Federal Ministry of Works

Sep

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI ORDERS IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY INTERVENTION ON BENIN-ASABA ROAD, AND SOME OTHER CRITICAL FEDERAL ROADS

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Federal Road to restore the failed sections and bring an end to the suffering of motorists and other road users.

This is because, the situation on the concessioned Benin-Asaba Road has reached a point where the overall public interest must take precedence over the existing concession agreement.

Recall that the Honourable Minister of Works was on the Benin-Asaba Road about seven days ago, where he assembled a number of contractors and directed them to prepare for immediate palliative intervention on the affected sections of the road at no cost to the concessionaire. In line with the Concession agreement which requires that before the Federal Government could intervene, the permission of the concessionaire must be required, and that permission was not granted to federal government.

The Minister subsequently proposed three options to the concessionaire, any one of which would have enabled the Federal Government to move in and address the worsening condition of the road. Unfortunately, none of the options was accepted by the concessionaire. Immediately after the Minister left Asaba, the already limited equipment deployed to the road by the concessionaire was further reduced to just one, worsening the situation and increasing the suffering of motorists and other road users.

While the Minister takes responsibility for the concerns and suffering of Nigerians using the road, it is important to state that the concessionaire has also not taken the suffering of Edo people and travelling public sufficiently into consideration by declining all the options put forward by the Federal Government. The concessionaire continues to rely on the terms of the concession agreement entered into by the previous administration, an agreement which weighs heavily against the Federal Government’s ability to intervene quickly in the interest of the public in a situation like this.

In view of this situation, the Honourable Minister of Works has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors within the corridor to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Road to restore the failed sections and bring relief to the people, with the cost of the emergency intervention being borne by the Federal Government. The Honourable Minister has also directed immediate redesign of the entire route to be rebuilt with reinforced concrete pavement. The public should therefore take note that immediate action is underway to restore every failed section of the Benin-Asaba Road and subsequently rehabilitate the entire sections of the road using reinforced concrete pavement.

2. On the Benin-Sapele Road:
The Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Government are currently engaged in interventions on different sections of the road to restore the entire route. While some sections are receiving palliative attention, permanent works are also ongoing on other sections.

3. On Ifaki(Ekiti) - Kabba (Kogi) Road:
The Federal Government is engaging both the contractor; Gamji Nigeria Company Limited, and Dangote PLC on immediate emergency and permanent intervention on the most failed sections of the road, while efforts are being made to financially mobilise the company for more extensive permanent work to commence on the axis.

4. On the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina Road: This is an inherited project involving the dualisation of approximately 350 kilometres, which translates to about 700 kilometers. The project has since been redesigned and is currently ongoing and most sections are being reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement. From the Sokoto axis towards Zamfara, over 50 kilometres of one carriageway have been fully completed with reinforced concrete pavement. From Zamfara to Katsina, some sections have been completed and palliative works have been ordered over the sections that have not been reconstructed. However, the pace of work slowed down due to the redesign and rephasing of the project. The contractors currently engaged on the road include CBC, SETRACO, Triacta and Mothercat. They are being remobilised to return to site and complete the outstanding works.

5. On the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road: The Federal Government took over the Road project and has currently completed the 118-kilometer mostly on reinforced concrete pavement on lot 1. The Lot 2, which covers 164 kilometres, is over 60 percent completed on reinforced concrete pavement. The Federal Government has also introduced solar-powered light on the entire route of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria - Kano to improve visibility during night travel and enhance the overall security situation on the route. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

6. On Bauchi-Jigawa Road: Triacta Nigeria Limited has been mobilised to carry out the necessary interventions on some failed sections and work is currently ongoing in those failed sections.

7. On the Sagamu-Ore Road: 48 Kilometers of the 96-kilometre road have already been completed using reinforced concrete pavement. There is also a 24-kilometre section around Ore which was abandoned by the previous contractor. The Federal Government has directed its immediate restoration to ensure seamless travel. Solar lights are being installed in the entire 96kilometer of the road.

8. On Flooded Sections on Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road: The flooded sections on the same corridor between Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road, as well as other flooded sections in Ondo State, are being designed for emergency procurement and intervention.

9. On the East-West Road:
Some failed and critical sections, including defective sections of bridges along the East-West Road, are being marked out for emergency procurement and intervention.

10. On the Abuja-Lokoja Road:
Several contracts are ongoing along the route, while the three critical sections currently without contracts are being procured for emergency intervention.

11. On the Lokoja-Benin-Warri Road: The President has directed a complete redesign and procurement of the 400-kilometre dualised route covering the uncompleted sections, using reinforced concrete pavement, while palliative works will continue with the contractors currently on the road.

12. On Carter Bridge:
While the Federal Government continues to undertake weekly maintenance of the underwater elements of the bridge. The site has also been handed over to the contractor, CCECC, for the construction of a permanent new bridge, and work has commenced.

13. On the Third Mainland Bridge:
With regard to the defective underwater structural elements, the Federal Government is at the final stage of determining the appropriate intervention for the repair of the affected elements.

14. On the flooded section of the Lagos-Ibadan Road: Work has commenced on the affected section. There are also several flooded sections on federal roads across the six geopolitical zones, largely occasioned by excessive flooding and the effects of climate change. The Federal Government is identifying and marking these sections for immediate attention.

15. On the First and Second Niger Bridges:
Intervention work is ongoing on the approach roads to the Second Niger Bridge damaged by flood and the work is progressing very well. The First Niger Bridge has been closed to traffic to enable immediate repair works. Contractor has mobilized to site and comprehensive rehabilitation of the bridge has started. From Summit Junction to the First Niger Bridge, massive rehabilitation work is also ongoing using reinforced concrete pavement.

16. The Honourable Minister wishes to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the massive work being undertaken on the nation’s roads since the administration assumed office in 2023.

17. It is important to state that when the present administration came into office, there was hardly any part of the country where one could travel for an hour without encountering significant challenges on the road network. The condition of the country’s roads and bridges was a major national infrastructure challenge.

18. Rather than shy away from the problem, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the nation’s road network a priority. Virtually every part of the country became a priority, and the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, Regional Commissions, Parastatals and other MDA’s has continued to respond extensively to these challenges.

19. The Federal Government is currently working on over 80 percent of the inherited federal roads, an unprecedented level of intervention in the country’s road infrastructure.

20. We ask the public to understand the enormous challenges inherited on our roads and bridges and to take note not only of the problems being solved, but also of the permanent solutions being introduced.

21. A major part of this new approach is the use of reinforced concrete pavement, designed to significantly extend the lifespan of major roads. These roads are expected to last between 50 and 100 years. This means that roads being constructed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are being designed with future generations in mind, rather than simply providing temporary solutions to today’s problems. And this is a complete departure from the past, when roads often deteriorated only a few years after completion, resulting in a continuous cycle of reconstruction and expenditure.

22. We appreciate the concerns of Nigerians over the condition of some roads presently and the difficulties faced by motorists and commuters who cannot move easily from one point to another. Those concerns are legitimate, and the Federal Government is listening. But Nigerians should also recognise the enormous scale of the problems inherited and the amount of work currently being undertaken across the country.

23. It is simply impossible to resolve every road challenge accumulated over many years of neglect by the past administrations within three years. What is important is that the government is working, the government is responding, and the government is putting permanent solutions in place.

25. We appreciate members of the public who send situation reports on failed roads and other infrastructure challenges. These reports help the Ministry identify areas requiring urgent attention. However, we also appeal to members of the public to report when such problems have been addressed, just as they report when they occur.

24. We are aware of situations where photographs and reports of road challenges continue to circulate on social media even after the Federal Government has intervened and resolved the particular problem.
25. However, the Ministry will continue to respond as rapidly as possible to genuine reports and concerns from Nigerians.
26. It is also important to note that we have compiled a comprehensive record of all inherited, ongoing and intervention projects across the country which is available to the public. This is to ensure that Nigerians have access to information on the infrastructure projects being undertaken nationwide and can fully participate in and appreciate the infrastructure revolution of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Feb

2021

Oko Poly Commends FG for 1.23km Roads Intervention The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra State, Dr Francisca Unoma Nwafulugo has commended the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola for the 1.23 kilometer roads constructed in the permanent site of the Federal Polytechnic Oko. The Rector stated that the project would impact the quality of education and the learning environment at the institution. The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is constructing internal roads in 43 tertiary institutions in Nigeria under it's Road Intervention Program. Fashola was represented at the commissioning and handover of the completed road to Oko Federal Polytechnic by the Project Supervisor of Second Niger Bridge, Engr Oluwaseyi Martins, who represented the Hon. Minister. The Minister said, "The gap of our infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways and it has reached the school" Fashola explained that to date twenty-one (29) road intervention projects have been completed with seventeen (17) already handed over in 2020, describing the Oko Poly internal road being handing over today as a critical intervention to support education. According to the Minister, twenty-five Nigerians were employed during the construction of the road with several other artisans and traders earning income at the site of the construction. This he said, contributed to the job creation initiatives of the Federal Government. Fashola enjoined the school to ensure putting the asset in to proper use and not to be abused. The Rector who thanked the Minister and the Federal government for the completed project, requested for more infrastructural development in the School in order to open up the other side of the undeveloped lands within the campus. She said, “Though there was no follow up from the School on the road contract yet the scope of work was covered and they did not cut corners or used shoddy materials for the construction, the project was completed on point schedule the challenges of Covid 19 pandemic” Anambra State Commissoner of Works Engr Marcel Ifejiofor represented by Engr Dr Ikedi Eze observed that the standard and quality of the roads and drainage were of good standard. The Director Medical Services of the Oko Federal Polytechnic, Dr Ifeoma Monago said ‘The road is a very standard one, we are very happy with the Federal Government for remembering us and building these wonderful roads in this institution. The roads are the best we have so far in this school, we appreciate government and the effort of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing”. The Executive Director of Sagez Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyinka Amosun on behalf of the contractor said ‘The road was constructed in line with the Bill of Engineering Measurements and Evaluation (BEME) and met all standards of civil engineering in road construction’ In his reaction, Eduzor Chiamaka Favour, a National Diploma student of Home and Rural Economics said, “I have never seen a road like this standard in my entire life, so beautifully designed with bright colours. Okoli Cyril, a student of Science Laboratory Technology said “ I am happy to see this type of roads in my school, since I was admitted in 2018 nothing like this ‘’ ...

Feb

2021

Global Safety Organisation Honours Permanent Secretary The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Babangida Hussaini has been honoured as a Fellow of the Occupational Safety and Health Association, Nigeria at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mabushi, Abuja The Awardee, Babangida Hussaini who expressed appreciation over the recognition emphasized the importance of safety in every organization, describing it as a serious issue especially when it concerns the human capital. The Permanent Secretary further said that human beings were the biggest asset of every organization. “It takes years of hardwork to train staff, losing them is a great set back”, he said. He promised to give necessary support to the organization to enable them achieve more. The Permanent Secretary further gave the assurance that he will be working closely with the Director, Central Workshop and Equipment in the Ministry, Engineer Christian C. Onyibo who is also the Vice President, FCT Unit of the association to provide the support that will strengthen the impact of the organization in the Ministry of Works and Housing. The Nigeria Regional President of the association, HRH Dr. Aderemi Olusegun, represented by the Chairman, Council of Fellows of the organization, Dr. Dalhatu M.Ahmed noted that the Permanent Secretary is critical to the association as the policy engine room of the Ministry. He expressed confidence that the coming of the Permanent Secretary into the association will usher in greater cooperation and achievement for both the ministry and the association as he is now going to drive the programme in the Ministry especially as the Honourable Minster of State, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar D. Aliyu is also a fellow of the association. The Regional President said the organization has done a lot of safety work in Nigeria, adding that it was in consideration of this that the Federal Government gave them an office at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja. The Nigeria Regional Administrator of the Association, Engineer Ewalaka Emmanuel who made a presentation on the association disclosed that the Occupational Safety and Health Association, (OSHA Association UK-Nigeria) is an independent professional association with international membership and regional chapters worldwide committed to supporting individuals and corporate organisations around the world in achieving zero fatalities and accidents at work places. Engineer Emmanuel said the organization which has been in Nigeria for over a decade has been going to various countries to share knowledge on safety measures. He added that in line with President Muhammadu Buhari's effort to protect Nigerians from COVID-19, the association has been working seriously to see that COVID-19 guidelines are complied with. According to the citation read by the Director Central Workshop and Equipment in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Christian C. Onyibo, Babangida Hussaini who was born on the 6th of February, 1964 in Kazaure, Jigawa State, holds a BSC and MSC degrees in Public Administration from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna respectively. He began his public Service career in 1987 with the Kano State Government in 1991. In 2011 he transferred his service to the Federal Civil Service and rose to the position of a Permanent Secretary in year 2020. He assumed office as the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence in September, 2020 before his redeployment to Federal Ministry of Works and Housing as the Permanent Secretary in December, 2020. ...

Feb

2021

FG Hands Over Internal Road to Federal Polytechnic Damaturu. The Federal Government has commissioned and handed over a 700 meters asphalt overlay internal road constructed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing at the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State. The 700 metres road with drainage and culverts was handed over to the authorities of the institution at a brief handing and taking over ceremony which took place within the vicinity of the Polytechnic in Damaturu. In his address, the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN represented by the Federal Controller of works, Yobe State, Engineer Olusegun Babalakin Akinmade, stated that the infrastructure need of the country was steadily being provided through such interventions in the nation's tertiary institutions. Fashola said "Though a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction of roads is going on in major highways and tertiary institutions, the infrastructure need of the country is steadily being provided." The Minister also revealed that there are currently 43 road interventions within tertiary institutions across Nigeria out of which 29 have been completed with 17 of the roads handed over to the respective institutions across the country in 2020. Fashola commended the administration of President Buhari for attending to the needs of the various sectors of the nation including education. "While 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." he said. Similarly, the Minister described the road project as an investment in education, adding that the quality of education would be impacted by the quality of infrastructure and the learning environment . He also expressed confidence that the restoration of the defective road to good condition would engender a renewed enthusiasm in the students with regards to attending classes. The Yobe State Commissioner of Works, Umaru Wakili who represented the Deputy Governor of the State, Honourable Idi Barde Gubana noted that, the provision of roads, culvert and drainage was vital to the development of any higher institution especially those that were fast expanding in terms of structure and academic programmes. Gubana, also expressed the appreciation of the Yobe State Government to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing for its intervention in the provision of road infrastructure in the Polytechnic, describing it as a giant stride. Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Dr. Usman Kallami, represented by the Deputy Rector Administration, Muhammed Abubakar expressed gratitude to Minister Fashola for the road rehabilitation in the school and another (about 1000 metres) carried out by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, (FERMA), an agency of the Ministry in the Polytechnic. The Rector described the rehabilitation work as a new dawn and a dream come true, and also urged the Ministry to do more for the Polytechnic as it was in need of solar street lighting, more road network and drainages. A cross section of the students interviewed at the occasion expressed gratitude to the federal government for easing the hardship caused by the roads when they were in a state of disrepair. In attendance at the occasion were: Yobe State Commissioner of Higher Education Professor Muhammed Munkaila and Hon.Mai Sanda Lawan, who represented His Royal Highness, the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashim II ibn Umar El Kanemi and other dignitaries. ...