Federal Ministry of Works

Feb

2026

LATEST PRESS

FG COMMISSIONS REHABILITATED SECTIONS OF GWADA-SHIRORO ROAD, RESTORES CONNECTIVITY AND SAFETY IN NIGER STATE AND BEYOND

The Federal Ministry of Works has officially commissioned the completed critically failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road Section 1 in Niger State, alongside Emergency Repairs of Embankment Washouts and the Construction of a 2-Cell Box Culvert on the same alignment. The projects are part of the 260 Emergency/Special Intervention Projects carried out, nationwide, by the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in order to salvage the nation’s road network. It signals a significant milestone in restoring connectivity, safety, and economic activities in the affected areas.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, which forms an integral component of a National Media Tour, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in Niger State, Engineer Eyitayo Aluko, welcomed members of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), community leaders, residents, members of the press, and other stakeholders. He informed the gathering that he represents the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE in the State, describing the intervention as “two projects in one.”
Engineer Aluko explained that the ceremony site was previously a critical failure point on the road, where a one-cell pipe culvert had collapsed due to its flawed design and overburdenedness. The collapse of the culvert severely disrupted the movement of people, goods, and services, moving in and out of Gwada town into a major challenge for commuters and residents.

“Before our intervention, movement through Gwada was a nightmare. The pipe cover here was inadequate and eventually collapsed. We had to intervene urgently,” said the Controller. According to him, the Ministry improved the infrastructure by replacing the collapsed one-cell pipe culvert with a two-cell box culvert measuring 2.0m x 2.0m, significantly enhancing water flow capacity and structural stability, and durability. He noted that the project has since been completed and traffic has fully resumed.
In addition to the construction of the culvert, the FCW disclosed that several failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road were rehabilitated to improve travel time, road safety and reduce wear and tear of vehicles. The scope of work included embankment washout remediation, construction of the box culvert, laying of stone base, granular course, and asphalt surfacing.
The projects were awarded to Messrs Wise Spin Limited and Messrs High Dee Construction Limited, and have been substantially completed and put to use.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Representative of COREN, Engineer Dr. Bala Saliu, who is also the Chairman of the Engineering Regulation Committee of COREN, Niger State Chapter, commended the intervention, describing it as professional, timely, and impactful.

“This intervention speaks for itself. The project has been put to use, and you can see the community's happiness. Despite how remote this area is, its economic and social importance cannot be overemphasised,” he further noted.

He added that similar critical areas exist across Niger State and expressed confidence that the Federal Government would continue to intervene to ease the challenges faced by commuters and residents.

The Secretary General, NSE, Minna Branch, Engineer Abubakar Kawu also praised the delivery of the two projects. He described the Gwada–Shiroro Road as a strategic route that required urgent attention.
“This timely intervention has significantly reduced road accidents and increased socioeconomic activities. This road leads to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, a major contributor to power generation in Nigeria,” he recalled. He further stated that the road rehabilitation would positively impact the power and energy sectors, while affirming that the project meets required engineering standards and professional regulations.

The Mai Anguwa (Ward Head) of the immediate benefiting community, Alhaji Alhassan Zarumi, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government for extending the nationwide road intervention initiative to his people. He described the road as a former “death trap” and emphasised its importance as a link to the Shiroro Power Station and other surrounding towns and villages.

“If this place were not repaired, I wonder if we would be passing here today. Now, we can move freely and safely. We thank the Federal Government, the Engineers, and the contractors for a job well done,” he said.

In his remarks before performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Chapter, Comrade Uriah Tsado Gana, thanked President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for ensuring the successful completion of the project.

The Team visited ongoing works on the Bida–Lemu–Wushishi–Zungeru Road, Phase 1, which commences from Yesso Junction in Bida Town to Yazhigi. Giving an update on the progress of work, the FCW revealed that the road shoulders are being constructed with 200mm thick concrete, and that approximately 16 kilometers of asphaltic binder course have been completed out of the 29.5-kilometer project length - representing about 40 percent completion. He added that the contractor is actively on site and is expected to complete the binder course within the next two months, after which the asphaltic wearing course will be applied.

The Project Manager of Gerawa Global Engineering Limited, Engineer Adam S. Adam, corroborated the update and highlighted initial challenges faced during project execution, including security concerns and attempted kidnappings. He disclosed that with the support of the Ministry, community leaders, and security stakeholders, these issues have been fully resolved and work is ongoing. “We are now working day and night. The problems have been resolved completely, and the quality of work speaks for itself,” he stated.

Also present was the NSE official, Engineer Aliyu, who attested to the project’s compliance with engineering standards and professional ethics, giving kudos to the company handling the work.

The Ministry continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing national road infrastructure with the execution of major highway projects across Niger State, aimed at improving connectivity between the Northern and Southern parts of the country, guaranteeing safety, and enabling socio-economic development. Another strategic project underway in the State is the Jebba–Mokwa–Bokani Junction Road (Section II), which forms part of the Trans-Sahara Road Network, linking Lagos in the South West geopolitical zone to Northern Nigeria through Kwara State.

The route is a vital artery that carries heavy volumes of articulated traffic on a daily basis. And the project is redesigned as a Dual Carriageway with a pavement structure consisting of 7.3-metre-wide asphaltic concrete carriageways on each side, complemented by 3.0m and 2.75m wide surface-dressed shoulders. The pavement layers include a 200mm thick sub-base, 275mm stone base, and two asphaltic concrete layers of 75mm binder course and 50mm wearing course.

The road section commences at the northern end of the River Niger Bridge in Jebba and terminates at the Bokani Junction, with a total length of 46.0 kilometres. It involves the construction of an additional carriageway that intersects the existing one at various alignments, traversing farmlands, settlements, and diverse terrains, including hills, valleys, streams, and ridges. Interchanges will also be constructed at major intersections to facilitate free-traffic flow. The project is being executed by Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited.

In addition, the Federal Government is presently rehabilitating the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road (Section I), also a major transportation link connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria and a vital route for the movement of industrial and agricultural goods. The road has suffered severe deterioration over the years, characterized by deep potholes, failed carriageway sections, frequent accidents, and prolonged travel time.

Section I of the project stretches 94.987 kilometres from Minna to Tegina, comprising a 10.90km dualised urban section within Minna town and an 84.087-kilometre single carriageway through inter-urban and non-urban areas. The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of the single-carriageway sections and overlay of the existing dual carriageway, which remains in fair condition. The road traverses about eighteen communities, including Maikonlele, Kuyi, Gusase, Zungeru, Akusu, Garum Gabas, and Gatako, terminating at Tegina.

The existing infrastructure includes several pipe and box culverts, as well as seven bridges, many of which are slated for repair and maintenance due to siltation and structural degradation. The project is being handled by Messrs Develevo (Nigeria) Limited in partnership with Messrs HMF Construction Limited.

Similarly, Section II of the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road, covering the Tegina–Kontagora axis, is also receiving intervention. This section is a single carriageway extending from Tegina to Kontagora, with its zero chainage at a Y-Junction off the Mokwa–Makera–Kaduna State border road and terminating at the Kontagora roundabout. The road passes through several semi-rural communities, including Gimi, Babban Gona, Mariga, Bobi, Beri, Tungan Ahmadu, Tadali, and Machanga.

The existing carriageway, though originally constructed to standard specifications, has suffered erosion of shoulders and deterioration of pavement in several sections. The project includes the replacement of substandard culverts, desilting of existing drainage structures, and maintenance works on six bridges along the corridor to ensure structural integrity and improved hydraulic performance. The contractor handling this section is Glamor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

Upon completion, these projects are expected to significantly reduce road accidents, shorten travel time, improve the movement of goods, both industrial and agricultural, and strengthen economic activities across Niger State and its neighbours. The Administration remains committed to delivering quality road infrastructure that enablers of national growth and improves the quality of life of Nigerians. Road users, members of the benefiting communities along the corridors visited, and different stakeholders were full of praises to Mr. President’s infrastructure renaissance.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations.
1 February, 2026.

Dec

2025

FG Temporarily Opens Completed Stretch of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to Traffic In a significant milestone towards enhancing accessibility and connectivity across Nigeria, the Federal Government has temporarily opened the 30-kilometre completed Section I, Phase 1 of the 47.474-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to traffic. This development is aimed at easing traffic congestion during the upcoming festive periods and providing a world-class road infrastructure for Nigerians. The Honorable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, opened it to traffic on Friday, 12 December, 2025, on behalf of Mr. President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The 750-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of the legacy projects under the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to transform the nation's transportation landscape. The project, which spans across nine states, including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, is expected to bring numerous benefits, including increased tourism potential, job creation, regional integration, shoreline protection, and improved economic prosperity,” says Engr. Umahi. The temporarily opened stretch commences at the Ahmadu Bello Way Junction in Victoria Island and terminates at the Eleko Village Junction in Lekki, Lagos State. The road, which was awarded to Hitech Construction Africa Limited, features a reinforced rigid pavement dual-carriage highway with accompanying drainage and culverts, median barriers, street lighting, and the relocation of public utilities. The project is being funded under the EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction + Financing) model, which allows the contractor to handle both construction and financing. The total cost of the project is N1,067,887,381,148. 61K (one trillion, sixty-seven billion, eight hundred and eighty-seven million, three hundred and eighty-one thousand, one hundred and forty-eight naira, sixty-one kobo). The Minister, while commending the contractor and relevant stakeholders, noted that the occasion is a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to delivering on its campaign promises. "This project is a critical component of our efforts to improve the living standards of Nigerians and provide a world-class infrastructure that will enable economic growth and development," the Minister stated. The Highway is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, particularly in the region. It provides a seamless and efficient transportation system, reducing travel time and increasing connectivity between Lagos and other towns along the West-East Coast. The entire project, which is being executed in phases, is already recording significant progress with work ongoing at the Akwa Ibom and Cross River States end of the corridor. In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Rafiu Adeladan, noted that the project is a demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to improving the nation's infrastructure. “This project is a critical component of our effort to drive economic growth and development, and we are committed to delivering it to Nigerians on time,” he reiterated.. Engr. Olufemi Dare, Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Lagos State, outlined the project's objectives, highlighting its potential to create jobs, improve access, and boost the economy. He described the project as a game-changer for the region, capable of transforming the lives of the people. Engr. Dany Abboud, Managing Director of HITECH Construction Company Africa Limited provided an update on the project's progress, noting that work commenced 20 months ago and sand filling has been completed on the remaining 17.474 kilometres of the alignment. “The entire stretch of 47.474km is expected to be completed before the end of the second quarter of 2026, he reassured Nigerians. He expressed confidence in the government’s commitment to the delivery of the iconic highway on time and with minimal disruptions. He, however, advised motorists to exercise caution, while using the road, as workers would still be on site completing some aspects of the project. The event was also graced by His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdul-Wasiu Omogbolahan, the Oniru of Iruland, other traditional rulers, community leaders, as well as members of the host community. The Oniru expressed gratitude to the President for the temporary opening of the road. He further acknowledged the significance of the project to the region and appreciated the efforts of the Federal Government in bringing this vital infrastructure to his people. Other dignitaries who spoke at the event, including Hon. Engr. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Chairman, Conference 57 of Chairmen, Lagos State, and Moremi Ojudu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South West, drummed the importance of the highway in promoting regional integration and economic growth. Abiodun J. Owonikoko SAN, Team Leader, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway’s Federal Government Legal Team, briefed the gathering on the litigations surrounding the project, disclosing that 27 court cases were filed against the Federal Government, out of which 7 major ones had been won, with most of the remainder being settled out of court Sen. Barinada Mpigi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, pledged that the National Assembly is in support of the President in ensuring the project's completion, through adequate appropriation and oversight. The epoch-making event is a testament to the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth, underscoring the need for continuity. *Mohammed A. Ahmed* Director Press and Public Relations. 13 December, 2025. ...

Dec

2025

BODO BONNY ROAD TEMPORARILY OPENS, CONNECTING COMMUNITIES AND COMMERCE, BRINGING SAFE TRAVELS AND HISTORIC RELIEF TO BONNY ISLAND AND THE NIGER DELTA The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable and modern infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He disclosed this during the temporary opening of the Bodo–Bonny Road and Bridges Across the Opobo Channel in Rivers State on Monday, 8 December, 2025. It marks a historic milestone for the riverine Bonny and Ogoni Kingdoms, bringing relief to communities that have endured decades of challenging river crossings and costly helicopter trips. President Tinubu described the road project as a testament to the Administration’s commitment to transforming the Niger Delta region. The road, spanning 37.9 kilometres and traversing challenging terrain including thick forests, swamps, and creek networks, is the first federal road to directly link the mainland to Bonny Island, home to Nigeria’s Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Plant and other major energy investments. The project, awarded on the 11th of December, 2014, commenced on the 28th of October, 2017, and is approximately 90.98% complete. The event drew a wide array of government officials and dignitaries, including the Governor of Rivers State, members of the National Assembly (NASS), Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South South Zone, Ms. Gift Johnbull, traditional rulers, and community elders from the host communities. The Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Similaye Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabrabawho described the day as historic, noting that families and commuters would now travel safely by road, especially during festive periods, instead of relying on hazardous waterways where dangers include strong currents and armed robbery. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister for rescuing the project from years of uncertainty and reiterated the State Government’s readiness to partner with the Federal Government to ensure peace and developmental progress in the oil and gas-rich region. Senator Barinada Mpigi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, who represents the area at the NASS, delivered a goodwill message, in which he praised the President for what he described as an unmistakable demonstration of care and commitment to the Ogoni people. Engr. Umahi announced operational guidelines for the temporary opening, highlighting that the road would be open daily from within a specific time frame (7:00 am-7:00 pm), as motorcycles (“Okadas”) and tricycles (“Keke”) are barred for security and safety reasons. Heavy-duty trucks are also prohibited from plying the road until obstacles are removed and critical support infrastructure, including trailer parks, is provided. He emphasised that these measures are to safeguard the road and ensure its longevity. The Minister also disclosed enhancements made possible through project savings to be added stating, “There will be installation of solar-powered streetlights with CCTV cameras for security and planting of trees” along the entire stretch—features that were not included in the original project plan. He further announced that the road will eventually be dualised through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), with a toll system to ensure proper maintenance and long-term durability. Engr. Umahi also gave insights into other key projects, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, noting that Session 1 in Lagos is approximately 85% completed, Session 2 between Lagos and Ogun is about 40% done, and Sessions 3A and 3B in Cross River and Akwa Ibom are advancing smoothly. Preparations for Session 5 are underway, while Sessions 4A and 4B in the Ogun–Ondo axis will ultimately connect Lagos to Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and end in Cross River. He confirmed that all sections of the East–West Road are under active construction and are expected to be completed next year. The Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to the National Assembly and the Peace Committee for their support and resilience during earlier project disputes, and credited President Tinubu for directing the Ministry to allow the contractor to complete the project despite the cost implications. He also announced that the President is expected to visit Bodo and Bonny by March next year, noting that such visits often accelerate development and uplift communities. He concluded with a call for peace, prosperity, and lasting progress in Rivers State and the Niger Delta, urging a strong partnership between Julius Berger and the Ministry as the road reaches its final stages. The Coordinating Director, Highways (Bridges and Design), Engr. Musa Sa’idu described the Bodo–Bonny Road as a bridge-dominated engineering landmark featuring over 3 kilometres of bridges, including nearly 1.2 km of main bridge and major structures such as the 502-metre Alpha Creek Bridge. He emphasised the technical complexity of the project, comparing it to iconic structures such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Second Niger Bridge, as well as the Third Mainland Bridge. Earlier the Engineers’ Representative (ER), Engr. Udom Joseph, provided technical context, highlighting the road’s design, which includes flexible pavements on sand-filled embankments, rigid pavements within Bonny town, and nine mini-bridges, in addition to three major bridges. He explained that the project has undergone several technical adjustments and financial revisions to address environmental challenges, with the original completion date set for August 2022. Also, in a Goodwill Statement, a royal representative, on behalf of the King of Gokana Kingdom praised the Minister and acknowledged the support of the Rivers State Government, Chiefs of Gokana, Bori, and the wider Ogoni and Bonny communities, describing the project as monumental in scale and of immense benefit to Rivers State and Nigeria, at large. Mohammed A. Ahmed Director (Press and Public Relations) 9 December, 2025. ...

Dec

2025

REJOINDER: PAYMENT OF ALL CONTRACTORS BY 20TH DECEMBER, 2025 The attention of the Federal Ministry of Works has been drawn to a distortion of information in the media, especially Channels Television, where it was alluded that the Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE said that all local contractors will be paid by 20th December, 2025. Let it be on record that the Minister of Works does not speak for the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is in charge of all payments to contractors handling Federal Government projects. However, the true position of facts is that the Minister of Works on Thursday, 4th December, 2025, while inspecting ongoing works on the three (3) Sections of the Mararraba-Keffi Expressway, which are some of the NNPC Tax Credit projects taken over by the Ministry in terms of funding, commended the contractors for the excellent work and assured them that after verification by the Independent Corruption and other Related Practices Commission (ICPC), the Ministry, through the Ministry of Finance, will commence the payment of all generated certificates before the 20th of December, 2025. He also appealed to Contractors handling such projects not to stop work in any part of the country. Inasmuch as the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to pay most of the verified inherited debts, the Federal Ministry of Works is not in a position to set a deadline for payment nor to speak on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. The media is hereby invited to correct such misinformation. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations. 6th December, 2025. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Feb

2024

Meeting of Cement Manufacturers – Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc, Larfarge Africa Plc & Cement Producers Association with the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite and the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON held at the Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Mabushi, Abuja on Monday, 19th February, 2024

1. The meeting noted the challenges of the manufacturers like:
   a.   Cost of gas;
   b.   High import duty on spare parts;
   c.   Bad road network;
   d.   High foreign exchange; and
   e.   Smuggling of cement to neighbouring nations.

2. The government noted the challenges and reacted as follows:
a. Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to seek some remedies from Mr. President on cost of gas and import duties.

b. Federal Ministry of Works to give more attention to fixing of the roads, especially around the locations of the manufacturers.

c. On the issue of smuggling cement, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to deepen the already started engagement with the National Security Adviser on how to stop the smuggling.

3. The cement manufacturers and the Government noted that the current high price of cement is abnormal in some locations nationwide. Ideally, cement retail prices should not cost more than ₦7,000.00 to ₦8,000.00/ 50kg bag of cement. Therefore, the three cement manufacturers: Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Larfarge Africa Plc have agreed that cement cost will not be more than between ₦7,000.00 and ₦8,000.00/50kg bag depending on the location.

4. Going forward, Government advised cement manufacturers to set up a price monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance, and manufacturers have willingly accepted to do so and to sanction any of her distributors or retailers found wanting.

5. Government expects the agreed price to drop after securing government's interventions on the challenges of the manufacturers on gas, import duty, smuggling, and better road network.

6. The meeting agreed to reconvene in 30 days to review progress made.

SPEECHES

Jul

2024

Welcome Remarks By The Director, Planing Research And Statistics At The 29th Edition Of National Council On Works Holding In Abakaliki, Ebonyi State From Monday 15th – Friday 19th July, 2024

PROTOCOL

I am delighted to welcome you on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Works to the 29th Meeting of National Council on Works with theme “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

The National Council on Works is a meeting of all the relevant stakeholders in the Works Sector to proffers new ideas and solutions to the challenges of moving the sector and the country forward. The theme of this year’s Council “Unlocking Infrastructural Potentials and Opportunities as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda” is critical for our national development and well-being. Infrastructure is the backbone of any nation’s economy, providing the necessary support for economic activities and societal progress. Unlocking these potentials and opportunities is essential for sustainable development and the prosperity of our country.

As we gather here in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, we have the opportunity to explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that can enhance our infrastructure. Our discussions and deliberations over the next few days will focus on identifying key areas of improvement, leveraging technology, and ensuring that our infrastructural development is inclusive and sustainable. This council meeting provides a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and developing actionable plans that will drive the Renewed Hope Agenda forward.

Proper infrastructure development is not just about building roads and bridges but also about ensuring that these structures are resilient and beneficial to all Nigerians. We must also ensure uniformity in infrastructural standards across the Federal, State and Local levels, fostering a cohesive approach to development. Our focus should be on creating infrastructure that can withstand future challenges, including climate change and urbanization pressures. It is crucial that we incorporate sustainable practices and innovative solutions to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of our infrastructure projects.

I urge all participants at this meeting to engage actively, share your valuable insights, and collaborate towards developing concrete solutions that will unlock the full potential of our infrastructural development. Let us work together to create a framework that supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians.

Enjoy the moment and hospitality of Ebonyi State. I wish you a happy deliberation.
Thank you.