Federal Ministry of Works

Apr

2026

LATEST PRESS

HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY TO ALH. ALIKO DANGOTE

I warmly congratulate my dear brother, and President/CEO, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON on the occasion of his 69th birthday.

Your remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth remain a source of pride, and I deeply appreciate your partnership in our concrete road revolution, an initiative that is delivering more durable and high-quality road infrastructure across the country.

I wish you continued good health, strength, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE
Honourable Minister of Works

Dec

2024

FG COMMITTED TO EXECUTING PROJECTS THAT WILL BETTER THE LIVES OF NIGERIANS - GORONYO The Honourable Minister of State for Works, HMSW, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has reiterated the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment to providing quality infrastructure designed to improve the living conditions of the Nigerian people, through well thought out and strategically delivered projects. Goronyo made this statement on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024, at the official commissioning ceremony of solar- powered streetlights along Sultan Abubakar International Airport Road in Sokoto, Sokoto State, stating that, amongst other benefits, the streetlights will create visibility, improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of the community, ease travel stress on the road users, as well as mitigate security challenges. While also maintaining that the project is very strategic because it is both an entry point for travelers to Sokoto through the Airport and the fact that Sokoto is the coordinating nerve center of the adjoining states of Zamfara and Kebbi, the HMSW insisted that the commissioning aligns effectively with the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He described the President as a committed, astute and patriotic leader, who is all out to ameliorate the living conditions of Nigerians, as well as to right the many wrongs of yester years. He congratulated the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and communities within the corridor for having the streetlights, also urged them to take ownership of the project and full advantage of the inherent opportunities. The Managing Director/CEO, Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA) Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, described the project as iconic and of strategic importance to Sokoto, as it will enhance travel experience and the economic lives of the people being capable of prolonging their trading time. The Honourable Minister and the MD/CEO, thereafter, led other dignitaries and stakeholders to commission the Sokoto - Ilela Road, recently rehabilitated by FERMA. It is about 58 kilometres, linking Sokoto to the border town on the Nigeria-Niger Republic border. The Minister described the project as very strategic, as it is capable of providing employment opportunities, as well as curbing threats of insecurity. He, however, warned that the palliative works were done through taxpayers’ money, warning that Government will not continue to fold its arms, while road users, especially articulated vehicles damage it without paying. “Vehicles found damaging the roads will be impounded and made to pay for it before they are released, to serve as deterrent to others,” Goronyo further warned. ...

Dec

2024

Adebiyi Takes Over from Kofarmata as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works Engr. Olufunsho Olusesan Adebiyi has taken over as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works from Yakubu Adams Kofarmata, Ph.D, Tuesday, 17th December, 2024. The handing over ceremony, which was brief, took place on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024. While addressing Management and Staff, the outgoing Permanent Secretary commended them for working with him, harmoniously, also appealed to them to extend the same to his successor to enable him to succeed in his new assignment. He pleaded, "I beg of you, extend the same hands of cooperation, support and comradeship to him and I am sure you will never regret it.” In his acceptance speech, the incoming Permanent Secretary applauded the outgoing for his excellent track record, while in office, noting that many of the Ministry’s staff have learnt a-lot from working with him. He added that Kofarmata has always been there for the Staff of the Ministry day in, day out towards ensuring that the proper things were done. While soliciting for equal or more dedication and cooperation, Adebiyi disclosed that the challenges facing the Ministry and the country, at large, are enormous, insisting that only when all hands are joined together, would they be tackled. According to him, "I want to assure you that I will do my best by the grace of God. The challenges are enormous before us and I am sure that we would overcome them, together.” He emphasized that one of the challenges being faced by the Ministry is the allegation of lopsidedness in the geopolitical spread of projects, stressing that one region will accuse the Ministry of not having as much as the others and the others would, likewise, do the same. Adebiyi assured that with God, the issues would be resolved, amiably. The Permanent Secretary pleaded that "I want to appeal to all of us to ensure that we strive toward delivering on the mandate of Mr. President to provide critical road infrastructure, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.” Engr. Adebiyi is being redeployed from the State House, while Kofarmata is reporting to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for further posting. ...

Dec

2024

HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS MEETS WITH BUREAU OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT (BPP) HARPS ON NEW PARADIGM OF SEAMLESS BUREAUCRACIES TO END DELAYS IN PROJECT EXECUTION As part of efforts to end delays in the implementation of the Renewed Hope agenda on the road sector development, the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. Nweze Umahi, CON has had a partnership discussion with the management of the Bureau of Public Procurement. (BPP) on the need for a new paradigm of seamless bureaucracies in public procurement processes for efficient and timely project delivery. In a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja on 10th December 2024, the Honourable Minister stated that for the works sector to achieve greater prospects in innovation, efficiency, and economy in the road infrastructure revolution agenda of the present administration and to best respond to the citizens’ yearning for road sector intervention, there must be a deliberate effort to remove all bureaucratic constraints to project evaluation by the Bureau of Public Procurement. He noted the core mandates of the Bureau, which among others are to foster accountability, consistency in pricing, effectiveness in contract execution, and value for money, and urged them to see delay as one of the greatest inhibitors of the objectives of the establishment of the Bureau. "We seek closer cooperation and collaboration to enable the Ministry to Fastrack delivery of the road infrastructure projects inherited and those initiated by the Renewed Hope administration. When we came on board, we insisted on best practices, and we introduced innovations to ensure we give Nigerians enduring road infrastructure that is fit for purpose. We therefore need a collaborative resolve to end unnecessary delays in the procurement processes." He pointed out that different procurement methods, including restrictive, selective, and competitive bidding measures, are geared towards achieving value for money and effective service delivery to Nigerians. On his part, the Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun commended the Honourable Minister for the purposeful initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Works under his watch and assured him of enhanced synergies with the Ministry so that the noble objectives of the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the works sector would be achieved. He said, “The interesting thing about you is that you don't fail in your duty, which I have observed. You start, you end with something that is unique about you, and you're passionate about what you want to do. We are glad when you extended the invitation for us to come here. We know you see BPP as a worthy partner towards ensuring that Mr. President's objectives in respect of road infrastructure are achieved timely, transparently, and well-accounted.” He thanked the Honourable Minister for the initiative to hold the meeting to discuss areas of procurement challenges. He said, “We are here to hear your challenges, and for us to also hear our own challenges and reach an understanding of how to make sure we work together to achieve the same goal for logical completion. From my experience in this job over the years, works is an arm of government that Nigerians see every day. They talk about it every day. If there is the agency or Parastatal or Ministry that if things fail, then all Nigerians will shout against Mr. President, it is the Ministry of Works. So we place serious premium on closely working with you to ensure we deliver on the mandates in a way that value for money is achieved, in a way that sustainability of what we have on ground is improved upon and even the quality of the roads that we deliver. I think our partnership with you, Your Excellency, is that the quality of the roads that we see must return back to the days when we constructed a road that 25 years later is still intact.” The meeting was attended by directors of key departments of both the Ministry and the Bureau, including Engr. Bede U. Obioha, Director Highways Bridge and Design, Engr. Musa Saidu, Acting Director Highways Road Design and Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation Federal Ministry of Works, as well as Nasir M. Bellow, Isaiah G. Yesufu, Janet McDickson, Directors of the Bureau of Public Procurement. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jan

2022

Director Engineering, Olurinola Bows Out Of Service In Style

.... He is a Seasoned Engr - Perm Sec

Engineer Julius Sunday Olurinola, Director Engineering Services in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 meritoriously completed the mandatory 35 years in the Nigeria civil service and bowed out graciously. He joined the civil service as a Pupil Engineer in the Federal Ministry of Works in 1987.

Babangida Hussaini, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry described him as a seasoned engineer whom he has worked with for a period of about six years. Hussaini spoke during the send-forth reception organized for the retiring Director by the staff of the Department of Engineering Services of the ministry.

The Permanent Secretary said “I have worked with him and I must say I enjoyed his professionalism and timeliness in the manner he addressed some engineering issues in the Ministry.”

Hussaini commended Olurinola for his contribution to the Renewable Energy (on –grid) in the Ministry saying, “With this achievement and many others, you are leaving the service with your integrity and respect intact.” he said.

As an Engineer in the employ of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Julius served as Director and Head of Department Engineering Services and Director (Electrical) in the same Engineering Services Department.

He held these positions all in the then Federal Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Federal Ministry of Power Works and Housing, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Engineer Olurinola, as Director Engineering Services was responsible among others for; overseeing design, specification of standards, preparation of contract document for all engineering projects in building services and engineering infrastructure for roads, electricity and water in public buildings and housing estates.

Goodwill messages and encomium were poured on him by Staff of the Ministry both serving and retired all pointing to his kindness, professionalism, commitment and versatile knowledge in the Built industry, roads and housing.

A former Retired Director of Engineering Services of the Ministry, Engr Sunday Umanah described Engineer Julius as a versatile engineer and a great achiever.

According to him, as a versatile engineer he represented the Ministry in several engineering for a creditably.

“He has at a point, represented the Ministry in the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Nigeria Energy Support Programme on Renewable Energy (on –grid), Energy Efficiency,” he said.

Engineer Olurinola was also involved in many adhoc assignments in the Ministry's projects namely: the Kuje prototype housing estate; 6 No. New Federal Secretariat Buildings in each of the geopolitical zones of the country; Prototype housing estate in Suleja, Niger State; Prototype housing estate, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State and in the provision of Solar lighting system in slum upgrade project in Rivers and Kano States and many more.

In his response, Engineer Olurinola attributed his success to the support of the Honourable Minister, the Honourable Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. He said: “Their leadership, mentorship and guidance was the major boost that kept me on. I am very privileged to have served under their able leadership.”

To his colleagues and other staff of the Ministry, he said they were very supportive. “God has made them a special set of people for the support they have given me all through as a Director and Head of the Department.

SPEECHES

Mar

2021

The Highway Development Management Initiative Ministerial Notice Delivered By H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, San At The Conference Hall Of The Ministry Of Works And Housing On Tuesday, 22nd March 2021

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Our Permanent Secretary has already welcomed you all to this event, the official ministerial notice of the commencement of the Highway Development Management Initiative (HDMI).

What remains for me to do is to get on with the business of issuing the notice for the HDMI to commence the procurement process; after a few preliminary remarks.

As you all know, one of the early initiatives of the Buhari administration was to improve the ease of doing business, and it is no secret that infrastructure was going to be an important driver of this initiative.

Since 2015, the administration has made no pretence about its commitment to improve the stock of infrastructure both in qualitative and quantitative terms in many sectors from roads and bridges, to rail, airports and seaports to mention a few.

Currently the government is executing over 700 different contracts which aggregates to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 13,000 km of roads and bridges across all the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.

As a result of the size of the undertaking, there is an increasing and unsatisfied demand for funding to finance these projects to completion and to maintain them.

There is also the need to finance other complementary services like weigh bridges, rest houses, towing vehicles and road furniture which seem better suited for the commercial initiative of the private sector.

In the interim, government is constrained to borrow, offer tax credit, increase her revenue mobilization capacities in order to sustain this massive infrastructure renaissance.

This is the background to the HDMI which is another effort to mobilize private capacity, resources, and entrepreneurship into the Nigerian highway sector; and hopefully convert roads from just social assets into assets of commercial opportunities and enterprise.

The HDMI is made up of 2 categories namely the Value-added Concessions (VAC) and the Unbundled Assets Approvals (UAA).

The UAA provides opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of the commercial opportunities that are available along the ROW while under the VAC the road pavement and entire right of way is concessioned for development and management by the concessionaire .

The VAC will be rolled out in phases, and this First Phase involves 12 roads namely:

1. BENIN – ASABA (125KM);

2. ABUJA – LOKOJA (193KM);

3. KANO – KATSINA (150KM);

4. ONITSHA – OWERRI – ABA (161KM);

5. SHAGAMU – BENIN (258KM);

6. ABUJA – KEFFI – AKWANGA (122KM);

7. KANO – MAIDUGURI (lot 1 Kano-Shuari 100KM ;

lot 2 Potiskum-Damaturu 96.24KM )

8. LOKOJA – BENIN (270KM);

9. ENUGU – PORT HARCOURT (200KM);

10. ILORIN – JEBBA (129KM);

11. LAGOS – OTA – ABEOKUTA (80KM);

12. LAGOS – BADAGRY (79KM)

These 12 roads were carefully chosen to ensure that each of the 6 (SIX) geo political zones are covered.

They aggregate in total to 1963.24 km which is 5.6% of the 35,000 km Federal road network.

The initial capital investments that we foresee is something in the order of NGN 1,134,690,048,000.76 and the employment potentials are an estimated 50,000+ direct jobs and 200,000+ indirect jobs.

The process started on the 17th June 2020 with legislative consultation to get parliamentary support and endorsement which I believe was successful and we are assured that if there is need for legislative support, the response will be reasonably swift.

It was followed by a Stakeholder consultation (webinar) which held on the 25th June, 2020 with Over 1,173 participants including critical stakeholders such as legislative representatives, representatives from the executive, prospective concessionaires, road users, media and industry experts; a market sounding session was also held on the 31st August, 2020 with 162 participants.

In the course of this journey, we have struck strategic partnerships with some high-profile brands who have offered their services in various aspects of the project development such as KPMG, UK NIAF, Lagos Business School etc.

We look forward to further exploring and strengthening these partnerships and the clear terms of the relationships will be notified to the public in due course as they are important to the success that we expect.

As published, not only has the right of way of the 12 roads been fully gazetted, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) , as a regulatory body for concessions of this nature, has issued the Certificate of Compliance for the Outline Business Case that is necessary to commence the process.

On the 3rd of March 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the highest executive decision-making organ of the Nigerian Federal Government was notified about the commencement of the procurement process.

In order to ensure competitiveness and to guarantee transparency, a procurement portal has been developed to serve as the interface with the public and manage the HDMI from Procurement to Implementation.

The portal will provide:

a. An interface that will provide the public all the information they need to know about the Initiative. It will give access to relevant documents, news updates, videos and so on;

b. E-procurement – The management of the PPP procurement process of the VAC and the process of approvals and permits under the UAA;

c. Vendor Market Place – This has specifically been included to promote local businesses and vendor partnerships with prospective concessionaires.

Therefore, let me say to all those who have been writing letters of inquiry, making offers of interest on the HDMI, offering to provide services like tolling, weigh bridge, rest houses and so on; we are sorry we cannot respond to those letters in order to maintain the integrity of this process and to keep the playing field level.

To all of you and to those who have not written or called, the day is now upon us, the venue is fixed and I have the pleasure to announce that the HDMI portal https://hdmi.worksandhousing.gov.ng/) will open on Monday the 29th March, 2021.

The portal will be open for all HDMI related functions as earlier stated and most importantly the RFQ application for the VAC which will be officially advertised on the same day.

Please visit the portal and I wish you all a very interactive and rewarding experience.

Let me repeat that all our transactions will be done through this portal and we will not entertain any personal inquiries to me or to any of our staff who have correspondingly been mandated not to entertain such requests.

Let me conclude by saying that we expect a vibrant process and a successful one that unleashes the commercial opportunities on Nigerian highways from paved roads, to clean and well-maintained highways, proper signage and route assurance signs, rest houses and commuter support for emergencies like vehicle towing and repairs.

We expect a splendid and safer commuting experience for all users of these roads as a result of the HDMI.

I thank all members of the Ministry and the ICRC and our partners especially KPMG and UKNIAF who worked tirelessly to bring us so far and urge them to prepare for more hard work in weeks and months ahead in order to bring this initiative to conclusion. More grease to their very hardworking elbows.

Thank you all.

Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN
Honourable Minister for Works and Housing