Federal Ministry of Works

Federal Ministry of Works (FMW)

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Minister Federal Ministry Of Works Engr. David Umahi.

Road Construction Inspection Tour.

Road Inspection.

Road Construction Inspection Tour.

Road Inspection.

Road Construction Inspection Tour.

Jun

2025

LATEST PRESS

DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE

In a historic ceremony marking the successful completion of two years in office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government officially commissioned the completed 30-kilometre portion of the 40.7- kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Phase 1, Section I and several others, as well as flagged off the construction of new roads, in the Southern region, symbolically. The event, which was held in Lagos on Saturday, 31st May 2025, was performed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It brought together eminent government officials including; the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Borno, Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi and Edo States, Captains of Industry, Contractors, Traditional Rulers and other Stakeholders Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE; the Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq; Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Senator Godswill Akpabio; and other distinguished guests.

In his opening remarks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR reflected on the bold strides made during his two years in office, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He identified the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a flagship project that encapsulates the commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of economic transformation. Despite initial skepticism, the project has become a beacon of progress, connecting nine coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. It is projected to contribute up to US$12 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP within its first decade. The President emphasised that the project will ease transportation, reduce costs of travel and vehicle maintenance, as well as travel time, and drive growth across agriculture, industry, tourism, marine, and commerce while creating thousands of jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerians. He described the progress as clear evidence of purposeful leadership delivering tangible results.

Speaking, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, praised the scope and significance of the project, describing the highway as a game-changer that not only connects nine littoral states but also unlocks vital trade and industrial corridors. He echoed the anticipated economic impact, reaffirming that the project will reduce transportation costs, shorten travel times, stimulate local economies, and create extensive employment opportunities for Nigerians. He appreciated the President for the vision and leadership, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for its consideration and approval and the Minister of Finance for providing the counterpart funding.

The Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national development through the provision of critical infrastructure. He emphasised that enhancing connectivity and fostering regional integration remain vital pillars for sustainable prosperity.

Delivering a Goodwill Message, the Senate President lauded the transformative potential of the project, spotlighting the strategic partnership between the government and private sector entities such as Hitech Construction Company. He described the highway as a “backbone for economic revitalisation” that will attract investment and create new avenues for economic empowerment.

Other goodwill messages echoed these sentiments and much more. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, commended President Tinubu’s resilience and clarity of purpose, recognising the highway as a powerful symbol of leadership that delivers on its promise. He expressed pride in the project’s pivotal role in national development and economic progress.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a legacy of visionary leadership and focused execution. He underscored its visible socio-economic impact through improved interstate connectivity and increased commercial activity, stressing that the project will significantly improve lives and economies across southern Nigeria.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, FNSE warmly welcomed all dignitaries and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President. He celebrated the milestone as a monumental achievement, noting that the highway will benefit not only the state on its alignment but the entire nation. He also emphasised that the project stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and a shared national vision for a more prosperous future.

Others completed road and bridge projects in the Southern part of the country that was symbolically commissioned by the President including;
i. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Phase 1, Section I (Shagamu-Ibadan) in Ogun and Oyo States,
ii. Ikorodu-Shagamu Road in Lagos and Ogun States,
iii. Lagos-Badagry Expressway (Agbara Junction - Nigeria-Benin Border in Lagos State,
iv. Dualisation of East-West Road, Section II, Subsection I, (Eleme Junction-Ahoada in Rivers State,
v. Upgrading of 15km of the East-West Road (Eleme Junction-Onne Port Junction) in Rivers State,
vi. Construction of a New Bridge to Replace the Near-Collapsed One at Akpoha in Ebonyi State,
vii. Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Enugu-Lokpanta) in Enugu State,
viii. Reconstructed Collapsed Bridge at New Artisan Market in Enugu on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and
ix. Alesi-Ugep Road (Iyamoyung-Ugep) in Cross River State.

While those that were flagged off, also symbolically, included;
i. Rehabilitated Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Edo States,
ii. Nembe-Brass Road, Section II in Bayelsa State and
iii. Section (107 Kilometres) of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway in Enugu and Anambra States.

Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed
Director, Press and Public Relations.

Oct

2022

FG Reiterates Commitment To The Completion Of Abuja - Kaduna -Kano Road. ....Work on Abuja - Kaduna road to resume fully The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians of its commitment to the completion of the Abuja- Kaduna- Kano road. The Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Hon. Umar Ibrahim El- Yakub gave the assurance while inspecting the road from Abuja to Kaduna eastern bypass on Thursday, October 20, 2022. The Minister said the contractor suspended work on the first section of the road due to the security threat especially after the train attack in March this year will soon resume work fully on the road because of the obvious improvement on the security in the area. He said contrary to the speculation that the contract was abandoned, palliative work was being done after it was discovered that the road had deteriorated due to the effect of rainfall. He added that the contractor has been working on the second and third sections of the road which have reached appreciable level and would be delivered on schedule. The Minister said, " We are still optimistic that sections two and three of the roads will be finished between now and first quarter of next year. However, section one will be longer than that for obvious reasons." El-Yakub said work on the three sections were moving simultaneously before the train attack and over fifty percent of the work on section one was achieved before the contractor suspended the work due to the security problem. Speaking on the progress of work at the eastern bypass in Kaduna, the Minister lamented that the contract which was awarded by the previous administration in 2002 was neglected until the advent of the President Buhari led administration who has placed premium on infrastructure development across the nation due to its significance to the development and prosperity of the people and the country. He disclosed that the bypass has a total of ten bridges: four land bridges, five river bridges and one bridge over the railway line. He commended Mr. President, the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire security operatives for their tireless efforts in ensuring the security of life and properties of the people. The Minister who reassured Nigerians that maximum attention will be given to the work on the road to ensure its completion as soon as possible, observed that no administration in recent times has committed so much efforts and resources on infrastructure be it road, rail, airport, health or digital communication. Similarly, the Honourable member representing Tudunwada - Doguwa Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, Honourable Alhassan Ado Doguwa who was passing by during the inspection commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Ministers of Works and Housing for their commitment to the work on the road, adding that when completed it would ease the security threat in the area. He also praised the commitment of the President and security architecture in the country for their efforts in addressing the security problem in the country especially in recent times. The Federal Controllers of Works for the Federal Capital Territory and that of Kaduna State expressed gratitude for the encouragement by the management of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and gave the assurance of the commitment of the contractor to the project. ...

Oct

2022

Infrastructure, Most Legitimate Way Of Wealth Distribution - Fashola The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, CON.SAN, has said that infrastructure development is the most legitimate way of distributing wealth in an economy, explaining that its impact on job creation and economic growth is very significant on the Nation’s economy. Fashola stated this, Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at the National Press Center, Radio House Abuja, during the media briefing of his Ministry’s scorecard during President Muhammadu Buhari's Administration, 2015-2023. This is the inaugural edition of this series. The event being coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, was presided over by the Honourable Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Muhammed. According to Fashola, the Change Agenda which was unfolded in the Ministry of Works and Housing in 2015 as part of the larger objective of the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was to grow the economy through the revamping and expansion of the nation’s infrastructure on a scale that has not been seen in a long while. “Indeed, the Ministry of Works and Housing is present in all the States of the Federation either through a Road, Bridge, National Housing Programme, Federal Secretariat or Special Intervention Project.” he said. Explaining further, Fashola stated that in the last seven and half years, the administration of President Buhari has been very resolute in the pursuit of Progressivism, which is globally recognized as the improvement of the human condition, pointing out that the administration has never abandoned any project of the previous administrations but rather, President Buhari gave a matching order to complete existing projects instead of starting new ones. Fashola asked “If in 2015 the conversation was on the existence of a large number of abandoned infrastructures and the seeming lack of political will to complete those infrastructures in spite of the availability of resources and today the Buhari administration has made these possible in spite of lean resources; if in 2015 such critical infrastructure as the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway were either totally non-existent or in a very deteriorated state and if today the Buhari administration has demonstrated that needed political will to break the jinx on our nation’s historically most difficult projects, does it not stand to reason to conclude that the Party which formed the Government deserves to continue to deliver to the people of Nigeria these lifes- defining infrastructure” Fashola disclosed that the second Niger bridge was now completed and will soon be opened to the public for use, pointing out that what was delaying the commissioning was the construction of the link road to the bridge from both the Asaba and Onisha axes. “I can confirm that the second Niger Bridge itself is finished. People can walk through it now. What remains now is the link roads.” he said On Housing, the Minister said that the National Housing Programme that was initiated by the Ministry of Works and Housing at the onset of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration had affordability and accessibility as key considerations. He said “the National Housing Programme is now delivering on its objective of stimulating the economies of the 35 states and the FCT. Jobs have been created in the communities where the construction of the houses are being built. Such needs for artisans, builders, engineers, and other skilled persons in the built industry, the construction sites have been and remain centres of supply for building materials and other commodities” He explained that with the Programme now in a season of completion, many of the houses have been completed and are now being handed over to the beneficiaries who follow the allocation procedure set out in the National Housing Programme web portal (https://nhp.worksandhousing.gov.ng ) “The National Housing Programme has therefore produced new home owners but in the process also produced citizens who found economic fulfilment as contractors, suppliers of various construction items and artisans’ he concluded ...

Sep

2022

Federal Roads, Bridges Construction in Oyo State: Local Contractors to Be Given Opportunities .....2022 Sukuk, NNPC Tax Credit Scheme and 2023 Budget to tackle Road Funding Challenges-Fashola The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has said that local contractors in Nigeria needed to be given opportunities in federal highways and bridges construction. He made the remark during his assessment tour of some federal roads and bridges under construction in Oyo and Osun States Fashola said, “If you don’t give local contractors the opportunities, they can’t acquire the experience and the equipment. I have pointed out some areas where I think the contractors can improve upon. They are not structural but aesthetics. So far so good the standard has not been compromised but to have some equipment for smooth finishing on some concrete works, they just have to improve. However, Mr. President is committed to engage local contractors. That is the purpose for Executive Order No.7, i.e. Local Content and Contractor participation on Road Infrastructure Development." During the inspection tour of rehabilitation of outstanding sections of Iseyin- Okeho Road including two bridges in Oyo State, he promised the local contractor handling the road, Messrs. HMF Construction Ltd that when 2023 budget and 2022 Sukuk are being considered government would be able to accommodate the 4 billion naira needed by the contractor to complete the remaining part of the construction works on the road. The Minister charged Messrs. Kopek Construction Company, the contractor on the reconstruction of Ibadan –Ife-Ilesha Dual Carriageway in Oyo /Osun States not to stop work and to make some sections of the road motorable during the ember months. While inspecting the dualization of Oyo – Ogbomosho Road, he remarked, “Relief will soon come the way of the road users, though the rainy season has slowed down the construction works on the project, the earthworks will improve as soon as the rains subsides." He said dualization of the road is being funded through Sukuk and the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme for Roads, therefore, there wouldn’t be funding challenge in delivering the road at the time due. Fashola said the importance of road infrastructure cannot be underestimated as it affects our businesses, the number of times spent on the road while going to work or school and everywhere roads are built the land value appreciated. He enjoined commuters not to abuse the roads and maintain road speed limits when the roads are completed. Oba Rafiu Adeitan II, the Onjo of Okeho who approached the Minister during the inspection visit within his jurisdiction, thanked him for the good job the contractor is doing on Iseyin- Okeho Road. The king pleaded with the Honourable Minister to include the road that leads to Ayegun border from his domain in the project because of the economic importance of the border to his area. The Minister was accompanied on the inspection visit to the various projects in Oyo State by the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Ministry of Works and Housing Engr. Folorunsho Esan, the Zonal Director South West in the Ministry, Engr. Ademola Kuti and Federal Controller of Works, Oyo State, Engr. Kayode Ibrahim and others. ...

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Jul

2024

OTHER NEWS

Dec

2019

Two Senior Directors Retire From Works And Housing Ministry

Works and Housing’s Ministry Director of Highways (South East) , Engr Henry Okechukwu Udeh and Coordinating Director Bridge and Design , Engr Charles Obiora Okonmah had their joint retirement ceremony after 35 years in Federal Civil Service at the Ministry Conference’s Room yesterday.

The two retirees thanked God for preserving them while in office and also appreciated the staff of the Ministry for their cooperation and team work , they said without the cooperation from the staff , they wouldn’t have succeeded in their chosen endeavors.

Chairman of the event, the President of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Engr. Ali Rabiu congratulated the two celebrants and said it was worthy of joy having served the country with good credentials in their individuals capacities professionally.

In his goodwill message, the Ministry’s Director Highways, Planning and Development, Engr. Chukwunwike Ogonna Uzo said that he was sure that they were retiring with happiness , as confidence and satisfaction could be seeing radiating from both of them , which showed that they were well prepared for the retirement and wish them good luck as they go further in life.

The Director Highways Design Road (North) in the Ministry Engr. Omotayo Awosanya while reading the citation of Engr Charles Obiora said “ He graduated from University of Benin and commenced work with the Ministry for 35years , during which he held top management positions . He is a COREN registered engineer, a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of

Highways of Engineers (NIHTE), Nigeria Institute of Civil Engineers (NICE). While in the field, he was involved in the supervision of a host of large Highway construction projects.’’

The Citation of Engr. Henry Okechukwu Udeh was read by the Deputy Director Highways South East in the same ministry, Engr Clement Ogbuagu . He said “Engr Henry graduated in June 1983, with Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering, he joined the Federal Civil Service in 1984. He was a Federal controller of works for the following states; Plateau, Kogi and Ogun State. He attended both local and international courses and conferences during his career in service.’’

In his remarks, while giving votes of thanks Deputy Director Highway (North Central ) Engr Bola Aganaba congratulated the retirees on their meritorious services rendered to the nation while in service.

Speeches

Sep

2017

Keynote Speech Of The Honourable Minister Of Power, Works And Housing At The Guardian Power Summit

Keynote Speech At The Guardian Power Summit: "Beyond Rhetoric: Turning Nigeria's Power Sector Value Chain Potentials To Profit" Delivered By Babatunde Raji Fashola, San At Four Points, Lagos On Thursday 14th September 2017

I would like to start by thanking Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, the chairman and publisher of the Guardian newspaper for inviting me to speak at this forum.

In particular, I have been invited as keynote speaker with the task of "setting the context" around the theme of turning Nigeria's power sector value chain potential to profit.

I welcome the opportunity this platform provides because it provides the Buhari led government a forum of expression to well-meaning and right-thinking persons who want to know what is going on about power.

As my invitation rightly acknowledges, context is important. It provides a rational basis for assessment and a fair determination for deciding whether progress is being made.

So, let us start by going back to May 29, 2015 when this government was inaugurated.

The amount of power available on the grid on that day was 2690 MW. The transmission capacity was around 5000 MW and was then infamously described as the weakest link.

The distribution capacity existing at around 750 33/KV trading points, from where power is received by the DisCos and sent to us, was about 4000 MW.

Clearly, the power then being generated at 2690 MW was not up to the transmission capacity of 5000 MW and was insufficient to fully optimize the distribution capacity of 4000 MW.

Within a few months after President Buhari’s assumption of office, power improved and we all acknowledged. We credited it to the President's ‘body language.’

But the truth was that it had little to do with body language, and more to do with a sense of purpose that people sat up and began to do what ought to be done.

In addition, the rains were upon us in July 2015 to September 2015.

There was Gas supply which allowed the Thermal plants to produce power.

Therefore from Hydro and Thermal sources we reached an all time peak power production of 5,074MW before the damage to the pipelines started and we started losing power.

We cannot damage power and gas assets and still expect them to provide service to us.

It does not make sense.

Instead of rhetoric, this government set to work.

a. Government engaged the aggrieved communities where the attacks were taking place to restore peace.

b. Government repaired the damaged gas pipelines and gradually restored gas supply.

c. Government launched an economic recovery and growth plan which made power supply one of 5 (FIVE) critical pillars.

d. Government launched a Power Sector Recovery Programme to work out and implement policies and actions such as:

i. Constituting the regulatory commission, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC); except the Chairman, now awaiting the confirmation of Senate and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to Champion solar power development and rural electricity deployment and access.

ii. Payment of debts to specific DisCos, and verification of debts to all others.

iii. Payment assurance guarantee scheme of N701 Billion to give confidence to GenCos, gas suppliers and their financiers that we mean business.

iv. Declaration of eligible customers, to encourage people to invest in building and expanding distribution assets.

v. Development of mini grid regulations to encourage individuals and communities to build their own mini power generation and distribution facilities.

vi. Awarding contracts to complete and expand transmission facilities and building new ones across the country.

Ladies and gentlemen, all of these policies and action go beyond rhetoric.

They are well thought out decisions, consistent with law and informed by a thorough diagnosis of the problems in the sector that have produced a clear set of solutions to deliver incremental power.

The result is that as at 4 September 2017 the available power that can be put on the grid was 6619 MW (the incremental power we sought to achieve from 2069 MW in 2015); the transmission capacity was simulated at 6,700 MW (up from 5,000 MW in 2015) but the distribution capacity was 4,600 MW which was what was put on the grid.

On September 12, 2017, production of power reached an all time level of 7,001 MW.

Clearly this is evidence-based progress, because we now produce more power then we can distribute. This does not mean that we have enough yet. It means that policies are working, but all the problems are not resolved.

We must continue the Power Sector Recovery Programme to impact the distribution end of the value chain so that we distribute and sell everything that we produce as an incentive to more power production and supply.

The recent GDP growth results by NBS, announcing Nigeria's exit from recession, and its detailed sector analysis, shows and I quote:

"Electricity production as well as financial services and construction also grew strongly..."

It went further to provide details by stating that:

"Other sectors the did very well in the second quarter 2017 include electricity and gas and financial institutions, with electricity and gas growing by 35.5%."

I acknowledge that there will be cynics who will say, it was because of the rains. True enough, the rains contributed to the Hydro power increase, but the total Hydro capacity available with the rains from Jebba, Kainji and Shiroro as of 4th of September 2017 was about 1,000 MW, so it is the gas thermal plants, arising from peace efforts and pipeline repairs that made up the difference that made the total available power of 6619 MW that was produced.

Therefore, beyond rhetoric, our next step is to solve the distribution problem.

This involves the sustained implementation of the Power Sector Recovery Programme.

Before I speak to the programme, let me say that although the power sector has been substantially privatized, and therefore it is the private sector that we must look to lead us through this. The sector is a regulated sector, governed by law, the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005, and the regulations made by NERC (the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission) which makes rules and regulations that govern the conduct of all participants in the value chain of power including TCN, the government owned company.

It is these rules and regulations that ensure confidence and predictability in the sector.

Therefore, one of the decisions under the Power Sector Recovery Programme is the enhancement of governance, like the constitution of NERC (that I have referred to), who have issued regulations to guide the development and deployment of mini grids of 100 KW -1 MW which will help distribution as they come on stream.

Another decision is to strengthen the governance of DisCos by reconstituting our board representation in all the discos, a process that is also underway.

Next is the implementation of eligible customers, which is awaiting the finalization of regulations by NERC based on consultations with stakeholders.

The successful implementation of this policy will help heavy power consumers, who are denied power because of defective distribution, to make the investment by building the distribution equipment under arrangements and agreements with the DisCos.
We are also looking at licensing some private power plants who have generation licenses and excess power, but no distribution license, to grant them permits to willing buyers especially in industrial clusters under regulations made by NERC.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Power Sector Recovery Programme also involves producing more power, like:

a. Completing the first phase of 9 (NINE) federal universities out of a planned 37 (THIRTY-SEVEN);

b. The completion of the 240 MW Afam power plant; the 10 MW Kasina wind farm, the 29 MW Dadin Kowa Hydro plant, 30 MW Gurara Hydro plant, the 40 MW Kashimbilla Hydro power plant, the Kaduna 215 MW plant, the Zungeru 700 MW Hydro plant and the Mambilla 3050 MW Hydro plant which was just approved for award;

c. Completing several transmission projects across the country; and

d. Implementing the meter supply and installation plan through licensing of service providers, franchise holders, rural communities meters to be implemented on the regulations by NERC this year.

My time constraints prevents me from going further into detail.

However, I believe that the much I have said reveals that this Government has undertaken a clear diagnosis of the problems, clearly understands them, has evolved solutions to address them, and some of them are already bearing fruit.

Successes so far recorded in power generation and transmission have revealed that the work is far from finished, but the capacity that achieved the success in generation and transmission can demonstrably be transferred to solve the distribution problems.

Finally, I believe that well-meaning and right-thinking Nigerians will agree, that the Buhari Government has gone way beyond rhetoric.

We have evolved solutions that are already contributing to GDP growth, and the promise to do more, unlock the power value chain potential for enterprise and profit clearly lies ahead of us, with the successful implementation of the Power Sector Recovery Programme.

Thank you for listening.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister for Power, Works and Housing

Thursday 14th September 2017

PHOTO NEWS

Nov

2024

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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