STAKEHOLDERS UNITE TO INSPECT ABUJA–KADUNA AND SULEJA– MINNA DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS -Declare Minna Road, an Emergency Project The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNATE, FNSE; the Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Sen. (Barr.) Onyekachi Nwaebonyi; the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Hon. Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq.; PDP Chieftain, Otunba Segun Showunmi, among others Saturday, 28th June 2025, led a high-level inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Minna dual carriageway, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparency, engineering excellence, and sustainable infrastructure development. In his remarks, Engr. Umahi disclosed that over 11 kilometres of Section 1 have already been reconstructed using 200 mm reinforced concrete with a projected lifespan of 100 years. The construction process, which involves pulverising failed pavement, laying an 80 mm cement-stabilised stone base, and installing Y20 steel reinforcements at 20 cm intervals beneath a 60 mm concrete top, matches the quality standards adopted for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Road. The Minister noted that the momentum gained on the Abuja–Kaduna project had gained added momentum followed by the inquisition which brought about this transparent site engagement. The Minister also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his unwavering support following the termination of the previous contract with Julius Berger over cost discrepancies. “Without Mr. President’s support, it would have been difficult to redeem the project's integrity. But with the quality of work being delivered by Infoquest, today both the Ministry’s and my integrity are restored,” he said. Section 1 (118 km) is valued at ₦252 billion, while Section 2 (164 km), awarded at ₦525 billion, is progressing steadily across three subsections. In parallel with this progress, the Ministry addressed concerns over the Dualization of the Suleja–Minna Road (Phase 1) in Niger State, under Contract No. 6077 with Messrs Salini Nigeria Ltd. The project, covering 40 km from Diko Junction to Bonu village, includes 2 twin flyovers and 3 river bridges. Despite notable achievements—such as 36.89 km of sub-base, stone base, binder course, and wearing course already laid; construction of all 3 bridges up to transition slab level; and extensive culvert installations—the project has faced setbacks, including delayed payments and insecurity. As of the latest assessment, the project is 86.33% complete based on the original contract sum but stands at only 30.03% relative to the revised sum of ₦26.7 billion. The Honourable Minister has reaffirmed the Ministry’s position on accountability and directed that Salini be held responsible for any contractual lapses. Where necessary, portions of the outstanding works equal to the value owed by the contractor will be scoped out for direct execution under close supervision. Inspecting Sections I and II, Umahi decried the aged-long-neglect of the construction work by the contractor- Salini Nig. Ltd, which has left the site for the past 18 months without completing the contract. He also noted that the areas the Contractor claimed to have done have become dilapidated. He, however, called for the termination of the Messrs. Salini Nig. Ltd’s contract of sections I and II with immediate effect while declaring the project an emergency project to be handled under emergency procurement processes and taken over by CCECC and CGC companies. He also directed a-24 24-hour documentary on the road, especially the failed areas. “The project has been irrevocably terminated and Nigerians will see why we terminated it. If they (Salini) do not do what we have directed them to do, what they owe us under our supervision, we are all going to the EFCC to take it over” “We are documenting the current condition of the road for public accountability. Once work is completed, people tend to forget how bad it was. Information Department must keep a visual record to justify our emergency action”. Reiterating that the Suleja-Minna road is now a top priority, and every effort is being made to ensure timely and quality delivery in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, Engr. Umahi reassured travellers of their safety with the incorporation of safety and security infrastructure into the road design, including solar-powered lighting, CCTV surveillance, and a rapid-response system that guarantees intervention from security agencies within 10 minutes of any incident. Kilometre 71 and other active segments are already being secured during the construction phase. This is to ensure traveler safety and long-term durability. The Minister restated the Ministry’s openness to scrutiny and partnerships.  “Where we have done well, let Nigerians see it. Where we must do better, tell us—and we will act.” Minister of State, Hon. Bello M. Goronyo, praised the cross-sectoral nature of the inspection, noting that it marked a shift from armchair criticism to informed civic engagement. He lauded Showunmi’s patriotism and willingness to scrutinize national progress with sincerity, stating that real transformation must be driven by both resource allocation and unwavering commitment. Also present at the inspection, Barr. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Senate and member of the Committee of Works commended the scale and engineering quality of the project, affirming the Senate’s continued commitment to funding and legislative backing for infrastructure that enhances trade, national cohesion, and safety. Segun Showunmi, a well-known national voice on governance, whose concerns over delayed infrastructure projects prompted the engagement, applauded the Ministry’s openness. “I dropped everything to be here because our national integrity matters. This isn’t personal interests or affiliations; it’s about shared responsibility,” he remarked. While commending the quality of work, he maintained that his endorsement was based strictly on performance and would not be extended as a blanket approval to the broader administration. He further noted that public figures owe the nation constructive criticism and not endless cynicism, and that holding leadership accountable is of utmost importance as it helps in building the nation. “We’ve seen progress, and like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. Let this be the new standard—less noise, more delivery,” he concluded.   ...

EMPOWERING ENGINEERS THROUGH KNOWLEDGE-DRIVEN TRAINING TO DELIVER SAFER AND STRONGER ROADS The Federal Ministry of Works, under the strategic leadership of the Honourable Minister, Engr. David Umahi, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State, Hon. Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., organised a three-day zonal capacity-building training for engineers, technologists, and technicians in the North Central zone. As part of this initiative, the training commenced on Tuesday, 24th June 2025 at the Pavement Evaluation Unit, Sheda, Kwali Area Council, the FCT, where participants gathered for intensive knowledge-sharing and technical skill enhancement tailored to the evolving demands of modern infrastructure delivery. In his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, emphasised that the programme, approved by the Honourable Minister, aims to address the widening generational and capacity gaps caused by the recent retirement of a significant number of senior engineers and the anticipated exit of more within the year. He noted that organising the training on a zonal basis ensures efficient resource management while encouraging broader participation across the federation. The training refreshes core competencies in highway and bridge design, project and contract management, and applicable quality assurance procedures, while promoting cross-functional exposure to develop versatile, all-around professionals. Highlighting the importance of dynamic field experience, the Permanent Secretary underscored the need to rotate engineers across different regions and departments, stating that long-term stay in a single location or unit limits professional growth and technical adaptability. Addressing the recruitment gap within the service, he explained that a comprehensive personnel audit had been conducted and submitted to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for further consideration. He also called on young professionals to invest in self-development and embrace competence as a prerequisite for employability in a modern public service environment, where performance now drives progression. Reaffirming the Ministry’s zero tolerance for misconduct, he noted that the civil service has well-established disciplinary frameworks across all cadres and that infractions will be met with appropriate sanctions through existing regulations. The technical sessions featured expert-led lectures, including “Effective Supervision of Federal Highway Projects” by Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, PhD, emphasised the urgency of addressing workforce overload and called for increased manpower to support the rising volume of national projects, while urging field engineers to uphold discipline and deliver consistently despite constraints. Engr. C. Shausu delivered a session on “ _Effective Communication Skills,”_ highlighting the critical role of communication in project coordination and interdepartmental collaboration. Additionally, “Ensuring Safety in Project Sites” was delivered by Engr. A.A. Adebiyi stressed the importance of enforcing safety protocols and maintaining high standards to protect lives and infrastructure. Speaking on the broader significance of the programme, the Director, Highways, Planning and Development, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described the training as a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to the professional development and technical performance of its workforce, urging participants to embrace their roles with renewed dedication and a stronger sense of national duty. From the participants’ perspective, the training was described as enriching and transformative, with attendees affirming that the sessions provided valuable insights into professional best practices and identified key areas for improvement to enhance effective project delivery. In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary reminded participants that the training was not merely academic, but a moral and professional awakening. He called on engineers to recommit to excellence, uphold ethical standards, and demonstrate the technical leadership the Ministry represents. “Let this engagement reset our priorities and rekindle our pride as engineers. We must rise above complacency- we must deliver,” he charged. This training forms part of a broader national initiative approved by the Honourable Minister to strengthen technical capacity, reinforce professionalism, and ensure that the Federal Ministry of Works remains at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure development across Nigeria.   ...

HON MINISTER OF WORKS, DEPLOYS MINISTRY’S PERSONNEL, MAINTENANCE TEAM OF  CONCESSIONAIRE TO THE RECENTLY FLOODED SECTION OF COMPLETED LAFIA-MAKURDI ROAD, TASKS THEM ON PERMANENT SOLUTION TO FLOODING ALONG THE CARRIAGEWAY -APOLOGIZES TO MR. PRESIDENT, ROAD USERS FOR THE EMBARRASSMENT CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE OF THE CONCESSIONAIRE WHOSE DUTY IS TO OPERATE AND MAINTAIN THE ROAD. In a passionate response to the flooding situation that occurred along Lafia-Makurdi road that severely disrupted traffic flow on 18th June 2025, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON has directed the immediate deployment of the Ministry’s personnel and the maintenance team of China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company, concessionaire for Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road to bring effective and permanent solution to flood disturbances along the road. In a Press Statement made in his office on 19th June 2025, the Honourable Minister condemned the unfortunate negligence by the concessionaire whose duty under the Highways Development  Management Initiative (HDMI) of the Federal Government is to operate and maintain the road. “We have got information on the unfortunate flooding of a section of Keffi-Makurdi road which is under HDMI, that is, a PPP with China Harbour. We know that the project has been completed and it is tolled, but unfortunately yesterday there were a lot of debris that covered an existing culvert there and that led to flooding but in the midst of that rain we deployed our Ministry of Works personnel in Makurdi State and also the China Harbour personnel and they had to go to the inlet of the culvert and removed all the debris and the flood has been totally evacuated.” That section of the road has been reinstated He directed the concessionaire to critically assess the primary cause, provide a permanent solution to flooding along the carriageway, and take all steps necessary to prevent future occurrence. "We apologize very profusely to Mr. President and  Nigerians, for the embarrassment, this unfortunate incident caused him and Nigerians." He commended the President for his fatherly intervention in the unfortunate incident in Benue State. "We also commend Mr. President very highly for his fatherly role in Benue State. His visit there has made a lot of impact in the lives of the people of Benue State and everyone living in that place. With God on his side, Benue people shall see sustainable peace and progress." Speaking earlier during the courtesy visit of the Managing Director/CEO of Citibank Nigeria Ltd, Nneka Enwereji, the Honourable Minister  highlighted some of the initiatives of Federal Government of Nigeria under the present administration to improve the quantity and quality of the road assets in Nigeria, especially the initiative to construct the four Renewed Hope Legacy Projects which are critical road infrastructure necessary for the economic advancement of the nation. He sought for the partnership of the bank by investing on any of the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects “I'm happy to have Citibank Executives here in my office today to discuss how they can partner with us over the four Legacy Projects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and also other infrastructural developments in the country. We have had a very fruitful meeting, and I am very happy that the efforts of Mr President on external inflow is yielding desired result and that the international community has commended him very highly on his transformative reforms. This project shall be realized by the courage and commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.” In her mission statement, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Citibank Nigeria Ltd, expressed the willingness of the Bank to partner with  Federal Government of Nigeria through sustainable investment and funding in the development of those projects that would make a positive impact to the progress of the country. She expressed pleasure over the impressive strides of the Renewed Hope administration, which are necessary to build investor’s confidence. “We are here as Citibank to discuss how we can effectively partner with you,to know the project you are undertaking, and see how we can leverage the access that we have to support some of those projects and make a positive impact to the progress of the country. We want to discuss some of the specifics and some of the projects that we are already looking at in the country. We are very impressed with the big strides that you are making. And we want to support that as much as we can.” Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works ...