Federal Ministry of Works

Apr

2026

LATEST PRESS

HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY TO ALH. ALIKO DANGOTE

I warmly congratulate my dear brother, and President/CEO, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON on the occasion of his 69th birthday.

Your remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth remain a source of pride, and I deeply appreciate your partnership in our concrete road revolution, an initiative that is delivering more durable and high-quality road infrastructure across the country.

I wish you continued good health, strength, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE
Honourable Minister of Works

Mar

2026

UMAHI RAISES ALARM OVER MISUSE OF ROADS, WARNS AGAINST PARKING OF TANKS, OTHER HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES -As young engineers set to understudy the project under the President’s mentorship program The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has raised serious concern over the damaging practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads, warning that such actions pose direct threat to the durability and lifespan of critical national infrastructure. The Minister made this known during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project, Rivers State on Saturday, March 21, 2026. “Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked… not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road.” He emphasized that no road infrastructure is designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles. “No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road.” With the total project cost exceeding ₦230 billion ₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two the Minister stressed that such investments must be protected. “Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?” The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contractor, RCC, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his decisive intervention in sustaining the project. “I want to thank RCC very highly and commend Mr President for his heart of love toward the Niger Delta,” the Minister stated. He explained that although funding by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ceased in August 2025, the President promptly approved an alternative funding mechanism, ensuring that work continued uninterrupted. “We are not owing RCC on this project… it is a very, very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work.” The Minister described the Aleto Bridge Project as a landmark engineering effort, incorporating modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural features. In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development, the Minister disclosed plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme championed by President Tinubu. “We are making efforts on President Tinubu mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold.” Providing an update on timelines, the Minister noted that one carriageway of the project is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, with the first phase projected for full completion by August 2026. “They have promised me that before May 25th that one carriageway of this very innovative construction will be completed and before August the first phase of this project would have been totally completed.” He further expressed confidence that the second phase, which includes multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered within the year. The Minister also highlighted the strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President to ensure long-term durability. “We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete and then you can see the result.” The Honourable Minister concluded by calling on Nigerians, particularly road users and transport operators, to take collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure. “Let us protect our own. The minister cannot be here and everywhere. The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done but we have a duty to protect it.” ...

Mar

2026

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON RECENT ISSUES SURROUNDING MRS TRACY OHIRI’S MATTER The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar. Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly. First, it is important to clarify that Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri. His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably. At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her. For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims. It must also be emphasized that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point. Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established. The Minister further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b). The Minister is still waiting for the above. It is also worth noting that for several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond. The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted. The Honourable Minister remains fully committed to his mandate. He will not be distracted from the ongoing work of delivering critical road infrastructure across the country. The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development. We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. ...

Mar

2026

EID MUBARAK TO OUR MUSLIM FAITHFULS I warmly felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria on the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid is a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah. The lessons of Ramadan call us to live in peace with one another, uphold justice, and extend kindness to all, especially the less privileged. As we celebrate, I urge all Nigerians to continue to embrace unity, tolerance, and mutual respect, which remain essential to our collective progress as a nation. Let us also use this period to pray for the peace, stability, and sustained development of our dear country. On our part at the Federal Ministry of Works, we remain committed to delivering critical infrastructure that connects our people, strengthens economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians. May Almighty Allah accept good prayers and acts of charity, and bless our nation with peace, prosperity, and good health. Eid Mubarak. Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE Honourable Minister of Work ...

LIVE ACTIVITY FEED

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2024

FORMER MINISTER OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, DR CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU WAS A GREAT TRAILBLAZER AND SHINING LIGHT TO HIS PEOPLE. HE MARKED THRESHOLDS IN INTELLECTS, INTEGRITY, INDUSTRY, AND PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

-SEN. UMAHI

BEING A TRIBUTE PRESENTED IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY, LATE DR. CHRISTOPHER OGBONNAYA ONU, CON, BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS, HIS EXCELLENCY, ENGR. SEN. NWEZE DAVID UMAHI, CON, DURING A TRIBUTE NIGHT HELD AT YAR’ADUA CENTRE, DATED 4TH NOVEMBER 2024.

I received the sad news of the passing of my dear brother, His Excellency, Dr. Christopher Ogbonnaya Onu, CON with profound shock and a deep sense of loss. His call to eternal glory on the 11th day of April 2024 at the age of 72 years was received with grief and deep sorrow.

Dr. Christopher Onu was a great trailblazer and a leadership light in Uburu Community and Ebonyi State, where I hail from. He was not just a mentor to me, he was a kinsman whose positive marks inspired great leadership motivations to his people. He was charming in character and charismatic in leadership. While alive, he marked a threshold in intellects, integrity, industry, and passion for excellence in all his endeavours; he was a great illustrious son of Uburu Community who made an immeasurable impact in nation-building and service to humanity.

Though he departed at the prime of his leadership and service to humanity, we shall forever cherish the values he bequeathed and the gains of the service he rendered as pioneer elected Governor of Abia State, former National Chairman of the All People’s Party (APP), first Presidential flagbearer of APP, former Honourable Minister of Science and technology and a host of other services he rendered to his community and the nation. Our consolation and fortitude are in the assurances that he lived the true purpose of life, which is service to God and humanity.

My deepest condolences go to his dear wife, children, the entire family of HRH, late Eze David Abba Onu, Eze Adu l of Uburu, and the government and people of Ebonyi State. May his soul rest in perfect peace, Amen.

As he makes his journey to immortality, I pray for God's eternal mercies upon him and divine fortitude and comfort to all of us who are impacted by this irreparable loss.

Thanks, and God bless you.

SPEECHES

Apr

2025

WELCOME REMARKS BY THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, ENGR. OLUFUNSO O. ADEBIYI FNSE, DURING THE MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS DECISIONS REACHED IN 29^TH NCW FOR THE PREPARATION OF 30TH EDITION OF THE COUNCIL MEETING

PROTOCOLS

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this Mid-Term Review Meeting in preparation for the 30th National Council on Works (NCW). I extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Works for approving this important gathering, which is a vital step towards ensuring the successful implementation of resolutions from our previous deliberations.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the Nasarawa State Government for the support and hospitality towards the hosting of the meeting in the State Capital. My gratitude equally extends to our distinguished stakeholders who have taken the time to be part of this crucial discourse.

RATIONALE FOR THE MID-TERM REVIEW MEETING

This Mid-Term Review Meeting serves as a statutory activity critical to tracking the progress made in implementing key resolutions from the 29th National Council on Works, which was held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, from 15th to 18th July 2024. As we approach the 30th NCW, it is imperative that we take stock of our achievements, challenges, and the way forward.

The main objective of the maiden Mid-Term Review/ Preparatory meeting is to provide a veritable and suitable platform for critical Stakeholders in the road infrastructure Sector to have a robust national consideration on the dynamics and emerging issues concerning the sector, while the specific objectives for convening the meeting include to:

Assess the progress of newly deployed initiatives in the construction and maintenance of Nigerian road, especially the “Concrete pavement alternative”;
Examine access to alternative funding sources for argumentation of government scarce resources, especially leveraging on the Public Private Partnership models in construction and e-tolling of economic routes for maintenance of road infrastructure;
Evaluating the progress made so far in the implementation of key decisions reached during the 29^th edition of the NCW held at Abakaliki, Ebonyi State in July, 2024
Identity and benchmark constraints and challenges as well as do a SWOT analysis and make recommendations on the way forward; and
Make holistic recommendations and come up with a roadmap to guide Stakeholders in the preparation of a detailed Status of Implementation Report” for presentation at the 30^th Edition of NCW.

The discussions at this plenary session will set the tone for the deliberations of our six dedicated Desk Review Groups, which have been carefully structured to cover key technical and policy aspects of infrastructure development.

The Desk Review Group on Policy Formation and Implementation Decisions is expected to analyze policy frameworks and regulatory mechanisms guiding infrastructure projects, evaluating their effectiveness and proposing necessary adjustments to enhance policy coherence and sustainability.

The Desk Review Group on Institutional Strengthening Decisions will examine strategies for enhancing the capacity and efficiency of institutions responsible for infrastructure development, focusing on governance structures, inter-agency collaboration, and workforce competency.

The Desk Review Group on Alternative Technologies Decisions is tasked with exploring innovative construction methodologies and materials that offer cost-effective, durable, and sustainable solutions in road and infrastructure development.

The Desk Review Group on Technical and Operational Decisions will assess engineering standards, project execution models, and maintenance strategies, ensuring that technical best practices are integrated into the sector’s operational framework.

The Desk Review Group on Alternative Funding Mechanisms Decisions will evaluate existing and emerging financing models, identifying viable options for sustainable funding of infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships, concessional funding, and other financial instruments.

Finally, the Desk Review Group on Rule of Law and Good Governance will review compliance with legal and ethical standards in the sector, ensuring adherence to procurement laws, transparency, and accountability in project implementation.

As we embark on this review process, I urge all technical experts, policy advisers, and stakeholders present to engage in robust discussions, leveraging data-driven insights and global best practices to enrich our deliberations. The recommendations from this session will serve as the foundation for policy refinement, institutional reforms, and strategic decision-making at the forthcoming 30th NCW.

In this regard, we have invited three distinguished Resource Persons from the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Central Delivery and coordinating Unit (CDCU), the Budget and National Economic Planning and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to share their expertise and insights. Their contributions will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and provide strategic direction for achieving our collective goals.

I extend my profound gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his unwavering leadership and commitment to infrastructure transformation in Nigeria. Let us remain focused on our collective mission to build a resilient, innovative, and well-governed infrastructure ecosystem that will drive national development. I look forward to insightful contributions and practical resolutions that will enhance the effectiveness of the Works Sector.

CONCLUSION

As we engage in fruitful deliberations over the next few days, I encourage all participants to be proactive, open-minded, and solution-driven. The impact of our discussions here will go a long way in shaping the deliberations of the 30th NCW and, ultimately, the trajectory of infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Thank you, and I wish us all productive deliberations.