Engr. Umar Bakare, the Controller of Works in Lagos State, said that the Federal Government considered the huge impact of improved educational activities in both these learning institutions and hospitals where these internal road network interventions have been carried out a commitment fulfilled. The result is what we are seeing already with improved and increased number of students who now attend lectures that eventually earns them good grades at graduation. It is therefore undebatable that the quality of education has been impacted by the quality of Infrastructure and the neat and clean learning environment. Speaking further, Fashola said that students are now more readily expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending lectures because some defective roads and especially here, the student carpark has been restored to good condition. The Minister also asserted that during the construction of these internal roads network and the College carpark, over forty (40) direct and indirect people were employed in the process, thereby contributing to the job creation initiative of lifting Ten Million Nigerian from poverty. It is hoped that the College will now ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused. Earlier, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe glowingly commended the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, who when he invited as Guest Speaker to deliver the College annual graduation Lecture, was approached with these rehabilitation request promised to ensure it is attended to, this is a promise kept by the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. For this the entire College Community are grateful and this high commendation also goes to President Muhammadu Buhari who approved that all these necessary infrastructures be put in place. The Rector also confirmed that the impact on school attendance during the raining season has also increased tremendously thereby boosting the increased number of students who now attend lectures more regularly. Nevertheless, Engr. Omokungbe informed that due to the overflow of students, a new campus has been opened at Epe still in Lagos state. This new campus requires the construction of new roads for which the College is passionately appealing for assistance from the Federal Government through this same internal road network intervention, this Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe said will enhance the movement of students within the new campus facilities. Also commenting, the Director of Works in Yaba College of Technology, Engr. A. Adebayo was full of praises to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola who has kept his promised made to the College, he also thanked the Contractor who handled the rehabilitation work for the quality of work done, more so the staff of Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos state who did not compromise standard. He said the rehabilitation of the College carpark and a section of the internal road network intervention was well done. He expressed satisfaction and joy. In the same vein, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Aderounmu who was represented by the First Vice President of Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin was grateful to God, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and their Rector, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe for the privilege of this project that has positively affected the lives of students of the College. He affirmed that there is no more excessive flooding, therefore students who own cars are now able to park their cars in a neat environment, regular lecture attendance by students has increased due to this rehabilitation intervention in the College. He said the intervention is good for them. He said on behalf of the students they promise to make judicious use of the infrastructure and also take very good care of it to ensure its longevity. The colorful commissioning and handover ceremony was well attended by the Deputy Rector, (Administration) Mr. Inyang Udoh, the Registrar, Dr. Sikiru. O. Momodu, the College Bursar. Mr. Abduwaheed. A. Yeusuf, the Director of Works in the College, Engr. Bashir. A. Adebayo, the first Vice President, Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin, the Assistant Director (Highways) Engr. (Mrs ) Olukorede Kesha and students of the College who were all happy and commended this project initiative of the Federal Government. ...
Infrastructure Development is to Boost Learning - Fashola .... Emulate Fashola and Buhari in Building Infrastructure - HRH Eze Ali The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Rivers State, Engr. Olufemi Adetunji remarked that, "The quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place." He made this remark during the handing over ceremony of an internal road constructed by the Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the Federal College of Education (Technical) FCE (T) in Omoku, Rivers State. Earlier, the Head of Usomini Kingdom of Egbaland, His Royal Highness Eze Dr. King Eze advised, " Those who want to come to power after President Muhammadu Buhari administration next year should emulate him and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN in building infrastructure." King Eze said, "This administration has been useful to the community by building road in the school that linked the community which in turn is beneficiary to the economic and social activities of this area." The School Provost, Dr. Emmanuel Ikenyiri said, “This College now has good road crisscrossing the two campuses making movement of staff, students and members of the public very comfortable." A lecturer in Home Economics, Dr. Matilda Igbeni, said " It is a facelift. We can connect the entire school now because of the road, easy access is now there." A lecturer in the College who teaches English Education, Mr. Albert Ireoma said they are grateful to the Federal Government. He noted that where the new road is built used to be called 'Bush Path to Farm' now the place is an open access. "Students and lecturers are able to access their classrooms and halls without going through bush paths. This new road has been a welcome development to FCE[T) Omoku. It has given the school a face lift." The Students Union President of FCE (T) Ugem Hope said, " The positive impact of the road is that it has expanded the space in the school and bad students don't have where to lurk anymore, their hideouts used to be where this beautiful road is built, in the past it was muddy and inaccessible." A Student of Business Education FCE(T), Okorda Blessing said, "The road is of good quality. It has given us access to other departments from my faculty. We don't have to go through express road again before linking other areas in the school. We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for this initiative." A snacks and food vendor on campus, Roseline Isreal said, “When the road construction works started my sales improved considerably because workers were coming to patronize me. I am thanking Mr. President and the minister for the good road." A painter who was among the artisans who worked on the road, Goldstone Emmanuel said, "Working on the road improved my income. I thank the Federal Government for giving me the opportunity to earn a better income." ...
Bodo-Bonny Road Project: Works at Substantial Level of Completion- Fashola ... President Buhari has connected us with the rest of Nigeria- Chief Longjohn Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has said that works on the Bodo-Bonny Road Project has reached a substantial level of completion and that it would be completed by December, 2023. Inspecting the 37.9 km single carriageway with thirteen bridges on Wednesday, Fashola said it would boost the economic opportunities and activities of the region. While assuring Nigerians on the new date of completion, he said funding has been made available to ensure its completion even when the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari expires. According to Fashola the present administration of President Buhari has demonstrated commitment in infrastructure development in all the regions of Nigeria. " It is instructive to point out that this very project is being executed by the Federal Government. I hear some people comment that the Federal Government is not doing anything in Rivers State. Bodo and Bonny are in Rivers State. This is a 200 billion Naira investment in one state. The amount is not the issue but the short and long terms significance of the project is addressing the problem of poverty and how to lift people out of poverty." He said that the purpose of the inspection was to see the level of work done and to administer solutions to any identified problems so that the road and bridges would be open for use for Nigerians by December, 2023. Addressing journalists after the inspection, he said, “There was urgent need to fast tract the completion of the road project pointing out that such infrastructure project would address both the monetary and multi- dimensional poverty of the people and the nation at large. " People are engaged at the sites, contractors, suppliers are busy working and making money. This place will be opened up in a way that it will be breath taking. It should be on record that the seed of ending poverty has been sown by President Buhari by this project." On his part, the Bodo Bonny Road and Bridges Project Peace Committee Chairman, Chief Osobonye Longjohn said that the project has connected Bodo -Bonny to Nigeria, stressing that it will bring prosperity to the land. " I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN for this project. Our hopes as a people is alive now because the project will create a lot of economic opportunities for our people. We are happy. As you have remembered us, we will remember this government led by the All Progressive Congress (APC)," he said. Earlier, the Project Manager of Julius Berger Plc, Thomas Haug said that the project has progressed tremendously and would be completed by December, 2023 pointing out that funding would not be a challenge. He said that the firm has completed major engineering works under water surface, adding that about thirteen bridges both minor and major ones have been completed. ...
FG Hands Over Some Internal Road Projects To FUT, Owerri
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has handed some internal roads projects to Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State.
The roads projects are among the 18 roads interventional project to tertiary institutions awarded in 2018 and completed that same year.
The 1.72km roads project in FUT Owerri includes; Construction and Asphalting of Health Centre and Hostel Roads, and Rehabilitation of Smat Road.
According to the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Imo State, Engineer Anthony Animaku, the roads are now completed and ready for formal handing over to the Vice Chancellor of FUT Owerri.
Fashola said "our gap of our infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repair, renewal and construction on major highways and it has reached schools”.
Buttressing the importance of infrastructure development in educational institutions, the Minister stated that the quality of education would be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environments.
“And those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students where this type of infrastructure has taken place”, he said.
Accordingly, Fashola further explained that the interventions in the various tertiary institutions would have a critical contribution to support education.
“The intervention by Federal Government would improve the ambience and environment of Federal Tertiary Institutions to enhance academic activities" he said.
Responding, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Francis Chukwuemeka Eze represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor academics, Professor Ndukwe James Okeudo commended the
Federal Government for choosing Federal University of Technology, Owerri as one of the beneficiaries of Federal Government laudable intervention.
He said, "the senate, council and the entire management are very grateful that FUTO was singled out as a beneficiary. We thank Mr. President and the Minister for this honour done to us,"
He stated that the roads are of great importance to the institution as it would aid access to movement around the school, adding that they would maintain the projects.
Also, a student of the institution, Donald Anarado said that hitherto the roads were not passable especially during raining season.
“When rain falls, we cannot move easily from our hostels to classes, but now that the roads have been fixed we can move easily to our classes. We are very grateful to Federal Government, “he said.
Remarks By Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At The 21st Monthly Power Sector Operators Meeting Held In Asaba, Delta State On Monday The 13th Of November 2017
Dear members of the Nigerian Electricity Sector Industry:
I welcome you once again to our monthly power meeting, the 21st monthly meeting we have held without fail.
This meeting is being hosted by Benin Electricity Distribution Company in Asaba, the capital of Delta State which falls within the franchise of Benin DISco.
As it has now become customary, I am happy to announce again some progress that we have made in the last one month in our journey of incremental, steady and uninterrupted power.
Within the last month:
A. Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) expanded transmission capacity in Zaria, Kaduna State and Funtua, Katsina State by adding 40 and 60MVA transformers to the Transmission sub-station to increase the TCN capacity to transmit power in those areas;
B. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) completed consultation and issued the Regulations needed to guide the operations and implementation of the eligible customer declaration that I made, to increase our capacity to distribute power;
C. Rural Electrification Agency (REA) completed the guidelines for the operation of the rural electrification fund that will help vulnerable groups and communities gain access to funding to support their electricity development program;
D. The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, on Friday the 10th November 2017, signed the EPC contract for the Mambilla Hydro power project, over 40 years after the project was first conceived.
By way of explanation the Rural Electrification Fund was created by Section 88 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005 to promote support and provide rural electrification access.
The fund will provide a partial single payment capital subsidy and or technical assistance to eligible private Rural Power Developers, NGOs or communities to invest in options such as hybrid mini grids or solar home systems to scale up rural access to electricity.
Those who will be served are the unserved and underserved Rural Communities.
What they are likely to get are minimum amounts of $10,000 (N3.5m) and Maximum amounts of $300,000. (N106m) or 75% of project cost which ever is less.
The REA will publish details of guidelines and eligibility.
These are only headline items of developments that characterize the progress we are making month after month, especially since March 2017.
They do not represent, or pretend to fully report, all of the progress that is going on at distribution levels, which is highlighted by the New Asaba Mains 2x15MVA injection substation completed and commissioned today by Benin DisCo.
This is expected to improve service to Okwe, Akuebulu, Jarret, Ogbeofu, Osadebe Way, Okwe Housing Estate, Oduke, New Jerusalem, Malbovil and more by reducing load shedding and increasing the hours of supply.
Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week and month by month we have not only gained momentum, we are seeing progress that inspires us not to flag, progress that inspires us to continue, because the power problem can be successfully managed by Nigerians.
Not even your worst critic can deny that his experience has improved; even if he is reluctant to acknowledge it, which is his prerogative.
Our work is certainly not driven by a quest for acknowledgment; on the contrary it is driven by our belief in our collective abilities to change what we do not accept.
We remind ourselves that we are not immune from what we do. If we make it work as we intend to, it will also serve us.
We thank well-meaning Nigerians who are gracious to acknowledge that their experience has improved and who ask us to do more. Your honesty inspires us to continue.
Dear members, we all know that the progress this year was due to many things we have done and the peace in the Gas producing regions which enabled us to get the gas stations and the Hydro stations to work together.
Now that the rains are coming to an end we expect some minor, not major, reduction in the production from the Hydro, and we must work now to keep all the gas stations well maintained and operational.
I am sure that we can do this, if there is peace in the gas producing areas and gas supply is not interrupted.
There are other challenges that we must also overcome together:
A. Estimated billing and metering, and in this regard we anxiously await the Regulation from NERC to open up meter supply Business.
B. Similarly I am happy to report that following the approval of the Federal executive Council (FEC) earlier in the year, the dispute over meters supply contract that started since 2003, was resolved by a Court approved settlement on Thursday the 9th day of November 2017.
C. This means that there will be N37 billion available for meter supply by the contractor to DisCos who want to partner and can reach their independent agreement with the contractor. While we await the regulations by NERC, a lot of preparatory work can be done.
D. To the communities in Ondo State around Okitipupa, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ihiala in Anambra State, Mowe in Ogun State, and others across the country, we have not forgotten you.
E. The problems of right of way for 11Kv and 33Kv distribution lines within the states is one that we must overcome together. I have signed letters last week to all 36 state governors and the FCT minister, with copies to each DisCo asking them to support you in protecting and recovering the right of way for your distribution lines so that you can serve their states and residents better.
I will conclude my remarks by referring to the local communities under the Benin DisCo and address the issues that affect you while you host us:
1) Asaba - Benin 330KV line was energized to service on 3rd November 2017. Asaba 330kv substation is now being fed from both Benin and Onitsha. The line also raised the number of circuits from Onitsha to Benin to 3 (THREE).
2) Presently a 40mva 132/33kv mobile transformer is undergoing installation at Auchi with in-house capacity to be commissioned in 2 (TWO) weeks time.
3) A new 330/ 132kv substation is to be constructed at Okpai with a 132kv line from the station to service a proposed 132/33kv substation at Kwale. The procurement of the projects are ongoing.
4) Installation of a new 60mva 132/33kv transformer is to commence at Irrua transmission station any time from now.
On a final note, I am happy to announce that we have recovered $64,630,055:00 from our international customers in Benin Republic and Republic of Niger. The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader, (NBET) will work out the modalities for distribution.
Thank you for your attention.
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing
Monday 13th November 2017
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