Federal Ministry of Works

Jan

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI, NIGER GOVERNOR STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION TO FAST-TRACK FEDERAL ROAD PROJECTS

The Honourable Minister of Works, H.E. Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to accelerate the delivery of ongoing Federal road and bridge projects in Niger State, following a high-level meeting with the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Farmer Umaru Mohammed Bago.

Speaking during the meeting held at the Ministry’s headquarters, Mabushi-Abuja today, 28 January, 2026, the Minister commended Governor Bago for his untiring efforts toward infrastructure development and urban renewal across Niger State. He noted, with appreciation, that many of the state government's interventions are on Federal road corridors that directly benefit the citizens.

Engr. Umahi acknowledged the numerous challenges associated with Federal roads in the State, stressing that road infrastructure development is a shared responsibility, irrespective of jurisdiction. He praised the significant interventions in areas such as Bida, Minna, and Suleja, describing them as impactful urban renewal efforts that have enhanced mobility and boosted economic activities.

The Minister assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s strong support, particularly on key projects including the Minna–Suleja Road (71km), which has received approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and is awaiting consideration by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has personally directed that the project be prioritised and assured that any advance intervention funds expended by the Niger State Government would be refunded.
On the Jebba and Lambata Bridges, the Minister informed his August visitor that integrity tests and work on the expansion joints are ongoing.

Engr. Umahi stressed the urgent need to curb indiscriminate parking, trading activities, and traffic congestion on bridges, which accelerate their structural deterioration. “Bridges are not designed to carry static loads but built for the dynamic flow of traffic,” he advised. He announced plans to engage key stakeholders, including transport unions and tanker drivers, to safeguard national assets and extend the lifespan of bridges.

The Minister further disclosed that all ongoing NNPC-funded road projects, nationwide, have now been approved for takeover by the Ministry, in line with Mr. President’s directive. Funding templates are currently being finalised to ensure the seamless continuation of works on such projects. He also directed officials of the Ministry to provide comprehensive status reports on all Federal road projects in the state to enable prompt interventions, where required.

Earlier, Governor Bago expressed appreciation to the Minister and his team for their responsiveness and collaborative approach. He highlighted the strategic importance of Niger State as Nigeria’s central corridor linking the North and South, with over 100,000 trucks traversing major routes in the State on a daily basis.

The Governor raised concerns about severe traffic congestion, infrastructure degradation, and security challenges along critical corridors, such as Jebba–Lambata–Minna–Suleja. He called for urgent attention to the structural integrity of the Jebba Bridge and other heavily trafficked bridges, emphasising the need for structural testing, traffic control measures, and accelerated rehabilitation works to avert potential disasters.

Governor Bago also commended the Federal Government for the ongoing concrete pavement works on the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway and urged that similar durable solutions be applied to other major highways in the country.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration to fast-track federal road projects, enhance road safety, stimulate economic activities, and improve the quality of life for the people of Niger State and Nigerians at large.

Jul

2024

Sokoto-Kebbi Superhighway: Leaders Applaud President Tinubu's Bold Initiative The Minister of Works, Engr. Nweze David Umahi; together with major stakeholders have applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government for heeding to the cry of millions of Nigerians to resuscitate the 48-year-old Superhighway project. They expressed their appreciation at the stakeholders' meeting held in Birnin-kebbi on the alignment for sections 1 & 2 of the superhighway, covering 120 KM in Sokoto and 258 KM in Kebbi, totaling 378 KM, and ending in Badagry, Lagos State. In his opening remarks, the Honourable Minister disclosed that the superhighway will begin from Illela in Sokoto (120 KM) through Argungu, Bunza, and Kamba, ending at Bida town in Niger State for the first and second phases. Umahi explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would officially kick off the project in Kebbi State, benefiting the people of the state, especially in agriculture, commerce, and boosting security. He stated, "I request the people of Kebbi State and Sokoto State to support this project. Wherever there is a need to compensate the people, we will sit down with you and work it out with the local communities." The Minister noted that the route of the superhighway was the oldest Trans-Sahara trade route, initiated over 48 years ago but not implemented until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. He emphasized that the federal government would start using concrete for road construction in the Northern region to ensure longevity for up to 100 years. Umahi also highlighted that the federal government had completed many road projects in Sokoto State and promised that all road projects in Kebbi State, particularly the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, would be addressed. He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be commended for implementing the 48-year-old project, which would benefit not only Nigerians but also neighboring countries like Niger Republic, Bénin, and others. In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, described the project as very important. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had asked cabinet members to source funds for executing the project despite global economic challenges. Bagudu stated that the vision of the President was to address the reality on ground and secure necessary funding for the benefit of Nigerians and future generations. He said, "That is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed us to go and source the funds to6 execute our projects. Nigeria is the most vibrant economy with a lot of potential capacity. This project is just the tip of the iceberg. Nigerians should expect many more of such projects." He added that due to the courage and determination of the current administration, world leaders have acknowledged Nigeria's boldness and readiness to assist in areas of need. Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the project and kicking it off in Kebbi State. Idris sought the state's input on the route passages, noting that the government wanted the project execution to be fair and just to the communities directly benefiting from it. "We need to give our inputs before the conclusion of the project so that we can do justice to our people. We are taking a lion's share of the project, and we have to be just and fair to our people since the project will have direct benefits for them," he said. The Governor also sought the Minister's intervention on the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads, stressing that the people of these areas, including four LGAs, are suffering due to bad roads. Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central Senatorial District, expressed his full support for the project and urged the Minister to address the Koko-Mahuta-Dabai and Malando-Wara roads. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinade Npigi, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for implementing the project, noting that it had been initiated over 48 years ago. He assured that the Senate would continue to support the Presidency in executing meaningful projects for Nigerians. Hon. Hakeem Alabi, stated that the House of Representatives would also provide legislative support to ensure appropriate budget allocation for the President's projects. Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera, pledged support and cautioned against potential flooding during construction. Former Governor Alhaji Saidu Nasamu Dakingari commended President Tinubu for liberating a vast forest area. Abdullahi Ameen Mohammed For: Ag Director Press and Public Relations ...

Jul

2024

Super-Highway construction: Works Minister call on Investors to leverage on its Economic Potentials The Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr) David Umahi has called on Investors and political stakeholders to leverage on the infrastructural development drive of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu to boost economic activities in the country. Senator Umahi made the call at the Stakeholders engagement meeting on the alignment of Niger (125klm), Kwara (188klm) which is (313klm) out of 1000klm Super-Highway in Ilorin on 4th July 2024. The Minister further calls on the stakeholders to stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that one of the legacy projects which include the alignment of Sokoto to Badagry Super-Highway is achieved. In his remarks, the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulahmam Abdulrasaq, who was represented by Kayode Alabi thanked Mr. President and the Minister of Works for this Renewed Hope Legacy Infrastructure Project which connects Kwara to Sokoto 1000km Super-Highway project's which will boost Nigeria's Economic prosperity. Also speaking, the Niger State Governor, Mohamed Umaru Bago states that Nigeria needs a value chain in Agriculture and Road Infrastructure, He called on all the Stakeholders to join hands to move the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President. Bago said in Niger State no compensation will be paid for Road Infrastructure, because the road is for the development of the State. ...

Jul

2024

FG TERMINATES CONTRACTS WITH MOTHERCAT, DANTATA & SAWOE AND RCC COMPANIES FOR NON-PERFOMANCE ON THE DUALIZATION OF OBAJANA-BENIN ROAD; SECTIONS II, III AND IV, WARNS THAT GOING FORWARD, ALL FUNDED BUT NON-PERFORMING CONTRACTS SHALL BE TERMINATED The Federal Ministry of Works has terminated contract numbers 6136, 6137 and 6138 with Mothercat Ltd, Dantata & Sawoe Construction Ltd and RCC Ltd respectively. The projects affected by this termination are the dualization of Obajana - Benin road, section II (Okene - Auchi) in Kogi/Edo State; the dualization of Obajana - Benin road, section III (Auchi - Ehor) in Edo State and the dualization of Obajana - Benin road section IV (Ehor - Benin) in Edo State. The termination of the said contracts became necessary in view of the inordinate delay of the affected companies in job performance and their failure, neglect and or refusal to fulfil their contractual obligations as required by the Standard Conditions of Contract and this has affected the timely completion of the projects and thus resulted in the expiration of the contracts by effluxion of time. The projects which were awarded on 3rd December 2012 were advertently abandoned by the contractors and no genuine commitment or good faith was shown towards executing the projects after accepting the considerations offered by the Federal Government and thereby exposing the road users to untold hardship due to the deplorable condition of the projects. The Honourable Minister has therefore directed the engineers in charge to take necessary steps to enter upon both the site and the works and take the same over from the affected companies. He further directs the engineers concerned to, upon doing the needful, arrange with the affected companies for a joint measurement of work so far done by the said companies preparatory to taking over the sites from the said companies, and this directive is without prejudice to the exercise of other rights of Federal Government under the contract. He warns that the Federal Ministry of Works under his watch will not condone acts of unseriousness and sabotage by contractors whose plan is to become a clog in the wheel of progress of the Renewed Hope administration which is determined to change the ugly narrative of Nigeria's road infrastructure. He further warns that going forward, the government will not hesitate in terminating all projects that are funded but are non-performing. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Nov

2021

REMARKS BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, MR BABATUNDE FASHOLA, SAN, AT THE PROJECT COMPLETION AND HAND OVER FLAG OFF ON THURSDAY 25TH NOVEMBER, 2021 AT KOKO/BESSE LGA, KEBBI STATE

On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari, I bring good tidings to the peoples and Governments of Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States, who will be impacted by the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road that our President will hand over today.

My principal message to you all is that this is the first of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact.

In this phase of completion Mr. President has approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities.

The other handing over formalities that will follow these formalities which we flag off today in Kebbi will be in:

a) Jigawa for Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States.

b) Bauchi for Section III covering 106.3 x 2 Kilometers between Azare and Potiskum , connecting Bauchi and Yobe States.

c) Benue for Vandeikya-Obudu Cattleranch Road covering 24 Kilometers connecting Benue and Cross River States.

d) Ebonyi for Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States.

These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings.

This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the Sukuk funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads.

The Sukuk is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold.

I want to express gratitude of our Government to the investors in the Sukuk and thank the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support.

Our gratitude to the Debt Management Office is deep and continuing for their role in previous SUKUKS which have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the Sukuk we are expecting.

To our staff and contractors who have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion I also say thank you, as I cannot fail to acknowledge the cooperation of the host communities where these projects pass through or are hosted.

I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government.

Ladies and Gentlemen, none of these would have been possible without the support of Ministers in the Federal Executive Council during debates over the projects.

To all Ministers in the first term and this current term, I express gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Housing for your support.

To the President and Vice President who preside for long hours over the Council meetings, your leadership is now bearing fruits and the evidence of change is now manifesting.

Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi bear witness and there is more to come.

Thank You.

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING

SPEECHES

Dec

2020

Keynote Address Of The Hon. Minister of Works And Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, San, At The 26th Meeting Of The National Council On Works With The Theme, “Road Infrastructure Development, Job Creation And National Economic Growth”

On behalf of the Federal Government, I convey the appreciation of the Ministry of Works and Housing to the Government of Rivers State and Governor Nyesom Wike, for Hosting this 2020 edition of National Council on Works.

The commitment to host this was made last year when the Cross River State hosted the 2019 edition and when nobody foresaw the outbreak of a devastating viral pandemic called COVID-19.

The impact of the disease on livelihoods and the global economy has led countries across the world into different stages of negative economic growth and recession.

The need to address the economic challenges has prompted countries and Governments to design and implement various measures and policies to keep their economies going and to reflate them.

The Muhammadu Buhari Administration developed and has started implementing an Economic Sustainability Plan, that incorporates and challenges Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ramp up activities, inspite of COVID-19; in order to provide work, increase opportunities and sustain productivity.

The Ministry of Works and Housing, as a critical infrastructure provider of the Federal Government, is one of the focal MDAs assigned with responsibilities for sustaining and expanding the economy during and beyond the COVID period.

This in part explains the theme of this year’s Council which is, “Road Infrastructure Development, Job Creation and National Economic Growth”.

While the public looks forward mainly to the quality of the Highway pavement, the Government sees a larger economic impact of infrastructure and the way it helps to legitimately distribute wealth to the people at the bottom of the pyramid.

Road construction employs a large number of the urban poor, skilled and unskilled labour and vendors who depend on daily or weekly wages.

The lockdown period was a difficult period for them and it was not surprising that as soon as lockdown eased, the Agriculture Sector and Road Construction were the first to resume work.

Eleven (11) of the biggest contractors of the Federal Government were allowed to return to work in May 2020 in 26 states.

This was closely followed by the resumption of maintenance works in 92 different locations across 24 states by FERMA.

The Government then decided to increase the scope for local content, labour and materials by:

a) Advocating for the increased use of cement, stone and concrete which are all locally available

b) Advocating for the local production of Bitumen since we have large deposits of the raw material.

I am delighted to inform you that many of these policies are at different stages of implementation with consequences on the economy.

With safety guidelines for Social Distancing, face mask and sanitation issued to construction companies, construction work has resumed almost full time across the country even though the virus is still with us.

Although the Third Quarter GDP result is still negative at -3.62%, it shows growth in the following sectors:

a) Quarrying and other minerals production   41.81%
b) Cement manufacturing                               11.96%
c) Construction                                                  2.64%

With the sustenance of construction activities, a strong contribution will be seen on the road to economic recovery.

Regarding the need to use more cement, more stone and concrete, the Ministry had to produce a design manual for Rigid Pavement in consultation with all the stakeholders in the industry.

I am happy to Report that the Sub-Committee led by the Honourable Minister of State, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, and the Director of Bridges and Design, Engr. Emmanuel Adeoye, have produced the first Rigid Pavement Manual for Nigerian Roads.

There could be no better place to unveil it than at the National Council for Works, where all State Governments and other stakeholders are present.

This should also form the basis for implementing the Government policy for more labour-intensive Road Construction to stimulate employment drive, and more use of locally available materials of stone, cement and concrete for improved economic productivity.

It is impossible to discuss roads and economic development without discussing:

a) capital appreciation of 30-40% that infrastructure provision adds to the value of land;

b) the supply chain of food, lubricants, construction materials like laterite, cement, Reinforcement (steel), Water, Energy (Diesel) that is positively affected by infrastructure;

c) the sub-specialities of subcontractors such as Lane Marking, Highway Signage and Electrical fittings,

all of which benefit from the Construction of a Road.

I am aware that all the States are executing one infrastructure project or the other and this is how it must be. I was in Rivers State recently to commission a Bridge project undertaken by the State Government.

Our collective National Spending on infrastructure will contribute in no small way to our recovery from recession, but also propel inclusive and beneficial growth.

Examples abound of the positive impact of the investment in infrastructure through a value chain of inclusive wealth distribution that is immediately activated when one of our construction sites utilises 5,000 trucks of laterites at N30,000 per truck.

Such a value chain would include the owner of the quarries, the operators in the quarries, the truck owners and truck drivers, among several others.

When one of our contractors also recently paid N500 million to his diesel suppliers, another inclusive wealth distribution value chain got activated or sustained.

In closing this speech permit me to highlight the challenges we still encounter in some states and communities with respect to claims for compensation, which hinder our contractors’ ability to work.

Challenges in the area of compensation require further collaboration and for States to play a lead role.

The need for an interactive forum between State Commissioners and Federal Ministry of Works, which will occur more frequently than the annual Council, as recently suggested by the Honourable Commissioner for Works from Kwara State will also hopefully be considered at this Meeting.

I thank you all for your attention.