Federal Ministry of Works

Nov

2025

LATEST PRESS

95% OF NIGERIANS DEPEND ON ROAD TRANSPORT — PERMANENT SECRETARY

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, has disclosed that approximately 95 percent of Nigerians rely on road transport for their movement and the transportation of goods and services across the country.

Engr. Adebiyi made this known, while delivering his Address at the 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works, which opened today, 3rd November 2025, at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He explained that despite the development of other modes of transportation such as rail, air, and water, road transport remains the dominant means of mobility in Nigeria — a situation that places enormous pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure. “The resultant effect is heavy traffic volume and rapid deterioration of our pavements caused by heavy-duty vehicles and cargo movements,” he stated.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the completion and effective utilisation of the national rail network would significantly reduce road congestion, improve safety, and enhance economic efficiency. “If rail transport becomes fully operational and reliable, many Nigerians would prefer to travel by train. It is cheaper, safer, faster, and less stressful,” he disclosed.

Engr. Adebiyi expressed appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for hosting the milestone event and for the warm hospitality extended to delegates. He noted that holding the Council meeting in Ado Ekiti was symbolic, as it provides an opportunity to showcase the state’s infrastructure development strides.

He also lauded the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., for their exceptional leadership and untiring commitment to improving the nation’s road network, ensuring transparency in project implementation and management, and upholding professional standards in engineering practice.

The theme of the 30th National Council on Works, “Discipline, Transparency, and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to entrench integrity, accountability, and creativity in infrastructure management and delivery.

According to Engr. Adebiyi, the theme reflects the nation’s commitment to ensuring value for money in public projects through ethical practices, openness in procurement, and the adoption of modern technologies to achieve durable and sustainable infrastructure.

He further called on all delegates and other stakeholders to engage in constructive deliberations during the Technical Sessions to develop practical strategies that will enhance service delivery, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote economic diversification through efficient road networks.

The meeting brought together Commissioners for Works from all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Permanent Secretaries, Directors, representatives of professional bodies, contractors, and other key stakeholders in the works and infrastructure sectors.

In her remarks, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Works, Mrs. Emily I. Sounde, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government and good people of Ekiti State for hosting this important national event in such a calm, secure, and beautiful environment.

She described Ekiti State as “a wonderful land, where nature’s beauty meets tranquility,” noting that the hospitality extended to delegates made the state a truly fitting venue for this year’s Council meeting.

Mrs. Sounde emphasised that the National Council on Works remains a veritable platform for formulating policies and strategies that guide the growth and performance of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to evidence-based policy formulation, robust data systems, continuous research, and stakeholder engagement — all in line with national priorities and global best practices. She encouraged delegates to use the opportunity of the forum to evaluate current policies, identify implementation gaps, and propose actionable strategies to improve service delivery and sustainability in the works sector.

The Director further commended the Honourable Ministers of Works, the Permanent Secretary, and all delegates for their leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the nation’s infrastructure development.

Speaking earlier, the Director of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State Ministry of Works, Engr. B. J. Oke, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ethical governance, transparent procurement processes, and sustainable infrastructure delivery.
He stated that “As we commence this important engagement, let us approach our deliberations with discipline in thought, transparency in purpose, and innovation in action — for these remain the enduring foundations of progress in Nigeria’s engineering and works sector,” he stressed.

The 30th National Council on Works will continue in Ekiti State tomorrow through Friday, with active participation from Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Engineers, Contractors, and other key stakeholders from across the Federation.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Press and Public Relations.
3rd November 2025.

Apr

2024

ROAD PROJECT DELIVERY UNDER PRESIDENT TINUBU DONE WITH INCREDIBLY LOWEST COST AND GREATEST QUALITY, AND SPEED ...Works Minister Describes The Statement Credited To The Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar On The 700km Coastal Highway As A Gross Misrepresentation Of Facts And Figures, And A Ploy To Mislead Nigerians By Darkening Counsel Without Knowledge The Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr Nweze David Umahi, CON has expressed that despite the skyrocketed cost of materials in the construction industry caused by the dynamics of commodity price inflation and supply chain disruptions, the administration of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has remained unmatched in prudence, cost effectiveness, speedy and quality delivery of road projects. He made this comment during his inspection visit to the on-going rehabilitation of Enugu - Port Harcourt dual carriageway section 4 (Aba - Port Harcourt) handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC) on 8th April 2024. The Honourable Minister who also visited the construction of a 23-span flyover bridge project at Eke-Obinagu Junction (NNPC Depot), along Enugu Abakaliki Road, Enugu State handled by Reinforced Global Resources Ltd, the rehabilitation work at the collapsed bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge near NNPC mega fillings station Enugu Capital City, Enugu State handled by CCECC, the rehabilitation of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway Section 3, Enugu- Lokpanta handled by CGC, the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway section 2 (Umuahia Tower-Aba Township Rail/ Road) in Abia State, handled by the Arab Contractors and the reconstruction of the dualized 15km section of the East-West road section III: (Eleme Junction- Onne Port in Rivers State being executed on reinforced concrete pavement like the coastal road) handled by RCC, said that the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to a diversified and sustainable economic future of Nigeria, and this he is doing in the works sector through aggressive infrastructure development that would provide access to trade, tourism, industrialization and safety, especially along the local economic corridors. While reacting to a statement credited to the former Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on the 700 km coastal road projects, the Honourable Minister described the analysis he made on the coastal road project figures and the economic importance of the all-important coastal highway project as a gross misrepresentation of facts, and figures and a ploy to mislead Nigerians by darkening counsel without knowledge. "He doesn't understand figures. I am going to run figures for him to understand, and he will understand how prudent the administration of President Tinubu has been. He will understand how prudency is taking the centre stage in this administration. The President has once queried me on the cost of on-going projects nationwide. I had to analyse every basic rate of construction materials to arrive at our unit rates. I showed it to Mr. President. He still thinks I should bring down the cost of projects. At the same time, the contractors are crying that I am oppressing them so much by reviewing the costs of their projects downwards. They lamented that what they were getting before, they are no longer getting it now. They cried out. But when I run the figures, Nigerians will see what this present administration is doing. So, I'm not here to run the figures now. I will do that in a press conference on my visit to Lagos from 10th April 2024 to 12th April 2024.” On the economic importance of the coastal highway, he stated, "I will tell you the economic benefits of the project and how the coastal road is tying the entire country together. It's not tying just South-South and South- West. It is tying the North and South together. We are starting a project from Badagry to Sokoto, and we have a spur on this coastal route to that route and the African Trans Sahara Road that is passing from Enugu to Abakaliki to Ogoja to Cameroon which has a spur to the North". His Excellency, former Vice President Akitu Abubakar, may not know that the third section of the project is starting in Calabar by July 2024. The Honourable Minister commended the pace and quality of work on the projects he visited but harped on the need for the contractors to heed the project delivery timeline. On the progress of work at the East West Road section III, he said, "The reinforcement is very good, the concrete is very good, the speed is not very good, so they have to increase their speed. If RCC doesn't increase their pace, I will take out a portion of this road and give it to another contractor. We will not want contractors to stay on a job like this 15km dualization for two years or more." ...

Apr

2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU PRAISES CONCERTED EFFORTS OF SOUTH-EAST LEADERS IN PEACE BUILDING AND GOVERNANCE 1. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has commended the leaders of South-East for their concerted efforts in harnessing their collective experience, knowledge and relationships to advance developmental ideals, peace building and robust democratic governance in South-East. The President made this commendation during the burial ceremony of late Deaconess (Mrs) Theresa Osinachi Omoke JP, the mother of his Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, South East, Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Nweze, CEHF. 2. The President, represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi. FNSE FNATE, GGCEHF, CON, particularly thanked the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Bldr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, FNIOB, GGCEHF for raising the bar in the peace and security of the State and for deepening the cause of development of the State and all who live in it. He said, "You have taken every challenge of Ebonyi State as the challenge of the people, and you have raised the bar in advancing the People's Charter of Needs of Ebonyi State. The President is very excited about your performances." In his condolence message to the family of the deceased, the President described the late mother of his SSA on Community Engagement as a woman with exemplary virtues who made immeasurable contributions to the advancement of the cause of humanity, and enjoined her and the entire Omoke family to take solace in the accomplishments of her age. "I would like to condole with you and the entire Omoke family on the death of your beloved mother, an icon and the matriarch of your family who sadly passed away on 18th of December, 2023 at the age of 75". 3. The Honourable Minister of Works used the opportunity to clear the air on misrepresentations on media platforms over the government that handled the much commended rehabilitation of Third Mainland Bridge Lagos, which is now opened for road users. "The Third Mainland Bridge was not done by Lagos State Government. No, it was done by the Federal Government as directed by President Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Everything about the funding was entirely done by Mr. President through his Minister of Works." He also used the opportunity to thank the leaders and people of South East for their support to the Renewed Hope administration of Mr. President. He said, "I want to send a message of thanks from Mr. President to the people of South East, for their support; I want to thank the Governors and appreciate them for their support, which is beyond party lines." He revealed, "In a very short moment, leaders of South East will come together to openly, publicly, and heartily appreciate Mr. President, and let Nigerians and the world know that we stand with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. 4. In his address during the event, the Governor of Ebonyi State thanked Mr. President for his fatherly disposition to all the States of the federation and his inclusive governance, which has renewed the hope of Nigerians in actualizing positive trajectories in the political and socio- economic history of the nation. He offered his deep condolences to the deceased family and his compassions to the cause of the family and community who would deeply miss her love and charity. While praying for the repose of her soul, he expressed commitment towards immortalizing the good name she bequeathed. He said, "As government, we must do a very significant thing today. The State Government will build a befitting pavilion in this field, and that pavilion will be named after the late mother of Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Nweze. The road leading to this field will be constructed as a mark of honour to late Deaconess (Mrs) Theresa Osinachi Omoke JP" ...

Apr

2024

Lagos 3RD Mainland Bridge Reopens Today The Lagos 3RD Mainland Bridge is to reopen to traffic today in the coming hours. Minister of Works, His Excellency, Senator David Nweze Umahi in a phone call in the early hours of today,directed the Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr Mrs O.I.Kesha to open the Bridge to traffic inorder to ease the stress which motorist have been subjected to, during the period of the first phase of Rehabilitation works on the Bridge Speaking to journalists soon after the directive, the Minister of Works said, the successful completion of the first phase of the Rehabilitation works which was started and completed by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is a clear Indication that President Tinubu is working . Senator Umahi called on all Nigerians to continue to have faith in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President ,maintaining however, that nothing good comes so easy. The Minister revealed that work has already begun on the underwater damage to the bridge, which is the second phase of the Rehabilitation works on the bridge. Similarly, the Minister said, Rehabilitation works will commence on the Carter bridge in the coming weeks, adding that the contractor has already been mobilised. ...

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Nov

2025

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Sep

2021

2023 Elections: Fashola Distances Self from The Antics of Unsolicited Support Groups

The Media Office of the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has urged well-meaning people to disregard the invitation of some Groups, operating under The Nigeria Project 2023, purportedly to the inauguration of a Support Group for the Minister and the Governor of Borno State over the 2023 elections.

The social media was awash at the weekend with a poster from the Group allegedly presenting the Honorable Minister and the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum as Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates respectively of an unnamed political party.

Ordinarily, the poster and the various social media reports almost instantly orchestrated on its account would have been ignored as the handwork of mischief makers. However, it became necessary to issue this disclaimer for two key reasons.

The first of such was to answer with a strong negative to the numerous inquiries from right thinking and well-meaning Nigerians on whether the Honorable Minister had been contacted or if the Groups had his consent in issuing the invitation.

Without equivocation, no individual or Group has contacted the Honorable Minister for or on behalf of The Nigeria Project 2023. As Honorable Minister, Mr Fashola is currently focused on leading his dedicated Team in the Ministry of Works and Housing to deliver on the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari for an expanded and upgraded road transport infrastructure; and affordable Housing nationwide in order to achieve economic growth and prosperity for the citizenry.

Secondly, is the fact that entities unknown to a political party cannot present candidates on behalf of such a political party. As a ranking and loyal member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the individual and groups cited as promoters of The Nigeria Project 2023 are unknown to the APC and the Honorable Minister.

Against the backdrop of the foregoing, the Honorable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN urges members of the public to be wary of the antics of unsolicited individuals and Support Groups whose real intentions remain questionable. Every support possible should be given to the efforts of the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to deliver a better nation for all.

SPEECHES

Nov

2019

Road Infrastructure, A Necessary Factor for Nigeria’s Unity : Mohammed Bukar

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mohammed Bukar has disclosed that road infrastructure was a necessary factor for the unity of our geographically vast and culturally heterogeneous nation, Nigeria.

He made the disclosure today at the ongoing meeting of Federal and State Permanent Secretaries at the 25th National Council on Works in Calabar Cross River State. The theme of the Council Meeting is ‘’ Infrastructure as the pathway for prosperity’’ which according to him was ‘’Apt and deliberately chosen to address issues of job creation , poverty alleviation and wealth creation.” Bukar who was ably represented by the Director Highways, Planning and Development, Engr, Chibike Uzo maintained that ‘’ In spite of the present improvement in GDP growth , road infrastructure deficit and its attendant adverse effect on the transport sector remained a major impediment to future economic prosperity of Nigeria , especially in the area of food supply, employment generation and wealth creation.

The Permanent Secretary assured Nigerians that his Ministry was committed to integrating and developing Nigerian roads infrastructure through the completion of projects with positive impact capable of providing more conducive environment for local and foreign investments.

While welcoming all Stakeholders to the Council meant to look at the issues raised during the Technical Meeting which took place on Monday_ Tuesday(25th_26th November, 2019), Bukar expressed immeasurable gratitude to the Government and good people of Cross River State, especially, the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Prof, Ben. Ayade for providing the conducive environment for stakeholders in the Works Sector to deliberate on the myriad of infrastructure challenges in Nigeria.

In her address, the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Works, Dr. ( Mrs) Ihort Achu , commended the Directors from various MDAs for patiently brainstorming on issues of roads infrastructure which according to her were crucial to the economic development of Cross River State in particular and Nigeria in general. Achu happily welcomed the Permanent Secretaries from the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory and enjoined them to feel at home and enjoy the hospitality of Cross River State.