Federal Ministry of Works

Jul

2026

LATEST PRESS

PRESIDENT TINUBU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY AT THE 34TH COREN ENGINEERING ASSEMBLY

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
COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime to ensure public safety and sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Oct

2025

Minister Inspects Ongoing Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararaba-Keffi Road (43.65km) Under Tax Credit Scheme. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., on Thursday, 2nd October 2025, conducted a site inspection of the ongoing reconstruction and expansion works on the 43.65-kilometre Mararaba-Keffi Road. The project, a critical infrastructure upgrade under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme, is being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited. The Minister, during the inspection, expressed serious concern over the pace of work and the persistent traffic congestion along the corridor, which serves as a vital link between the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State. He noted that the daily gridlock severely affects thousands of commuters, particularly civil servants residing along the axis, many of whom struggle to arrive at work on time. Rt. Hon. Goronyo emphasized the urgency of expediting the construction timeline, reminding the contractor that the Federal Government had granted permission for night-time construction activities to ensure faster delivery and to mitigate the hardship faced by road users. "This project is of national importance. The volume of traffic here is massive, and many public servants are suffering. The government is fully supportive of this project, but the contractor must rise to the occasion. You have approval to work at night — please utilise it to meet the delivery schedule," the Minister stated. In response, Mr. Dong Hong, the Project Manager representing China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, assured the Minister and the Nigerian public that the project remains on track and will be completed within the agreed timeline. "We understand the importance of this road and the urgency to ease traffic for the people. Our team is fully mobilised, and we are committed to delivering quality work on time," said Mr. Hong. The Mararaba-Keffi Road project forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure needs through innovative financing mechanisms such as the Tax Credit Scheme, which allows private sector partners to invest in public road projects in exchange for tax reliefs. The Federal Ministry of Works remains committed to ensuring that all ongoing infrastructure projects are delivered efficiently, timely, and to the highest standards, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed. Director, Press and Public Relations Department. Federal Ministry of Works. ...

Oct

2025

Independence Day: Goronyo Hails Tinubu, Urges Nigerians to Renew Patriotism As Nigeria marks another year of its independence, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has extended warm felicitations to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to all Nigerians at home and abroad. In his Independence Day message, the Minister emphasized that the celebration is not only a tribute to the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers but also a reminder of the unity, resilience, and indomitable spirit of the Nigerian people. “Independence is a call to renew our shared responsibility in building a stronger, more prosperous, and peaceful nation for generations to come,” the Minister stated. He further urged both leaders and citizens to embrace patriotism and dedication in order to ensure that Nigeria continues to stand tall among the comity of nations. “May this anniversary inspire us all to work together with renewed hope and commitment towards the growth and greatness of our dear country,” he added. The Minister concluded by wishing Nigerians a joyous celebration, declaring: “Happy Independence Day, Nigeria! Long live Mr. President." Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed. For: S A (Media) to the Honourable Minister of State for Works 1st October, 2025 ...

Sep

2025

Goronyo Inspects Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, Commends Progress, Calls for Communities’ Support The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., on Thursday, September 11, 2025, undertook an inspection tour of the Sokoto section of the ongoing Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The inspection covered strategic communities including Silame, Katame, Gade, and Binji in Sokoto State, where massive construction activities are currently ongoing. The visit provided the Minister with firsthand insight into the pace, quality, and challenges of the project. During the tour, Hon. Goronyo expressed satisfaction with the progress of works recorded so far, commending the contractors, Hitech Construction Limited, for their dedication, efficiency, and adherence to international construction standards. Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment, the Minister stressed that the 1,068-kilometer Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway is not just a road project but a transformational national infrastructure that will redefine Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. He explained that the superhighway is designed to: Enhance regional integration and open up trade routes between the North and Southern parts of the country; Boost economic activities by facilitating seamless movement of goods, services, and people; Provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs, thereby tackling unemployment and poverty; Improve security and connectivity across states, enabling safer and faster travel for Nigerians. The Minister further expressed gratitude to security agencies for their continued vigilance in providing safety for contractors and workers on site. He also commended host communities for their cooperation, urging them to strengthen their support and take full ownership of the project. According to him, “This superhighway is not just for today; it is an investment in the future of our children and generations to come. Its completion will transform livelihoods, open new economic opportunities, and position Sokoto as a strategic hub for national and regional trade.” As part of his inspection itinerary, Barr. Goronyo proceeded to Kebbi State, where he joined the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, in a joint assessment of the project corridor. He lauded the leadership and dedication of the Honourable Minister, describing his oversight role as pivotal to ensuring quality delivery and timely completion of one of Nigeria’s most ambitious road projects. The Federal Ministry of Works, through the leadership of Senator David Umahi and Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq., reassures Nigerians of its unwavering resolve to deliver durable, modern, and world-class infrastructure that will unlock the country’s full economic potential, strengthen national unity, and enhance the quality of life for all citizens. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Mar

2022

Fashola Restates FG’s Commitment To Quality Education As AKTH Receives 1.06 Km Rehabilitated Internal Road

· CMD, other academic, non-academic staff, laud Buhari, Minister for intervention

The Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, took delivery of a 1.06 kilometer internal road rehabilitated in the institution by the Ministry of Works and Housing with the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, restating Federal Government’s commitment to the development of education in the county through the provision of quality infrastructure.

With the handover of the 1.06 km internal road, which included the construction of reinforced concrete culverts and drains, AKTH joined the Federal Tertiary institutions which have benefitted from the ongoing Federal Government Road Intervention Scheme across the country which has so far reached 46 Federal tertiary in across the six geopolitical zones.

Fashola, who was represented at the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in Kano State, Engr. Yahaya Baba Ali, said President Muhammadu Buhari's administration has successfully intervened in the internal road network of 46 Federal Tertiary institutions handing over 29 in 2021 with17 others now ready to be handed over, while work is ongoing on 30 roads in similar institutions across the country bringing the total number to 76.

Noting the show of joy and enthusiasm that always accompanied such handovers, especially among students of benefiting institutions, the Minister declared, “The quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place”.

Earlier, in his welcome address the Chief Medical Director of the Teaching Hospital, Prof. Abdurrahman Abba Sheshe, expressed happiness that an important project of that magnitude was executed in the institution, pointing out that it would allow easy access for patients seeking medical treatment in different parts of the hospital.

"We are indeed very happy that the Federal Government, under President Muhammadu Buhari and through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, realized the importance of this project which was carried out through special intervention. The result is what we are seeing all around the hospital today”, he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, represented by Dr. Dahiru M.D Shehu, expressed the hope that the present administration would continue to bring in more projects to the hospital.

"I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, for the road which will help in the development of the Health Sector in the country," he said. He also commended the administration of President Buhari for the support given to the hospital in terms of improvement of the healthcare system in the county.

The Principal Imam, Academics, AKTH. Mallam Zakariya'u Muhammad thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the internal road adding, “This has brought relief to the people. Before the intervention visitors to this hospital suffered from dust due to the bad road and during raining season patients and pupils found it difficult to access the road."

The ward head in the Hospital, Alhaji Suleiman Shehu, expressed his happiness over the intervention and thanked the government for removing the pains of the people while using the road. “We can now move freely on the road”, he said.

SPEECHES

Jun

2022

Welcome Address by The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali, FCA, FCTI, Represented by the Federal Controller Jigawa State, Engr. Atewolora Oladele Gabriel at The Commissioning and Handover of The Hadeija-Nguru Road, Phase II (Kirikasama-Nguru) in Jigawa State on Saturday 18th June, 2022.

PROTOCOLS
       It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this significant event in the affairs of our National life. I welcome all the eminent and distinguished invited guests to the occasion of the commissioning of the second phase of the completed roads across the country.
2.       On behalf of the Honourable Minister Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, Directors and Head of Units, Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, I welcome all distinguished invited Guests, the Royal Fathers and the entire people of Jigawa State to this event.
3.       As part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s developmental agenda of addressing road infrastructural development across the length and breadth of Nigeria, the Federal Government as a policy direction focused on the completion of several on-going projects to stimulate economic development, job creation and promoting local content. The focus is to link the major arterial roads to Refineries, Ports, tertiary institutions and high volume commercial centres with a view to reducing travel times, vehicle maintenance costs, safety and security of commuters etc.

4.       The Ministry has successfully completed several roads and maintained several bridges to ensure that road users have a rewarding road travel experience. Several other roads and bridges are at various stages of completion such as the 2nd Niger Bridge and its approach road, Dualization of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Loko-Oweto Bridge linking Nasarawa to Benue States, Dualization of Enugu-Portharcourt Expressway, Bodo-Bonny Brigde, Lagos-Ibadan Dualization project, to mention just a few.
5.       We have now entered the season of completion and handover of several roads and bridges projects across the country. Recently, 5-roads were commissioned by Mr. President who was represented by the Cabinet Ministers from the states where the projects were sited such as:
i.   Commissioning of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kotangora-Makere Road, Phases I&II in Kebbi State;
ii.   Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road Phases I&II in Benue State;
iii.   Nenwe-Oduma Road Sections I&II in Enugu and Ebonyi States;
iv.   Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi/Yobe States; and
v.   Kano-Maiduguri Road Section II Shuwarin-Azare, with spur from Dutse to Kwanar Huguma in Jigawa/Bauchi States.
6.        In this phase of the commissioning, Mr. President approved the commissioning of the following roads:
i.   Rehabilitation of Efon Alaaye-Erinmo-Iwaraja Road In Ekiti/Osun States;

ii.   Isoko Ring Road in Delta State;
iii.   Rehabilitation of Hadeija-Nguru Road, Phase II CH 40+000-CH 73+150 Kirikasama-Nguru in Jigawa State;
iv.   Completion of Gombe-Numan-Yola Road Phase II (Gombe-Kaltungo) in Gombe State;
v.   Construction of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section II, Phase I, (Gashua-Bayamari), Yobe State;
vi.   Rehabilitation of Nguru-Gashua-Bayamari Road Section I (Nguru-Gashua) Phase II in Yobe State;
vii.   Rehabilitation of Lafia-Obi-Awe-Tunga Road in Nasarawa State.
7.       As we complete the commissioning of this road here in Jigawa State, the train will move to Nasarawa State and on to the others.
8.        Our joy is that Nigerians are benefitting from the fruits of democracy and the promises made by the present Administration. These projects have created direct and indirect jobs as well as provided socio-economic benefits that the magnitude of such projects carries with it.
9.   At this juncture, I welcome you all once again to the commissioning ceremony of this laudable road project in Jigawa State.

Thank you and God bless you.