FG ACTS ON PUBLIC COMPLAINTS, ISSUES TOUGH DIRECTIVES TO CHINA HARBOUR ON ROAD PROJECTS The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to address public complaints and enforce contractor accountability following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, officials of the Ministry and those of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister company, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), concessionaires on the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway, held on Thursday, 5 February, 2026 at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja. During the meeting, several concerns relating to CHEC and CHOMC’s projects were reviewed, and firm warnings and directives were issued to safeguard public health, ensure quality delivery, and sustainability, also to protect government investment. Engr. Umahi disclosed that the Ministry received a formal petition over the ongoing Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project, where excessive dust from construction activities has continued to pose environmental and health risks to residents on the corridor. Therefore, he directed that the Permanent Secretary issue a letter to the contractor, mandating immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques, to be implemented. He warned that failure to resolve the issue within 7 days would lead to the project's suspension. On the Dualisation of the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the Minister stated that although the project was started by the previous government, the present one completed some sections and tolled them. It was, however, observed that portions of the earlier completed road by the past administration were already falling. Consequently, he reiterated his previous directive that the first five (5) kilometres of the project must be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked, stressing that the contractor has been given seven days to commence the work. He further directed that other identified failed sections along the Dual Carriageway be properly rehabilitated through milling and overlay, with particular attention given to poorly executed areas around the Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage channels, washouts, and constant vegetation control. In addition, he instructed that all road furnishings be reinstated after the maintenance works. Engr. Umahi emphasised the need for improved highway safety management, directing the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of stationary vehicles to prevent obstruction and accidents on the Highways. Whilst expressing deep concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, he noted that site mobilisation remains insufficient despite repeated engagements with the contractor at the site and in Abuja. He highlighted that substantial mobilisation funds have already been paid to CHEC, yet key machineries have not been deployed with minimal site clearance being carried out. In this regard, he also warned that “If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.” The Minister made it abundantly clear that the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR will no longer tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards, stressing that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and broader contractual consequences will be applied, where necessary. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and getting value for public funds. He informed that President Tinubu is determined to enforce accountability and break away from practices that undermine national development. Highlighting the administration’s inheritance of projects, Engr. Umahi stated that the government inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at more than ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those on the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Despite funding constraints, road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide, he confirmed. While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single term of four years, the Minister expressed confidence that sustained tempo over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure. He, therefore, urged Nigerians to massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027, in order to continue enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth and much more. Responding on behalf of the management of the two companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee promised that industry-standard anti-dust measures will be taken on all construction sites, adequate mobilisation and full commencement of work on the 7th Axial
Road and the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Mararraba-Lafia road.
The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe and durable road infrastructure to Nigerians.
Road Rehabilitation Has Technically Improved Learning... Fashola ... A Clean environment has increased attendance at Lectures. Yaba Tech Rector. The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, has confirmed that the rehabilitation of some roads within Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos State has technically improved the desire for learning in students of the institution. He made this assertion during the official Commissioning and handover of some rehabilitated roads by the Federal Government under the Ministry of Works and Housing. The Minister, who was represented by Engr. Umar Bakare, the Controller of Works in Lagos State, said that the Federal Government considered the huge impact of improved educational activities in both these learning institutions and hospitals where these internal road network interventions have been carried out a commitment fulfilled. The result is what we are seeing already with improved and increased number of students who now attend lectures that eventually earns them good grades at graduation. It is therefore undebatable that the quality of education has been impacted by the quality of Infrastructure and the neat and clean learning environment. Speaking further, Fashola said that students are now more readily expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending lectures because some defective roads and especially here, the student carpark has been restored to good condition. The Minister also asserted that during the construction of these internal roads network and the College carpark, over forty (40) direct and indirect people were employed in the process, thereby contributing to the job creation initiative of lifting Ten Million Nigerian from poverty. It is hoped that the College will now ensure that this asset is used properly and not abused. Earlier, the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe glowingly commended the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON, who when he invited as Guest Speaker to deliver the College annual graduation Lecture, was approached with these rehabilitation request promised to ensure it is attended to, this is a promise kept by the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. For this the entire College Community are grateful and this high commendation also goes to President Muhammadu Buhari who approved that all these necessary infrastructures be put in place. The Rector also confirmed that the impact on school attendance during the raining season has also increased tremendously thereby boosting the increased number of students who now attend lectures more regularly. Nevertheless, Engr. Omokungbe informed that due to the overflow of students, a new campus has been opened at Epe still in Lagos state. This new campus requires the construction of new roads for which the College is passionately appealing for assistance from the Federal Government through this same internal road network intervention, this Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe said will enhance the movement of students within the new campus facilities. Also commenting, the Director of Works in Yaba College of Technology, Engr. A. Adebayo was full of praises to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola who has kept his promised made to the College, he also thanked the Contractor who handled the rehabilitation work for the quality of work done, more so the staff of Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos state who did not compromise standard. He said the rehabilitation of the College carpark and a section of the internal road network intervention was well done. He expressed satisfaction and joy. In the same vein, the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Aderounmu who was represented by the First Vice President of Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin was grateful to God, President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and their Rector, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe for the privilege of this project that has positively affected the lives of students of the College. He affirmed that there is no more excessive flooding, therefore students who own cars are now able to park their cars in a neat environment, regular lecture attendance by students has increased due to this rehabilitation intervention in the College. He said the intervention is good for them. He said on behalf of the students they promise to make judicious use of the infrastructure and also take very good care of it to ensure its longevity. The colorful commissioning and handover ceremony was well attended by the Deputy Rector, (Administration) Mr. Inyang Udoh, the Registrar, Dr. Sikiru. O. Momodu, the College Bursar. Mr. Abduwaheed. A. Yeusuf, the Director of Works in the College, Engr. Bashir. A. Adebayo, the first Vice President, Student Union Government, Mr. Adenle Oluwatosin, the Assistant Director (Highways) Engr. (Mrs ) Olukorede Kesha and students of the College who were all happy and commended this project initiative of the Federal Government. ...
Infrastructure Development is to Boost Learning - Fashola .... Emulate Fashola and Buhari in Building Infrastructure - HRH Eze Ali The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works Rivers State, Engr. Olufemi Adetunji remarked that, "The quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place." He made this remark during the handing over ceremony of an internal road constructed by the Federal Government through Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the Federal College of Education (Technical) FCE (T) in Omoku, Rivers State. Earlier, the Head of Usomini Kingdom of Egbaland, His Royal Highness Eze Dr. King Eze advised, " Those who want to come to power after President Muhammadu Buhari administration next year should emulate him and Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN in building infrastructure." King Eze said, "This administration has been useful to the community by building road in the school that linked the community which in turn is beneficiary to the economic and social activities of this area." The School Provost, Dr. Emmanuel Ikenyiri said, “This College now has good road crisscrossing the two campuses making movement of staff, students and members of the public very comfortable." A lecturer in Home Economics, Dr. Matilda Igbeni, said " It is a facelift. We can connect the entire school now because of the road, easy access is now there." A lecturer in the College who teaches English Education, Mr. Albert Ireoma said they are grateful to the Federal Government. He noted that where the new road is built used to be called 'Bush Path to Farm' now the place is an open access. "Students and lecturers are able to access their classrooms and halls without going through bush paths. This new road has been a welcome development to FCE[T) Omoku. It has given the school a face lift." The Students Union President of FCE (T) Ugem Hope said, " The positive impact of the road is that it has expanded the space in the school and bad students don't have where to lurk anymore, their hideouts used to be where this beautiful road is built, in the past it was muddy and inaccessible." A Student of Business Education FCE(T), Okorda Blessing said, "The road is of good quality. It has given us access to other departments from my faculty. We don't have to go through express road again before linking other areas in the school. We thank President Muhammadu Buhari for this initiative." A snacks and food vendor on campus, Roseline Isreal said, “When the road construction works started my sales improved considerably because workers were coming to patronize me. I am thanking Mr. President and the minister for the good road." A painter who was among the artisans who worked on the road, Goldstone Emmanuel said, "Working on the road improved my income. I thank the Federal Government for giving me the opportunity to earn a better income." ...
Bodo-Bonny Road Project: Works at Substantial Level of Completion- Fashola ... President Buhari has connected us with the rest of Nigeria- Chief Longjohn Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has said that works on the Bodo-Bonny Road Project has reached a substantial level of completion and that it would be completed by December, 2023. Inspecting the 37.9 km single carriageway with thirteen bridges on Wednesday, Fashola said it would boost the economic opportunities and activities of the region. While assuring Nigerians on the new date of completion, he said funding has been made available to ensure its completion even when the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari expires. According to Fashola the present administration of President Buhari has demonstrated commitment in infrastructure development in all the regions of Nigeria. " It is instructive to point out that this very project is being executed by the Federal Government. I hear some people comment that the Federal Government is not doing anything in Rivers State. Bodo and Bonny are in Rivers State. This is a 200 billion Naira investment in one state. The amount is not the issue but the short and long terms significance of the project is addressing the problem of poverty and how to lift people out of poverty." He said that the purpose of the inspection was to see the level of work done and to administer solutions to any identified problems so that the road and bridges would be open for use for Nigerians by December, 2023. Addressing journalists after the inspection, he said, “There was urgent need to fast tract the completion of the road project pointing out that such infrastructure project would address both the monetary and multi- dimensional poverty of the people and the nation at large. " People are engaged at the sites, contractors, suppliers are busy working and making money. This place will be opened up in a way that it will be breath taking. It should be on record that the seed of ending poverty has been sown by President Buhari by this project." On his part, the Bodo Bonny Road and Bridges Project Peace Committee Chairman, Chief Osobonye Longjohn said that the project has connected Bodo -Bonny to Nigeria, stressing that it will bring prosperity to the land. " I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN for this project. Our hopes as a people is alive now because the project will create a lot of economic opportunities for our people. We are happy. As you have remembered us, we will remember this government led by the All Progressive Congress (APC)," he said. Earlier, the Project Manager of Julius Berger Plc, Thomas Haug said that the project has progressed tremendously and would be completed by December, 2023 pointing out that funding would not be a challenge. He said that the firm has completed major engineering works under water surface, adding that about thirteen bridges both minor and major ones have been completed. ...
Welcome Address By The Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Works And Transport, Kebbi State On The Occasion Of The 24th National Council On Works Meeting In Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State
On behalf of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Matawalen Gwandu and hospitable people of Kebbi State, I humbly welcome here in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, “The Land of Equity”.
2. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Ensuring Value for Money in Nigerian Highways Development”, which literally means optimal use of resources to achieve the intended outcome.
3. A limited perception of the benefit derived from the huge investment in Highway projects, believes that, the ends will not justify the means, in terms of resources invested and the intended outcome. However, a wider perception of it shows that the benefit involved is numerous, among which are the following:-
(i) highway projects enhance free movement of people, goods and services, thereby fostering economic, cultural, agricultural and political development;
(ii) Highway projects, link various communities, regions and nations, thereby enhancing regional and international relationship;
(iii) Highway projects, promote peaceful co-existence between various communities, thereby enhancing social development.
This is to mention just a few.
4. The theme seeks for the use of technical knowledge and methods to achieve qualitative works on all Highway projects, ensuring value for money.
5. At this juncture, I would like to commend His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu for hosting this important meeting for the first time in the history of the state.
6. The Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing, His Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, also needs to be commended for approving the hosting right to Kebbi State.
7. The Organizing Committee of Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing will also not be left behind in the commendation for selecting a theme that encompasses all spheres of life, as no matter how small a business may be, one needs value for his investment.
8. As for the delegates, I wish you an interesting and fruitful deliberations and also call upon you to feel free and visit historic places in Kebbi State, being a home to two famous international festivals of fishing in Argungu and Uhola in Zuru.
9. Once again, I welcome you all to the 24th Meeting of National Council on Works.
GOD Bless Kebbi State
GOD bless Nigeria.
THANK YOU
Remarks By Honourable Minister At The Inauguration Of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Commissioners
P R O T O C O L S
Welcome to this solemn but important event that has the propensity to profoundly and positively impact the electricity sector of our economy.
Pursuant to the nomination of suitably qualified Nigerians by Mr. President and the confirmation of the Senate, we gather to inaugurate:
1. Messrs Sanusi Garba, an Engineer (Electrical)-Vice Chairman
2. Professor Frank Okafor, an Engineer (Electrical)
3. Dafe C. Akpeneye, a Legal Practitioner
4. Nathan Roger Shatti, an Accountant
5. Dr. Musiliu O. Oseni, an Economist
6. Dr. Moses Arigu, a Scientist & Mathematician
as Commissioners of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
They have been chosen in the manner prescribed by law; and I particularly welcome their arrival for many reasons:
a) Provides stability in governance regulatory action and institution building to the sector; and
b) It allows the Ministry to focus on policy; coordination and completion of on-going Generation and Transmission projects.
I will like to thank Dr. Anthony Akah, who acted in capacity of CEO of NERC for about a year. His service to his country is highly appreciated and he must now hand over to the Vice-Chairman and his fellow Commissioners and return to his normal schedule of duties.
For the information of the public, this occasion provides the opportunity to again share knowledge with ourselves about the Nigerian Power Sector.
The first thing to emphasize is that the power sector has been privatized.
This process occurred and was concluded in November, 2013; and has resulted in the vesting of majority of Power Generation and Power Distribution in the hands of private owners.
So for the avoidance of doubt, power is now in private hands, and government is now largely a policy maker, and Regulator. Policy is the work of the Ministry and as I said, the completion of on-going Generation projects and Transmission projects.
Regulation is the work of NERC acting through the Commissioners we inaugurate today.
So for all those seeking license to generate power, to build coal and solar plants, and all other similar proposals, your letters should go to NERC not to the Ministry – Although you can copy us for information.
For all those who have issues with Meters, Estimated Billing, Customer Service issue, this is the work of NERC to ensure that the DISCOs perform and I urge you to direct your complaints to them, and keep us informed about the service they render to you, because we oversee them; but will not interfere with their work.
To NERC and the new Commissioners, I welcome you on board.
Be firm, but fair.
Regulate but be business oriented.
Remember that regulations are Rules; and Rules are made for us, we are not made for the Rules. Regulate with the understanding that the industry is young, in Transition and needs support.
I wish you success and you can count on the support of the Ministry.
BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
HONOURABLE MINISTER OF POWER, WORKS & HOUSING
7TH FEBRUARY, 2017.
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1