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.
SEN. UMAHI HAILS PRESIDENT TINUBU FOR REDEFINING ROAD CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY AND METHODOLOGY SAYS ROAD CONSTRUCTION SITES ACROSS THE 6 GEO-POLITICAL ZONES UNPRECEDENTED The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has commended the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,His Excellency,Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for redefining road construction in Nigeria and for inclusive resource allocation across the construction sites in the 6 geo-polical zones. He made this commendation during his inspection visit to the descoped sections of the completion of the construction of Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageway in Enugu State dated 25th September 2025. Speaking during the visit, the Honourable Minister described the new design pattern, aesthetic appeal, and functional benefits of the ongoing road constructions across the project sites in the 6 geo-political zones as a vision in action aimed at enhancing the next generation of road sustainability and connectivity, courtesy of the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu. He maintained that Ndigbo as people of honour and integrity have a reciprocal duty of supporting the ideals and aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu "And so, South East is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and no one is going to deceive us. All our votes will go to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Seeing is believing. We are on it. Our people are benefiting just like other regions. And we are very grateful to the President.The President's 3rd Renewed Hope Legacy project is passing through South East, which is 123 kilometres, costing N464 billion.The President has already paid 30 percent. Yesterday, he approved further payment of 20 percent, just like in other regions. So we have every cause to be grateful to God for bringing the President on board. And we know very well that for all these projects, give him another five years plus, they will all be completed. And Nigeria will never be the same again. He continued, "I'm very excited that we have a President who is a father to all sections of this country. I'm excited that what is happening in North West, what is happening in South West, North East, North Central, South South, that's the new road construction technology by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is happening here in South East, here in Enugu State. There are going to be many of this type, be it in Ebonyi, be it in Abia, be it in Anambra, of course the second Niger Bridge through Section 2B, be it in Imo State, the five States of South East. will be witnessing this" He expressed pleasure over the commitment of the contractor that is handling the descoped sections of the dualization of Enugu-Onitsha dualization and the quality of the job they are doing. " This.is 72km, which is the balance of what MTN is doing on Enugu - Onitsha dua carriageway. Their subcontractor is RCC. The last time we had a meeting with MTN, we agreed that within the contract sum of what they had with MTN, which is N202 billion, they should concentrate and finish that scope of work.The balance of it is 72 kilometres, which we are redefining under the legacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is building. Under him, we are not constructing. We are building roads; roads that will last up to 100 years. That's what we are witnessing now in Enugu State, 72 kilometres on reinforced concrete pavement, and the cost is N150 billion.The contractor has already been paid N45 billion, and work is ongoing. This section alone is 15 kilometres. And we have another section. We have about four sections. And I'm very happy with the quality of work. SKECC is one of our best contractors." He urged the contractor not to be threatened by the rains but should continue to handle those levels of construction that would not be affected by the rains. Projects visited by the Honourable Minister of Works, included: The descoped sections of completion of the construction of Enugu-Onitsha dual carriageway in Enugu/Anambra State,contract No. 8854 handled by SKECC Nig Ltd; the construction of Interchange at Abakpa Junction Interchange in Enugu State being handled by Messrs. CCECC Nigeria Limited, and the construction of 23-span flyover bridge project at Eke-Obinagu Junction, along Enugu - Abakaliki Road, Enugu State being handled by Reinforced Global Resources Nig. Ltd. 345m(Bridge), 1.05km (Dual Service Road) Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works ...
Umahi Inspects Sections One and Two of Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road Project The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has carried out an inspection of Sections One and Two of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road project, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable infrastructure to Nigerians. Speaking during the inspection today 20th September, 2025. He added that the quality of work so far is commendable. We thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and commitment to this project. By God’s grace, we will ensure timely delivery for the benefit of Nigerians,” Senator Umahi stated. The Minister has reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to delivering durable road infrastructure that will stand the test of time. We are constructing roads that will last for 100 years — roads designed with modern engineering standards, durability, and sustainability in mind. These projects are for the future of our children and the prosperity of our nation,” the Minister said. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo Esq, state that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road is one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors, linking major cities, facilitating trade, and enhancing the movement of people and goods across the North and beyond. The Federal Ministry of Works reiterates its resolve to deliver a world-class, durable road that will stand the test of time. Accompanying the Minister, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, acknowledged that while good progress has been made on Section One, some delays persist, particularly in Section Two where only about 3% completion has been achieved against a 40% target. He emphasized the need for contractors to deploy more equipment to meet delivery timelines. Engineer Representing Works on the construction of Abuja-Kaduna- Highway, Engr. Chukwuma Kalu disclosed that Section One, which covers 40.5km (dual carriage on concrete pavement), has recorded significant progress. Of the total stretch, 22km have been completed on both sides, with work actively ongoing on other portions. He further noted that the 17.3km Kano section and the 6.63km dual carriage airport access road have both achieved major milestones, with the airport road already completed and awaiting commissioning. Clement Ezeorah AD Press For: Director, Press and Public Relations 20th September, 2025 ...
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS ADOPTS FUNDING PRIORITIZATION FRAMEWORK ON NNPCL INHERITED TAX CREDIT PROJECTS NATIONWIDE. -PROMOTES NIGERIA FIRST POLICY, SAYS CONTRACTS BELOW ₦20 BILLION TO BE DONE BY INDIGENOUS CONTRACTORS. As part of strategic plans towards sustainability in project funding and execution and in pursuance of the directive of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR on strategic and systematic funding of inherited NNPCL funded projects, the Federal Ministry of Works has adopted funding prioritization framework to ensure the continued execution of road projects hitherto funded by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) under the Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme. The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON made this disclosure during his inspection visit to the ongoing dualization of the East-West Road (Section IIIA) from Eleme Junction, Port Harcourt to Onne Junction in Rivers State handled by Messrs RCC Nig Ltd dated 9th September 2025. Speaking during his visit, the Honourable Minister stated that the Federal Ministry of Works had compiled all the NNPCL inherited Tax Credit projects for strategic priority funding, noting that the most critical projects within the national economic corridor would receive precedence in the hierarchy of prioritization. “We are inspecting projects of federal government in Rivers State, and this particular one is the dualization of Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction by RCC. Recall that one carriageway was completed and commissioned, even though there are a few things we ordered afresh like the retaining wall and hanging drainage. For the second carriageway with some bridges and flyovers, work has started on it. Let me say that this is part of the NNPC Tax Credit that has been stopped in terms of funding by NNPC. But graciously, we have compiled all the NNPC inherited Tax Credit projects, and we presented as Ministry of Works to Mr. President. And Mr. President has graciously directed that none of such works should stop now. However, as Ministry, we are going to do prioritization of the projects and look at the most critical of these projects within the national economic corridor like this one. And we are going to put it forward for immediate funding because the President directed that none of such projects should stop now.” He admonished contractors handling road projects under the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure speed, quality, compliance with specification and sustainability in project delivery and cautioned that the attention of the anti-graft agencies would be called to any case of violation of the regulations or terms and conditions set out under the contract of every project handled by the Federal Ministry of Works. He stated, “I have also noticed in some of the projects in Rivers State, and same with the Six Geo-Political zones, that contractors go ahead to put stone base and put binder course of asphalt, sometimes over 20 kilometres and leave the binder unprotected without putting wearing course. The binder is like a reinforcement to the road architecture. The wearing is the sealant that doesn't allow water to go beyond the surface. And so when you now put stone base, which has dust as designed, and you put binder, which is like a reinforcement, and you see that the composition of the binder asphalt has bigger stones, and it has holes, so the water penetrates. The moment it gets to the stone base, which has some dust, the road fails. It may technically look safe, but with time, it will definitely fail. And we've seen it in a number of roads we inspected. And what I've directed the Controller to do, and it's going to be nationwide, is that when you are putting binder and you have left it for more than two months, we are going to redo the certificate and remove all the binder and remove the stone base.” He directed that henceforth any project below the contract sum of ₦20 Billion would not be given to expatriate firms, and this he said is part of measures to promote the Nigeria First policy of Federal Government of Nigeria. He commended the construction company handling the Eleme - Onne project, Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for the quality of work so far done and for working on the project despite the fact that NNPCL has stopped funding the project, but frowned at the slow pace of work which they said was affected by the rainy season. He restated that 15th December 2025 remains the agreed deadline for the project’s completion with no extension or Variation of Price (VoP) allowed. “On this project of Eleme Junction, the quality of the work is excellent. The pace of the work is totally not acceptable. And let me make it very, very clear to the contractor that this project can never be reviewed by a kobo. Neither can there be any variation of price or any other claims.” He expressed dismay over the destructive habit of packing heavy duty vehicles on the road by drivers and warned that forthwith punitive measures would be taken against such perpetrators. “Our roads are not designed to carry these heavy trailers that are parking on the road. And the press should help us on that. When I was coming yesterday all the way from Aba to here, I saw that the trailers are taking over the entire roads, putting their waste, destroying the pavements, and so on and so forth. So I'm going to write to our dear Governors to see what they could help us to do about it, and will also complain to the Inspector General of Police. Let us see what we can do about it. Mr. President is doing everything possible to right the wrongs in terms of road construction. We are doing quality roads now that are going to last from 50 to 100 years. But it's being destroyed by ourselves.” Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works in River State, Engr. Enwereama Tarilade (Mrs.) said the contractor handling Eleme- Onne road had completed the 15km Eket bound on the right carriageway and had moved to the left carriageway which is Port Harcourt bound for which 1km stretch had already been done on Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP). Projects visited by the Honourable Minister include, the rehabilitation of Enugu – Port Harcourt, Abia/Rivers State, contract No: 6252 being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited (CCECC), the upgrading of the 15km section of the East-West Road (Section 111A) from Port Harcourt (Eleme Junction) to Onne junction in Rivers State, contract No: 701 being handled by Messrs. RCC Nig. Ltd and multiple sections of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, including the sections handled by Arab Contractors and China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited (CCECC). Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works Works ...
FG Committed To Development Of Quality Education Through Quality Infrastructure - Fashola
..... 1.06 km internal roads with reinforced concrete culverts and drains handed to AKTH
.... CMD lauds Buhari for the intervention
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, has said that the Federal Government will remain committed to the development of Education in the county through the provision of quality infrastructure.
The Minister spoke in Kano while handing over 1.06 km internal road, including construction of reinforced concrete culverts and drains at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano (AKTH), Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
Fashola was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Kano State Engr. Yahaya Baba Ali.
He said " it is undebatable that 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 feedback from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place".
The Minister stated further that President Buhari's administration has successfully intervened in the internal Road networks of 46 Tertiary Federal institutions and handed over 29 as at 2021.
Accordingly, he said that another 17 tertiary institutions Internal roads are now ready to be handed over, while work is ongoing on 30 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 76.
Earlier, in his welcome address the Chief Medical Director AKTH Prof. Abdulrahaman Abba Sheshe expressed happiness an important project of this magnitude has been executed in the teaching hospital, pointing out that it will 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 through the Federal Ministry of Works 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, AKTH, represented by Dr. Dahiru M.D Shehu said he is hopeful that the present administration will continue to bring in more projects to the hospital.
" I thank Pesident Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola 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 Muhammadu Buhari for the support given to the hospital in terms of improvement of the health care system in the country.
In an interview, the Principal Iman Academy AKTH Mallam Zakariya'u Muhammad thanked President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the internal road.
He said " this has brought relief to the people. Before the intervention visitors to this hospital suffer from dust due to the bad road and during raining season patients and pupils finds it difficult to access the road".
The ward head in the Hospital, Alhaji Sulaiman Shehu, expressed his happiness for the intervention and thanked the government for removing the pains of the people while using the road, saying that they can now move freely on the road.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s Acceptance Speech Of The 2021 Trophee Babacar Ndiaye
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is an auspicious African day, in the capital city of Africa’s most populous nation.
It is an African day of Pride, where the story of Africa’s long-awaited Renaissance begins to unfold inside her largest country by population and GDP.
It is a day of Pride for the African Union and Her Dreams for the continent. The policies and programmes that have been inaugurated over the years are beginning to bear fruits and results.
The Trans African Highway programme, launched in 1971 sought to connect the whole of African through a major system of Nine (9) highways, the TAH1 to the TAH9 covering an aggregate distance of 56,683km.
The African Development Bank, a financial institution set up to support the African Countries in their developmental objectives.
The African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement set up to create a unified, borderless market of over one billion people to facilitate intra-African Trade.
I am delighted to report that Nigeria is playing her membership and leadership role in all of these institutions and in the pursuit of achieving their objectives.
Only a few days ago in the city of Lagos, our private sector opened a 3,000 metric tonne granular Fertilizer Company to support Farmers and Agriculturalists on the African continent and beyond.
Our collaboration with the African Development Bank has been productive and results are now manifest in projects like the Mfum-Bamenda Bridge that connects Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon. I also acknowledge the support of the Bank in financing Feasibilities, Consultancies and Pre-construction work on the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor comprising Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, Togo, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire which is part of Trans African Highway No. 7 from Dakar in Senegal to Lagos in Nigeria.
I am happy to report that the Nigerian sections of this highway is now under construction on the Lagos-Badagry corridor through our local financing institution such as the Tax Credit Scheme introduced by Executive Order No. 7; and in collaboration with the Lagos State Government.
I am able to report that apart from Trans African Highway No. 7, Nigeria is also connected by Trans African Highways No. 2, Algiers to Lagos and Trans African Highway No. 8, Lagos – Mombasa.
The East to West crossing of Nigeria across the Second River Niger Bridge which will be finished this year is a major investment by Nigeria on the Lagos-Mombasa Trans African Highway, as is the Enugu – Abakaliki to Mfum Highway.
The 375Km Abuja to Kano that is now under construction is Nigeria’s major part of the Trans African Highway No. 2; Algiers to Lagos.
Apart from these Trans African connections, we are rebuilding, expanding or replacing strategic Highways and Bridges across our country.
The Apapa-Oworonshoki Highway in Lagos is strategic for trade and business facilitation to support our busiest and largest Sea Port in Apapa and Tin Can Island.
The Suleja-Minna Highway is critical to our petroleum distribution network and access to strategic petroleum products Depot in Niger State; and it is receiving attention, while the Calabar-Itu-Odukpani unlocks access to agricultural produce and supports mining and extractive activities for construction, in the South South and South East of Nigeria.
Ladies and Gentlemen, these are only examples of over 13,000Km of Road and Bridge construction, expansion and rehabilitation nationwide.
They have been a major boost for the growth of our economy, keeping people at work; driving a supply value chain, stimulating productivity at Quarries, Cement Factories, Steel Factories, and the Petroleum sectors for lubricants, fuel and bitumen.
Our most recent GDP results of 3.40%, the biggest in the last 7 years clearly show that the construction sub-sectors and related sub-sectors of the economy were among the big performers of the growth surge.
Very evidently, infrastructure investment is good for the economy.
By building Roads, we are building Economies.
The founding vision of African Leaders is coming to fruition, Evidence of the African Renaissance is being showed today in Nigeria.
The Trophee Babacar Ndiaye 2022 at the 7th Edition of Africa Road Builders symbolizes this Renaissance.
On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I accept the Africa Road Builders Award for the Hope, Prosperity and Progress that it symbolizes.
State House
Abuja
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