FG Insists on Speed and Quality as Goronyo Inspects Sokoto–Gusau–Zaria Road Project The Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to ensure the timely and high-quality delivery of the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtau–Zaria Road Project, warning that contractors who fail to meet agreed timelines and specifications risk sanctions. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., stated this on Sunday, 25th January, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment of reconstruction works along key sections of the 750-kilometre highway spanning Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States. Speaking during the inspection of sections from Dange to Shuni in Sokoto State, and onward through Talata Mafara, Maru and Bungudu in Zamfara State, the Minister stressed that the Federal Government would not tolerate undue delays on projects of critical national importance. According to him, the inspection exercise was conducted in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to ensure strict compliance with approved standards, value for money, and early delivery of projects meant to ease transportation challenges and stimulate economic activities. “I am personally leading senior officials of the Ministry across these states to verify the quality of work being delivered and to ensure that contractors live up to their responsibilities,” Rt. Hon. Goronyo said. He added, “I am also representing the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, to assess the level of work done and the degree of compliance with approved specifications.” While noting that some sections of the project recorded commendable progress, the Minister expressed concern over the overall pace of execution, stressing the need for contractors to accelerate work in order to reduce hardship faced by road users. He cited the Sokoto–Tureta–Mafara section, which has attained about 27 per cent completion, as relatively encouraging, but expressed dissatisfaction with the Mafara–Maru–Gusau section, where progress stands at approximately 16 per cent, describing it as unsatisfactory. The Minister warned that the Federal Government is prepared to restructure the project scope on underperforming sections, including restricting contractors to shorter distances and reassigning outstanding portions to more competent firms if noticeable improvement is not achieved. Rt. Hon. Goronyo explained that earlier challenges linked to compensation for affected properties had been resolved, crediting the intervention of Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State for facilitating payments and ensuring community cooperation. He also acknowledged the role of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, in coordinating security support that has enhanced safety for workers and equipment along the corridor. Reiterating the Federal Government’s broader infrastructure strategy, the Minister noted that the adoption of concrete pavement technology under the Tinubu administration is aimed at delivering more durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting road infrastructure nationwide. He further highlighted the ongoing 1,068-kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway Project as a landmark initiative that revives the long-standing vision of former President Shehu Shagari, adding that it would significantly enhance connectivity, boost trade, and promote national integration. Rt. Hon. Goronyo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for infrastructure development the priority it deserves, describing road infrastructure as a critical enabler of economic growth, national integration and shared prosperity.  He noted that the President’s unwavering commitment to revitalising key transport corridors across the country is already yielding tangible results under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Goronyo also praised the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, GCON, for his hard work, visionary leadership and dedication to delivering the mandate of the Ministry, adding that the ongoing reforms and adoption of durable construction standards reflect a clear focus on value, sustainability and long-term impact. “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about results. Nigerians deserve roads that last and projects that are completed on time, and this administration is committed to delivering just that,” the Minister stated. The inspection tour was accompanied by top management staff of the Ministry of Works, including Mr. U.B. Ekong, Director, Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, and Mr. C.A. Ogbuagu, Director, Highways Planning and Development. The Minister and his team also engaged with host communities, assuring residents that remaining compensation and project-related concerns would be addressed to ensure smooth and uninterrupted execution of the project.   ...

FG RECORDS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON KEY ROAD PROJECTS IN JIGAWA STATE In accordance with one of the eight items on the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which is the enhancement of infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, a Media Tour of ongoing projects in the North West Zone has been concluded with Jigawa State. The Tour also featured the Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects in the State. The exercise showcases the Federal Government’s determination to deliver critical road infrastructure to Nigerians, with substantial progress recorded on several ongoing works and the pouring of encomiums by host communities across the states. Speaking in Gumel, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Jigawa State, Engr. Yusuf Mahmoud, disclosed that work is progressing on the Reconstruction of the Kwanar Danja–Tsalle–Hadejia Road. The project, being executed by Gerawa Global Engineering (Nigeria) Plc, is a 117-kilometre (Phase 1) reconstruction awarded in February 2022. The scope of work includes reconstruction of the existing carriageway, construction of lined drains, and installation of culverts to improve drainage, enhance road durability, and protect adjoining communities from flooding. Engr. Mahmoud explained that although the project was initially scheduled for completion in February 2025, delays were encountered due to challenges related to advance payment and budgetary provisions. He, however, noted that these issues have since been fully resolved, enabling the contractor to return to the site with renewed momentum. “It has attained about 75 per cent completion, with nearly 79 kilometres already reconstructed. Construction is ongoing simultaneously from the Gumel and Hadejia ends, with two teams (gangs) deployed to fast-track delivery,” he stated. The Project Manager of the company, Engr. Ibrahim Abubakar, confirmed that the company has mobilised extensive equipment, multiple asphalt plants, and deployed more personnel along the remaining alignments to accelerate completion. “With all challenges being surmounted, we are working with two construction gangs from both ends of the road. Our target is to complete the project before December 2026, ahead of the revised completion date of February 2027,” he confirmed. He further assured a cordial relationship with host communities, explaining that temporary work stoppages during peak rainy periods were unavoidable due to safety and technical considerations. The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Gumel Branch, Salisu Muhammed, alongside another stakeholder, Mas’ud Usman, expressed satisfaction with the work, noting that travel time and cost of transportation, as well as vehicle maintenance have significantly reduced compared to the previous condition of the road. They commended the present administration for its commitment to road infrastructure development. The team also assessed progress on the Kunya–Kanya–Babura–Babban Mutum Road, a 47-kilometre rehabilitation project being executed by CRCC Construction Company (Nigeria) Limited. While briefing, the FCW, Engr. Mahmoud disclosed that the project has reached 82 per cent completion, with about 37 kilometres already rehabilitated. The remaining sections are expected to be completed within the year, following the resolution of earlier challenges. He noted that upon completion, the road will significantly boost cross-border trade due to its proximity to the Nigeria-Niger border, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, and enhance regional connectivity. The Project Manager of the construction firm, Mr. Du For, highlighted the strong collaboration between Nigeria and China, assuring that the company remains committed to executing the project in tandem with approved specifications. Members of the benefiting communities on the corridor and road users thanked the Federal Government for hearing their complaints and for its inclusivity. Malam Audu Ibrahim stated that “The Government is trying and we really like the President because of the road. It has opened up business opportunities,” he added. In addition, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Jigawa State Council, Comrade Ismail Ibrahim, commissioned, on behalf of the Minister of Works, the Special Repairs of the Kano State Border–Dutse–Kiyawa–Bauchi State Border Road, an emergency intervention project approved under the 260 Emergency Road Projects. The project commenced in March, 2024 and was completed in December 2024, restoring the road from a severely deteriorated condition to a safe and motorable state. A community representative, Mustapha Isah, expressed appreciation for the quick response, while appealing for the provision of additional drainage infrastructure to address perennial flooding challenges. At the conclusion of the National Media Tour to the North-West, the Senior Special Adviser to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement, North-West, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, once again, commended the Federal Government for prioritizing road infrastructure in Jigawa State, describing the projects as critical to the state’s agrarian economy. He added that the projects align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, the Minister of State, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., and all stakeholders for their sustained efforts to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure. ...

Minister ofWorks Meets World Bank Delegation on Strengthening Nigeria’s Infrastructure. The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, on Friday, January 23, 2026, received a high-level delegation from the World Bank in his office for a strategic meeting focused on improving Nigeria’s infrastructure, particularly the road sector. In his welcome remarks, the Honourable Minister expressed appreciation to the World Bank delegation for their interest in Nigerian infrastructure projects. He noted that infrastructure development remains the most critical requirement for Nigeria to attain its desired position in global economic competitiveness, emphasizing that efficient road networks are fundamental to national growth, trade, and social development. Sen. Umahi briefed the delegation on the Federal Government’s Development Management Initiative, as well as the “Build, Update and Maintain” strategy, under which the government is responsible for constructing roads while the private sector is engaged to maintain them. According to him, this model is designed to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and value for money in road infrastructure delivery. The Honorable Minister highlighted the challenges facing the road sector, noting that the cost of road construction and availability of funds became more difficult. He explained that experience has shown that roads constructed with asphalt often fail to last beyond ten years, which informed the Ministry’s decision to adopt reinforced concrete pavement as a more durable and long-lasting alternative. He identified key priority road projects currently being handled by the Ministry, including: The East–West Road, comprising over eight sections, The Enugu–Onitsha Road Project, The Kano–Jigawa–Maiduguri Road Corridor, and The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. The Honourable Minister disclosed that when he assumed office, the Ministry inherited about 260 weak road links, 50 dilapidated bridges, and numerous failed road sections nationwide. To address these urgent challenges, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved ₦20 billion for the completion of some priority road projects, many of which are currently being commissioned across the country, as observed by journalists. Sen. Umahi explained that, given current realities, long-term planning is less feasible, and the focus must be on short-term interventions aimed at completing major ongoing road projects. He stressed that funding remains a major constraint and reiterated that new projects cannot be initiated while existing ones remain incomplete. Consequently, the Honourable Minister formally requested the World Bank to consider financing road infrastructure projects through the Federal Ministry of Works via the Presidency. He explained that such funds would be committed to a number of strategic ongoing road projects for completion, with tolling mechanisms introduced to ensure sustainability and repayment. He emphasized that additional funding is urgently required to complete critical infrastructure projects across Nigeria. The World Bank delegation, led by Mr. Matthew Verghis, stated that the purpose of the visit was to discuss practical ways of improving Nigerian roads, which he described as the country’s most important infrastructure asset. Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Franz Drees-Gross, a member of the delegation, explained that the World Bank’s overarching objective is to create jobs and reduce poverty. He stressed that infrastructure is central to poverty reduction, as it generates employment directly and indirectly across various sectors of the economy. He highlighted priority areas of interest, including the establishment of State Roads Funds, State Road Maintenance Agencies, improved flood control through effective drainage systems, and increased Private Sctor financing. Mr. Verghis further noted that the World Bank can only fund contracts that comply with World Bank procurement standards, stressing the importance of transparency, accountability, and due process in project execution. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening collaboration towards the development of sustainable, resilient, and inclusive infrastructure in Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Barr. Bello Mohammed Goronyo, Esq., delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the World Bank delegation for the visit and reaffirming the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with the Bank to achieve shared development goals. Clement Ezeora DD, Press and Public Relation. ...