Federal Ministry of Works

Feb

2026

LATEST PRESS

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.

Jan

2022

FG Undertaking 21 Road Projects In Kano - Fashola ... "Mr President is making Kano the commercial nerve centre of some West African countries” _ Ganduje. The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola , SAN has disclosed that the All Progressive Congress, (APC ), led administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is undertaking 21 road projects in addition to housing projects that have reached the third Phase in Kano State. The Minister made this disclosure when he paid a courtesy call on the Governor of the State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the Kano State Government House on Wednesday 26th January, 2022. Fashola said, " At the moment we are undertaking 21 roads projects at the Federal Government level in and around Kano State totalling about 960 kilometres and some of the more famous ones are: Kano - Abuja Highway, Kano - Katsina, Kano - Maiduguri and a host of others." The Minister also revealed that his Ministry has completed Phases 1 and 2 of the National Housing Programme in Kano State and had proceeded to Phase 3. He added that President Muhammadu Buhari had given the approval for the handing over of the houses to members of the public and the exercise will be conducted by the Minsters from the various states on behalf of the President. While expressing deep appreciation for the cooperation given to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing by the Kano State Government, he called on the members of the State Cabinet to encourage the indigenes and residents of Kano State to subscribe to the housing units through the portal that had been opened for interested home applicants saying that the Federal Government expected that Kano people would be the heaviest subscribers to the houses in the State. The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje who was visibly pleased by the visit of Mr. Fashola, acknowledged the massive Infrastructural development undertaken by the Federal Government in the State in the road, housing, railway and aviation sectors. The Governor listed the railway network connecting Lagos - Ibadan - Kaduna - Kano, the ones between Kano Jibia and Maradi, Kano - Dutse and the substation at Kazaure in addition to the road projects executed as well as the work on the international wing of the Aminu Kano international airport which he described as comparable to those in world capitals as some of the ways in which the Buhari administration had impacted positively on Kano state. Ganduje said, " Mr. President is making Kano not only the commercial nerve centre of the northern part of the country, but the commercial nerve centre of some West African Countries." He hinted that the State Government would soon introduce a mass transit system and requested the Federal Government for lay byes and bus stops along some major roads in the State. The Governor also disclosed that the State Government had earmarked the sum of 2 billion naira for the establishment of weigh bridges in the three main entrances to the State in order to protect the roads within the metropolitan city of Kano and therefore sought the approval from the Federal Government to execute the project. The Deputy Governor of the State, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and commissioners were among those that received the Minister. On the Minister's entourage were Directors of the Ministry, Special Assiatants to the Minister and Federal Controllers of Works and Housing in Kano state. ...

Jan

2022

Approval Of Rail Line Project - PMB Scores Another Milestone In Infrastructure Development The Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo has commended the President and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the approval of the construction of a narrow-gauge rail track from Minna to Baro with an extension to the Baro River Port in Niger State, which he described as a major milestone in infrastructure development. He noted that the approval which is an attestation to President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to infrastructure development would boost trading, mining and agro allied activities in and around the state and improve the efficiency of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Mu'azu stated this when he played host to the management team of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Chief George Moghalu who paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister. Sambo also said he was sure of increased success in Federal Ministry of Works and Housing with the pedigree of the Honourable Minister, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN who he referred to as his brother. “I am proud of my senior Minister, brother, Babatunde Fashola SAN. He is committed, hardworking and passionate about his job and together we shall succeed,” he said. Mu'azu told the NIWA team that his appointment as Minister was designed by God, and actualized by President Muhammadu Buhari, his role model since 1975, adding that he never knew he would find himself in the position and advised all to put in their best in every endeavour and strive to impact people along their way. Mu’azu thanked the NIWA team for the courtesy visit and their best wishes for him while pledging to continue the bond of relationship with NIWA his former office which he described as a family relationship and also promised to give them support where necessary. “Public office is a trust, advising that persons in authority should do the right things at all times,” he said. Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer National Inland Waterways Authority, Chief George Moghalu told the Minister that they were in his office to congratulate him on his appointment as the Minister of State for Works and Housing and wish him well. "We are proud of your appointment. We are here to congratulate you and pray God to help you discharge your duties successfully” he said. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Mu'azu Jaji Sambo as Minister of State for Works and Housing, adding that it was a right choice, having been privileged to witness his dedication and efficiency while at NIWA. ...

Jan

2022

Perm Sec Harps on Public Support to Maintain Federal Roads The Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini has called on the Nigerian public to support the Federal government to ensure all Federal roads and utilities across nation are kept in good condition. The Permanent Secretary strongly warned member of the public to any activity that will cause damage to our roads, reminding that government will not hesitate to take full course of the law against violators. Hussaini's warning came in reaction to a portion of the road shoulders on Kano Western bypass damaged during the construction of a filling station by one Alhaji Sabi'u Farinwata whom Hussaini had given a stern warning and instructions to refix the damaged portions to standard as specified by his ministry. The Permanent Secretary reminded the general public on the mandate of the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing in ensuring that all Federal roads across the country are maintained and kept in good condition in order to last their lifespan. He enjoined Nigerians to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its efforts at providing good road infrastructure across the country for the benefit of Nigerians. “This administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has committed alot of resources to fix and refix our road infrastructure, it is therefore incumbent upon us all to ensure the proper usage and maintenance for them to last “Hussaini stated. ...