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.

Oct

2025

WORKS MINISTER,SEN. UMAHI REPRIMANDS CCECC NIGERIA LIMITED OVER POOR CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY ON ABA BOUND OF ENUGU-PORT HARCOURT EXPRESSWAY, DESCOPES PORT HARCOURT BOUND,ISSUES 14 DAYS TERMINATION NOTICE FOR SUB-STANDARD PERFORMANCE In his avowed determination to entrench the new construction codes and regulations in the method statement of construction works under the Federal Ministry of Works, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr. Nweze David Umahi,CON, has reprimanded the poor construction methodology deployed by China Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited on the rehabilitation works on the Aba bound of the Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, contract No. 6252. The Honourable Minister, who was on a routine supervision of ongoing road projects within South South and South East on Sunday 19th October 2025, expressed displeasure over the recalcitrance of the contractor in complying with the new construction codes and regulations which are aimed at building enduring road infrastructure for the nation. Speaking during the inspection visit, the Honourable Minister decried the state of the 43-km Aba-Port Harcourt inherited ongoing project handled by CCECC, which he said was on the verge of total collapse. He directed that a 14-day notice of termination be issued to the contractor, having regard to the various warning letters issued to the contractor over their poor construction performance on the said job. He further directed that the Port Harcourt bound of the project be descoped and reawarded to a competent contractor. "If you get to Port Harcourt end, which they did about two years or thereabout, the entire road has almost totally failed. We have been writing them to maintain this road. They have refused, and so I have to take responsibility and take decision. Number one, the Port Harcourt bound is descoped, no longer going to be done by CCECC.I will direct the Ministry of Works to scout out for very qualified indigenous contractors to handle the Port Harcourt bound. *They should be the contractor that will start work immediately while we sort out for funds for them._Number two, for the site handled by CCECC, they should issue them 14 days notice of termination of the job. And I want this directive to go very wide. After 14 days, they fail to mill out the binder and replace it properly,the job will be terminated; they have to initiate it; they have to commit to doing that. Even if they are going to do it during the dry season, they have to maintain the ones that they have done and they put in writing that they're going to mill out the binder at their own cost, and then be able to put a new binder, which we have paid for. He reiterated that putting binder for a stretch of the project without putting wearing is unacceptable. On another development, the Hounourable Minister has commended the quality of work on the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt Dual Carriageway, Section II - Umuahia Tower-Aba Rail/ Road crossing in Abia State, Contract No. 6209 handled by M/S Arab Contractors O. A. O Nigeria Limited. The 56-km inherited ongoing project was noted to have reached 85% completion. "They are one of our best, the first five. Even we want them to maintain from Aba to Umuahia, the completed section. So they're working very hard. The controller is also doing very well. I wish the controller to visit all the projects of the Federal Government in Abia State. He should be able to visit all the projects in Abia State at least once a week, so that if there is a problem of impending danger, impending of problem of cost, you let us know. The Honourable Minister noted the terrible situation of inherited road projects nationwide, which are all receiving priority intervention by the Renewed Hope administration of the President of Nigeria,His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR He thanked Mr. President for the encouragement given to the Federal Ministry of Works to turn around the road development trajectory of Nigeria. _"In Nigeria, all the roads became a priority because of the terrible situation of the roads that the President inherited. But he's doing his best. And we are also working with him to offer our best in the country. We feel so bad when our people can't move from one point to the other all over the country. I feel so sad. That is usually my lowest moment. But, I'm still encouraged with the support the president is giving on roads and bridges because that is the basis of economic activities, and I think that we are very lucky to have him because the economy is breaking now. We are the third largest growing economy in the whole world, so we will get there" Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser ( Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works 20th October 2025 ...

Oct

2025

Umahi Inspects Mararaba–Keffi Carriageway, Keffi Flyover Project, Visits Keffi-Nasarawan Toto–Abaji Road The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE led a high-powered delegation from the Ministry on an inspection tour of key road projects in Nasarawa State. At the site of the Reconstruction and Expansion of Mararraba-Keffi Dual Carriageway, the Minister expressed serious concerns about the pace of work and lack of adherence to engineering specifications. He informed the contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company that after several warnings, the Ministry is left with no choice but to revoke the contract for the Abuja-bound carriageway. He further directed that it should be awarded to a local contractor with a proven track record, who will be mobilised to complete the concrete shoulders and other pending works. The slow pace of construction had been causing considerable hardship for road users and residents along the corridor. The Minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, Directors and other staff of the Ministry, representatives of the construction firms handling the various projects, and was met at the Keffi Flyover by the Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, Sen. Ahmed Wadata, officials of the State Government, and other stakeholders. Engr. Umahi emphasised that the Federal Government is committed to delivering high-quality and durable road infrastructure, meeting global engineering standards and capable of serving Nigerians for decades. “We cannot continue to tolerate uncooperative contractors, who delay projects and ignore directives,” he declares. The Minister reiterated his faith in Nigerian Engineers and contractors, guaranteeing that they would deliver quality jobs comparable to international standards, when given the opportunity. He also warned that any contractor who fails to meet deadlines or flouts directives would have their contracts terminated. Engr. Umahi cautioned that “If by the 15th of December, you do not finish the scope of work, I will terminate the whole contract. We must begin to trust our local contractors. This is about discipline, quality, and integrity,” he stressed. He went further to say that “when we came on board, we reviewed the method statement for this project because we could not accept a design that would destroy an already consolidated subgrade,” Umahi explained. “We changed the design to include 20 cm of concrete on the inner shoulder and reinforced the stone base with 3.5% cement content. The sections already completed are excellent and will last for a minimum of 50 years.” The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, also admonished contractors to show greater seriousness and commitment to the timely completion of projects. He restated that the present administration is determined to deliver quality infrastructure that will stand the test of time, as well as improve the quality of life of Nigerians. Goronyo added that we must all take our responsibilities seriously. “Contractors must adhere strictly to specifications and timelines, as the Ministry will not compromise on quality and accountability,” the Minister disclosed. The Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu reported that about 50% of the project has been completed and assured that the first phase will be delivered by December 15, 2025. At the site of the Emergency Repairs of the Damaged Keffi Flyover, the Minister, accompanied by the Nasarawa State Governor, said that “two months ago, a tragic accident damaged part of this flyover, leading to loss of lives. We reported it to Mr. President, who immediately approved funds for its repairs.” “Today, we can see the quality of work being done. They are recasting the entire slab, not just the affected part at a very conservative cost of ₦1.5 billion,” he added. On the soon-to-be-awarded rescoped Keffi-Nasarawan Toto-Abaji Road, the Minister informed the Governor and his entourage that the original contract sum of ₦73 billion covered an initial 43.65 km stretch. However, the initial scope has now been reviewed and extended to 137 km, reaching Abaji town in the FCT, following the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, under a special funding arrangement. In his remarks, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their interventions in the State, especially the Keffi Flyover, which was recently damaged by an overloaded truck. The Governor further noted that the Keffi–Nasarawan Toto-Abaji road is crucial to the economic development of both Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, as it serves as a major gateway for goods, services, and people. It also serves the biggest Lithium Factory in Africa, recently commissioned by Mr. President. Senator Wadada, representing Nasarawa West and other stakeholders commended the Minister for his dedication, describing him as an “uncommon performer,” whose hands-on approach reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. They also applauded the President for being “a leader for all.” Engr. Umahi reaffirmed that all ongoing Federal projects will now adopt the revised engineering method statement, which emphasises, complete milling of old pavement, reinforcement of subgrade with stone base and cement, 20 cm concrete shoulders, and proper drainage and slope control. He also stressed that these specifications are designed to guarantee a minimum lifespan of 50 years for the reconstructed roads. “No contractor, no matter how connected, will be allowed to compromise on quality. Mr. President has done his part by approving funding; it is now our duty to ensure delivery,” the Minister emphasised. Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Press and Public Relations. 12th October 2025. ...

Oct

2025

OUSTANDING WORKS ON ABUJA-KADUNA-ZARIA-KANO ROAD PROJECT GET EXPEDITIOUS DELIVERY BOOST, AS WORKS MINISTER, SEN DAVID UMAHI AND KADUNA STATE GOVERNOR,SEN. UBA SANI MEET ON MODALITIES TO FASTRACK DELIVERY OF PROJECT. In the commitment of the Renewed Hope administration towards achieving timeous completion of the outstanding works on Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road project, handled by Messrs Infiouest International Limited, the Hoonourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi CON has directed the contractor to fastrack the delivery of the two sections of the road project particularly by increasing the number of work zones between Jere and kaduna in Kaduna State and ensuring that the project is delivered in record time. The Honourable Minister of Works gave this directive after a meeting he had with the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani CON together with the contractor handling the project, held at the Honourable Minister’s office, Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi, Abuja on 10th October, 2025. Speaking on the importance and priority accorded to the project by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Hounourable Minister stated; “We have been monitoring this project almost every week, and so we insisted that we must do a meeting with the MD of Infiouest who has the contract of these sections, lot 1, which is N252,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Two Billion Naira), and lot 2 which is basically in Kaduna, 82 kilometres by 2 that is 164 kilometres costing Federal Government N502,000,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Two Billion Naira), so altogether to complete all the sections from Abuja down to Kaduna, down Kano is costing the Federal Government N754,000,000,000.00 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Four Billion). Lot 1 is 118 kilometres, costing N252,000,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Two Billion Naira), and lot 2 is 164 kilometres, costing N502,000,000,000.00 (Five Hundred and Two Billion)”. He directed the contractor, Infiouest, to deploy on 4 sections and ensure steady work progress, and the Engineer Representative to relocate to Kaduna and monitor strictly the progress of the project and feed him back on daily basis. He assured the Governor that the progress and quality of work would be tracked with a view to achieving delivery in record time. " I want to assure you that the President is very highly concerned to get this project done. But the quality of using the same standard of coastal highway is something that our brothers and sisters in the North will never forget President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his love and commitment towards the development of every part of this country ." Also, speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the Governor of Kaduna State expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and the quality of the job being done on the project. He said that he had no doubt that in the next two weeks, the contractor should be able to record commendable milestones given the quality of the meeting held with the Honourable Minister of Works and the contractor handling the job.He further stated that the road is a very important transport corridor that connects not only the economic corridors of the North West but also that of the North Central and the North East " What is more important for us here is for you to understand that Abuja, Kaduna, Kano road connects about 12 States. States from North West, as well as some States from North Central and North East. So it is a very important road that I believe that by the time you complete this project, many people, apart from Kaduna, will be very happy." He commended the professionalism, passion, and innovation brought to bare by the Honourable Minister of Works, whom he described as a rare gem in public service delivery." We are proud to have a Minister of the caliber of Engr. David Umahi, who is of very top profession. I am surprised, when I came here he had to break down the entire project ( off hand) from the size of the project to the level of the project as well as the quality of what is going on there, and I can say that if we have a lot of Honourable Ministers like him in Nigeria,we have to go to sleep without having any problems " In the response of the contractor handling the project, the Managing Director of Infiouest International Limited, Mr. Joseph Abou Jaounde assured of keeping to the directive of the Honourable Minister. “ I am here to assure you, even though we have some little challenges in Kaduna, but from now to 2 weeks, we are going to have a visit a site and to make sure that this portion of the road will be joined with Zuba to Kaduna, and all the sections will be joined together to make sure that the work will be done on time in the right way and quality required ”. This collaborative support and encouragement from the Governor of Kaduna State is made possible because of his interest to tap into the massive infrastructural development programmes of the federal government across the Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria. He is a visionary leader and development advocate who is widely recognized for his contributions to democracy, governance, and social transformation. He is a product of Nigeria’s diverse educational system, a financial guru, business administrator, and engineer in thought. He played a frontline role in the struggle against the military rule in Nigeria. He was a courageous pro-democracy activist, organizing and mobilizing citizens in Northern Nigeria against military dictatorship. Today, he is on the saddle as the Governor of Kaduna State and he is one of the serving Governors in Nigeria who have shown untiring determination to right the wrong in the socio-economic conditions of their people and he is achieving progressive and exponential result given the unprecedented wave of support and leverage provided by the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu to the sub-national governments. Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works. ...

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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.