FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS/ MTN MEETS ON QUALITY AND SPEEDY DELIVERY OF ENUGU - ONITSHA EXPRESSWAY PROJECT FUNDED  BY MTN UNDER TAX CREDIT SCHEME,FIXES COMPLETION DEADLINE FOR 10TH MAY 2026 AS HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE REDUCTION OF COST OF CEMENT TO N7,000 BY MANUFACTURERS GIVEN THE INCREASED ECONOMIC REBOUND THROUGH MR. PRESIDENT’S SUSTAINED REFORMS   The meeting of the Federal Ministry of Works with MTN and RCC Company Nig. Ltd over the slow funding and execution of the Enugu-Onitsha  Expressway by MTN under the Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment (Tax Credit) Scheme, held at the  Ministry's headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja  on 26th February 2025 has ended  with the following resolutions:   A - The construction of Enugu-Onitsha dual-carriageway must be completed  by 10th May 2026. B - MTN shall be held responsible should the road fail after construction on account of shady job by the contractor. C - There will be no variation or VOP on the project and RCC must note that  going forward, the operation of VOP in their projects must be in accordance with the procedure contained in the Conditions of Contract and not at the whims and caprices  of the contractor. D - MTN not to sacrifice  their responsibility of funding the project at the altar of MTN's business  profit as this will wittingly or unwittingly inhibit speedy delivery of the project and inpune on the public perception of the will of government  to ensure logical completion of the project. E -  There must be a commitment  in writing between MTN and the Federal Ministry of Works that this offer is predicated on these conditions herein set out. There must be a commitment  because  the more  the job delays, the more there is variation.   Speaking  during the meeting, which had in attendance, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Mohammad Bello Goronyo Esq, the Permanent Secretary  of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. O.O Adebiyi, the representatives of MTN, the Managing Director of  RCC Company Nig Ltd and his team, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, CON reiterated  that the Federal Ministry of Works is unwavering in its commitment  towards  ensuring  that the  contractor handling  the project,  and in this case MTN that is handling the project under the Tax Credit Scheme is made to ensure quality and speedy delivery of the project. He wondered  why an official of MTN could go on his way to insinuate that the directive made by the Federal Ministry of Works that RCC Ltd should  stop using materials  that could derail the quality outcome of the job amounted to a sabotage of the projects  of Mr. President  in South East. He said,: "We have to  put the records straight that this ministry has the responsibility to ensure quality delivery of work by contractors. And the contractor in this  case is MTN". He recounted the various  inspection visits he made to contractors' project  sites and how this had caused  them to brace up for ensuring quality  and speed in project  delivery.  He said of MTN's Enugu-Onitsha Expressway project, "We went through what MTN was doing. We discovered that they were using peeled sand to do the job. I'm an engineer. I'm not a history graduate. I'm a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and I've spent all my life in the field. And we gave a directive, which is in line with the general conditions of contract, that should stop using  such sand but go back, and use river sand, which we paid for."   The Honourable Minister emphasized  the need for RCC Nig Ltd to play by the rule in project variation. He decried as unacceptable a situation where RCC could do a job of N38 billion and demand for a VOP N14 billion and said that going  forward such indulgence by contractors in the name of inflation would not be tolerated. He used the medium to call on the manufacturers of cement, which is a key element  in the construction industry, especially on the use of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, to please reduce  the cost of cement to N7,000 as the price of dollar has drastically reduced, the cost of petrol is coming down and efforts are being made by Mr. President to fix the road. He said, "I'm happy that the policies of Mr.  President, are working. Today, a dollar is about N1,400. And let me use the opportunity to express dissatisfaction with the cost of cement. Our contractors have  called and complained  that they wanted to move back to asphalt. We are using  this medium to tell the cement manufacturers that at the time, the dollar was almost N2,000, they increased cement from N7,500. Why should today that the President has brought dollar to stability to about N1400, and is still going down, why should cement be selling for N9,500? We are requesting cement manufacturers to bring down the cost of cement to N7,000. If after one week they don't do that, I have to complain officially to Mr. President."   In their separate remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Works and the Permanent Secretary  Federal Ministry of Works estolled the stance of the Federal Ministry of Works on the policies that would not only fast track job execution  but also guarantee value  for money and quality project outcome. They urged the contractor to cooperate with the new paradigm under the Renewed Hope administration and work towards  delivering  the Enugu-Onitsha dual-carriageway on a record  time so that Mr. President could commission it for public use. The representative of MTN in his vote of thanks expressed  the readiness of MTN in working  towards  realizing the delivery of the project within  the agreed timeline.     ...

FG FLAGS OFF DUALISATION OF AJAOKUTA JUNCTION - OKENE - OKPELLA - AUCHI  - EKPOMA - BENIN ROAD IN KOGI AND EDO STATES  -Road Construction under President Tinubu has 50-100 Years Guarantee Sequel to the termination of the contracts for Sections II, III, and IV of the Dualisation of Obajana Junction - Benin Road due to non-performance and effluxion of time, last year, and their re-award, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has flagged off the said projects. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, 19th February in Ekpoma, Edo State. During the flag-off ceremony, Engr. Umahi gave a brief pathetic history about the road, which moved Mr. President to order a permanent solution on the road using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology with a 50-100 years guarantee. According to him, hitherto, commuters and motorists have been going through hardship due to its failure and high traffic volume, hence the dire need for its dualization.  He stated that the project has lingered for too long with attendant consequences on the road users. He added that he has been visiting the road since his assumption of duty and has held several meetings with the former contractors but nothing changed. Upon reporting back to Mr. President, he ordered for immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the suffering, which led to the termination of three (3) out of the four (4) sections of the entire alignment. As an adjoining part of the East-West road, it is very dear to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Umahi posited. It is, as well, a vital link to the Federal Capital (Abuja) and other Northern States with the South-East, South-West, and South-South geo-political zones of the country, thereby helping to connect and improve economic activities.   He commended the Governor and the good people of Edo state for the display of team spirit on the project. Umahi disclosed that the Governor does not only supervise State Government works but extends his monitoring to those of the Federal Government. He also expressed his gladness for the governor’s humble disposition and for the quantum of projects going on in the state within a spate of 100 days in office, which was being celebrated on the same day. While appreciating Mr. President for his concern for the plight of the people plying the road, as well as those living along its corridor, the Minister pleaded with them for patience during the duration of the construction of the additional lanes and reconstruction of the existing alignment. He directed the contractors to expedite action on the work, as delays will not be tolerated.  In his remarks, the representative of Mr. President and Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo praised Mr. President and the Minister of Works for coming to the aid of the people of Edo State. According to him, with this kind gesture of Mr. President, light has entered the state. He promised, on behalf of his people, unalloyed support for Mr. President’s re-election in 2027. Also, the Governor of Kogi State being represented by the Deputy Governor thanked Mr. President for the fatherly gesture, assuring him of reciprocity during the elections. In a Goodwill Message, the former Governor of Edo State and Senator representing Edo North, Sen. Adams Oshomole hailed the magnanimity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the untiring spirit of Engr. David Umahi, while thanking God for witnessing the day. It is worthy of note that the dualization of Lokoja - Benin Road is in four Sections, but three sections of the road project fall under Edo State. Section II starts from Okene to Auchi, which is about 63.70km long; Section III starts from Auchi – Ehor, which is about 54.224km long, and Section IV, which starts from Ehor - Benin is about 67.9km long. The Section I (Obajana Junction-Ajaokuta Junction) of the project, which is ongoing, is being handled by Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd. They were also awarded Section II, while Section III is being given to Messrs Bua Construction (Nig.) Ltd. and IV to CBC (Nig.) Ltd.   ...

Minister Applauds FERMA Staff for Determination and Resilience  The Minister of State for Works, Muhammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has complimented the determination and resilience of the management and staff of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in the discharge of their responsibilities. He stated this on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, while addressing staff of the Agency in Lafia, headquarters of the North Central Zone, during a one-day familiarisation visit and inspection of ongoing works on the Keffi-Gitata-Shendam/Plateau State Border road in Nasarawa State. Goronyo acknowledged the resourcefulness of the FERMA’s personnel in fixing Nigeria's roads despite the inadequacy of annual budgetary allocations. He disclosed that pressures are being mounted on the Agency now, more than ever, from various quarters to maintain the roads despite the mergre resources. Goronyo cited as an example the Lokoja - Abuja Dual Carriageway,  sections of which are in bad shape, prolonging travel time from 1 hour 30 minutes to 4 hours. In contrast, the Minister revealed that his journey from Abuja to Lafia was smooth, as well as joyful due to the good road. He said "This is hope being renewed and everybody must be on their toes. The President is determined to move the nation forward and we must support him to actualise his vision and mission." The Minister, who emphasised the determination of the Ministry of Works to resolve all the challenges being faced by the staff, stressed that they should ensure they sensitize the public against packing and abandoning vehicles, especially trucks on the roads. He also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to support the Ministry’s efforts by safeguarding Federal roads across the country.  He informed them that the Managing Director/CEO is addressing issues related to their welfare, while urging them to reciprocate the gesture by ensuring that the Agency continues to deliver on its mandate. The Minister added that the stakeholders across the country have been commending the Agency for their dedication and patriotism in maintaining Nigerian roads despite challenges of funding and security in some parts of the country. He noted that the Government alone cannot maintain all the roads due to the high level of deterioration, calling for a collective effort to ensure safer and motorable highways. Goronyo urged the road users, as well as benefiting communities to protect the infrastructure by not digging holes or creating demarcations. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is ready and determined to ensure that all Nigerian roads are in good conditions for improved economy and assets. The Minister also reiterated the Federal Government's resolve to enhance road maintenance and urged all stakeholders to support the administration's initiatives aimed at achieving safe and durable roads, nationwide. Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO, FERMA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasiuu, Ph.d expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the rehabilitation projects in Nasarawa State. He reaffirmed the Agency's commitment to delivering high-quality roads and enhancing travel experience, in line with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda. Engr. Agbasi also guaranteed field workers training and retraining to equip them with 21st-century construction trends. He added that despite issues of insecurity in the North Central zone, they should not relent in their collective efforts to maintain Nigerian roads. He stated that FERMA is doing its best despite inadequate funding, stressing that it will soon take delivery of brand-new equipment, while the grounded ones would be repaired and put into use. Also, in his opening remarks, the Zonal Head of North Central II, covering Benue, Plateau, Taraba and Nasarawa States, Engr Halilu Umama highlighted the strategic importance of the region as a vital link between Northern and Southern Nigeria. He noted that many projects in the zone are being executed through direct labour between 2022 to 2024 and he outlined major challenges including the high costs of construction materials, equipment rental, low budgetary allocations, and road abuses such as the erection of illegal speed breakers and encroachments on Federal highways. In his Closing Remarks, the Federal Roads Maintenance Engineer for Nasarawa State, Engr. Aliu Muhammad voiced gratitude for the progress made in the past seven (7) months. He commended the leadership of the Ministry and that of FERMA for their commitment to improving road infrastructure and ensuring better conditions for field workers. ...