95% OF NIGERIANS DEPEND ON ROAD TRANSPORT — PERMANENT SECRETARY The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, has disclosed that approximately 95 percent of Nigerians rely on road transport for their movement and the transportation of goods and services across the country. Engr. Adebiyi made this known, while delivering his Address at the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works, which opened today, 3rd November 2025, at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. He explained that despite the development of other modes of transportation such as rail, air, and water, road transport remains the dominant means of mobility in Nigeria — a situation that places enormous pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure. “The resultant effect is heavy traffic volume and rapid deterioration of our pavements caused by heavy-duty vehicles and cargo movements,” he stated. The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the completion and effective utilisation of the national rail network would significantly reduce road congestion, improve safety, and enhance economic efficiency. “If rail transport becomes fully operational and reliable, many Nigerians would prefer to travel by train. It is cheaper, safer, faster, and less stressful,” he disclosed. Engr. Adebiyi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for hosting the milestone event and for the warm hospitality extended to delegates. He noted that holding the Council meeting in Ado Ekiti was symbolic, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the state’s infrastructure development strides. He also lauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., for their exceptional leadership and untiring commitment to improving the nation’s road network, ensuring transparency in project implementation and management, and upholding professional standards in engineering practice. The theme of the 30th National Council on Works, “Discipline, Transparency, and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to entrench integrity, accountability, and creativity in infrastructure management and delivery. According to Engr. Adebiyi, the theme reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring value for money in public projects through ethical practices, openness in procurement, and the adoption of modern technologies to achieve durable and sustainable infrastructure. He further called on all delegates and other stakeholders to engage in constructive deliberations during the Technical Sessions to develop practical strategies that will enhance service delivery, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote economic diversification through efficient road networks. The meeting brought together Commissioners for Works from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, representatives of professional bodies, contractors, and other key stakeholders in the works and infrastructure sectors. In her remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs. Emily I. Sounde, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government and good people of Ekiti State for hosting this important national event in such a calm, secure, and beautiful environment. She described Ekiti State as “a wonderful land, where nature’s beauty meets tranquility,” noting that the hospitality extended to delegates made the state a truly fitting venue for this year’s Council meeting. Mrs. Sounde emphasised that the National Council on Works remains a veritable platform for formulating policies and strategies that guide the growth and performance of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policy formulation, robust data systems, continuous research, and stakeholder engagement — all in line with national priorities and global best practices. She encouraged delegates to use the opportunity of the forum to evaluate current policies, identify implementation gaps, and propose actionable strategies to improve service delivery and sustainability in the works sector. The Director further commended the Honourable Ministers of Works, the Permanent Secretary, and all delegates for their leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the nation’s infrastructure development. Speaking earlier, the Director of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State Ministry of Works, Engr. B. J. Oke, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ethical governance, transparent procurement processes, and sustainable infrastructure delivery. The 30th National Council on Works will continue in Ekiti State tomorrow through Friday, with active participation from Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Engineers, Contractors, and other key stakeholders from across the Federation. Mohammed A. Ahmed
He stated that “As we commence this important engagement, let us approach our deliberations with discipline in thought, transparency in purpose, and innovation in action — for these remain the enduring foundations of progress in Nigeria’s engineering and works sector,” he stressed.
Director, Press and Public Relations.
3rd November 2025.
                                    SEN. UMAHI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT TINUBU ON DEMOCRACY DAY, HAILS HIM AS A CHAMPION OF DEMOCRACY. I am delighted to on behalf of the management of the Federal Ministry of Works, convey our profound felicitations to a champion of democracy and vision bearer of the Renewed Hope Agenda, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on this auspicious commemoration of the 26th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, this 12th June 2025. 2. Your Excellency, we are enthused to celebrate this remarkable event courtesy of your rewarding leadership stewardship. Your struggle for the redemocratization of Nigeria and your emergence as the 5th democratically elected President of the 4th Republic are a clear indication of God’s unction in your enduring vision to achieve the purpose of our democratic journey which is economic prosperity and social justice. History will be kind to you for raising dispassionate standards and taking bold decisions that will return our country to the path of greatness in the continent of Africa. 3. In the works sector, you have made gratifying progress in deepening and fast-tracking the gains of democracy through your record-breaking accomplishments in road infrastructure, which are distributed equitably across the 6 Geo-Political Zones. You have continued to blaze the trail in the passionate delivery of enduring infrastructure, which is critical for the nation’s developmental progress,especially your initiative to expand the nation's road network and interconnect the major economic corridors through the four Renewed Hope Legacy Projects. Under Your Excellency, we savour a brand new era of regenerative democracy where the institutions and authorities work deliberately and collectively to achieve a nation of equal opportunities irrespective of tribe, religion, or social class. For this, we salute the leadership of the National Assembly and the Judiciary, which are the pillars of our democracy. 4. May God continue to prosper the aspirations of Your Excellency and grant you the grace and enablement to achieve all that you desire for the nation. Please accept the warmest congratulations, esteemed regards, and best wishes of the management and staff of the Federal Ministry of Works. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON, Honourable Minister of Works ...
                                    DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE In a historic ceremony marking the successful completion of two years in office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government officially commissioned the completed 30-kilometre portion of the 40.7- kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Phase 1, Section I and several others, as well as flagged off the construction of new roads, in the Southern region, symbolically. The event, which was held in Lagos on Saturday, 31st May 2025, was performed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It brought together eminent government officials including; the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume the Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Borno, Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi and Edo States, Captains of Industry, Contractors, Traditional Rulers and other Stakeholders Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE; the Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq; Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Senator Godswill Akpabio; and other distinguished guests. In his opening remarks, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR reflected on the bold strides made during his two years in office, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He identified the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a flagship project that encapsulates the commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of economic transformation. Despite initial skepticism, the project has become a beacon of progress, connecting nine coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. It is projected to contribute up to US$12 billion annually to Nigeria’s GDP within its first decade. The President emphasised that the project will ease transportation, reduce costs of travel and vehicle maintenance, as well as travel time, and drive growth across agriculture, industry, tourism, marine, and commerce while creating thousands of jobs and expanding opportunities for Nigerians. He described the progress as clear evidence of purposeful leadership delivering tangible results. Speaking, the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, praised the scope and significance of the project, describing the highway as a game-changer that not only connects nine littoral states but also unlocks vital trade and industrial corridors. He echoed the anticipated economic impact, reaffirming that the project will reduce transportation costs, shorten travel times, stimulate local economies, and create extensive employment opportunities for Nigerians. He appreciated the President for the vision and leadership, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for its consideration and approval and the Minister of Finance for providing the counterpart funding. The Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq. reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national development through the provision of critical infrastructure. He emphasised that enhancing connectivity and fostering regional integration remain vital pillars for sustainable prosperity. Delivering a Goodwill Message, the Senate President lauded the transformative potential of the project, spotlighting the strategic partnership between the government and private sector entities such as Hitech Construction Company. He described the highway as a “backbone for economic revitalisation” that will attract investment and create new avenues for economic empowerment. Other goodwill messages echoed these sentiments and much more. Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, commended President Tinubu’s resilience and clarity of purpose, recognising the highway as a powerful symbol of leadership that delivers on its promise. He expressed pride in the project’s pivotal role in national development and economic progress. Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State described the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as a legacy of visionary leadership and focused execution. He underscored its visible socio-economic impact through improved interstate connectivity and increased commercial activity, stressing that the project will significantly improve lives and economies across southern Nigeria. Earlier, in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, FNSE warmly welcomed all dignitaries and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. President. He celebrated the milestone as a monumental achievement, noting that the highway will benefit not only the state on its alignment but the entire nation. He also emphasised that the project stands as a symbol of unity, progress, and a shared national vision for a more prosperous future. Others completed road and bridge projects in the Southern part of the country that was symbolically commissioned by the President including; i. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Phase 1, Section I (Shagamu-Ibadan) in Ogun and Oyo States, ii. Ikorodu-Shagamu Road in Lagos and Ogun States, iii. Lagos-Badagry Expressway (Agbara Junction - Nigeria-Benin Border in Lagos State, iv. Dualisation of East-West Road, Section II, Subsection I, (Eleme Junction-Ahoada in Rivers State, v. Upgrading of 15km of the East-West Road (Eleme Junction-Onne Port Junction) in Rivers State, vi. Construction of a New Bridge to Replace the Near-Collapsed One at Akpoha in Ebonyi State, vii. Rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, Section III (Enugu-Lokpanta) in Enugu State, viii. Reconstructed Collapsed Bridge at New Artisan Market in Enugu on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway and ix. Alesi-Ugep Road (Iyamoyung-Ugep) in Cross River State. While those that were flagged off, also symbolically, included; i. Rehabilitated Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha-Akure-Benin Road in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Edo States, ii. Nembe-Brass Road, Section II in Bayelsa State and iii. Section (107 Kilometres) of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway in Enugu and Anambra States. Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed Director, Press and Public Relations. ...
                                    WORKS MINISTER,SEN. UMAHI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR ON THE 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF HIS RENEWED HOPE ADMINISTRATION, DESCRIBES HIM AS A LEADER WITH ENDURING COMMITMENT TO A PROSPEROUS NIGERIA It is with a deep sense of responsibility and profound pleasure that I congratulate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR on this auspicious occasion of the 2-year anniversary of his Renewed Hope administration. . 2. Your Excellency,our dear President,we are delighted by the momentum in your administration's vision to give our nation a strong sense of identity and to build the future and potential of her people. Within the shortest record time,your administration has made incredible marks in changing the inhibitive narrative of leadership deficits that hamper national progress; you have remained unwavering in tackling a range of accumulated and deeply rooted problems of poor infrastructure and other socio-economic challenges that face the nation. 3. In the works sector, the Renewed Hope agenda of revolutionizing the road infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians is bearing fruit. Within two years in office, you have given unprecedented attention to the road infrastructure through emergency interventions to failed roads and bridges nationwide, increased funding of inherited ongoing projects, introduction of policies and innovations that guarantee quality,speed and value for money, and initiative to construct legacy projects that will expand the transportation ecosystem and turn around Nigeria's economy for sustainable prosperity. You are indeed a leader with enduring commitment to a prosperous Nigeria. 4. As we celebrate this eventful anniversary full of great accomplishments, we pray to God Almighty to continue to bless and prosper your vision to put Nigeria on the path to irreversible progress. Once more congratulations, Mr. President. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi,CON,FNSE FNATE Honourable Minister of Works ...
                        Oyo People Eulogise FG For Infrastructure Development
The people of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state were full of joy and gratitude as the Federal Government commissioned and handed over a 0.75 kilometre internal road to the National Centre for Generic and Biotechnology Agency, ( NACGRAB) located at the National Cereals Research Institute Complex in Ibadan in Oyo State rehabilitated by the Federal Ministry of works and Housing.
Speaking at the occasion, the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Oyo State, Engineer Kayode Ibrahim revealed that Oyo State is benefitting tremendiously from the federal government road projects. He said, " I can testify that a number of roads have received attention, from Lagos to Ibadan and Shagamu to Ibadan roads. We are pushing to finish them before May,2023."
Fashola added that "When you go round the state you will see that work is going on in many places at a great speed." He said that the Ibadan-Ife - Ilesa road was a night mare to road users before now, adding that Iwo road to Asejire to Ife is also presently receiving massive attention .
The Minister also confirmed that the contract for the rehabilitation of Ibadan - Oyo road had been awarded and the contractors are ready to hit the ground running.
He also disclosed that "Reynolds Construction Company, (RCC) is working round the clock on the Oyo Ogbomosho road with the aim of connecting it to the highway at the end of this year." The Minister also disclosed that work is on going at the Ogbomosho road because all obstacles had been removed and funds also released.
Babatunde Fashola in the same vain said that construction work is currently on going in a session at Oke - Ogun called Okerete from Shaki which is about a hundred kilometres, this previous administration had abandoned.
He also said that Isaleadini road that was abandoned for long and Okeohun road are receiving attention while road users are currently plying them freely with ease.
The Minister said other projects implemented by the Buhari administration in Oyo State include, the school of Survey, an internal road at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan and Moor Plantation.
In his welcome address, the Director of The National Centre for Generic and Biotechnology,( NACGRAB) Dr. Anthony Okere who was represented by Dr. Abisoye Ojo expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the internal road intervention project. The Director said access road to the Animal Generic Resource and Field in NACGRAB had worsened over the years due to gully erosion and transportion of farm equipments, livestock and their feeds as well as mobility of staff and guests of the Centre had been a nightmare but with the rehabilitation of the road by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing it has become a thing of the past.
Officials of some other Federal organisations such as the National Cereal Institute, Regional Office of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science with office and residential accommodation within the NCRI Complex expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the work done.
This road network will benefit about fourteen organisations both state and federal, who are being accommodated within the complex.
                        Opening Remarks By The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Of Works And Housing, Bashir Nura Alkali, At The 28th National Council Meeting On Works, Holding In Kano, Kano State On Wednesday, 24th August, 2022
Protocols
The Hon Com for Works & Infrastructure Engr Idris Wada Saleh
The PS Kánó State Min for Works and Infrastructure Arc Ahmed Salisu
Permanent Secretaries here present
President NSE here represented
MD FERMA
SOGOF
Federal Controllers of Works here present
President Surveyor’sCouncil of Nigeria
Directors from the FMWH and other MDAs both state and Federal
Reps of other agencies both state and federal
Members of the Press
Ladies and gentlemen
2. I am pleased to welcome you to the 28th Meeting of the National Council on Works holding in Kano, Kano State which incidentally is also my home state. As you are aware, the theme for this year’s National Council Meeting is “Infrastructure, the Season of Completion”. The theme is apt and timely, considering the push by all governments at this point to complete and commission most of its roads and bridge projects initiated and/or inherited.
3. Accordingly In order to ensure that the target of completing and commissioning of these projects is achieved, it has become necessary for all stakeholders to consider and provide creative and contemporary ideas and policy suggestions that will support the attainment of the above target. You may recall that a few weeks ago the National Council on Housing was also held in Sokoto where far reaching decisions were taken on sustainable development in the housing sector especially with a view to the provision of social housing and other related matters.
4. I must at this juncture thank our esteemed host, the Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, OFR (Khadimul Islam) and the good people of Kano State for the gesture of receiving us to deliberate on this crucial theme that was carefully chosen to ensure that the massive spending of public funds by governments at all levels in Highways and other roads infrastructure to ensure smooth mobility and access is duly accounted for through completed and commissioned road infrastructure across the country. It is of special note that the Kano State Government under his able stewardship has brought tremendous developments in the road sector that are worthy of emulation.
5 The Meeting is therefore significant as it will afford stakeholders the desired opportunities to identify some of the challenges in the highways and related sectors that could militate against successful completion and commissioning of roads in the country as this Administration winds up and to discuss strategies and possible practical solutions towards addressing them.
6. We are required to have the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021 - 2025 in mind as we look at ways of ensuring that road projects are completed and commissioned in order to galvanize national growth and sustainability. I am aware that our directors and other executives in the road sector have spent the last two days discussing these issue and these should form the basis for our discussions and our recommendations for the consideration of the council. Our recommendations should focus on restoring economic growth, the ease of doing business, local content utilization, investing in our people and creating a competitive economy through the availability of good and completed road network across the country.
7. Distinguished delegates and officials, the timing of this meeting, therefore, is very auspicious as it affords us the opportunity to think through and make necessary arrangements as well as take critical steps to ensure that road infrastructure projects are completed, commissioned as well as maintained throughout their lifespan. This will also ensure that money spent on roads and bridges impacts on the Nigerian economy and the citizens positively.
8. Finally, Let me take this opportunity to thank all those other officials and experts who have made this council meeting a success especially the Hon Comm Kánó State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, the Permanent Secretary, Directors from the FMWH and other Federal and State MDAs, Our Dev Parners, the Local Organizing Committee, the Press and Security Agencies. I thank you most sincerely.
9. On this note, I once again welcome you all and wish us fruitful deliberations.
10. Thank you
                                                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