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

Feb

2026

FG RESTORES CRITICAL ROAD LINKS, CURBS FLOODING IN BAUCHI COMMUNITIES The Federal Ministry of Works continues to implement strategic infrastructure interventions across Nigeria, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Since its inception in May, 2023, the administration has been implementing numerous federal road and bridge projects nationwide, focusing on priority corridors to improve connectivity, safety, and socio-economic outcomes. The North-East Zone National Media Tour and Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects kicked off in Bauchi State on Sunday, 8th February, 2026, with a visit to the Rehabilitation of Bauchi–Gombe Road, a vital corridor linking Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States. The 35-kilometre section of the alignment was awarded in 2024 to Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited at a contract sum of N39,999,177,118.59. The rehabilitation project aims to restore a major transport artery that has, in recent times, recorded frequent accidents and prolonged travel times. Ongoing works have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in road crashes, They are expected to significantly improve safety, reduce travel time, and cost of vehicle maintenance, as well as boost economic activities across the North-East Zone, upon completion. Also, as part of its ongoing efforts toward the provision of road infrastructure to Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Works commissioned two completed emergency and special intervention projects on the same day, along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum Road. The Federal Government’s recent road interventions in Bauchi State include the Emergency Repair of a Collapsed Concrete-Lined 3-Cell Pipe Culvert at Konkiyel Town (Chainage CH 120+500). The project was executed to permanently address perennial flooding, protect adjoining farmlands and communities, and safeguard the integrity of the federal road infrastructure. This was followed by the Emergency Repair of a Collapsed Section of a 2-Cell Pipe Culvert and Concrete-Lined Drain at Sauke Village (Chainage CH 162+000), restoring hydraulic capacity, mitigating flood risks, improving road safety, and ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, services, and goods. The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, who was ably represented by the Bauchi State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Umar Saidu, led the commissioning ceremonies. He described the interventions as transformative, emphasising their role in bringing lasting relief to affected communities, preventing recurring flood damage, and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Bauchi State and the wider North-East Zone. He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the durability and effectiveness of both ongoing and completed projects. Giving technical insight into the projects during the exercise, the Federal Controller of Works in Bauchi State, Engineer Bashiru Adamu, explained that the interventions form part of the 260 Emergency Projects initiated at the outset of the present administration to address critical infrastructure failures, nationwide. He noted that the Bauchi–Gombe road rehabilitation and the emergency drainage works along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum Road were executed to mitigate flooding and protect federal assets. It will also help in mitigating the effects of climate change, he added. According to him, the culverts and concrete-lined drains are critical hydraulic structures that ensure roads, farmlands, and communities remain safe and accessible. In his remarks, an official of the Bauchi State Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engineer Ibrahim Ahmed, commended the Federal Government for its prompt response to infrastructure challenges and expressed satisfaction with the engagement of licensed engineers and technologists on the projects, encouraging sustained professional oversight to further strengthen delivery standards. Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bauchi Branch, Engineer Shehu Wakili, underscored the strategic importance of the Bauchi–Gombe and Bauchi–Potiskum corridors to regional connectivity and economic growth. He noted that the emergency culverts and drainage works protect the federal road network and support the smooth movement of goods and services, while urging host communities to complement government efforts through environmental protection measures such as the planting of trees. Speaking on the project, the Project Manager of Triacta (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Joseph Samaha, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and assured that the Bauchi–Gombe Road rehabilitation is progressing according to schedule. He confirmed that works, including the construction of drainage, binder courses, and asphalt surfacing, are ongoing, with full completion expected within the year. Mallam Zakari Ya’ u, Head of Sauke Village, expressed profound gratitude to the current administration for the emergency intervention and prayed that Allah sustains it. Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Mallam Zakari Ya’ u stated that the projects have brought lasting relief by preventing annual flooding, protecting farmlands, and improving access for residents. He pledged the community’s commitment to protecting and maintaining the infrastructure to ensure its sustained benefits. ...

Feb

2026

STRATEGIC ROAD INTERVENTIONS RECONNECT COMMUNITIES AS FG ADVANCES RENEWED HOPE AGENDA IN PLATEAU STATE The Federal Government has commissioned and completed emergency road infrastructure interventions in Plateau State and visited ongoing strategic road projects, including the Lafia–Shendam Road and the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, as part of sustained efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve national connectivity and economic growth. This is in continuation of the Ministry’s national media tour of the North Central region, in Plateau State, aimed at showcasing completed emergency repairs and ongoing road projects and highlighting its commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under the transformative leadership of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE. This is in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s aggressive infrastructure development drive as captured in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. During the National Media Tour, several emergency and special intervention projects were commissioned. At the same time, strategic road projects were also visited, with the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road serving as the final point in the state. Upon assumption of office in May, 2023, the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing federal road projects, many of which had been abandoned due to funding constraints. In response, the Federal Government approved 260 emergency projects nationwide, prioritising critically failed sections of the network to restore connectivity, enhance safety, and make it easier to move goods, services, and people across the country. The Commissioning was done, on behalf of the Minister, by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo. She emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to not only initiating projects but ensuring their timely completion, in line with approved specifications, noting that improved road infrastructure remains critical to sustainable development. Providing technical details on the projects, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Plateau State, Engr. Jibril Shua’ibu stated that among the commissioned interventions was the Reinstatement of Embankment Washouts of a Culvert and Bridge at kilometre 30+250 (Kwande), along the Shendam–Lafia Road, covering Chainage 38+000 to 38+200 (culvert washout) and Chainage 30+250 (bridge washout). According to him, the project, which was awarded at a contract sum of ₦824 million, commenced in 2024 and was completed within a span of a few months, thereby restoring safe and uninterrupted traffic flow along the corridor. At another location along the same Lafia–Shendam alignment, undertaken to address structural failure, prevent erosion, and enhance hydraulic capacity, he informed that the repairs involved the construction of a 2.0m x 1.5m double-cell box culvert beside an existing 2.0m x 1.5m single-cell, including asphalt overlay works, at Chainage 1+500. The Controller further took the team to the site of an ongoing construction, explaining that the work covers a 16-kilometre stretch from the Lafia–Shendam Road Junction through Poeship to Ngotuguut towns. He further revealed that an additional 7-kilometre Section II of the project is undergoing procurement processes. He disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs Triacta Construction Company at a contract sum of approximately ₦16 billion, with a completion period of 15 months, and has currently attained about 52 percent completion, noting that earlier challenges, including funding-related issues, have been resolved and the project is now progressing well. The Project Manager, Mr. Nakhle Abou Yaounde, reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project, in line with approved specifications and timelines, while commending the Federal Ministry of Works for consistent technical supervision and the host communities for their cooperation and patience. Speaking on behalf of the host communities during the exercise, the Community Liaison Officer, Pharmacist Senpet Yitnoe, described the Lafia–Shendam Junction–Poeship–Ngotuguut Road as a “road to endless possibilities,” noting its positive impact on access to farmlands, schools, and economic opportunities, and assured the Federal Government of continued community support. The tour also covered the Construction of Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, a 44.625-kilometre new alignment linking Babban Lamba and Sharram communities of the state. Although initially taken as a rehabilitation project, the FCW noted that the scope effectively involves the construction of a new flexible pavement, including side clearance, earthworks, sub-base, and stone base layers. He further told that while the contract was awarded in 2018 with a completion period of 24 months, progress had earlier been stalled due to funding challenges. However, following the intervention of the Minister, the contractor has fully remobilised to the site, with active construction ongoing from the Sharram end, using multiple construction teams (gangs) and equipment spread across sections of the corridor, according to the Controller. The team witnessed a hope being renewed. Speaking on the project, the Project Coordinator for Ric Rock Construction (Nigeria) Limited, Engr. Kenneth noted that the road, with a carriageway width of 7.3 metres and shoulders of 2.75 metres on both sides, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between communities, cutting journeys that previously took nearly two hours to about 20 minutes. He added that the project includes multiple bridge structures within the corridor and that construction activities are ongoing at both road and bridge locations, with strong cooperation from the host communities. Similarly, the Site Agent for the project, Engr. Augustine Imiere stated that the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road is designed to open up markets, enhance access to businesses, and improve socio-economic activities across connected communities and beyond. He disclosed that the project includes hydraulic structures, drainage facilities, and five bridges, including multi-span ones at different locations, and expressed confidence that with continued support from the Ministry and cooperation from the communities, the project would be delivered soon. ...

Feb

2026

FG ACTS ON PUBLIC COMPLAINTS, ISSUES TOUGH DIRECTIVES TO CHINA HARBOUR ON ROAD PROJECTS The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to address public complaints and enforce contractor accountability following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, officials of the Ministry and those of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) and its sister company, China Harbour Operation and Maintenance Company (CHOMC), concessionaires on the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Dual Carriageway, held on Thursday, 5 February, 2026 at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja. During the meeting, several concerns relating to CHEC and CHOMC’s projects were reviewed, and firm warnings and directives were issued to safeguard public health, ensure quality delivery, and sustainability, also to protect government investment. Engr. Umahi disclosed that the Ministry received a formal petition over the ongoing Makurdi-9th Nile-Enugu road project, where excessive dust from construction activities has continued to pose environmental and health risks to residents on the corridor. Therefore, he directed that the Permanent Secretary issue a letter to the contractor, mandating immediate dust-control measures, including soil stabilisation techniques, to be implemented. He warned that failure to resolve the issue within 7 days would lead to the project's suspension. On the Dualisation of the Mararraba-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road, the Minister stated that although the project was started by the previous government, the present one completed some sections and tolled them. It was, however, observed that portions of the earlier completed road by the past administration were already falling. Consequently, he reiterated his previous directive that the first five (5) kilometres of the project must be milled, re-asphalted with concrete, and properly re-marked, stressing that the contractor has been given seven days to commence the work. He further directed that other identified failed sections along the Dual Carriageway be properly rehabilitated through milling and overlay, with particular attention given to poorly executed areas around the Nasarawa State University, failed bridge expansion joints, damaged manhole covers, blocked drainage channels, washouts, and constant vegetation control. In addition, he instructed that all road furnishings be reinstated after the maintenance works. Engr. Umahi emphasised the need for improved highway safety management, directing the contractor to strengthen corridor monitoring and ensure the prompt removal of stationary vehicles to prevent obstruction and accidents on the Highways. Whilst expressing deep concern over the slow pace of work on the 7th Axial Road project in Lagos, he noted that site mobilisation remains insufficient despite repeated engagements with the contractor at the site and in Abuja. He highlighted that substantial mobilisation funds have already been paid to CHEC, yet key machineries have not been deployed with minimal site clearance being carried out. In this regard, he also warned that “If full mobilisation is not achieved within the agreed timeframe, we will recover the funds and take firm contractual action.” The Minister made it abundantly clear that the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR will no longer tolerate poor execution, delays, or disregard for agreed standards, stressing that warning letters, withholding of certificates, and broader contractual consequences will be applied, where necessary. He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains responsive to public concerns and committed to protecting lives, infrastructure integrity, and getting value for public funds. He informed that President Tinubu is determined to enforce accountability and break away from practices that undermine national development. Highlighting the administration’s inheritance of projects, Engr. Umahi stated that the government inherited 2,064 ongoing projects valued at more than ₦13 trillion as of May 29, 2023, excluding those on the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme. Despite funding constraints, road construction and rehabilitation are progressing nationwide, he confirmed. While acknowledging that the entire federal road network cannot be completed within a single term of four years, the Minister expressed confidence that sustained tempo over the next five years would significantly transform Nigeria’s infrastructure. He, therefore, urged Nigerians to massively vote for President Tinubu in 2027, in order to continue enhancing infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth and much more. Responding on behalf of the management of the two companies, the Acting Executive Director (Operations) of CHOMC, Mr. Stephen Lee promised that industry-standard anti-dust measures will be taken on all construction sites, adequate mobilisation and full commencement of work on the 7th Axial Road and the rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Mararraba-Lafia road. The Minister concluded by reiterating that contractors must either meet agreed standards or face firm consequences, as the Federal Government remains resolute in delivering safe and durable road infrastructure to Nigerians. ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Dec

2023

Farewell To a Rare Gem, Okwadike

Hon. Minister of Works, Sen. Umahi commiserates with the family, government and people of Anambra State over the death of the former Governor of Anambra State, Dr Ezeife.

I received with a deep sense of sympathy the sad news of the glorious exit of the former Governor of Anambra State and elder statesman of note ,His Excellency, late Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife who journeyed to eternal glory on the 14th day of December,2023 at the of 85 years.

2. Late Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife was an advocate of selfless leadership and crusader for the cause of justice and national integration. He was unequivocal on his stand for an egalitarian nation where all Nigerians shall enjoy equal, just and fair treatment notwithstanding their natural, cultural or religious inclinations. He was a prominent voice on national conversations. The loss of this dear nationalist has no doubt created a deep vacuum in the hearts of his loved ones and, indeed, all who shared in the values of his ideals. I heartily convey my deepest condolences to his family, the government and people of Anambra State for the loss of this great iconic leader and national figure who left inspiring life and times worthy of emulation. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace, amen.

3. Please, accept the assurances of the compassionate considerations, esteemed regards and best wishes of my family, the management and staff of Federal Ministry of Works.

H.E. Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, CON, GGCEHF
Hon. Minister of Works

SPEECHES

Dec

2023

Brief by the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator. (Engr) Nweze David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE on the Occasion of the Presentation and Defence of the Ministry’s 2024 Budget io the Joint Committee on Works

The Chairman,
Senate Committee on Works,
Distinguished Senators,
The Chairman,
House Committee on Works
Honourable Members

1.0 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
I wish to express the appreciation of the Ministry to the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works for this opportunity to present and defend the Ministry’s 2023 Budget Performance and 2024 Budget Proposal. The Ministry received the letter Ref. No. NASS/S&H/COW/01/10/1 dated 30th November, 2023 from the Joint Committee on Works requesting for details and submissions on issues pertaining to the performance of the 2023 Appropriation and 2024 Budget proposal. These documents have also been earlier submitted in response to the said letter. I will also like to explain and highlight some aspects of the submissions in the course of this budget defense.

2.0 OVERVIEW OF THE 2023 APPROPRIATION
The sum of N534, 455,695,989.00 was appropriated to the Ministry of Works and Housing and its Parastatals in the 2023 fiscal year. From this amount, Works and Housing Sectors of the then Ministry was allocated a total Capital of N453,255,980,966.00. Following the demerger of the Ministry, Federal Ministry of Works was allocated the sum of N383, 351,656,449.00 as Capital, Overhead was in the Sum of N525,362,343.96 and Personnel was in the Sum of N6,916,751,203.00. The details of the Appropriation are as follows:

(a)    Capital Allocation:
i. Main Ministry of Works:               N383,351,656,449.00
ii. Parastatals:                                 N 46,215,578,221.00
Total                                             N429,567, 234, 670.00

(b)   Overhead Cost:
i. Main Ministry:                    N535,362,344.40
ii. Parastatals:
a. Office of the Survey-General of the Federation (OSGOF)         N239, 664,804.00
b. Federal School of Surveys (FSS), Oyo          N50, 523,550.00
c. Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA)      N17, 525,286,292.00
d. Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) N9, 691,801.00
e. Surveyors’ Registration Council of Nigeria (SURCON)             N14, 971,301.00
    Total                                                                                  N18,375,500,092.4

(c)   PERSONNEL COST
i.    Main Ministry                            N6,916,751,203.00
ii.   Parastatals                               N5,234,644,736.00

Total N12,151,395,939.0

3.0 2023 BUDGET RELEASES/PERFORMANCE

As earlier said, the Capital Allocation to the Ministry was N383, 351,656,449.00 after the demerger of Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. The releases so far to the Ministry was in the sum of N184,165,147,332.29, which represents 48.01% of the Capital Allocation in the 2023 Appropriation. This leaves a balance of N199, 405,010,166.71 to be released by the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF).

3.10. Capital Projects

The sum of N184,165,147,332.29 released up to date to the Ministry from the 2023 Budget Appropriation had been utilized for payments of some certified Certificates for executed works on roads and bridges by Highway, projects of Engineering Services and Common Services Departments. It is to be noted that as at the end of November 2023 the Ministry had a cumulative unpaid certificate in the sum of N1,507,873,365,516.02 (One Trillion, Five Hundred and Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixteen Naira, Two Kobo) only for all inherited on-going highway and bridge projects. Apart from the pressure on the resources to pay, there is the inadequacy of annual budgetary provisions where in most cases N100m or N200m and even less was provided for projects estimated to cost above twenty- fifty billion Naira or even more. Awarding such projects even though appropriated is difficult on its own because the provision is inadequate to even pay 10% for mobilization whereas the Procurement Act prescribes 30% mobilization. The details of all the 2023 Budget Performance for Highways Capital Projects are provided in the document attached as Annexure I.

3.20 Overhead

Out of the Total Approved Overhead of N535,362,344.40 the sum of N312,294,700.90 was released to the Ministry for overhead costs for the period January - July, 2023, which represents 58.33% of the budgetary provision with an outstanding sum of N 223,067,643.50.

3.30 Personnel Cost

The Personnel Cost of N12,598,351,319.00 for the Ministry is being implemented through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) programme in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

4.0 REVENUE GENERATED

The sum of N723,063,678.62 was generated as revenue from January to November, 2023 and all the revenue realized have been remitted to the consolidated Revenue Account (evidence of IGR remittance enclosed).

5.0 2024 BUDGET PROPOSAL
The total sum of N 657,228,251,596 was proposed for the Federal Ministry of Works and its Parastatals for Capital, Personnel and Overhead estimates in the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The breakdown of the proposals is as follows:

5.10   Capital Budget Proposal
a). Main Ministry of Works                                       N 566,466,977,361
b). Parastatals
i. Federal Road Maintenance Agency(FERMA).         N 51, 282,456,911
ii. African Regional Institute for Geo-Spacial Information Science and Technology AFRIGIST (RECTAS) N 104,039,920
Grand Total                                                           N 617,853,474,192

5.20 Overhead Budget Proposal
a). Main Ministry of Works                           N 668,116,856.00
b). Parastatals:
i. FERMA                                                   N 22,027,209,696.
ii. RECTAS/AFRIGIST                                 NIL
          Grand Total                                      N 22,695,326,552

5.30 Personnel Cost Proposal
i. Main Ministry of Works                          N 12,598,351,319
ii. Parastatals                            N 4,081,099,533
             Grand Total                                N 16,679,450,852

Please note that without any presidential pronouncement, the following Parastatals which have been under the Ministry of Works have been provided for in the Budget Proposal for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as follows:
i.   Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation (OSGoF);
ii.   Federal School of Surveying, Oyo (FSS);
iii.   Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); and
iv.   Surveyors’ Council of Nigeria (SURCON)
It will be good that these Committees do get these Parastatals back to the Federal Ministry of Works.

6.0 CATEGORIZATION OF ONGOING HIGHWAY PROJECTS UP TO 2023

The Ministry undertook a total of 2,097of on-going/inherited projects at a total Contract Sum of N13,835,640,624,786. The total amount certified to date stood at N4,772,770,148,140.41, while the total amount paid was in the sum of N3,140,569,453,163,82 as at November, 2023. 3 details are shown in Annex I.

Some of the projects are categorized according to special funding mechanism as follows:

6.10   Highway Project Financed with Presidential Infrastructure Development FUND (PIDF).
A total of Four selected critical projects are being funded under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) Project which is managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA). The projects are:
a.   Expansion and upgrading of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Section I (Lagos-Shagamu);
b.   Expansion and upgrading of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Section II (Shagamu-Ibadan);
c.   Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road; and
d.   Construction of 2nd Niger Bridge and two Bypasses at Asaba and Onitsha.

As at date, the total sum of N846, 365,489,635.12 has been certified out of the initial projects cost N1,535,375,595,518.43. This translates to a performance of 55.12%. The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been substantially completed to about 90% but we still lack fund to complete the project. The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Road is in three sections with about 127km uncompleted in section I (Abuja-Kaduna). Section II which is Kaduna-Zaria is fully completed and section III which is Zaria-Kano is on-going with 20km left uncompleted. The total cost of the three sections is about N655billion. The contractor is seeking for a review of contract to about N1.37trillion to complete the project. We are reviewing the request. However, even though the project will not get up to N1trillion when fairly reviewed, we believe that the unit rates ought to be reviewed. For example, the subsisting unit rate of Asphalt on the project is about N11,000 per square meter, whereas the real cost now is not less than N20,000 per square meter. We have requested the contractor to execute the first 40km of section I on concrete. It is important to note that we do not have fund to continue the project by February 2024 if no funding is injected into the project.

The 2nd Niger Bridge has been completed and was recently handed over to the Ministry. Additionally, there remains the construction of the Approach roads 2A and 2B which were awarded by FEC but have funding challenges to take-off. The remaining two Bypasses in Asaba (2A) and Onitsha (2B) awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Reynods Construction Company Nigeria Limited respectively, during the last Administration was initially estimated at about N200billion but now with inflation, the cost may be up to N260billion. There is no funding for these projects and the projects have not taken off. Let me note that without these Bypasses, the completed 2nd Niger Bridge will be almost inoperative. The details of these projects are as shown in Annexure II.

6.20 Highway Projects Financed with the Sovereign SUKUK Fund
The Federal Government through the Debt Management Office (DMO) initiated Sukuk Funding Programme for financing road infrastructure in 2017. The total sum of N683.122bn was raised to fund 25, 28, 44, 71 and 63 number projects in years 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022 respectively. All the works milestones for the Sukuk in year 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 were completely drawn down while the 2022 Sukuk, issued in the sum of N110,000,000,000.00 is on-going. A total of 63 selected critical projects are being funded under the 2022 Sovereign Sukuk Issuance. As at end of November 2023, the total sum of N50,537,288,079.45 was drawn down translating to a performance of 46%. The details of execution of the projects and drawdown of the 2022 Sukuk Bond is as shown on Annex III;

6.30 The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Funded Projects Phase I
The NNPC joined the Road Infrastructure Development & Refurbishment Tax Credit Scheme programme by undertaking to finance 21 roads in the sum of N621bn with total length of roads of about 1,804.6km under the NNPC Phase I. These roads were identified by key stakeholders such as the NNPC, Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association (PTD) and the Ministry etc. as being crucial for the efficient distribution of petroleum products across the nation. As at date, the total drawdown forwarded to the NNPC Limited is in the sum of N247,729,252,899.54 out of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved sum of N621,237,164,794.59 representing 39.88% performance. The funding gap here due to inflation is estimated at over 250bn. The details of NNPC Phase I Funded Projects are attached as Annex IVA;

6.40 The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) Funded Projects Phase II
The NNPC Phase II Funded Projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council in the sum of N1,969,700,168,910.78 for the execution of 44 No. roads with total length of 4,554.19km while the initial Contract Sum was about N3.969trillion. This leaves a funding gap of over N2trillion at the time of starting the projects. Presently, with inflation, the funding gap to have the NNPC Phases I & II completed shall stand at about N3.56trillion (Inflation about N1.5trillion) for two years from now. This funding gap is neither appropriated for nor has any source of funding. This means that without the kind intervention of this Distinguished and Honourable Joint Committees of Works, these projects will not go on mostly from March 2024 when the NNPC funding would have been exhausted. Your kind intervention and advice are highly, highly and urgently solicited. As at date, the total drawdown forwarded to the NNPC Limited is in the sum of N752,093,618,603.51 representing 38.18% performance. The level of drawdown seems low because most of the projects needed to be reviewed due to the inflation, The details of NNPC Phase II Funded Projects are attached as Annex IVB.

6.50 Other projects funded under Road Infrastructure Development & Refurbishment Tax Credit Scheme.
Several Companies have leveraged on the Executive Order No.7 of 2019 to commit investments in the construction/rehabilitation of roads and obtain Tax credit. Companies like NLNG Limited, Dangote Industries Limited, BUA International Limited, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and GZI Industries projects have embraced the Road Infrastructure Development & Refurbishment Tax Credit Scheme program. Twenty-one projects at a total cost of N1.338trillion outside of those being funded by the NNPCL are being executed under this Scheme. The details are attached as Annex IVC; and
a) Projects funded from Multi – Lateral Loans.
4Nos. major highway and bridge projects are being funded through Multilateral Loans and grants from the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the China Exim Bank. The details of these projects are attached as Annex V.

7.0 2023 APPROPRIATION OF ALL ONGOING EMERGENCY/SPECIAL REPAIRS AND LIMITED REHABILITATION PROJECTS

These are projects being executed under emergency repairs works along the Federal Highway network. The projects under this category have a total contract cost of N419,841,989,869.00, with a total amount certified in the sum of N307,486,496,856.58, while the total amount paid is in the sum of N 123,213,264,774.77, the Ministry is indebted to Contractors to the tune of N 184,273,232,081.81. The details of these projects are included in Annex I.

8.0 INTERVENTION ON TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS PROJECTS
These are projects being executed under the intervention in Federal Government Tertiary Institutions. Out of 108 projects under this category at a total contract cost of N15,641,954,804.16, 61 projects have been completed and handed over at a total cost of N10,790,866,435.35 as at end of November 2023. Twenty-one projects at a total cost of N3,874,482,841.53 have been completed awaiting handover, while the remaining 26 at a total cost of N3,491,998,752.77 are on-going. The details of these projects are attached as Annex VII.

9.0 OVERGROWN VEGETATION CONTROL PROJECTS
These are projects being executed under the intervention on Federal Government Tertiary Institutions. The projects under this category have a total contract cost of N2,333,448,750.00, with a total amount certified in the sum of N1,795,927,968.71, while the total amount paid is in the sum of N62,060,468.75, the Ministry is indebted to Contractors to the tune of N1,733,867,499.96. The details of these projects are included in Annex I.

10.0 PROJECTS PRIORITIZED FOR COMPLETION 2022-2024
In spite of all odds, 21 major road and bridge projects have been completed and some were commissioned, while others are ready for commissioning. The total cost of the completed major road and bridge projects is in the sum of N498,802,362,642.46 with a total length of 489. 97km. Also, to be completed in 2024 is the 260 Emergency Repair works in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation at a total cost of about N260bn. The detail of completed projects is attached as Annex VI.

11.0 BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION/ REHABILITION PROJECTS
Under the 2023 budget, the Ministry undertook massive rehabilitation of bridge projects, some of which have never been maintained since they were constructed over 50 years ago. Human activities on these bridges (i.e. vandalization, fire incidents) have left these bridges in deplorable state and unserviceable conditions. The Ministry is trying to sustain these critical works in the 2024 budget as well as undertake the construction of new bridges where there was none in order to reduce travel time as well as the reconstruction of bridges to replace collapsed ones.

These projects are:
a).   Comprehensive Repairs of the damaged elements of the Third Mainland bridge superstructure: This was procured this year and works are currently ongoing and is satisfactory so far. The second Phase which involves the substructure repairs is being processed for award.
b).   Comprehensive emergency repairs of Eko and Marine bridges in Lagos State: Works are ongoing on these bridges. The Contractor has attained appreciable progress and is being supported financially to enable expeditious completion due to the emergency nature of the works.
c).   Proposed Rehabilitation of Carter, Iddo, Liverpool and Iganmu bridges in Lagos State: The present condition of the above bridges calls for urgent rehabilitation works to restore the bridge integrity and forestall further deterioration that may be detrimental to road users. In this regard, the procurement process is already ongoing within the Ministry for the emergency award of contract for the repairs/rehabilitation of these bridges.
d).   The Rehabilitation of Jimeta bridge in Adamawa State and Murtala Mohammed bridge at Koton Karfe along Lokoja – Abuja Road; Works on these bridges are ongoing and will soon be completed.
e).   Proposed construction of Shendam bridge in Plateau State, Reconstruction of failed bridges in Enugu State and the Construction of Buruku bridge in Benue State; and
f). Reconstruction of three failed Bridges on East/West Road

These are new bridges that are required to ameliorate the sufferings of the host communities as well as other commuters. Procurement of contract for the construction of these bridges are already at an advanced stage and will soon be completed. Funds will be needed to bring them into reality.

12.0 NEW PROJECTS IN 2024 BUDGET
There are new projects captured under the 2024 Budget at a total cost of N102,956,624,538.00. See Annexure 13

13.0 PROSPECTS AND PROSPECTS OF THE 2024 BUDGET FOR HIGHWAY PROJECTS

The policy thrust regarding the 2024 budget for highway projects is to ensure completion of some critical on-going projects which have attained significant levels of completion while keeping the rest alive through minimal appropriation. 693 new projects have been proposed in the 2024 budget, which are critical to improving road network connectivity and thus enhancing traffic circulation on the Federal Road network, necessary for boosting socio-economic activities in the country. The primary objective is enabling the Ministry achieve its mandate in providing a quality Federal Road network that serves as an environment to aid socio-economic growth of the country.

The main challenge to highways development in the Country remains inadequate funding. As at date, Government is committed to highway contractors to the tune of about N13.835 trillion with a total of about N1,507,873,365,516.02 unpaid certificates for executed works. Secondly, the dearth of younger Engineers/Technical Officers in the Ministry as a result of embargo on employment is affecting effective project supervision at the sites. It is expected that more sources of funding of highway projects be explored as well as lifting the embargo on employment of needed Engineers/Technical officers at middle level to enhance supervision of projects. Our Ministry has set up six committees to review all debts, approved and unapproved variations on prices of basic rates, and all augmentations that occurred before May 29th 2023 and from May 30th 2023 till date.

14.0   RECOMMENDATIONS
14.10 From the fore-going, I would like to recommend as follows:
a)   The provision of an Emergency Fund of about 30% of the Budget Provision to cater for unforeseen emergencies that regularly occur on the road network especially during the rainy seasons;
b)   An increase of the Ministry’s present budgetary allocation to about N1.5tr to complete at least 10 selected critical roads and bridges in each of the six geo-political zones of the country;
c)   Urgent review of all certified debts to contractors and if possible, convert same to Promissory Notes to contractors so that we can get properly focused in using any fund appropriated to us to pursue the Ministry’s set objectives;
d)   Inflation- Many contractors are presently out of sites because they have exhausted their contract VoPs and needed the projects unit rates to be reviewed. It will be good that all VoPs and augmentations of all the projects are reviewed and those that are owed be converted to Promissory Notes, while unit rates regime will take effect on contractors in line with the current realities of the construction industry.
e)   More eligible companies should be encouraged to key into the Road Tax Credit Scheme to increase the number of private sector interventions. This means front-loading their tax liabilities to solve our present challenges;
f)   Raising of Bonds from the Capital Market to finance road development in the country;
g)   Creation of an enabling environment by fixing the roads so that the deployment of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) can be effective; and
h)   That appropriations for projects be such that no projects when started should last for more than four years.

14.20 ISSUE OF ASPHALT (FLEXIBLE) VERSUS CONCRETE (RIGID) PAVEMENT
It would be my great pleasure to clarify the misunderstanding of the Ministry’s new policy direction regarding the use of Rigid pavement on her projects. I have to state categorically that no Contractor is prevented from executing the scope works originally signed with the client once certain conditions are observed, which are provision of a 15year shelf-life Insurance Guarantee for the works and a maximum of 5% of Variation of Price (VoP) in the Contract. The Ministry’s new policy is to prevent excessive augmentation of contracts considering the scarcity of Forex and weakening of the Naira against the Dollar which makes the cost of bitumen (which is fully imported) increase in geometric progression against the arithmetic progression rise in cement prices in concrete road pavements. In these times of rising inflation and scarce resources, the Country needs to look inwards to conserve foreign exchange.

15.0 COMMENDATIONS
We thank the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the intervention of his Renewed Hope administration in the Works sub-sector and approval of an enhanced budget envelop for the Federal Ministry of Works. We also thank the leadership of National Assembly, the Chairmen and members of the Works Committees and indeed members of the National Assembly for their painstakingness in ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

Nweze David Umahi
Federal Ministry of Works
December, 2023