Federal Ministry of Works

Oct

2026

LATEST PRESS

GORONYO COMMENDS SOKOTO GOVERNOR FOR DONATING 10 HILUX VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY ALONG SOKOTO–BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, PhD, for donating 10 operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and other strategic infrastructure corridors.

The vehicles were formally commissioned and handed over to the Nigerian Army at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE.
The donation is expected to enhance the operational capacity of military personnel and other security agencies responsible for protecting construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities along the highway corridor.

Speaking during the ceremony, Goronyo described the donation as a demonstration of the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to national development and the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its landmark infrastructure projects.

The Minister emphasised that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway represents a long-standing national infrastructure vision that dates back several decades, with its conception traced to the era of former President Shehu Shagari in the 1970s. However, the vision remained unrealised for decades until the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, initiated the construction of the 1,068-kilometre highway in October 2024.

He described the project as a significant step towards translating a historic aspiration into tangible infrastructure that will connect communities, expand economic opportunities and strengthen national integration.

According to Goronyo, President Tinubu’s commitment to the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and improve connectivity between northern and southern Nigeria.
He noted that the superhighway, which traverses Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, is designed to facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, stimulate trade, create employment and open up new economic opportunities along its route.

The Minister added that the highway would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce, industry and the development of communities across the corridor.
He stressed that the successful delivery of the project would require sustained commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities.

Goronyo maintained that effective security remained essential to the timely and successful completion of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. He explained that the provision of operational vehicles would strengthen the mobility and response capabilities of security personnel deployed to safeguard the project and its surrounding communities.

The Minister highlighted other strategic infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
He explained that these projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to developing an integrated road network capable of supporting commerce, strengthening inter-state connections and accelerating national economic growth.

Rt. Hon. Goronyo further noted that the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was intended to provide durable road infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades. He added that complementary environmental and safety measures, including tree planting and solar-powered street lighting where provided for in the project, would contribute to environmental sustainability, visibility and road safety.

Goronyo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure. He acknowledged the difficult conditions under which security personnel operate and urged them to remain steadfast in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

The Honourable Minister also expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian military over the reported loss of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day. He described the loss as painful and extended his sympathy to the affected personnel, their colleagues and bereaved families, while praying for the peaceful repose of the departed and strength for their loved ones.

He further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in addressing security challenges associated with the project, particularly through assistance and coordination aimed at strengthening security operations along the highway corridor.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Federal Government’s infrastructure development agenda, Goronyo said the Ministry of Works would continue to support the implementation of strategic projects under President Tinubu’s leadership, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure their successful delivery.

He expressed optimism that the continued implementation of the Federal Government’s development programmes would bring lasting benefits to Nigerians, while acknowledging the complementary role of the Sokoto State Government in supporting infrastructure development and security.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for the donation of the 10 Hilux vehicles.

The GOC noted that the vehicles would significantly enhance the operational mobility and response capabilities of troops deployed along the highway corridor, particularly across the approximately 440-kilometre section extending through Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He explained that troops conduct regular patrols and maintain multiple deployment points along the corridor, making the additional vehicles a valuable boost to their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to support security operations and protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders involved in the project.

The GOC also commended the representative of Hitech Construction Company, retired General Sa'ad Abubakar, for the company's involvement in the project.

The event was attended by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aliyu Garba, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders.
The donation underscores the importance of sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safe and timely delivery of strategic infrastructure projects.

The Federal Ministry of Works reiterates its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to protect national infrastructure and advance the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable economic growth and development.

Dec

2019

Engage Federal Ministry Of Works And Housing On The State Of Nigeria Highways - Engr Aliyu The Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu has charged Nigerians and the public in general to engage his Ministry on the state of the highways in the country with a view to improve their condition for ease of movement. Engr. Aliyu also enjoined the public to seek necessary information and clarification from his Ministry in order to be properly guided on infrastructure put in place by government to make life more meaningful for the citizens. He made the remark today in Abuja while hosting the Niger Delta Activist Forum who came to pay him a courtesy visit in the Ministry. The Minister noted that the President Muhammudu Buhari led government is serious, responsive and listens to the yearnings of Nigerians and has shown commitment in providing the necessary infrastructure by beefing the budget on roads from 16billion in 2015 to over N300 billion in the 2020 budget for the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. He told the Niger Delta Activist Group that, there was no opportunity in the past for people to interact with decision makers in the Works and Housing sectors. He said the Executive Order No. 5 signed into law by Mr. President is mostly about the Local Content and it is being observed at the Federal Executive Council in the award of contracts. He disclosed that roads that had reached 80% completion level would be given priority for completion in 2020, adding that on-going roads and projects would not be abandoned. He enjoined the pubic to keep engaging the controllers and directors in the Ministry on the state of the highways in the country. On the request made by the activists on the reconstruction of Calabar-Odukpani-Itu road, Engr. Aliyu stated that the Federal Government was taking necessary actions to fix the bad portions of that road. Earlier the President of Niger Delta Activist , Comrade Success Jack said that his association is a Pan Niger Delta Group committed to ensure that the policies of Federal Government get the right support and also to foster the spirit of peace and understanding between the Federal Governments and the people of the Niger Delta region The President noted that their mission was to draw Federal Government attention to the bad state of the Calabar –Odukpani –Itu road with a view to fix it in order to reduce the plight of commuters on that road Comrade Jack also spoke on the need to fix other roads in the Niger Delta Region that need attention. The President of the Association commended the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, the Minister of State , Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu and the staff of the Ministry for the commitment and passion in responding to the yearning of Nigerians in fixing Nigeria road infrastructure. Comrade Jack stated that his organization was willing to mobilize the indigenes of Niger Delta to collaborate with contractors to ensure their safety is guaranteed while executing their projects ...

Dec

2019

Fashola Not Defrauded Of Sum Of N3.1m The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, has debunked recent Social Media reports that he was defrauded of the sum of N3.1 million by a Yahoo Boy who is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Setting the records straight on Monday, the Minister, who said he neither knew nor transacted any business with the suspect that involved or would have led to his being swindled, explained that the amount being mentioned was the worth of Air Miles which the suspect derived from fraudulently hacking into his (Minister’s) internet account and creating a false identity with which he, among other benefits, bought first class tickets to various parts of the world. Having persistently hacked into the accounts for over a period of six years, the suspect was tracked by the Minister until enough evidence was gathered which was then passed on to the security agencies. ...

Dec

2019

Edo State Government Commends Federal Government On Efforts To Fix Ekpoma Erosion Challenge The Government of Edo State has commended the Federal Government on efforts being made to fix the perennial erosion problem in Ekpoma , Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Mr Godwin Obaseki gave the commendation when he received in audience a team of officers of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing led by the Director Highway Design Road for the South South Zone. Engr. Oluropo Oyetade during a courtesy visit Governor Obaseki assured that Edo State Government would give the required support and cooperation to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to commence and deliver the erosion control project at the Ekpoma stretch of the dual carriageway from Obajana to Benin City. Governor Obaseki assured that his government would help to sensitize the people on structures to be demolished and compensated for the smooth take-off and completion of the erosion control project in Ekpoma. The Governor stressed the need for the Federal Government to fix the bad portions of arterial roads within and outside Edo State because of their social economic importance. Some of the arterial roads among others identified by Governor Obaseki to be rehabilitated for easy flow of traffic are: Okene to Benin, Sapele – Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt – Onitsha , Agbo –Okene roads. The Governor noted that the entry points to most of the arterial roads were bad and should be rehabilitated as a matter of national emergency. He commended the efforts being made by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for the on-going construction and rehabilitation of the dual carriage road from Obajana junction in Kogi state to Benin City, the Edo state capital . Speaking earlier Engr. Oluropo Oyetade said that the purpose of their visit was to brief the Executive Governor of Edo State the plan of the Ministry to fix the perennial erosion problem at the Ekpoma axis of the Obajana –Benin dual carriage way and inspect the site of the project Engr Oyetade also sought for the support and cooperation of the Edo State Government in sensitizing the people on structures that would be demolished and compensated for the smooth execution of the erosion control challenge. Engineer Oyetade assured the governor that frantic efforts were being made by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to fix the failed portions of on the Obajana – Benin City dual carriage way for free flow of traffic during the 2019 yuletide. He also assured that at least one alignment of the four sections dual carriage way would be delivered by the Federal Government on or before June 2020. ...