Federal Ministry of Works

Oct

2026

LATEST PRESS

GORONYO COMMENDS SOKOTO GOVERNOR FOR DONATING 10 HILUX VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY ALONG SOKOTO–BADAGRY SUPERHIGHWAY

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has commended the Governor of Sokoto State, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, PhD, for donating 10 operational Toyota Hilux vehicles to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway and other strategic infrastructure corridors.

The vehicles were formally commissioned and handed over to the Nigerian Army at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, by the Honourable Minister of State for Works, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE.
The donation is expected to enhance the operational capacity of military personnel and other security agencies responsible for protecting construction workers, contractors, equipment and host communities along the highway corridor.

Speaking during the ceremony, Goronyo described the donation as a demonstration of the Sokoto State Government’s commitment to national development and the successful implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its landmark infrastructure projects.

The Minister emphasised that the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway represents a long-standing national infrastructure vision that dates back several decades, with its conception traced to the era of former President Shehu Shagari in the 1970s. However, the vision remained unrealised for decades until the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, initiated the construction of the 1,068-kilometre highway in October 2024.

He described the project as a significant step towards translating a historic aspiration into tangible infrastructure that will connect communities, expand economic opportunities and strengthen national integration.

According to Goronyo, President Tinubu’s commitment to the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to bridge critical infrastructure gaps and improve connectivity between northern and southern Nigeria.
He noted that the superhighway, which traverses Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, is designed to facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce transportation costs, stimulate trade, create employment and open up new economic opportunities along its route.

The Minister added that the highway would improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services while supporting agriculture, commerce, industry and the development of communities across the corridor.
He stressed that the successful delivery of the project would require sustained commitment, effective coordination and cooperation among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities.

Goronyo maintained that effective security remained essential to the timely and successful completion of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. He explained that the provision of operational vehicles would strengthen the mobility and response capabilities of security personnel deployed to safeguard the project and its surrounding communities.

The Minister highlighted other strategic infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Federal Government, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Calabar–Abuja/Trans-Saharan corridor, the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe corridor, the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano route and the Zaria–Gusau–Sokoto corridor.
He explained that these projects form part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to developing an integrated road network capable of supporting commerce, strengthening inter-state connections and accelerating national economic growth.

Rt. Hon. Goronyo further noted that the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway was intended to provide durable road infrastructure capable of serving Nigerians for decades. He added that complementary environmental and safety measures, including tree planting and solar-powered street lighting where provided for in the project, would contribute to environmental sustainability, visibility and road safety.

Goronyo commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure. He acknowledged the difficult conditions under which security personnel operate and urged them to remain steadfast in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

The Honourable Minister also expressed deep condolences to the Nigerian military over the reported loss of personnel in a bandit attack while on official duty the previous day. He described the loss as painful and extended his sympathy to the affected personnel, their colleagues and bereaved families, while praying for the peaceful repose of the departed and strength for their loved ones.

He further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser in addressing security challenges associated with the project, particularly through assistance and coordination aimed at strengthening security operations along the highway corridor.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Federal Government’s infrastructure development agenda, Goronyo said the Ministry of Works would continue to support the implementation of strategic projects under President Tinubu’s leadership, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure their successful delivery.

He expressed optimism that the continued implementation of the Federal Government’s development programmes would bring lasting benefits to Nigerians, while acknowledging the complementary role of the Sokoto State Government in supporting infrastructure development and security.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Bengba Paul Koughna, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Sokoto State Government for the donation of the 10 Hilux vehicles.

The GOC noted that the vehicles would significantly enhance the operational mobility and response capabilities of troops deployed along the highway corridor, particularly across the approximately 440-kilometre section extending through Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He explained that troops conduct regular patrols and maintain multiple deployment points along the corridor, making the additional vehicles a valuable boost to their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Minister that the vehicles would be deployed appropriately to support security operations and protect construction workers, contractors, equipment and other stakeholders involved in the project.

The GOC also commended the representative of Hitech Construction Company, retired General Sa'ad Abubakar, for the company's involvement in the project.

The event was attended by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aliyu Garba, officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, representatives of the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders.
The donation underscores the importance of sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, contractors and host communities in addressing security challenges and ensuring the safe and timely delivery of strategic infrastructure projects.

The Federal Ministry of Works reiterates its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to protect national infrastructure and advance the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sustainable economic growth and development.

Sep

2023

Ondo State Hails the Appointment of Minister of Works. .....Ooni Of Ife, Senator Iyiola Omisore Discuss Osun Roads with Umahi The Honourable Minister of Works Engr David Nweze Umahi has explained the reasons of his working visit to the South West and other regions of the country, he said “I have been in Lagos and South West since Monday to evaluate the ongoing projects especially bridges that are so important to Lagos economy, the issue of concrete technology on our roads and review of road contracts, that is why we are going around to see how we can redesign our roads with concrete pavement”. He made these remarks while meeting with the Deputy Governor of Ondo State Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa who received him on behalf of the state. The Minister during his visit also explained how Ondo State can partner with the Federal Government through the Highway Development Initiative (HDMI) in building Federal Government roads in Ondo State. The Minister said ‘Most Federal roads are connecting one state to the other and when such is cut off the economic viability of such states are in trouble, that is why I am presenting to the Economic Council to allow us to access funds to conclude some of these roads and if we don’t conclude them, it will impact negatively on these states economy.” The Deputy Governor who spoke on behalf of Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu CON SAN during the meeting in the Governor's office said “Your appointment has not come to us as a surprise, congratulations on your nomination, clearance and inauguration by Mr. President it is a well-deserved appointment , because as a former Governor your antecedent made you the first among the rest and your experience in the terrain of infrastructural development and governance is in no small measure”. The Deputy Governor said "the zeal at which you have commenced official engagement with your visit to the South West zone has given us excitement that better days are here for real”. He said the “APC administration in this state has taken a giant stride in infrastructural development by building quality roads in all the Sectorial district of the state”. Earlier, the Minister after his tour of the dualization of lbadan road (Mayfair Junction)- Lagere-Iremo –Enuwa- Ilesha Bye-Pass in Osun State paid a courtesy visit on the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, (Ọjájá II) CFR with Senator Iyiola Ajani Omisore at the Ooni palace where the Minister explained to them the advantages of building roads with concrete in Osun State. ...

Sep

2023

Highway Inspection: Umahi Meets with Ogun and Oyo State Governors .....Lagos – Abuja to take four hours journey through supersonic highways –Works Minister .....You have demonstrated capacity and experience for promising immediate approval for state governments to fix Federal roads – Ogun State Governor to Umahi .....Oyo – Iseyin road to be commissioned in September – Makinde Minister of Works Engr David Nweze Umahi CON, confirmed “Let me announce to you that Lagos proposed 4th Mainland Bridge Supersonic Highway will take four hours to drive from Lagos to Abuja , he said "we had a presentation on it yesterday with the consultant , and it's going to be on Public Private Partnership (PPP) , driving from Lagos to Abuja will take 4hrs , we are concluding on it within one or two months and work will start’" he made this remarks during his meeting with the Ogun State Governor, Princ Dapo Abiodun in his Office in Abeokuta , the Ogun State capital. Umahi informed the Governor “ We have a programme called Highway Development Management Initiative ( HDMI) and it allows states and other Private Investors to engage with the FG either to take over a fully constructed road to toll and maintain it in partnership with Federal Government or take a brand new road and reconstruct it and toll it, under laid down agreement, l am very much open to that, we also bring some roads architecture into this kind of arrangement; solar lights where we can fix CCTV to monitor our roads and increase visibility, this will largely reduce insecurity and also create service stations, we can monitor security at these service stations, we have mini clinics , toll vans at this stations just as we see outside the country.” The Minister said “it is better to break the law and save the life of Nigerians “. He told the Governor that any state government that wants to do PPP with Federal Government has his approval already. “Your Excellency, I am here for you I pledge to my country and to you to align with your heartbeat with the welfare of your people, road is everything when you have good road, insecurity is reduced, economy will boom, trade will thrive, education will thrive road is one infrastructure that will touch every sector of our economy. Mr President is very committed to fixing our road that will last 50years” Umahi said. The Honourable Minister explained that when people are suffering, they don’t talk about who owns the road, fixing the road is what they are interested in and that was what Ogun, Lagos and Oyo State Governments were doing,” anyone that is complaining that he cannot fix Nigeria road is playing politics”. While holding similar meeting with His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr Seyi Makinde in his office in Ibadan, the Hon. Minister of Works commended Oyo government for working on Federal Roads “You have done quite a number of roads and you were not waiting that you must have all approval before you do it, if we are waiting for due process of refund for working on FG roads, our people will be the ones to suffer. We are excited with Governor Seyi Makinde, we as a government have also done a number of roads” Umahi said. His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State Prince Dapo Abiodun, in his reaction told the Minister” I thank you for the remarks you made about how we have been very indiscriminate in working on roads weather they are Federal or State roads, when our citizens are suffering on the road, they don’t ask who owns the road.” ‘I thank you for saying you will give approval to any State Government that wants to fix Nigerian roads, that has demonstrated your capacity and understanding” the Governor said. During the Minister of Works meeting with the Oyo State Governor, he said “For us If a road is important to our economy we just go ahead and fix it, an example is the road between Oyo and Iseyin, the road passes through our major Agric business hub and for Agro processors in the area, they need good roads to evacuate their products". FG asked us to follow the Federal standard in building the road which we did, the project is about 34km and shall be commissioned September 15, 2023. Top Management Staff of the Ministry of Works and State dignitaries were present at both meetings. ...

Aug

2023

No Concrete Layout, No Contract - Umahi Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi has disclosed that there will be no contract award under his watch for any road unless it is with concrete layout. The Minister made this disclosure during an inspection tour of Oshodi Oworoshoki - Ojota road on Tuesday 29th August, 2023 as part of his tour of some roads in Lagos and states within South West Nigeria. The Minister who expressed satisfaction with the job done noted that it was about ninety nine percent done except for some finishing touches. He wondered why some contractors were against the more durable and cost reduction use of Concrete Technology that is the use of cement for road construction despite its advantages over bitumen which is more expensive and less durable, a situation he attributed to the fact that the bitumen produced recently are of lesser quality. The Minister noted that despite the high number of heavy trucks that ply the road it is still without defects adding that if it was an asphalt road it would have started failing and developing faults. He challenged contractors who are aversed to the construction of concrete roads to come to Oworoshoki road to see an example of its advantage over asphalt. At the Apongbon bridge, the Minister lamented that some people were trading and selling chemical under it which resulted in the fire outbreak early in the year thereby causing huge damage to the bridge. He expressed government's determination to rehabilitate it as soon as possible and install solar light. While at Iponri section of the Eko bridge the Engr. David Umahi called on the Lagos State Government to urge the people using the premises under it to clean the surrounding and make it beautiful and habitable for their use. At the Porto-Novo Liverpool round- about bridge, the Minister directed the Director, Design and Bridges, Engineer Adesanya Awosanya to send the report on the structural defects on it and other bridges that have similar problems to his office. ...

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2025

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Sep

2017

FG Woos Investors To Increase Housing Stock

The Honourable Minister of State for Power, Works & Housing, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma, mnis, has said that Federal Government will not relent in its efforts toward providing enabling environment for genuine investors to invest in the Housing Sector of the economy. He added that this will in effect radically increase the housing stock and bridge the Country’s housing deficit.

The Minister, who represented the Vice President at 2017 Housing Summit Conference organized by Housing Circuit Magazine in collaboration with the Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, noted that the theme of the Conference: Addressing Housing Stock Deficit in Nigeria requires a holistic view.

Suleiman informed the gathering that the Federal Government, through the Ministry is taking the lead on Lands and Housing reforms to make land readily accessible and provide shelter for the teeming Nigerian population.

The Minister commended the organizers of the conference and urged participants to focus more on the challenges facing the housing sector of the economy. He enjoined them to come up with strategies aimed at repositioning and reinvigorating the facilitation of affordable housing delivery in the country.

Earlier, the chairman Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Sen. Barnabas Gemade remarked that the Conference is coming at time President Buhari’s led Administration has put in place an increased public mass housing programme that covers the 36 States of the federation, adding that this is the first action by any Government since the Shagari Administration of Mass Housing Scheme of 1979.

According to Gemade ‘’with an upward review from 35 billion naira budgetary provision in 2016 to 40 billion in 2017 budget, one would be safe to say that President Buhari is tackling housing challenges, but this is to some extent, as more needs to be done.’’

In his goodwill message, the chairman of the occasion and chairman Dangote Group of Company, Alhaji Aliko Dangote represented by Executive Director, Stakeholders Management Services, Engr. Mansur Ahmed stated that the housing sector is one of the most critical sectors to the nation’s economy, adding that the importance of this sector cannot be overlooked as it is one of the major indicators of underdevelopment.

He challenged key stakeholders in the built industry to come together and share experiences, knowledge and perspectives that will bring lasting solution to the problem of housing deficit in the country.