President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, promoting quality infrastructure, and safeguarding public safety across Nigeria. Represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, *Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE *, while declaring open the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, the President described the Assembly’s theme, *"Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,"* as timely and relevant to the nation’s developmental aspirations. The President stated that engineering remains the backbone of national development and that effective regulatory enforcement is essential for protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in the engineering profession. He stressed that regulations are not intended to punish professionals but to protect public interest, noting that *” no road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.”* President Tinubu assured participants that his administration remains fully committed to completing the four (4) Legacy Road Projects across the six geopolitical zones, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He described them as strategic investments that will transform the nation’s economy, improve connectivity, and stimulate sustainable development. The Honourable Minister of Works commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for choosing an apt theme that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for quality infrastructure delivery and adherence to public safety. He noted that engineering is a profession where mistakes can cost human lives, emphasising that, unlike many other professions, there is often no opportunity for appeal after a structural failure. He, therefore, called for stronger regulations, strict enforcement, and effective sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals, who compromise ethics and standards. Engr. Umahi stressed that site engineers must discharge their responsibilities professionally and should never allow contractors to dictate engineering decisions. He urged Council to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms, similar to other professional regulatory bodies, to ensure that only qualified engineers are allowed to practice. The Minister highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, especially the ongoing Legacy Road Projects spread across all the geopolitical zones, designed to improve economic integration, enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate investment. He expressed confidence that with continued discipline, transparency, and adherence to engineering ethos, Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit would be significantly reduced within the coming years. Presenting the *Keynote Address* on behalf of the Honourable Minister, the *Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan,* stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation. He explained that the Ministry is implementing four major Legacy Projects across the geopolitical zones to connect communities, promote commerce, improve national integration, and encourage investment. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that quality assurance, competence, professionalism, and independence amongst stakeholders remain fundamental requirements for sustainable infrastructure development. He urged engineers to uphold ethical standards, comply strictly with engineering regulations and best practices, and strengthen resilience through adherence to due process The Chairman of the occasion, *Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,* represented by *Prof. Hassan Umaru* described the Assembly as timely and significant, noting that engineering excellence remains the foundation of public trust, industrial competitiveness, and national development. He observed that every infrastructure project must be executed according to approved standards and maintained throughout its lifespan. Drawing from the experience of the *Dangote Refinery* project, he explained that rigorous engineering design, quality control, technical discipline, and strict compliance with standards were critical to its successful delivery. The Chairman called for sustained excellence within the engineering profession and urged COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks, while enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners, in order to safeguard lives and property. In his *Welcome Address,* the *President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, FNSE,* outlined the Council’s statutory responsibility of regulating engineering education and practice in Nigeria, in line with international standards and recommended practices. He explained that engineering graduates are expected to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing practical exposure as critical to professional competence. Prof. Abubakar further disclosed that COREN has successfully introduced digital verification and enforcement systems to improve transparency, eliminate fraudulent practices, and strengthen regulatory compliance. He assured members that the Council would continue to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while addressing attempts by some practitioners to circumvent established standards. According to him, engineering regulation must remain transparent, sustainable, and effective in preventing infrastructure failures across the country. In his introductory remarks, *Prof. O. A. U. Uche* emphasised the importance of sustaining quality infrastructure development through continuous improvement in engineering practice. He described infrastructure development as a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among government, professional bodies, academia, industry, and private sector stakeholders. In this vein, he, therefore, called for stronger synergy in advancing engineering excellence and national development. The *Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani*, stated that science, technology, and engineering remain critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and public safety. He pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry and engineering regulatory agencies. Representing the Nigeria Governors' Forum, the *Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang,* opined that engineering is one of the most respected professions globally and emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for engineers to thrive, while sustaining public safety and economic development. The *National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda*, commended COREN for its achievements in regulating engineering practice. He described engineers as the backbone of national development and praised the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi for the remarkable progress recorded on the four Legacy Road Projects and others across the six geopolitical zones. He congratulated the Ministry for its commitment to quality infrastructure and affirmed that Nigerian engineers continue to distinguish themselves through professionalism and excellence both nationally and internationally. The 34th Engineering Assembly reaffirms
PRESIDENT TINUBU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY AT THE 34TH COREN ENGINEERING ASSEMBLY
COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime to ensure public safety and sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.
FG PUSHES AHEAD WITH STRATEGIC ROAD PROJECTS IN BORNO DESPITE SECURITY CHALLENGES The Federal Ministry of Works has restated its avowed intention to rehabilitate the Maiduguri–Monguno Road (Section I) in Borno State, as work progresses steadily despite prevailing security and logistical challenges. As the nationwide media tour of the North East Zone continues, the Federal Controller of Works in the State, Engr. Salihu Adamu assured Nigerians that the project will be completed despite persistent security and logistical constraints. “The biggest challenge faced by the contractor is insecurity. There are pockets of attacks on the highways, and this has forced them to take longer and safer routes to source construction materials,” he stated, while addressing the media at the project site in Maiduguri. The project was initially awarded in 2018 to QUMECS (Nigeria) Limited at a contract sum of ₦21.73 billion, traversing 105.6 kilometres. Following a technical review and scope adjustment, the project was revised to incorporate a flexible pavement structure with asphaltic concrete shoulders, bringing the current contract sum to ₦28.37 billion to reflect prevailing realities and enhanced engineering specifications. Phase 1 of the project covers 30 kilometres. Significant progress has been recorded, with approximately 5.8 kilometres completed up to binder course level and about 8 kilometres of stone base executed. Clearance works have also extended beyond 15 kilometres, while shoulder construction is ongoing, in line with the Ministry’s revised policy, which replaces surface dressing with asphaltic concrete shoulders to provide stronger structural protection for the carriageway and enhanced pavement durability. As security remains the major constraint on the Maiduguri–Monguno corridor, Borno State continues to operate under emergency conditions, with base and sub-base laterite sourced from Ngamdu near the Yobe State border (about 150 km away). And stone materials hauled from as far as Shira town in Bauchi State (approximately 450 km) due to restricted access and security considerations like the ban on the blasting of rocks in the state. The Project Manager for the company, Engr. Bukar Kadai, confirmed that the contractor remains fully mobilised on site with two active teams handling shoulder construction and stone base operations simultaneously, while asphalt laying is scheduled to commence following the delivery of bitumen to the site, soon. Also speaking on the same project, the Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Maiduguri Branch, Engr. Mohammed Shettima expressed satisfaction with the quality of work, stating that the rehabilitation will ease transportation challenges for residents and road users. In another vein, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council, Abdulkarim Haruna, inaugurated the completed Limited Rehabilitation of Kaga–Gubio Road, Sections I and II outside Benisheik Town, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE. He described the road as a strategic one for economic empowerment and social inclusion. He stated, “Roads are a means of empowering the people. This road connecting to Benisheik, which serves as a gateway to Maiduguri and Yobe state, is a very positive development.” He further urged the media to continue sensitising Nigerians on ongoing infrastructure reforms and national development efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The FCW described the Kaga–Gubio Road as a critical intervention, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce into Maiduguri and other parts of the zone, strengthening commercial activities within the corridor. He explained that the project forms part of a broader emergency and special works designed to safeguard existing infrastructure, improve mobility, and support economic stability in areas facing security challenges. ...
FG ASSURES TIMELY COMPLETION OF ₦75.47BN POTISKUM–JAKUSKO–GASHUA ROAD, COMMISSIONS PROJECTS IN YOBE. The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has assured the people of Yobe State of the timely completion of key federal road projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The interventions aim to restore failed roads, improve access, and support economic and social activities across the state and its neighbours. As part of a national media tour of federal roads and the commissioning of emergency/special intervention projects, Yobe State’s version was held on Monday, 9 February 2026. It was led by the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Yobe State, Engr. Nasir Dauda, and included officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Damaturu Branch, contractors, community leaders, and members of the media. At the rehabilitation site of the Potiskum–Jakusko–Gashua road, section I, Engr. Dauda assured residents of the timely completion of the ₦75.47 billion project. He stated that the road was awarded in 2024 to Messrs JRB Construction Limited, with a scheduled completion date of 14 May, 2026. The project covers 79.4 kilometres and is being constructed on continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP). He explained that work commenced from Chainage 49, identified as the most critical section of the road due to erosion and flooding challenges. The Project Manager, Engr. Kabir Fatai confirmed that over 1.5 kilometres of the pavement have already been completed, with work prioritised on vulnerable sections ahead of the rainy season. The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Damaturu Branch, Engr. Mustapha Abdullahi described the choice of rigid pavement as appropriate and confirmed that tests showed a pavement thickness of 200 millimetres. He noted that the project will boost economic activities, reduce road accidents, and significantly shorten travel time. The inspection team also commissioned an emergency road project at the College of Administration, Management and Technology (CAMTECH), Potiskum. The FCW stated that the 490-metre access road was executed to ease movement for staff and students and was completed within three months. He added that the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s concern for the well-being of students. The Rector of the Institution, Mallam Ibrahim Bomai Zarma, thanked the Federal Government for the project, describing the road as being built to standard, and appealed for additional intervention projects. The Chairman, NSE observed that the road will significantly improve transportation within the institution and support academic activities. Two (2) additional projects were commissioned in Potiskum town: the CABS/Graveyard Road and the Limited Rehabilitation of Hayin Gada Road. These projects form part of the Federal Government’s 260 Emergency and Special Intervention projects nationwide. The roads were delivered to restore access, improve safety, and ease movement within the communities and their neighbours. The completed projects in Potiskum were commissioned, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, by the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Yobe State Council, Mr. Usman Mohammed. He commended the Federal Government for its well-thought-out and timely interventions in the state. The Representative of the Minister further commissioned the 8.8-kilometre Damagum–Gubana Road, which Engr. Dauda disclosed was contracted to Messrs Petropan Energy Limited at the cost of ₦1.49 billion and completed within one year. He explained that the road links several agrarian communities and has tremendously improved the transportation of farm produce. The Yerima of Fune and District Head of Damagum, Alhaji Idris Mai Saleh, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, agreeing that the road will ease the movement of goods and support local livelihoods. Engr. Abdullahi confirmed that the project meets engineering standards and will further stimulate economic activities. The Vice Chairman also commissioned the road on behalf of the Honourable Minister. Another project inspected was the Kaleyeri–Damaturu Road, a 54.5-kilometre federal highway awarded in 2019 to Messrs Ric Rock Construction Limited. The Controller confirmed that the contractor has returned fully to the site. The Project Engineer, Engr. Ayodele Ajibogi disclosed that earthworks are ongoing in two sections, with three kilometres of binder course completed. He assured that the project will be delivered as scheduled. ...
FG RESTORES CRITICAL ROAD LINKS, CURBS FLOODING IN BAUCHI COMMUNITIES The Federal Ministry of Works continues to implement strategic infrastructure interventions across Nigeria, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Since its inception in May, 2023, the administration has been implementing numerous federal road and bridge projects nationwide, focusing on priority corridors to improve connectivity, safety, and socio-economic outcomes. The North-East Zone National Media Tour and Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects kicked off in Bauchi State on Sunday, 8th February, 2026, with a visit to the Rehabilitation of Bauchi–Gombe Road, a vital corridor linking Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States. The 35-kilometre section of the alignment was awarded in 2024 to Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited at a contract sum of N39,999,177,118.59. The rehabilitation project aims to restore a major transport artery that has, in recent times, recorded frequent accidents and prolonged travel times. Ongoing works have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in road crashes, They are expected to significantly improve safety, reduce travel time, and cost of vehicle maintenance, as well as boost economic activities across the North-East Zone, upon completion. Also, as part of its ongoing efforts toward the provision of road infrastructure to Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Works commissioned two completed emergency and special intervention projects on the same day, along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum Road. The Federal Government’s recent road interventions in Bauchi State include the Emergency Repair of a Collapsed Concrete-Lined 3-Cell Pipe Culvert at Konkiyel Town (Chainage CH 120+500). The project was executed to permanently address perennial flooding, protect adjoining farmlands and communities, and safeguard the integrity of the federal road infrastructure. This was followed by the Emergency Repair of a Collapsed Section of a 2-Cell Pipe Culvert and Concrete-Lined Drain at Sauke Village (Chainage CH 162+000), restoring hydraulic capacity, mitigating flood risks, improving road safety, and ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, services, and goods. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, who was ably represented by the Bauchi State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Umar Saidu, led the commissioning ceremonies. He described the interventions as transformative, emphasising their role in bringing lasting relief to affected communities, preventing recurring flood damage, and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Bauchi State and the wider North-East Zone. He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the durability and effectiveness of both ongoing and completed projects. Giving technical insight into the projects during the exercise, the Federal Controller of Works in Bauchi State, Engineer Bashiru Adamu, explained that the interventions form part of the 260 Emergency Projects initiated at the outset of the present administration to address critical infrastructure failures, nationwide. He noted that the Bauchi–Gombe road rehabilitation and the emergency drainage works along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum Road were executed to mitigate flooding and protect federal assets. It will also help in mitigating the effects of climate change, he added. According to him, the culverts and concrete-lined drains are critical hydraulic structures that ensure roads, farmlands, and communities remain safe and accessible. In his remarks, an official of the Bauchi State Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engineer Ibrahim Ahmed, commended the Federal Government for its prompt response to infrastructure challenges and expressed satisfaction with the engagement of licensed engineers and technologists on the projects, encouraging sustained professional oversight to further strengthen delivery standards. Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bauchi Branch, Engineer Shehu Wakili, underscored the strategic importance of the Bauchi–Gombe and Bauchi–Potiskum corridors to regional connectivity and economic growth. He noted that the emergency culverts and drainage works protect the federal road network and support the smooth movement of goods and services, while urging host communities to complement government efforts through environmental protection measures such as the planting of trees. Speaking on the project, the Project Manager of Triacta (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Joseph Samaha, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and assured that the Bauchi–Gombe Road rehabilitation is progressing according to schedule. He confirmed that works, including the construction of drainage, binder courses, and asphalt surfacing, are ongoing, with full completion expected within the year. Mallam Zakari Ya’ u, Head of Sauke Village, expressed profound gratitude to the current administration for the emergency intervention and prayed that Allah sustains it. Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Mallam Zakari Ya’ u stated that the projects have brought lasting relief by preventing annual flooding, protecting farmlands, and improving access for residents. He pledged the community’s commitment to protecting and maintaining the infrastructure to ensure its sustained benefits. ...
Works Ministry Sensitizes Staff On Corruption Trends In The Public Service
In a bid to ensure a corrupt free public service, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has organized a sensitization seminar for its officers on corruption trends in the public service.
The theme of the seminar is "Corruption Trends in Public Service, Causes and Impact on National Development,” was organised by the Anti- Corruption and Transparency Unit, ACTU at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mabushi, Abuja.
Declaring the workshop open, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola advised participants to be transparent and obey the rules and regulations guiding the operations of their schedules as they carry out their assignments.
Fashola, represented by the Director Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mrs. Blessings Lere-Adams, emphasized that corruption is crime and urged participants to shun it in a bid to live a peaceful retirement life devoid of incessant invitations from anti-corruption agencies after retirement.
He added that adopting a corrupt free attitude in the course of duty would enhance Nigeria's overall development as a nation.
Presenting her paper tagged, "Corruption and Its Impact,” a facilitator from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Matters Commission, ICPC, Mrs. Adebimpe Abodunrin, “explained to the participants that every civil servant has been trusted with the assignment given to him and should not be seen betraying it by being corrupt. 'Public Service is a position of trust, don’t betray it," she said.
She urged participants to exhibit good characters while carrying out their duties as the public service was vitally important and majorly counted when any country was being adjudged corrupt or not by the ranking of Transparency International. "Public Service contributes to the perception," Abiodun remarked.
According to her the act of corruption which included abuse of office, dishonesty, breaking of rules and regulations, evil and immoral acts among others were major hindrances to any nation's development and should be shunned completely by Nigerians in all sectors if Nigeria must develop in all areas, noting that individual actions in workplace could either have a negative or positive impact on the entire system.
Mrs. Abodunrin further gave the effects of corruption on national development to include; lack of development, high rate of unemployment, lack of qualified personnel, high cost of living, lack of basic amenities, all of these dents Nigeria's reputation and enhances stigmatization of its citizens, loss of welfare system, adding that the monetization policy was introduced because of the high rate of corruption within the public service.
Another Facilitator from ICPC, Mrs Joy Ebbah, while taking the participants through ethical behaviour in workplace, explained that the ethics of an organisation are the statues and policies of that organisation.
She noted that maintaining an ethical workplace simply means maintaining professional workplace as well as ability to obey rules and regulations guiding their offices.
Ebbah, while calling on ACTU to constantly review and update, if necessary, the code of ethics of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, affirmed that Nations have failed due to the workers' failure to abide by ethical rules by developing good and professional characters such as transparency and obedience.
Ebbah urged participants to develop a mindset of commitment and obedience if Nigeria must attain its national development.
Speech by President Muhammadu Buhari represented by the Honourable Minister of Power, Engr Abubakar D. Aliyu at The Completion and Handover of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road in Yobe State on Saturday, 2nd July, 2022
On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring best wishes to the Government and people of Yobe State.
Our commitment to improving road transport infrastructure, our determination to improve the ease of doing business, create jobs and prosperity to lift people out of poverty brings us here today because the results of our investment are manifesting.
I can confidently say that as we enter the final lap of the tenure of the Buhari administration we are also entering a season of completion and delivery of projects.
As you can all see, we are handing over today the 55 Kilometre Road, which links Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari in Yobe State to Jigawa and Borno States. A very important Road that connects agrarian and trading communities to ease the movement of their farm products.
By linking these communities together, this road becomes a critical component of our national road network.
This road has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if is well used and not abused, it should last for the designed service life.
Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.
We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them.
The road is also a story of the capacity of our people. The patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction.
These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth.
This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business.
This is because the travel time before construction has now reduced since the completion of the road.
Of course, this road is part of our many roads to prosperity because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money.
This road also symbolizes change as you will observe in the road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs.
These components had all but disappeared on our highways but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state.
Of course, another element of change is the travel experience on a new and well-built road from the old and previously unmotorable road.
Now that we have this new and well-built road, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users.
One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code.
Accordingly, for the avoidance of any doubt, I wish to reiterate that the maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM PER HOUR and no more.
On behalf of the Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari, I formally declare this Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road in Yobe State completed and open for public use.
For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM PER HOUR.
We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria.
I wish you safe and happy motoring.
Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, FNSE
Honourable Minister of Power
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