Federal Ministry of Works

Nov

2025

LATEST PRESS

FG Decries Road Vandalism, Reaffirms Commitment to Record Completion of Abuja-Kano Expressway

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of vandalism and misuse of newly constructed and ongoing road projects across the country, warning that such irresponsible acts threaten the lifespan and safety of critical national infrastructure.

Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., issued the warning on Saturday, 8th November 2025, during a holistic inspection visit to the Outstanding Sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway project, where he condemned the destructive activities of some hoodlums along the completed and active sections of the road.

The Minister, in particular, decried instances of individuals removing safety railings, damaging concrete pavements, or converting portions of the highway into refuse dumps and drying grounds—especially around the Jaji Bridge corridor in Kaduna State.

“Maintenance begins with discipline and public responsibility,” Goronyo stated. “We have observed people cutting through newly completed road sections or tampering with vital components. These acts of vandalism must stop immediately,” he warned.

In this vein, he urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to take collective ownership of public infrastructure and ensure that such national assets are protected from misuse, adding that the government’s huge investments in road development must be safeguarded for future generations.

“The Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committing enormous resources to the building of durable roads across the country. Every act of vandalism or road abuse undermines national progress and the deployment of taxpayers’ money to other critical national priorities,” the Minister emphasised.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve to complete the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway within record time, Goronyo described the project as a flagship of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to enhance trade, promote unity, and strengthen economic integration between the Northern and Southern regions of the country.

He disclosed that the Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) of the project, spanning 144 kilometres, is progressing steadily across several active sections - from Tungan Maje and Jere to Katari, Kakau, Gonigora, and Agogo Junction—with significant work already completed in drainage, reinforcement, and the construction of the shoulders.

“So far, about 26 kilometres of continuous rigid concrete pavement and 15 kilometres of binder and wearing course have been completed,” the Minister revealed. “The President has made it clear that funding will not be a constraint. It is now a matter of work and getting paid,” he informed the contractor, Messrs. Infiouest International Limited.

In line with the President’s directive for durable infrastructure, the Acting Director, Highways, Bridges and Design at the Ministry, Engr. Musa Sa’idu explained that the project design was upgraded from flexible (asphalt) to rigid (concrete) pavement, capable of lasting for about a century and withstanding the stress of heavy-duty and overloaded vehicles.

He further disclosed that a recycling approach is being used to strengthen the substructure, by mixing milled asphalt with stone base and cement to improve durability and minimize environmental impact.

Mr. Robert Turner, Senior Project Manager of the company, reaffirmed their commitment to engineering excellence and set a target, adding that work is progressing seven days a week, with plans to introduce night shifts to accelerate completion.
“We are determined to deliver this project ahead of schedule. The government has demonstrated exceptional consistency in funding, and we are matching that commitment with performance,” Turner assured.

Concluding the inspection tour at the additional location of the Kano end of the alignment, the Minister reiterated that the Abuja–Kano Expressway remains one of the most strategic road corridors in the nation, symbolising Mr. President’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal, national security, and economic prosperity.

“This project is dear to the President’s heart. It is not just a road - it is a lifeline for trade, social and political integration, as well as national unity. Every Nigerian must play a part in protecting it,” Goronyo declared.

Earlier at the end of Section II (Kaduna-Zaria), which has been completed and handed over by the previous contractor, the
Minister detoured to inspect another ongoing construction work on the Unguwar Iliya-Bagudu-Kwantakaran-Tsiga-Bakori Road with Kadabo Bridge in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State. He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, which has an approximate length of 17.3 kilometres, starting from Tsiga Town and passing through the Barde community. The scope of work includes the construction of a single carriageway and three reinforced concrete bridges.

Briefing the Minister on the Project, the Federal Controller/Engineers’ Representative, Engr. Muhammad I. Matinja and the Project Manager for Messrs. Halis Matrix Limited, Engr. David Omotosho expressed optimism about the progress of work, assuring that it will be completed on time and according to its design.

**Mohammed A Ahmed, **
Director Press and Public Relations.
9th November 2025.

Apr

2023

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FG Appeals For Patience, Says Reconstruction Work On Final Stretch Progressing Satisfactorily …Work within OPIC area between Kara Bridge and Long Bridge completed, to be opened to traffic Sunday (April 30) As the reconstruction work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway enters its final phase, the Federal Government has appealed for patience and understanding of motorists on account of the heavy traffic being experienced on the stretch from Toll Gate to Kara Bridge in Lagos. The Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN in a Press Release signed by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr Hakeem Bello, said he empathizes with members of the public who have had to endure longer than usual traffic as the reconstruction work in the heavily built-up stretch progresses towards the finish line. According to the Minister, the intensity of work and the high volume of traffic which had to be accommodated at the same time have been complicated by impatience on the part of some motorists who drive against the planned traffic flow and breakdown of vehicles. He however noted that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is working with the Lagos State Government, all traffic management and security agencies to minimize the discomfort of motorists. The Minister also explained that the contractors are also being encouraged to ensure that the final challenging phase of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction work are concluded as soon as possible. While noting that the earlier envisaged April 30 date for conclusion of the final stretch could not be achieved due to a combination of factors, work within the OPIC area between Kara Bridge and the Long Bridge has been completed and would be opened to traffic tomorrow, Sunday (April 30). This means that the main carriageway, both bounds, from Berger (New Garage) and Sagamu Inter-change on Section 1 of the Project has been completed. All attention, according to the Minister, would now be focused on the outstanding work between Otedola Bridge and Berger (both bounds). ...

Apr

2023

FG Poised To Commission Abuja Kano Expressway The Federal Government has given the assurance that section 2 and 3 of the Abuja - Kano expressway will be completed and commissioned by President Muhammad Buhari before the end of his tenure this year, May, 29th. 2023. This assurance was given by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari who was taken on a press - inspection tour of the road by the Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN. The Chief of Staff who expressed satisfaction with the work done said, "Both section 2 and 3 will be completed and ready for commissioning by President Muhammad Buhari before the end of the tenure of his administration". He disclosed that another legacy project of the President, the 2nd Niger bridge will also be commissioned by the President before he leaves office. He recalled that the bridge had been opened for road users during the last Christmas season to ease the hardship that people had suffered for years now The COS praised the President for his outstanding and commendable commitment to infrastructural development across the country. "We want to commend Mr President for making the resources available so that this kind of progress can be made", he said. The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN explained that section 3 of the road which is from Kaduna to Kano is 137 kilometres, which is longer than the Lagos - Ibadan expressway which is 127 kilometres while section 2 of the road which stretches from Zaria to Kaduna is 73 kilometres. He added that though the Lagod - Ibadan expressway started earlier both projects are being completed around the same time. On why work on the section 1 of the road which is from Abuja from Zaria was not progressing like the other two, the Minister attributed the reasons to criminal activities which stalled the work for about a year in 2022, issues about right of way because of the need to relocate buildings, markets electricity installations, utilities all of which must be addressed before the contractor can do his job. He said that work on that section of the road was ongoing just as the required collaboration between the Ministry and the Federal Capital Territory Minster and the Governors of Niger and Kaduna states whose territories are connected to the 265 kilometres road is going on. Fashola gave the assurance that the section will be completed by the next administration as soon as possible as funding which is being provided by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is readily available. The Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr Aminu Umar Sadiq affirmed his organisation's commitment and readiness to provide the funding for the project. ...

Apr

2023

Road Completion: Nigerians Should Be Proud Of Loko Oweto Project- Fashola The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN affirmed that the “ Loko- Oweto bridge is 200 metres longer than the 2nd Niger Bridge , how many African countries are able to do this ? Nigerians should be very proud of this project”. He made this remark during the pre–inspection of the bridge for commissioning in Nasarawa State . Fashola further remarked “In January I was here to asses the level and progress of work so far done and at the end of March. I am here today when the contractors indicated that they have completed work and all our officers reported it as well , they deserve commendation from Nigerians for the job.” The Minister said “this is the bridge that crosses river Benue and links the North to the South , adding that “ the bridge will reduce travel time , it will reduce travel cost and greatly enhance the ease of doing business” Speaking further, Fashola said the report of this working visit to the site of the bridge would be sent to the Presidency where the date of the commissioning of the bridge would then be decided. While commenting on the Lagos – Ibadan road , the Minister appealed for continuous perseverance and understanding of all road users, as traffic had to be diverted during construction adding that the road is among the busiest in the country, he told journalists that the Lagos – Ibadan road would be completed in April of 2023 as planned , in addition , he also said that in May of 2023 the 2nd Niger bridge would be commissioned and opened to the traffic as well. The Federal Controller of Works Nasarawa State , Mr Idah Daikwo who accompanied the Minister on the inspection of the Loko Oweto bridge said “ the speed of completion and quality of works on the bridge is second to none , I commend the Honourable Minister for this laudable Legacy project” ...

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Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Jan

2020

My Candid Opinion Of Ministry Of Works And Housing In 2019

The year 2019 was a remarkable one for Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. During this year, Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, was reappointed as the Minister For Works and Housing by the President Muhammadu Buhari after demerging the Ministry which in his first tenure included the Ministry for Power. No sooner had he resumed, he swung into action. This culminated into impressive accomplishments in terms of construction, rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of roads and bridges.

Among these accomplishments recorded in 2019 are the ongoing reconstruction works on major bridges, arterial roads and rehabilitation, which includes:

* Emergency Repairs of Existing Niger Bridge at Onitsha/Asaba; Owerri Dual Carriageway (close to Madonna) in Anambra State ; Construction of Ojutu Bridge on Erinle River, Ilobu,. Osun State.
* Emergency Repairs of Failed Section of Ijora - Apapa Flyover and Approach Road by Leventis in Lagos
* Reconstruction of Ohan & Moro bridges in Ilorin - Igbeti Road
* Emergency Repairs of Washout at Kwaita Bridge along Abuja - Lokoja Expressway
* Reconstruction of 3No. Insurgent damaged Bridges in the North East

In addition, another feat achieved by the ministry is the collaboration with the Federal Government in the expansive spending on Federal projects across the nation, which has not left any state in Nigeria today without a Federal Government visible road project. Recently , officials of the Ministry works , took a tour the erosion control project at the Ekpoma stretch of the dual carriageway from Obajana to Benin City.

It is also pertinent to note that the Ministry of Works and Housing with its critical stakeholders ; the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and some road contractors handling national projects, in one of the organizational sublime strides, prepared a document which contained the action plan to fix failed portions of federal highways and arterial roads in respect to the recently celebrated yuletide. The document contained 123 roads billed for rehabilitation or already undergoing repairs.

These rehabilitation projects cut across the 6 geo-political zones of the country. Among the roads billed for rehabilitation were the Abuja-Kaduna road at Km 4,5,15,16,18 and 30, Gombe-Biu, Wukari-Benue, Benin-Asaba, Benin-Sapele, Ibadan-Ogbomosho, Onitsha-Owerri dual carriage way to mention but a few.

In the Housing sector, the Ministry brought to the fore, the Pilot National Housing Programme. This has led to a nationwide Housing construction currently at various completion stages in 34 states of the Federation.

In addition, 1000 certificates of occupancy in respect of Federal Government landed properties nationwide were approved and signed and the beneficiaries were duly informed in four national newspapers; Thisday, Leadership, Nation and Daily Trust.

The Ministry is not resting on its oars in terms of effective delivery of its duties and mandates to the states as well as accountability to the people of Nigeria.

Okere Grace Onyinyechi
IT Student with Federal Ministry of Works and Housing

Speeches

Oct

2017

Remarks By Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At The 20th Monthly Power Sector Operators Meeting Held In Owerri, Imo State

Once again it is my pleasure to chair this monthly meeting to review the progress we have made from our last monthly meeting in Lagos in September, and to collectively engage the challenges that lie ahead in our roadmap to incremental, stable and uninterrupted power.

At our meeting in September, we received reports of:
a.   The successful connection of power to Magboro, Ibafo and neighbouring communities in Ogun state who had not been connected for about 10 years.
b.   Provision of more meters to customers in Ijeshatedo, particularly on Ajijedidun Street, Adamolekun Street and Abiola Alao Streets where 196 out of 244 customers had been metered.
c.   We also got reports of the progress that has been made to restore power to 16 out of 36 communities in Ondo North (Akoko Communities) and the challenges in Okitipupa.

Another other piece of information that is worth sharing is the conviction of one Okechukwu Anoke by the Federal High Court Abakaliki and sentencing him to 3 years’ imprisonment for tampering with electricity fittings.

We welcome this judicial support to stop corruption in the power sector, enforce the law and promote liquidity in the sector. This comes on the heels of similar support from no less an office than that of the Chief Justice of Nigeria who has issued practice directions for the full enforcement of Arbitration clauses in power contracts so as to take such cases out of the tedium of regular trial and place them in the hands of commercially sensitive adjudicators.

On behalf of the entire sector we welcome the intervention in the Court of Appeal in the case involving the tariff review.

The order of the Trial Court which declared the tariff setting process illegal has been reversed and the case is now to be tried afresh.

Before I leave the issue of the critical role of the judiciary and law enforcement in the power sector, let me point out that the efficacy of the practice directions issued by the CJN for the strict enforcement of Arbitration clauses does not rest with the Judicial officers alone.

The Nigerian Bar Association has a pivotal role to play in ensuring that Arbitration clauses are enforced. This is because it is often the Lawyers, not the clients, that file and initiate processes that invoke the jurisdiction of the Court.

It seems to me that there might be something that potentially crosses the line of ethics which should arouse the interest of the Bar Association if one of its members fails to avail a client of his rights under an Arbitration agreement.

That said, I will proceed to inform members that in the last month, we have recovered 100MW from the damaged Afam IV Power Plant which was inoperative since January 2015.

Similarly, TCN has energized the Jebba-Kainji 2nd 330KV line and the 2nd Ajaokuta-Abuja 330KV line both of which were inoperative since 2015.

In the last month also, specifically on Wednesday 4th October 2017, the Federal Executive Council approved the verified sum of Federal Government MDA debts of N25.9Billion, and its payment by setting it off against the debts owed by the DisCos to NBET.

You will be receiving official communication of how these have been applied to reduce debts owed by DisCos to NBET.

We are also making promising progress in recovering debts due from international Customers and you will be notified of how much has been received when the appropriate accounts confirm that they have received value for the credits we have been notified of.

It is against this background that I now move to the challenges which we still have to overcome; the more pressing of which is how the DisCos can quickly increase their capacity to take power and distribute to the consumers.

I think that this is the issue that is captured in your letter of 27th September 2017 titled, ‘Federal Government of Nigeria’s Initiatives in the Electricity Sector and the Impact on Electricity Distribution Company Activities,’ which was addressed to NERC and copied to me.

Let me commend DisCos for the decision to channel their complaints to NERC by a jointly signed letter. This is a welcome departure from the previous order and it is to be encouraged.

The substance of Government initiatives which prompted that letter can be summarised as follows:

a.   Provision of meters to consumers through licensing of meter suppliers
b.   Provision of more power to consumers through licensing of eligible customers
c.   Provision of Independent dedicated Power to Universities
d.   Promotion of the deployment of more solar power through mini-grids
e.   Expansion of the Distribution Network of the DisCos so that they can take about additional 2,000 MW of power now available for supply

Without a doubt, the initiatives are targeted at improving service to the people. In your letter under reference copied to me, you expressed concerns about the impact of these initiatives on your businesses.

It is not my understanding that you oppose them, which is commendable.

It is my understanding that you fear that you will lose some income or some customers if Government proceeds; and on the question of meters, you seek to have technical compatibility with what the licencee will operate.

In respect of possible investment in Distribution equipment you seek that Government should route the investment through the DisCos.

Understandably you are concerned about investment recovery and in your views, the solution is a tariff review.

While your concerns about business viability, financial stability and cost recovery are well understood and indeed supported by the Electric Power Sector Perform Act of 2005 (EPSRA) which Government will respect; I must point out that Government’s focus is also strong on the issue of service to the people.

There must be a balance somewhere in the middle.

As far as the promotion of solar and other sources of independent power are concerned, please note that not only are they supported by the ESPRA, they are consistent with our Paris Climate Change Agreement Obligations and with emerging global practice.

DisCos have nothing to fear about solar. It is a space in which they are entitled to play but in which they cannot exclude others from playing.

The ESPRA did not contemplate a monopoly for any licensee unless it is expressly stated in the license.

As for channelling investment into Distribution assets through the DisCos, Government has not yet taken a position on what the best way forward will be.

However, Government is clear that a solution must be found quickly to the inability of DisCos to take about 2000 MW of power that will imminently increase as we get more incremental power.

But the point that must be made is for all of us to remember that, Government is a 40% shareholder of the DisCos (on behalf of the Federal, State, Local Governments and Workers) and therefore has a self-benefitting interest in the wellbeing and efficiency of the DisCos.

Most importantly, the concerns contained in the letter under reference can and will be managed through consultations which NERC has been undertaking to my knowledge. Consultations will help to build consensus about how best to serve customers, instead of festering gulfs of Disagreement.

At this preliminary stage therefore, you letter and concerns focus first on the business, while the Government initiatives focus more on service.

Consensus should give us both; the service and the business.

Still on the matter of DisCos, my attention has been brought to the fact that Yola DisCo has not been actively participating in the affairs of your association.

My position about your right and freedom to associate has been publicly stated and so is the right of the Government to associate or dissociate with you by lack of recognition or grant of recognition.

Because rights are not absolute and because they impose duties, all I need say is that we must respect the right of Yola DisCo to also choose whether it wants to associate or not. That is a duty we all have if we must enjoy the freedom and right to associate.

I will also want to report the successful holding of our National Council on Power, the 3rd in the series hosted by Plateau State who used the opportunity to present Rural Electrification Road Map to all of us.

I will like to thank Governor Simon Lalong for hosting us , and all of you for participating and urge that you follow up with the State Governments to assist you in enforcing the law against energy theft, right of way protection, metering of state government offices and buildings, the verification and prompt settlement of bills.

Finally, I would like to refocus our attention to the order signed by the NERC which reduced the timeline for making (New) Electricity connections from 145 days to 40 days.

While DisCos are also expected to comply and file reports of compliance to NERC and copied to my office, the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has advised that the focal DisCos that will affect Nigeria’s ease of doing business rating will be Lagos, Ikeja, Kano and Kaduna because of the sample size that the population they serve represent.

Thank you for your attention.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Honourable Minister of Power, Works and Housing

Monday 9th October 2017