Federal Ministry of Works

May

2026

LATEST PRESS

INFRASTRUCTURE REMAINS CRITICAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH — PERMANENT SECRETARY TELLS INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SERVICE CONFERENCE 2026 IN ABUJA

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, has reaffirmed that infrastructure development remains the foundation of economic growth and sustainable national development, stressing that no nation can attain meaningful progress without substantial investment in critical infrastructure.

Speaking at the International Civil Service Conference 2026 held on Thursday in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary described infrastructure as a key driver of economic transformation, noting that the present administration has prioritised infrastructure and transportation as central pillars of national development.

According to him, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Africa have continued to achieve significant economic advancement through deliberate and sustained investments in roads, railways, power, and other essential infrastructure.

He explained that infrastructure plays a strategic role across all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, transportation, commerce, and oil and gas, by facilitating the movement of goods and services, enhancing productivity, attracting investments, and improving the quality of life of citizens.

Adeladan further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works has adopted modern and resilient road construction technology known as Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), in line with global best practices and in response to the growing impact of climate change on road infrastructure.

He noted that although CRCP roads require higher initial construction costs, they are more durable, environmentally sustainable, cost-effective over time, and capable of withstanding heavy traffic loads for up to 50 years with minimal maintenance.
The Permanent Secretary added that the adoption of concrete pavement technology promotes local content development through the utilisation of locally sourced materials and labour, thereby creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

Addressing the challenges confronting infrastructure development in Nigeria, Adeladan identified inadequate funding as a major constraint, particularly given the enormous resources required to bridge the nation’s infrastructure deficit.

He explained that government alone cannot provide all the funding needed for infrastructure development, hence the increasing adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and concession arrangements for major road projects nationwide.
He cited the Benin–Asaba Road and the Abuja–Keffi–Akwanga corridor as examples of projects already concessioned to ensure sustainable maintenance, improved efficiency, and enhanced service delivery.

The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of designing infrastructure projects with clear developmental objectives, sustainability, climate resilience, and community needs in mind, noting that infrastructure investments must deliver tangible socio-economic benefits and long-term public value.

Also speaking at the conference, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Mr. Temitope Peter Fashedemi, underscored the importance of proper planning and climate-conscious infrastructure delivery to mitigate losses caused by flooding, erosion, and poor maintenance culture.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Emanso Umobong, advocated the integration of technology, smart city concepts, community participation, and human capital development in infrastructure planning and implementation.

In his remarks, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) emphasised that Nigeria’s huge infrastructure gap requires stronger private sector participation, noting that sustainable infrastructure financing can only be achieved through an enabling environment that guarantees investor confidence and reasonable returns on investment.

The conference brought together top government officials, policymakers, development experts, and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening infrastructure delivery and promoting sustainable national development through innovation, technology, and collaborative partnerships.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations
21st May,2026

Mar

2026

UMAHI MOURNS HRH EZE FRANCIS IGWE, DESCRIBES HIS DEATH AS SHOCKING The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of HRH Eze Francis Igwe, the revered traditional ruler and father of the former Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Barr. Kelechi Igwe. HRH Eze Francis Igwe reportedly died in captivity after being abducted a few days ago, an incident that has sent shockwaves across Ebonyi State and beyond. Reacting to the sad development, Senator Umahi described the news as shocking and heartbreaking. “This is shocking, very sad and still feels like a dream. It is painful to imagine that such a respected elder and traditional ruler could meet such a tragic end,”. Senator Umahi noted that the late monarch was widely respected for his wisdom, calm disposition, and dedication to the peace and development of his community. He said the death of the traditional ruler is not only a painful loss to his immediate family but also to the traditional institution and the entire Ebonyi State. The Minister particularly expressed deep sympathy to Barr. Kelechi Igwe, who served as his Deputy Governor during his tenure as Governor of Ebonyi State, noting that the loss of a father under such painful circumstances is difficult to bear. “I deeply feel the pain of my brother and former Deputy Governor, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, and the entire Igwe family at this moment. Losing a father is always painful, but the nature of this tragedy makes it even more heartbreaking. My prayers and thoughts are with the family,” he said. While commending security agencies for the swift arrest of those allegedly involved in the dastardly act, Senator Umahi expressed hope that justice will be fully served to bring some measure of closure to the grieving family and deter such crimes in society. He prayed for God to grant the soul of the late monarch eternal rest and give the family, his community, and all who mourn him the strength to bear the painful loss. “May God console the family and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. May the soul of HRH Eze Francis Igwe rest in perfect peace,” the Minister added. Francis Nwaze, FIPMD Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) March 6, 2026 ...

Mar

2026

UMAHI BAGS SILVERBIRD EXTRAORDINARY PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD, CALLS IT ANOTHER FEATHER TO KEEP FLYING The Honourable Minister of Works, HE Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has bagged the Silverbird Group Extraordinary Personality of the Year award, an honour conferred on him on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. The award ceremony, organised by Silverbird Group, brought together top government officials, lawmakers, technocrats, and stakeholders from across the country, all drawn by a shared recognition of a minister whose tenure has come to symbolise scale, speed, and ambition in Nigeria’s infrastructure drive. Speaking at the event on behalf of the Minister of Works, the Minister of State (Works), Barr. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, described the honour as a deserved recognition of visible performance and hard choices taken in the national interest. “We cannot but register our sincere gratitude and appreciation for this award for identifying our own, the Honourable Minister of Works, HE Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, for the works he has been doing in this country.” Goronyo told the audience that Umahi’s impact since assuming office has been defined by experience-driven leadership and the deployment of innovative construction technologies to solve long-standing infrastructure challenges. “This man brought to bear lots of experience, skills, and innovative technologies in the road construction industry.” He pointed to landmark achievements in road construction, anchored on four legacy projects now reshaping national connectivity. These include the 750km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the 1,068km Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Transhara corridor stretching from Calabar through Ebonyi and Benue to Abuja, and the 420km Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Borno corridor. According to him, these projects, alongside accelerated roads and bridges construction across the six geopolitical zones, have redefined expectations of what is possible within a single administration. Goronyo was emphatic that these gains did not occur in isolation, attributing the momentum to the infrastructure-first posture of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “We have to say that all these achievements are recorded because of our president, HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.” In a symbolic gesture that drew applause, he disclosed that the Minister of Works had directed that the award be dedicated to the President and to the collective effort behind the projects. “The minister has mandated me to dedicate the award to HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the support, for all he has been doing, for prioritizing infrastructure as key, and to dedicate the award also to our team, the Ministry of Works, the management as well as the contractors.” He added that within the Ministry, the recognition serves as renewed motivation rather than a moment of rest. “For us in the Ministry of Works, it's another feather for us to continue to fly and work hard so that Nigeria will reach the desires and aspirations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” On its part, Silverbird Group noted that since Umahi took charge as Minister of Works, the Ministry is currently managing 2,065 ongoing projects across the country. The organisers observed that his mission has remained clear and consistent: fix existing roads, build new ones, and ensure they stand the test of time. According to them, the scale and intent of the legacy projects alone speak volumes about his leadership. ...

Feb

2026

WORKS MINISTRY DID NOT AWARD ABUJA–KADUNA ROAD CONTRACT TO MIKANO – UMAHI CLARIFIES The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has clarified that the Federal Ministry of Works did not award the Abuja–Kaduna Road contract to Mikano International Limited. The Minister stated that the contract was awarded to Infiouest International Limited, in line with due procurement processes and transparency standards. The Minister made this clarification while briefing journalist on 12 Febuary, 2026 in the Ministry Confrence Room in Mabushi Abuja, also drawing public attention to the increasing rate of vandalisation of critical road infrastructure across the country. He noted that the Ministry has a responsibility to provide accurate information to the public and to protect national infrastructure from destruction. Engr. Umahi expressed serious concern over widespread vandalism affecting roads, bridges, and related infrastructure nationwide. He cited recent cases along the Lagos Coastal Road corridor, where protective structures and road components have been deliberately damaged. According to the Minister, flooding recorded in some sections of the coastal highway was largely caused by blockage of underground drainage channels with refuse, emphasizing the need for public cooperation in maintaining infrastructure. He commended the Lagos State Government, security agencies, and the Nigeria Police for deploying personnel to safeguard critical infrastructure and combat vandalism. Parking of heavy trucks on bridges creates structural stress, as bridges are not designed for static heavy loads. He disclosed that some offenders have already been arrested and are being prosecuted. The Minister highlighted the Federal Government’s adoption of reinforced concrete road technology, which is expected to last between 50 and 100 years, compared to traditional asphalt roads. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for supporting long-term infrastructure development and for approving several strategic road projects nationwide. The Minister announced the Extension of the Bodo–Bonny Road by 8.7km to link the East–West Road, using concrete pavement technology. He added that Progress on major legacy road corridors including routes connecting Akwanga – Jos – Bauchi – Gombe – Maiduguri. Expansion of CCTV surveillance on major bridges and highways to curb vandalism and enhance monitoring. The Minister emphasized that federal road projects are distributed based on national development priorities, not regional considerations. He called on Nigerians to support national unity and protect public assets. The Federal Government is considering stronger policies and collaboration with private sector partners and state governments to improve road maintenance and enforce compliance against illegal road obstructions and structures. Addressing the status of NNPCL-funded road projects initiated under Executive Order 007 (April–May 2023), the Minister clarified that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will no longer directly pay contractors for these projects. He announced that the Federal Ministry of Works has officially taken over both project supervision and payment responsibilities, in line with new federal directives. The Honorable Minister disclosed that ₦127 billion has been released by Mr. President for the continuation of these projects, underscoring the administration’s commitment to completing inherited infrastructure initiatives. He noted that an estimated ₦7 trillion will be required to complete all NNPCL-funded projects, describing them as critical to national connectivity and economic development. Sen. Umahi further revealed that the Federal Government inherited 6,604 ongoing federal road and bridge projects nationwide, with a projected ₦16.9 trillion required for their completion. He reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that all inherited projects must be completed, stressing that infrastructure development remains a top priority of the administration. The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the execution of these projects, assuring Nigerians that the government is determined to deliver quality infrastructure that meets international standards. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, In his closing remarks, thanked members of the press for their continued partnership and commitment to national development. He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and urged the public and media to verify facts and provide constructive feedback to support improved service delivery. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Dec

2023

Minister and Directors Meet in Preparation for Budget Defence with the Joint Committees of National Assembly

The Directors of the Federal Ministry of Works have risen from their in-house budget defence with the Honourable Minister in preparation for budget defence with the Joint Committees of National Assembly slated for 11th December 2023.

The Honorable Minister thanked the Acting Permanent Secretary and all the Heads of Departments who handled the Ministry's budget for their commitment to the appraisal of the 2023 budget and the preparation of the 2024 budget proposal.

The Minister noted that the road sector needed a different kind of attention beyond the 2024 budget envelope received by the Ministry. For a developing nation like Nigeria, road sector development is a catalyst for economic development. The road sector has the potential to improve the security sector, agricultural sector, trade and investment, health, education, and, in fact, every aspect of the development of every nation.

The Minister thanked very highly the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the attention given to the Ministry and his approval of concrete pavement in most of the 2024 projects. He stated that the Ministry is committed to the development of road infrastructure in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. The Minister noted the huge debts arising from unpaid certificates inherited from the past administration, which runs up to N1.5 trillion up till date and the expected contract reviews arising from inflation.

These two factors are recognized in the Ministry as issues that must be confronted in order to move forward.

The Minister has, therefore, set up six committees of one committee per geopolitical zone to review all debts of unpaid certified certificates generated before May 29th, 2023, and from May 29th 2023 to date. The committees will also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or are yet to be approved and make recommendations to the Ministry's management. The Ministry has exposed these debts and all reviews in the Ministry to Mr. President’s economic team and also to the Federal Executive Committee on road sector funding. It is believed that the internal works through these constituted committees will help them to use external Consultants to reverify the works so that concrete decisions will be made to move the Ministry forward.

Contractors who are being owed are requested to approach these committees with all documents to back up their claims from Tuesday 12th 2023 to Friday, 22nd of December 2023 from 9 am to 7 pm at the Honourable Minister’s Conference Room, 1st floor, Federal Ministry of Works, Headquarters, Mabushi Abuja.

The Minister again thanked Mr. President very highly as well as National Assembly and pledged their commitment in using judiciously whatever fund allocated to the Ministry and such funds must impact on the road infrastructure improvement.

The entire Directors of the Ministry pledged for a renewed vigor in the supervision of the projects, and the results are already evident.

SPEECHES

May

2023

Remarks By H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At the Virtual Commissioning of Three Bridges, Three Secretariats and One Road on Tuesday 23rd May 2023

Mr. President, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the Honourable Minister of State, Ibrahim Umar El-Yakub, and other Ministers of States who have served with me, the Permanent Secretary and former Permanent Secretaries, Directors serving and retired and all the staff of the Ministry of Works and Housing, I am pleased to welcome you all to this momentous day.

A day where the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with the State Governors, Senators and House of Representative members, Traditional Rulers and with the people of Nigeria, unveils 3 (THREE) major bridges the Loko-Oweto, Second Niger and Ikom bridges, a completed Section of over 200 kilometres of Kano-Kaduna Highway and three new Federal Secretariats.

Today, Mr. President will connect Benue to Nasarawa on the Loko – Oweto Bridge, Cross River to Benue on Ikom Bridge and Anambra to Delta on the Second Niger Bridge, and literally connect many parts of Nigeria to themselves.

In the same vein, we link Kano to Kaduna on the Kaduna-Kano highway and impact Zamfara, Bayelsa and Anambra directly through the Secretariats.

This is a story of development and a story of people, all of which cannot be fully told here.

But I will try; starting from the President and the Commander-in-Chief whose leadership, support and opportunity afforded us to serve has made all these possible.

The story of the cabinet members from the Vice-President and my colleague ministers whose support for the various memoranda in Council made these projects possible.

Some of those memoranda you spent hours to debate and approve have yielded some fruit.

Our legislators in both chambers of Parliament were part of the story. They appropriated, they approved where necessary and oversighted all through the project; but they never obstructed.

The State Governors, their Commissioners and their Traditional Rulers are a story that must be told, about how Federal, State Government and Traditional Institutions can, and must work together to deliver development and prosperity.

The story of the men and women who worked on these construction sites is an unforgettable one.

Not only were these sites places of employment for them to earn a living to support their families; I saw in them men and women, boys and girls involved in the dignifying and patriotic work of nation building.

The story of the economic activity that took place at these sites is also most compelling.

Thousands of tonnes of construction materials, sand, cement, diesel, reinforcement, bitumen, aggregates were bought, sold and transported over the period.

This was a period of boom for small and family-owned businesses who supplied the contractors.

It is the clearest narrative about how infrastructure benefits the people and how this drives the services sector of the economy that employs the most people.

It is the story of how the Muhammadu Buhari policies meet the people at their point of need even if many of these people will never meet Muhammadu Buhari in person.

Another story to tell is that prosperity is already being delivered by these projects.

Travel time is reduced by more than 50% in many of the places we surveyed.

Property values of landowners have appreciated by up to 30% in the surveys conducted on land values where we have delivered infrastructure.

These are some of the attempts by Government to pushback against multi-dimensional poverty; because Loko-Oweto reduces travel time to Abuja by 4 (FOUR) hours and with the Second Niger Bridge it will take a few minutes, instead of hours to cross the River Niger, a crossing of approximately 1.5 Kilometres.

The Calabar port now has a story of improved patronage to tell, and efficient import and export business can only help in the push back against poverty.

With regards to the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, I want to tell the story of a successful working relationship with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) under the previous Managing Director, Uche Orji, and the present one, Aminu Umar-Sadiq and the management team.

They were worthy custodians and managers of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.

I cannot forget the story of my working relationship with your Excellency’s office through your Chiefs-of-Staff, the late Abba Kyari of blessed memory and the amiable Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

With their collaboration, the Attorney-General and the Minister of Finance, we delivered the Second Niger bridge, 200 kilometres out of the 365 kilometres of the Kano-Abuja highway and 114 kilometres of the 127 kilometres Lagos-Ibadan highway.

Mr. President it is now my pleasure to invite you Sir to dedicate and hand over the following projects for public use:

a. Zamfara Federal Secretariat, Gusau
b. Bayelsa Federal Secretariat, Yenagoa
c. Anambra Federal Secretariat, Awka
d. The Ikom Bridge, Cross River
e. Loko-Oweto Bridge (Nasarawa/Benue)
f. Muhammadu Buhari 2nd Niger Bridge (Anambra/Delta)
g. Two hundred kilometres of Kano-Kaduna dual carriageway.