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.

Jun

2022

Rehabilitation And Expansion Of Lagos–Badagry Expressway: Funding Substantially Addressed – Fashola The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, H.E. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN during his working inspection tour of the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of Lagos – Badagry Expressway while fielding questions from journalists remarked, “The main problem on the Lagos –Badagry expressway project was always funding and budget , now that has been substantially addressed with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme and the contractor is progressing with the project as we can see.” ‘’The Lagos –Badagry route is part of the Lagos –Abidjan highway which is about 1,048 Kilometres. It is also a very strategic investment Nigeria is making as Nigeria’s contribution to West African Trade and also for the local community,” he explained. During the inspection, while interacting with the Oni Ibereko of Ibereko 1, Oba Israel Adewale Okoya, Fashola urged the King to discourage some members of the communities from carting away construction materials meant for the road embankment for personal use, and to also tell his subjects in the area to stop trading by the road side. The Minister advised the Management of the Contractor handling the road project, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) Nigeria Limited to employ more staff and get more equipment in order to speed up the progress of work on the road before the weather condition and other factors start to impede the progress on the construction work. One of the Community Chiefs in the area, Oni Ibereko of Ibereko 1, Oba Israel Adewale Okoya speaking earlier said “ The completed portion of the road has brought succor to the people. In the past Badagry to Agbara used to be a journey of about four to five hours but the travel time is now less than 30 minutes, and the contractor keep working on the road , we are so happy. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of our own son Babatunde Raji Fashola.” The Oba assured the Minister that he would have meeting with his fellow chiefs and elders in the communities to ensure that the people stop trading by the road side and those carting away building materials would be handed over to the police if they failed to heed warning. ...

Jun

2022

FG Reaffirms Commitment To Complete Idukpani- Itu - Ikot Ekpene Road In 2023 ... East-west Road bridge section iv will be ready soon The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing dualization and rehabilitation of the Odukpani - Itu - Ikot Ekpene road in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. The Director, Highway Construction and Rehabilitation of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Folorunsho Esan made the reaffirmation on Thursday, June 16, 2022 during the inspection of work on the 83 .3 kilometres road being handled by Julius Berger, SERMATEC and CCECC companies. The Director however called on the State governments to prevail on its people who have structures on the right of way to remove them in order not to frustrate the effort of the contractors so that the roads can be delivered on target since the land belongs to the state government. Engineer Essan said, " The challenges are mainly on the right of way, people have their structures on the right of way and this will delay the work, the land belongs to the states, they are the owners of the land, they are the ones that can talk to them so that we can have space to work". He disclosed that funding is not a problem as the road is being funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) under the Federal Government Tax Credit Scheme. The Director expressed satisfaction at the pace of work by Julius Berger and SERMATECK companies while urging CCECC to improve on its pace of work. The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engineer Bassey Nsentip said the contractors have the equipment and are willing to work, adding that the road project include five bridges and several culverts. Engineer Bakari Kehinde and Engineer Joseph Ukpata, site engineers of Julius Berger and SERMATECK respectively also called on the state governments to help in resolving the problem of the right of way. Similarly, Engineer Esan informed newsmen that the bridge on section iv of the east-west road in Akwa Ibom state will be opened to traffic soon He said, " The contractor is working on the bridge so that it can open up traffic in order to work on the other side of the road and they are saying it will take them eight weeks and we are taking them by their words ". He disclosed that the road was under the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs before it was recently handed over to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to continue with the supervision and completion He further said that the east-west road is not yet under the Tax Credit Scheme but hoped that it will be part of it soon. ...

Jun

2022

Suleja - Minna, Agaei - Baro Roads For Completion May 2023 - FG The Federal Government has given the assurance that work on section II of the ongoing dualization of Suleja - Minna road and construction of the Agaei - Baro road will be completed by January and May 2023 respectively as planned. Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Folorunsho Esan gave the assurance during an assessment inspection of the roads, Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Both roads are being funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under the Tax Credit Scheme introduced by the federal government. While speaking to journalists, the Director Highways expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work. On the Suleja - Minna road he said "My impression is that the contractor is on site making progress and we can see the various aspects of work, the earthwork, the pavement work and even the asphalt laying is going on smoothly, the only challenge is that of security but it's being taking care of with the presence of security agents". Speaking on the 52 kilometers Agaei - Baro Port road which connects the Lambata - Bida highway, Engineer Esan said, " work is progressing, 14 kilometres have been asphalted, earthwork is up to 32 kilometres and the rest which is about 18 kilometres is still outstanding, but we have the assurance that the work will be delivered on target". The Director said the road when completed will boost the economy of the Nation and the North Central region in particular as it leads to the Baro Port through which goods and services can be brought into the country and exported to other countries. Team Leader of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Tahir Ahmed who took part in the inspection exercise to asses the quality and progress of work also expressed satisfaction with the work done so far. He said NNPC is funding the construction of the roads under the Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal government that allows corporate organisations to invest the tax that would have been paid to the Federal Government into infrastructure development, stating that the work will aid the progress of their business, the economy and improve the wellbeing of Nigerians. Mr. Tahir also stated that the roads were among the other critical roads selected to be funded by the NNPC because of their importance to the economy of the nation through which Petroleum products are being conveyed to other parts of the country. The contractors working on both sites expressed confidence that the projects will be completed and delivered on target as funding is readily available. Some residents of Takalafiya community along Lapai - Bida road who recalled the hardship and accidents that were experienced on those roads, praised the Federal Government for the job. Muhammed Abdullahi said, " we use to see different kinds of accidents on this road, now that they are reconstructing the road we are very happy because we are satisfied with the work going on. Another resident of the area, Abdullahi Audu said, " We were facing problems on this road but now we have started having some relief because the people working on the road are trying seriously" " Now driving from here to Lambata is done with ease, before it would take up to 2 hours or more but now it will take only about 30 minutes. Federal Government is trying, we are happy" he added. ...

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Jul

2024

OTHER NEWS

Oct

2018

Minister Proffers A“Change Of Attitude” To Tackle Wastes In Nigeria

The Minister of State I, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Hon. Mustapha Baba Shehuri has proffered a ‘change of attitude’ as a prerequisite for managing for municipal solid waste in the country.

This was contained in a Keynote Address delivered at the flag off ceremony to commemorate this year’s Urban October, a vehicle established by the United Nations to mark the World Habitat Day (WHD) and World Cities Day (WCD), held in at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

Hon. Baba Shehuri disclosed that tackling municipal solid waste was a common challenge to urban dwellers, governments and communities andhas continued to create a great toll on public funds, as well as health due to the huge complexities surrounding the processes of generation, collection and disposal.

He decried the effects of solid waste had on the health of citizens, climate and the environment as a whole, indicating the need to clearly separate different aspects of waste management and for citizens to adopt attitudinal change towards tackling them.

The Minister further disclosed that municipal solid waste management is embedded within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has strong linkages impacting on various areas of the SDGs, such as living conditions, sanitation and public health.

Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of State II, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma opined that peoples’ lifestyles and consumption patterns could greatly reduce waste. He left stakeholders with a “food for thought” when he quote dthe British Economist, Sir Josiah Stamp, “It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging those responsibilities”.

He then urged urban dwellers to adopt more environmental friendly habits of taking active roles in environmental education for all, reverse the use of polythene, plastics to natural life and avoid exposing the environment to disasters.

The UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, represented by Mr. Jean Bakole, UN Resident Coordinator recommended the 3Rs - Reducing, Re-using and Recycling waste as alternative measures to tackle solid wastes.

Mr. Bakole reported that the UN-Habitat was carrying out its role to support cities to turn them into Waste-Wise Cities, ensuring wastes are properly disposed and managed. According to him, Plans are under way to recognize cities that are leading in waste management.

He said that effective waste management starts with individuals through taking corrective actions; and with this, “we could achieve a world that is cleaner, greener safer, healthier and happier for us to live, work and play in”.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, Senator Barnabas Gemade expressed delight to be part of the commemoration, stating thatas municipal solid wastes management poses a critical issue for Nigeria, he would urge the Parliament and other policy makers to have adequate representation at all levels of government to ensure that all municipal solid wastes management-related policies were properly covered and adapted.

The Minister of State I, Hon. Baba Shehuri presented gifts and awards to the outstanding school’s performance and participation in the World Habitat Day tothe following schools: Fine Trust Comprehensive College, Jikwoyi Phase 3, Anglican Comprehensive Secondary School, Kubwa and Fouad Lababidi Islamic Academy, Wuse, Abuja.

World Habitat Day (WHD) is usually marked every first Monday of October, while World Cities Day (WCD) is deliberated every October 31st worldwide. Their objectives are to reflect on the state of our towns and cities, and on the basic human right of all to adequate shelter.

It also reminds us we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. This year’s WHD has as its Theme: Municipal Solid Waste Management and Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities for WCD.

Speeches

May

2017

Remarks By Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At The Inauguration Of The Board Of The Rural Electrification

Although today is only scheduled for the inauguration of the reconstituted board of the Rural Electrification Agency, I feel obliged to make a few comments that I believe shed some light on the plan of the Buhari Administration on our understanding of the purpose and role of this agency.

Before I do so, let me express the gratitude of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the immediate past acting Managing Director and his team and all those who have served in this agency since its inception, for their service and contribution.

It is my expectation that the new team will be able to build on whatever you have left behind, improve on it and ultimately achieve the purpose for which this agency was set up, which is to provide access to electricity for millions of Nigerians who are yet to be connected to the grid.

Although it is called a 'Rural' Electrification Agency, there are many urban and suburban communities that still lack access to power because they have not been connected to the national grid.

Part of the reason for this lack of access is that the 330/132 KV and 132/33 KV lines (popularly called the high-tension wires), by which this connection is often made, run over long distances covering several hundreds of kilometers.

The cost of extending these lines to communities is expensive and where the population in such communities is not large, the price of their electricity will be high because it will be borne by a few people.

Because public tariff is fixed, investments in these lines are not considered attractive and it is easy to pass over these communities or simply attempt grid extensions which have not covered the field and have resulted in many people being left behind.

All of this is about to change and that is why we are here. REA is the champion of these unconnected communities, who have have been left unserved. REA will bring them to mainstream of electricity connectivity by providing and promoting off grid connections.

Let me point out that when the Electricity Sector Reform Act was passed in 2005, it set up the Rural Electrification Agency and mandated that the Rural Electrification Implementation plan should be prepared (within a year) for Presidential Approval.

It is that plan that will set out how to reach the unconnected communities that I spoke about, through a combination of grid extension and development of independent grids, using new technology such as solar, which will mitigate the cost of the long 330/132 KV and 132/33 KV lines which I spoke about.

Unfortunately, nothing was done between 2005 and 2016 about the Rural Electrification Implementation program until 2016 when President Buhari approved this plan. That was a period of inaction of 11 (ELEVEN) years.

Thankfully, all that is behind us. We must look to tomorrow and the promise of increased access to electricity that President Buhari’s approval heralds.

The anchors for implementing Rural Access are:

A. Completion of over 2000 Grid extension projects that started life as constituency projects since 1999 but have now either been abandoned or uncompleted;

B. Resuscitation of 6 (SIX) small Hydro dams and activation of their power component, which have received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval, have been advertised, and we have received Expressions of Interest which we are evaluating.

C. Development of Independent Power Plants in 37 (THIRTY-SEVEN) federal universities and seven teaching hospitals in rural areas and the building of independent power grids from there to connect adjoining rural and unconnected communities.

Most of these IPPs, at least 27 (TWENTY-SEVEN), will be solar powered and this is the heart of the matter.

This is because President Buhari understands the increasing emergence of renewable energy sources, like solar power from the fringes of the energy debate to the mainstream.

This is why he was one of the first leaders to append his signature on behalf of Nigeria to the Paris agreement.

Most importantly he understands the appeal of renewables generally and Solar in particular to the global youth population and Nigeria's youth.

He understands how impactful a small solar plant can be to a barber, hairdresser, small food processing plant and small businesses generally where our youth are participating in making their contribution to our national development.

He understands and appreciates the role that young people played in building the nation and driving the economy.

This is why he has appointed young people to the leadership and management of this agency, to deliver not only on the promise of their generation but also on the expectation of millions of unconnected people who are living without electricity.

This is why he has constituted a Board of Experience and Youth in this critical agency.

I hope and expect that all of us will rally round and support this new team to deliver on their mandate.

On behalf of the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, I promise our fullest support.

It is therefore with pleasure that I formally inaugurate the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency and wish them success in the implementation of the Rural Implementation program.

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