Federal Ministry of Works

Jul

2026

LATEST PRESS

PRESIDENT TINUBU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY AT THE 34TH COREN ENGINEERING ASSEMBLY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, promoting quality infrastructure, and safeguarding public safety across Nigeria.

Represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, *Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE *, while declaring open the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, the President described the Assembly’s theme, *"Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,"* as timely and relevant to the nation’s developmental aspirations.

The President stated that engineering remains the backbone of national development and that effective regulatory enforcement is essential for protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in the engineering profession.

He stressed that regulations are not intended to punish professionals but to protect public interest, noting that *” no road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.”*

President Tinubu assured participants that his administration remains fully committed to completing the four (4) Legacy Road Projects across the six geopolitical zones, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He described them as strategic investments that will transform the nation’s economy, improve connectivity, and stimulate sustainable development.

The Honourable Minister of Works commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for choosing an apt theme that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for quality infrastructure delivery and adherence to public safety.

He noted that engineering is a profession where mistakes can cost human lives, emphasising that, unlike many other professions, there is often no opportunity for appeal after a structural failure. He, therefore, called for stronger regulations, strict enforcement, and effective sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals, who compromise ethics and standards.

Engr. Umahi stressed that site engineers must discharge their responsibilities professionally and should never allow contractors to dictate engineering decisions. He urged Council to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms, similar to other professional regulatory bodies, to ensure that only qualified engineers are allowed to practice.

The Minister highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, especially the ongoing Legacy Road Projects spread across all the geopolitical zones, designed to improve economic integration, enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate investment.

He expressed confidence that with continued discipline, transparency, and adherence to engineering ethos, Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit would be significantly reduced within the coming years.

Presenting the *Keynote Address* on behalf of the Honourable Minister, the *Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan,* stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation. He explained that the Ministry is implementing four major Legacy Projects across the geopolitical zones to connect communities, promote commerce, improve national integration, and encourage investment.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that quality assurance, competence, professionalism, and independence amongst stakeholders remain fundamental requirements for sustainable infrastructure development. He urged engineers to uphold ethical standards, comply strictly with engineering regulations and best practices, and strengthen resilience through adherence to due process

The Chairman of the occasion, *Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,* represented by *Prof. Hassan Umaru* described the Assembly as timely and significant, noting that engineering excellence remains the foundation of public trust, industrial competitiveness, and national development.

He observed that every infrastructure project must be executed according to approved standards and maintained throughout its lifespan. Drawing from the experience of the *Dangote Refinery* project, he explained that rigorous engineering design, quality control, technical discipline, and strict compliance with standards were critical to its successful delivery.

The Chairman called for sustained excellence within the engineering profession and urged COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks, while enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners, in order to safeguard lives and property.

In his *Welcome Address,* the *President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, FNSE,* outlined the Council’s statutory responsibility of regulating engineering education and practice in Nigeria, in line with international standards and recommended practices.

He explained that engineering graduates are expected to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing practical exposure as critical to professional competence.

Prof. Abubakar further disclosed that COREN has successfully introduced digital verification and enforcement systems to improve transparency, eliminate fraudulent practices, and strengthen regulatory compliance.

He assured members that the Council would continue to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while addressing attempts by some practitioners to circumvent established standards. According to him, engineering regulation must remain transparent, sustainable, and effective in preventing infrastructure failures across the country.

In his introductory remarks, *Prof. O. A. U. Uche* emphasised the importance of sustaining quality infrastructure development through continuous improvement in engineering practice. He described infrastructure development as a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among government, professional bodies, academia, industry, and private sector stakeholders. In this vein, he, therefore, called for stronger synergy in advancing engineering excellence and national development.

The *Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani*, stated that science, technology, and engineering remain critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and public safety. He pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry and engineering regulatory agencies.

Representing the Nigeria Governors' Forum, the *Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang,* opined that engineering is one of the most respected professions globally and emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for engineers to thrive, while sustaining public safety and economic development.

The *National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda*, commended COREN for its achievements in regulating engineering practice. He described engineers as the backbone of national development and praised the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi for the remarkable progress recorded on the four Legacy Road Projects and others across the six geopolitical zones.

He congratulated the Ministry for its commitment to quality infrastructure and affirmed that Nigerian engineers continue to distinguish themselves through professionalism and excellence both nationally and internationally.

The 34th Engineering Assembly reaffirms
COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime to ensure public safety and sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Jan

2023

Fashola Hands Over Intervention and Reinstatement of Gully Erosion and Connecting Road At UNIBEN ... Says Buhari Govt intensifies work in our national life Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN handed over an important asset, Intervention and Reinstatement of Gully Erosion and Connecting Road at the Ugbowo Campus, University of Benin [ UNIBEN) Edo State. At the commissioning he said " It is true that a lot of work needs to be done in many sectors of our national life, including education, the Buhari government has stepped up to lead the process of getting that work done" Before the completion of the project some staff and students residing close to the Ugbowo Campus of UNIBEN and residents in Iguo-Osaigie and other surrounding communities in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo were about to be cut off because of the ravaging gully erosion in the area. The Edo State Controller of Works who represented the Minister at the event Engr. (Dr) Aransiola Ademola said " the structural work and the water drainage were professionally displayed and the filling of sand is about 7 metres high " Vice Chancellor, UNIBEN Professor Lilian Salami in her remarks said " this gully erosion has taken its toll on critical areas of development of the University over the years, it is not in doubt. The good news is that we made our pleas and cries to government and the pleas have received the desired attention of government and we are today savoring the result of a government that listens and acts. She said " kudos must also go to our worthy Alumnus of the University, Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN for his commitments to the successful implementation of the project". Executive Officer, Edo State flood Erosion & Watershed Management Agency, Dr Tom Obaseki said “We are very happy to see that the reinstatement of gully Erosion and connecting road is completed today , we are always available to support the Federal Government in executing project" The Manager of the Construction Company, Levant Construction Ltd in charge of the project Engr Albert Abboud said ' we have delivered many projects and handed them over to the government, this road was washed because of erosion and it was not motorable before we completed the project" A 300-level student of Animal Science, UNIBEN Edogiawerie Jason said the road was no go area before the intervention work of Federal Government, he thanked the Ministry of Works and Housing for remembering the institution. A student from Faculty of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Courage Uchemefune who was at the event said " I used to work as a dispatch rider, the road was not really good, I appreciate Federal Government for working on the road and the gully erosion, UNIBEN needs more intervention of this type ". ...

Jan

2023

Federal Government Hands Over Internal Road Project at Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa …...MD and others express gratitude. On behalf of the Federal Government, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing has handed over a 380 metres internal road at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The minister who was represented at the event by the Federal Controller Works, Bayelsa State, Engr. Patrick Nneji said that the road project was an intervention in the health sector to improve the health condition of all humanity. Fashola said, "It is undebatable that the quality of health will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from staff of the Centre, where this type of intervention has taken place." The minister disclosed that, "The Federal Government has successfully delivered through the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing 64 internal road projects at various Federal Tertiary Institutions and Federal Hospitals and also handed over a total of 46 as at March 2022 and we now have another 18 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to other 19 internal roads in similar institutions/federal hospitals across the country, making a total of 83." The minister noted that staff and patients are expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to the face lift at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State because some defective roads have been restored to good condition. Fashola disclosed that during the construction about 60 persons were employed thereby contributing to the job creation initiatives of the Federal Government. In his remarks the Medical Director of the Centre, Prof. Dennis Oju Allagoa who was represented by Dr. Peter Alabrah, Head of Clinical Services at the Centre expressed joy and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister for this laudable internal road project that was handed over. Prof. Allagoa said, "It is on record that and it is noted that Mr. President’s, Slogan of 'On the Next Level' is already happening at the Center. Today, we are seeing the impact of what Mr. President has done from what we have seen in this road project that has been handed over to us. We have indeed moved to the next level." The Medical Director also noted that the centre in deed benefited a lot from other Federal Government projects in year 2022. The Medical Director also appreciated Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN the Honourable Minister for keeping faith and ensuring that the road project was completed and handed over. He noted that the road project has transformed the landscape of the Centre and made it very beautiful. He added that it has made access possible by those walking and driving through with vehicles. During an interview session with some of the staff, they expressed their feelings thus as follows: Mrs. Christian Soseipiriala Mozimo, a nurse at the centre said: "I work at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Over the years this road has been bad. It was not fair enough for patients’ movement. After the construction of this road, you can see how beautiful the whole environment is looking and aiding patients’ accessibility to healthcare. I thank President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN." Another staff who is also a nurse at the centre, Deborah Emmanuel has this to say: "I work at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. I really want to thank the Federal Government for this good road they brought to us. Before the construction the road was very difficult to access and not in good shape. But after the renovation we thank God that we now have a good road to ply on by both students and staff. The constructed road will enable us to perform our jobs better." ...

Jan

2023

Fashola Underscores Relevance of Infrastructure to Learning Environment, Quality of Education Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola has stated that, in view of the importance of infrastructure to learning environment and quality of education, the Federal Government remained committed to bridging the infrastructure gaps in the country, including those of institutions of learning. He said " It is undebatable that quality of education will be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment". The Minister spoke in Sokoto, Thursday, January 12th, 2023 at the formal hand over of 0.92 kilometres internal road project constructed in the Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under its tertiary institution’s internal roads intervention initiative. Fashola was represented at the occasion by the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr Kassim Maigwandu. Accordingly, the Minister explained that the gap in infrastructure was being bridged steadily by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways, which had now reached the schools. He further revealed that the Federal government has provided 83 internal road intervention projects in various Federal tertiary institutions across the country. " We have successfully intervened in 64 internal road projects in various Federal tertiary institutions and handed over a total of 46 as at March 2022. Another 18 are now ready to be handed over, while 19 roads are currently being attended to in similar institutions across the country, making a total of 83 " he said. The road projects according to Fashola, benefited not only the students and the institution's community but also provided jobs for youths, stating that 95 people were employed in the process of the construction of the road in the Teaching Hospital. Earlier in his remark, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Professor Anas Ahmed Sabir, represented by Dr Usman Malami Aliyu, Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, said that, the entire Hospital community were excited with the project. He explained that the project had enhanced a significant part of the hospital more accessible and motorable with asphalt road which has also given room for expansion in the hospital as new projects can easily be sighted along the road " The commissioning of this road project will obviously mark the beginning of other assessable and affordable health care services delivery to all Nigerians " he said He expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the UDUTH Board Management to H.E, President Muhammadu Buhari for all the support and for providing the enabling environment to operate and further improve specialist quality service delivery, while also praying for more interventions to be considered and executed for the hospital. Professor Sabir also commended the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Controller at Sokoto office for ensuring that quality job was done at the appointed time and not compromised. The 0.95 km road in UDUTH links the new female students’ hostel; new Multipurpose Center; School of Nursing and Midwifery; Sewage treatment plant; Renal dialysis center;" Amenity ward and Nutrition’s unit among others. Aggregate testimonies gathered from staff and students of the hospital community pointed to the fact that the internal road intervention in the institution has positively impacted in no small measure to the working and learning environment in the institution. According to the views expressed " the road, before the intervention was not in good condition, it was wiry and scary access to clinical areas. But with the intervention, it has now provided easy access and comfort of movement in the institution. It was well constructed, illuminated and has added improved security measures for the students in the institution". They commended the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari and described the tertiary institutions roads intervention initiative of the federal ministry of works and housing as excellent. Those that spoke among the institution's community included; Aliyu Muhammad Sidi, a student of Nursing Science and President of Student Union; Alkali Mohammed, Vice Chairman, National Association of Nigerian Nursing and Midwifery (NANNM); Rabi Muhammad, Acting Vice Principal (Academic), School of Midwifery, and Kabiru Adamu Maisanda, Vice Principal (Admin), School of Nursing. ...