GORONYO CALLS FOR STRONGER MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM, SAYS ROADS REMAIN BACKBONE OF NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT The *Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE* represented by the *Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq.,*has called for a stronger collaboration amongst stakeholders in the road, rail, maritime, and aviation sectors to develop an efficient, intermodal transportation system capable of driving Nigeria’s economic transformation. Goronyo made the call on Wednesday 2 September, 2026 at the 19th National Council on Transportation with the theme, *“Developing Effective Transportation Systems for Nigeria: The Role of Integrated Transportation,”* in Abuja. He described roads and bridges as essential lifelines of trade, commerce, and human mobility, noting that robust, expanded, and durable road networks connect rural agricultural communities with urban markets, facilitate access to seaports and rail terminals, and enable mobility across the country. The *Minister of State* said the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was giving unprecedented attention to infrastructure development through the Renewed Hope Agenda, with substantial investments and innovative financing mechanisms being deployed. He highlighted the Federal Government’s major road infrastructure projects, particularly its four legacy projects, which cut across the six geopolitical zones. These include the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, the Calabar-Ebonyi-Abuja (Trans-Sahara) Highway, and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri-Yola corridor with a spur from Jos to Ibi in Taraba State. Goronyo explained that the projects were designed not merely as road construction initiatives but as strategic investments that would promote connectivity, stimulate commerce, create employment opportunities, and strengthen national integration. They are investments that will earn carbon credits for the country through the use of environmentally friendly cement instead of asphalt in construction, the building of dams for irrigation and renewable energy, solar-powered street lighting, and windmill technology along the littoral corridor. According to him, the completion of the projects would significantly ease transportation across the geopolitical zones, enable farmers to move their produce to markets faster, improve industrial access to raw materials and markets, and provide safer and more comfortable movement for Nigerians. He stressed that the Federal Ministry of Works was also embracing rigid pavement technology as part of efforts to construct durable roads capable of withstanding heavy traffic and high water tables, thereby reducing road failures. *Goronyo* said the approach was particularly important given the pressure placed on the nation’s roads by heavy-duty vehicles, emphasising that effective rail transportation would complement this by moving a significant portion of the heavy freight. The *Minister of State* also urged Nigerians to protect public infrastructure, warning against vandalism, and theft of road and bridge furniture, and other critical assets. He called on communities to take ownership of the infrastructure in their areas and assist government agencies in protecting public assets. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Adamu Aliero, commended the Federal Government for the level of resources being committed to road infrastructure under President Tinubu. He described road infrastructure as critical to national development, adding that no country achieved sustainable economic growth without a good road network. He applauded the theme of the Council as timely, as it provided an opportunity for stakeholders in land, water and air transportation to harmonise policies and develop a sustainable intermodal transportation strategy for the country. He assured that the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at developing a reliable and efficient transport network across the country. Representing the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, at the Council, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Abdullahi Idi, highlighted significant progress recorded in Nigeria’s aviation sector under the present administration. He stated that the administration had focused on improving aviation safety and security, upgrading infrastructure, supporting local airlines, developing human capacity, strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing Nigeria’s position as a regional aviation hub.  According to him, Nigeria recorded an Effective Implementation score of 91.45 per cent in the April 2026 ICAO Safety Audit, describing the result as a significant milestone for the sector. He revealed that the administration was also reviewing and strengthening Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) with strategic international partners to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, attract investment and create employment opportunities. He stressed that the ultimate measure of success would be the extent to which aviation policies translate into jobs, investment, trade, tourism, affordable connectivity, increased cargo capacity and sustainable economic growth. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, FNSE, disclosed that the Ministry was working towards strengthening enforcement mechanisms leveraging technology to ensure that traffic offences were properly captured and sanctioned. He explained that technological systems would enable the authorities to identify vehicles and drivers involved in traffic offences and facilitate the prompt enforcement of penalties. Adebiyi said the objective was to develop a system where offenders would not easily evade penalties, while ensuring that due process was followed before sanctions are imposed. He reassured that the proposed measures were aimed at improving compliance, road safety and responsible driving behaviour across the country. A representative of Global Foremost Impressions Ltd., Prof. Emmanuel Chijioke Ogbonna, described the integrated transportation model being promoted by the Federal Government as innovative and transformative. He said the discussions at the Council had provided valuable insights into how the integration of road, rail and other transportation modes could address Nigeria’s transportation challenges. Ogbonna expressed optimism that effective implementation of the policy would transform Nigeria’s transportation sector and deliver a more efficient, affordable, safe and seamless transport system.  The 19th National Council on Transportation brought together key stakeholders from the road, rail, aviation, maritime and other related sectors to deliberate on policies and strategies for developing an efficient, integrated and sustainable transportation system for Nigeria. The Council reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to greater collaboration, strategic investment, and coordinated policy implementation towards building a seamless transportation system capable of supporting economic growth, national integration and improved quality of life for Nigerians.   ...

WORKS MINISTRY SPORTS CLUB COMMENCES 2026 SPORTS WEEK, COMMENDS UMAHI, GORONYO AND MANAGEMENT FOR SUPPORT The Federal Ministry of Works Sports Club has commenced its 2026 Sports Week with a series of activities aimed at promoting physical fitness, staff welfare, unity, teamwork, and excellence amongst the Ministry’s employees. As part of the Sports Week activities, the Sports Club, led by its officials and members, paid courtesy visits to key management officials of the Ministry today, Monday, 31 August 2026. The visits provided an opportunity for the Club to appreciate the leadership of the Ministry for its continued support for sports development, staff welfare and the activities of the Sports Club. Receiving the Sports Club’s delegation, *the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq.,* commended the Club for its achievements and contributions to the image of the Ministry, through its participation in various sporting competitions. The Minister of State congratulated the Club on its successes and assured the team of the Ministry's continued support. He expressed that the achievements of the Sports Club were not only about winning trophies but also about promoting the physical and mental well-being of staff, noting that a healthy workforce was essential to the effective discharge of their responsibilities. According to him, the Ministry would continue to encourage and support sporting activities that would keep staff physically fit, while also projecting the Ministry positively at national and inter-ministerial competitions. He congratulated the Sports Club for its commitment and urged its members to sustain the tempo and continue bringing glory to the Ministry. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to *the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Aminu Ahmed,* who assured them of his willingness to support its activities within the resources available to the Ministry.   The *DOOPS* expressed optimism about the future of the Club and promised to do his best to support its programmes and activities. He, particularly, welcomed the planned hosting of future sporting activities in Kano, his home state, assuring the Club of the necessary support and hospitality within his capacity. Alhaji Ahmed also expressed his commitment to addressing some of the challenges confronting the Club, while acknowledging the current financial constraints facing the Ministry. In his remarks, the Director of Human Resource Management and Chairman of the Federal Ministry of Works’ Sports Club, Malam Ahmad Muhammad Tukur, appreciated the management of the Ministry for its continued support and urged members of the Sports Club to remain committed to excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship. He assured the Club of his continued support and encouraged members to maintain discipline, teamwork, and dedication, stressing that their achievements represented not only the Sports Club but the entire Ministry. The Sports Club also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. for their encouragement of sporting activities and passion for staff welfare. A major highlight of the Sports Week was the launch of the Federal Ministry of Works Sports Club’s magazine, Sport Waves, which received financial support from *a former Senator Yakubu Lado,* in collaboration with the *Director, Highways, Bridges and Design (B&D), Engr. Musa Saidu.* *Senator Lado* supported the publication of the Sport Waves magazine with the sum of *₦5 million* and pledged to transfer the funds to the Sports Club's account. He also promised to advertise his company in the next edition of the magazine. The gesture was described by the Sports Club as a significant boost to its efforts to promote sporting activities, document its achievements and further strengthen its relationship with stakeholders. Speaking during the commencement of the Sports Week activities, the Sports Manager, Mr. Fakande Ayorinde Adeniyi, said the Club decided to begin the celebration with *Courtesy Visits* to senior officials of the Ministry as a demonstration of respect and appreciation for their support. He further stated that the Sports Club would continue to work closely with the Ministry's management to sustain its achievements and make the Ministry proud. The Assistant Sports Manager, Mr. Tayo Omotosho, also expressed appreciation to the management and other supporters of the Club, noting that their encouragement had continued to boost the morale of members and inspire them to achieve more. He assured the leadership of the Ministry that the Sports Club would remain committed to excellence and continue to represent the Federal Ministry of Works positively at every sporting engagement. The 2026 Sports Week is expected to feature a range of sporting and fitness activities designed to promote healthy living, teamwork, friendship, and unity among staff of the Ministry. The Sports Club reaffirmed its commitment to using sports as a veritable platform for staff development, physical fitness, team spirit, and the positive representation of the Federal Ministry of Works.   ...

“THE WORST IS OVER; OUR GDP IS GROWING MORE THAN OUR POPULATION. THAT MEANS WE HAVE A FUTURE” - UMAHI TELLS NANS — As Nigerian Students Induct Him as Grand Patron, Hail Him as “One of the Finest” in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Cabinet The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has declared that Nigeria is now seeing stronger economic outlook under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is now growing faster than its population. Umahi made the declaration on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works in Abuja, while speaking after he was formally inducted as Patron of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The minister described the development as a positive indication of Nigeria’s economic prospects, saying, “I was enthused to find out that our GDP is growing more than our population. That means we have a future.” The NANS leadership, led by its President, Dist. Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, GCNS, had earlier commended Umahi for his contributions to national infrastructure and described him as “a worthy member of the Renewed Hope Cabinet and, indeed, as one of the finest public servants Nigeria has produced in the contemporary era.” The students said the recognition was not merely ceremonial but a reflection of Umahi’s visible contribution to road infrastructure and national development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. According to NANS, the roads and bridges being delivered under Umahi’s supervision are directly connected to the lives of Nigerian students, affecting their mobility, access to educational institutions, examinations, internships, businesses and employment opportunities. The students specifically cited major projects including the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Min­na route, Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as examples of projects they said demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to improving national connectivity. Afeez also disclosed that NANS had studied project reports of the Federal Ministry of Works covering the period between May 2023 and May 2026 and expressed its intention to embark on nationwide project tours to inspect completed and rehabilitated projects. He said the students would use their platforms to communicate the impact of the projects to millions of Nigerian students, Nigerians and the wider world. Responding, Umahi challenged Nigerian students and young people to look beyond political sentiments and examine the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration objectively. “We have had somebody say, ‘President Tinubu is tired.’ How do you know he is tired? I am part of President Tinubu. The Minister of Interior, the FCT, all the ministers and all the SSAs are vibrant and working. So how do you just jump at that conclusion?” The minister urged Nigerians to demand concrete alternatives from those criticising the administration. “If you say that the President is not doing well, what is your alternative?” he asked, stressing that political promises must be backed by clear plans and a credible mission. He also called on students and other young Nigerians to take a position on issues affecting the country, arguing that remaining neutral in the face of visible progress was not always the right approach. “You may say that you are not politicians or that you will not take sides, but this is the time to take sides in our national affairs. It is time to take a stand,” Umahi said. On the economy, the minister acknowledged that the macroeconomy was only beginning to recover but urged Nigerians to consider the condition of the economy before the present administration took office and assess the reforms objectively. “You may say that the macroeconomy is just beginning to recover. What was it like before the President took over? Everybody agrees that the macroeconomy is being fixed. It is up to you to dissect the ongoing reforms and take a position.” Umahi also pointed to developments in the education sector, saying the stability being witnessed under the Tinubu administration had created an environment in which students were able to continue their studies without the disruption of nationwide strikes. “For the first time, students never went on strike. Never. Look at the stability of Nigeria. That has never happened throughout the history of this country.” “Where is the subsidy money?” Umahi explains Addressing questions surrounding the removal of fuel subsidy and where the resulting resources were being deployed, Umahi pointed to the scale of ongoing infrastructure projects across the country. He cited the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, which he said covers 375 kilometres and, when measured as a dual carriageway, amounts to 750 kilometres. According to the minister, more than ₦200 billion has already been spent on the project, with 480 kilometres of the dual carriageway completed and further sections nearing completion. “For the first time, we have been able to complete 118 kilometres of concrete pavement within 30 months. That has never happened,” he said. The Minister said the remaining works were expected to be completed by November, noting that the two projects on the route have a combined cost of ₦752 billion, with more than 80 percent already paid. He also highlighted the Sokoto-Zamfara-Zaria corridor, the Benue-Ninth Mile road, and the Bodo - Bonny Island road as examples of projects receiving significant attention under the Tinubu administration. On the Bonny Island project, he said: “For the first time, people will move from the island to the mainland in Bonny Island, where the LNG is produced. A project costing ₦280 billion under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been completed. The 39.7-kilometre road is fully done, and the people of Bonny are very happy. They are no longer dying at sea. They are now driving through the land.” The minister also spoke extensively about the administration’s legacy road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the expanded Northeast Fourth Legacy Project. He disclosed that the Northeast project, originally running from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu, had been extended through Yobe to Maiduguri, adding another 400 kilometres to the project. Umahi defended the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway against criticisms, saying the project was strategically important to the Niger Delta and would be completed. “I do not know why people are attacking the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. After all, this is coming from the Niger Delta, where the oil is coming from. Why is nobody attacking the other three Legacy Projects, but this one is being attacked? That is unfair and unrealistic. That project will be completed. In fact, over 50 percent of the entire stretch is already under construction.” The minister also used the occasion to speak about the development of the Southeast, saying President Tinubu had deliberately embarked on projects aimed at integrating the region into the national infrastructure network. “The Southeast, for the first time, is being remembered, and I thank the people in the Southeast because sometimes I say, ‘Listen, our people should not be sentimental.’” He said the administration’s approach to the region was intentional and urged the people of the Southeast to work with other parts of the country. “The President has a good intention to integrate the people of the Southeast, and I have to be very honest with you. If I were not a minister from the Southeast, we would not have been able to get the projects we have secured. It is intentional on the part of Mr. President. Go and right the wrongs of the Southeast.” Umahi cited the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway among the major projects transforming connectivity in the region. He also disclosed that President Tinubu had approved the re-scoping and reconstruction of the Lokoja-Benin-Warri corridor, covering a total of 401 kilometres. The minister was particularly direct in urging the students to support President Tinubu in the 2027 election, arguing that Nigerians should support the administration if they believe its policies are producing results. “I want you to take a side. If you say you are on the list of a coalition and you say that what we are doing is good, then we have to take a stand to vote for the President in the coming election.” “Let him finish. Let him take back our country. Let him reposition our country.” Umahi also urged Nigerians to look beyond political rhetoric and focus on practical solutions to the country’s challenges. “Listening to others should not mean allowing yourselves to be insulted or blackmailed. Cheap talk will not solve our problems. Nobody is saying what he or she can do differently. The worst is over. The darkest part of the night is an hour before dawn.” He pointed to the decline in food prices as one of the developments Nigerians should consider in assessing the economy, recalling that a 50-kilogramme bag of rice, which he said had risen above ₦80,000 and at some point reached ₦100,000, was now selling at about ₦58,000. Umahi also stressed the administration’s commitment to transparency in the execution of road projects, saying the Ministry of Works had opened its projects to scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies. “Now, why are we doing this? Transparency. We have turned these projects over to the ICPC. They have gone round. We are ready for constructive criticism, and where necessary, we will make amends.” He added that the Ministry had also written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to inspect its projects. “We have nothing to hide in this administration.” The minister urged NANS to organise a major student engagement across the geopolitical zones where students could ask questions directly and hear the government’s explanations on its policies and projects. “Let me defend this administration. Organise it and let me come. Move students from across the zone to a central point where we can talk to them and address their concerns. We have to deliberate on the issues. We have to debate them. Ask your questions, and we will answer them.” He said he would attend such engagements with some ministers and Senior Special Assistants to the President, stressing that students were important stakeholders in the country’s future. Umahi further challenged young Nigerians to take responsibility for protecting public infrastructure and contributing positively to national development. “See something, say something. Together, we can take back our country because it belongs to us.” He said the responsibility for the performance of government should be placed on the officials directly responsible for specific sectors, rather than on the President for every operational issue. “I am here because the President gave me the responsibility to be in charge of roads and bridges. If I do not do it, I should be the one to be blamed, not the President. I am not the President. The President has divided himself into a number of his appointees. These appointees should be the ones to answer and take responsibility.” The minister concluded by thanking the students for the recognition and expressing his readiness to deepen collaboration with NANS. “I want to thank you very much.“ He described the students as important partners in the national development process and encouraged them to remain informed, ask questions and hold leaders accountable. The NANS President, in his address, said the association considered Umahi worthy of its patronage because of his record of public service, infrastructure delivery and commitment to national development. He said the roads being constructed under Umahi’s leadership would outlive the present administration and continue to serve generations of Nigerians. “History will not remember public officers merely because they occupied important offices. History will remember them for what they built, what they changed and the lives they touched.” Afeez formally welcomed Umahi into the NANS family as Patron, describing the partnership between the student body and the Federal Ministry of Works as an opportunity to bring government projects closer to young Nigerians and deepen informed national discourse.   ...