Federal Ministry of Works

Jun

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI ISSUES STRONG WARNING TO NON-PERFORMING CONTRACTORS, SAYS TINUBU MUST NOT BE BLAMED FOR PROJECT DELAYS

The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has issued a strong warning to contractors handling Federal Government road projects, urging them to fulfil their contractual obligations and eliminate the factors that give rise to unwarranted criticism of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

Speaking during an extensive inspection tour of ongoing road and bridge projects in Kogi and Edo States, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work on some sections of the Abuja-Lokoja Dual Carriageway and the Dualisation of Obajana Junction -Benin Road. He disclosed that, due to funding constraints, the scope of one of the Sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road had to be reduced from 49.28 kilometres to 28 kilometres to concentrate available resources on the most critical portions.

"I am very sad with what I saw on the ground. What was reported to us is not reflected in the actual work being done," the Minister observed.

Engr. Umahi reiterated the Ministry's directive that no section of the Federal highway should remain closed for more than 14 days during construction. He subsequently issued an ultimatum to the affected contractor to complete the required section within the stipulated period or risk termination of the contract.

The Minister, however, commended Messrs JRB Construction Company for the quality and pace of work on its project, describing the company as a model of professionalism and commitment. According to him, "If everybody does his job accordingly, there will be no reason to shift the blame to Mr. President."

He also issued a 72-hour ultimatum to GELD Construction Company, handling one of the sections, to effectively utilise funds already released to demonstrate visible progress on the project.

According to the Minister, a substantial percentage of Nigeria's Federal road network had deteriorated before the advent of the present administration, stressing that President Tinubu inherited enormous infrastructure challenges but has continued to make significant strides to restore and modernise the nation's road sector.

He further directed the Federal Controllers of Works (FCW), Engineers’ Representatives (E.R.), and project supervisors to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and enforce greater accountability, insisting that all procurement processes and expenditures must be properly justified.

As part of the inspection tour, the Minister visited the reconstruction of the existing pavement and completion of the additional carriageway on Section III of the Abuja–Lokoja Dual Carriageway, including works being executed by Trucrete Solutions Limited on the Koton Karfe–Abuja alignment.

He also inspected two critical bridge projects along the same corridor, as well as the ongoing dualisation of the Lokoja–Benin Road. The projects inspected include Section I, Obajana Junction–Okene, and Section II covering the Okene–Auchi corridor across Kogi and Edo States.

The Minister further assessed progress on the flyover and interchange components of the project being executed by CCG Contractors, with the flyovers at approximately 80 percent completion and the interchange at about 30 percent.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, commended Engr. Umahi for his visionary leadership and firm commitment to ensuring value for public funds. He noted that political office holders can no longer continue to bear responsibility for the poor performance of contractors, stressing that Nigerians expect tangible results and timely project delivery.

Senator Onyesoh also appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of funds for ongoing projects. He added that the Committee would reserve its final assessment pending the level of commitment and progress demonstrated by the contractors.

Similarly, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, called on all stakeholders to support the Ministry in delivering a quality road network across the country. He emphasised that road development is a collective responsibility and observed that President Tinubu has entrusted the Ministry with the critical task of ensuring efficient project execution.

Addressing contractors, Hon. Alabi assured them that the Federal Government remains committed to meeting all legitimate payment obligations, while commending JRB Construction Company for its significant investment and commitment to Nigeria's infrastructure development.

The Managing Director of GELD Construction Company, Mr. Fadi Azimi, assured the delegation that the company would intensify work and ensure improved project delivery, in line with the Ministry's expectations.

The Ministry reaffirmed its determination to address the challenge of non-performing contractors and reiterated its commitment to strengthening supervision, accountability, and the timely delivery of quality road and bridge infrastructure across the country.

Mar

2026

UMAHI RAISES ALARM OVER MISUSE OF ROADS, WARNS AGAINST PARKING OF TANKS, OTHER HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLES -As young engineers set to understudy the project under the President’s mentorship program The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON has raised serious concern over the damaging practice of parking fuel tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles on newly constructed roads, warning that such actions pose direct threat to the durability and lifespan of critical national infrastructure. The Minister made this known during an inspection of the Aleto Bridge project, Rivers State on Saturday, March 21, 2026. “Yesterday I was passing through this road, the entire road we have completed was totally blocked… not by moving vehicles but fuel tankers, they parked on the road.” He emphasized that no road infrastructure is designed to withstand prolonged static loading from heavy vehicles. “No road project anywhere in the world is designed for static loads, they will destroy the road.” With the total project cost exceeding ₦230 billion ₦156 billion for phase one and ₦83 billion for phase two the Minister stressed that such investments must be protected. “Is that what we should fold our hands and allow it to be destroyed?” The Minister expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being delivered by the contractor, RCC, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his decisive intervention in sustaining the project. “I want to thank RCC very highly and commend Mr President for his heart of love toward the Niger Delta,” the Minister stated. He explained that although funding by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ceased in August 2025, the President promptly approved an alternative funding mechanism, ensuring that work continued uninterrupted. “We are not owing RCC on this project… it is a very, very highly skilled and technical project and I’m very happy with the quality of work.” The Minister described the Aleto Bridge Project as a landmark engineering effort, incorporating modern concrete pavement technology, solar-powered lighting, environmental landscaping, and reinforced structural features. In line with the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development, the Minister disclosed plans to integrate young Nigerian engineers into the project through a mentorship programme championed by President Tinubu. “We are making efforts on President Tinubu mentorship programme where young engineers will come and study what we’re doing here. They are our future leaders and it is a technical project to behold.” Providing an update on timelines, the Minister noted that one carriageway of the project is expected to be completed before May 25, 2026, with the first phase projected for full completion by August 2026. “They have promised me that before May 25th that one carriageway of this very innovative construction will be completed and before August the first phase of this project would have been totally completed.” He further expressed confidence that the second phase, which includes multiple flyovers and bridges, will be delivered within the year. The Minister also highlighted the strategic redesign of the project from asphalt to concrete pavement, a decision directed by the President to ensure long-term durability. “We inherited this project from zero ground. It was the President that directed that we should redesign using concrete and then you can see the result.” The Honourable Minister concluded by calling on Nigerians, particularly road users and transport operators, to take collective responsibility in safeguarding public infrastructure. “Let us protect our own. The minister cannot be here and everywhere. The road is being done and it’s been perfectly done but we have a duty to protect it.” ...

Mar

2026

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON RECENT ISSUES SURROUNDING MRS TRACY OHIRI’S MATTER The attention of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, has been drawn to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the claims and counterclaims by Mrs. Tracy Ohiri, particularly as they relate to her lawyer, Barr. Marshall Abubakar. Ordinarily, we would have ignored this, but it has become necessary, in the interest of truth and public clarity, to address these issues directly. First, it is important to clarify that Barr. Marshall Abubakar acted in good faith and was motivated solely by a desire to assist Mrs. Ohiri. His involvement was entirely selfless and driven by a genuine effort to resolve the matter amicably. At no time did Barr. Marshall discuss or negotiate payment of any money to Mrs. Ohiri. However, some associates and well-meaning individuals independently approached him with the intention of helping her. For the avoidance of doubt, the Honourable Minister had clearly stated two conditions for resolving the matter: either the issue should be determined in court, or Mrs. Ohiri should provide verifiable evidence, including all relevant communications, to substantiate her claims. It must also be emphasized that Barr. Marshall Abubakar conducted himself with utmost decency and integrity throughout. He neither requested nor received any money from the Honourable Minister at any point. Following the failure to meet the stated conditions, particularly the inability to provide credible and verifiable evidence, the Minister has directed his legal team to proceed with all court processes to ensure that the truth is fully established. The Minister further acknowledged that he had indicated to Barr. Marshall that if Mrs. Ohiri could provide complete evidence, logs and communications from the period in question, some friends and associates were willing to contribute the sum of One Billion Naira (N1b). The Minister is still waiting for the above. It is also worth noting that for several years, the Minister chose to remain silent despite persistent provocations and public attacks. This restraint was deliberate and guided by a commitment to focus on state and national service rather than distractions. However, recent developments have made it necessary to respond. The Honourable Minister therefore extends sincere appreciation to Nigerians who have taken their time to examine the facts and arrive at an informed understanding of the situation. There is growing awareness that not everyone who presents themselves as a victim truly is one, and that, in some cases, narratives are deliberately inverted. The Honourable Minister remains fully committed to his mandate. He will not be distracted from the ongoing work of delivering critical road infrastructure across the country. The focus remains on results, service, and ensuring that Nigerians continue to benefit from projects that improve connectivity, economic growth, and national development. We assure Nigerians that this administration will continue to pursue its transformation agenda with dedication, transparency, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. ...

Mar

2026

EID MUBARAK TO OUR MUSLIM FAITHFULS I warmly felicitate with our Muslim brothers and sisters across Nigeria on the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Eid is a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the values of sacrifice, discipline, compassion, and obedience to the will of Almighty Allah. The lessons of Ramadan call us to live in peace with one another, uphold justice, and extend kindness to all, especially the less privileged. As we celebrate, I urge all Nigerians to continue to embrace unity, tolerance, and mutual respect, which remain essential to our collective progress as a nation. Let us also use this period to pray for the peace, stability, and sustained development of our dear country. On our part at the Federal Ministry of Works, we remain committed to delivering critical infrastructure that connects our people, strengthens economic growth, and improves the quality of life for all Nigerians. May Almighty Allah accept good prayers and acts of charity, and bless our nation with peace, prosperity, and good health. Eid Mubarak. Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE Honourable Minister of Work ...

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PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

Dec

2023

Minister and Directors Meet in Preparation for Budget Defence with the Joint Committees of National Assembly

The Directors of the Federal Ministry of Works have risen from their in-house budget defence with the Honourable Minister in preparation for budget defence with the Joint Committees of National Assembly slated for 11th December 2023.

The Honorable Minister thanked the Acting Permanent Secretary and all the Heads of Departments who handled the Ministry's budget for their commitment to the appraisal of the 2023 budget and the preparation of the 2024 budget proposal.

The Minister noted that the road sector needed a different kind of attention beyond the 2024 budget envelope received by the Ministry. For a developing nation like Nigeria, road sector development is a catalyst for economic development. The road sector has the potential to improve the security sector, agricultural sector, trade and investment, health, education, and, in fact, every aspect of the development of every nation.

The Minister thanked very highly the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for the attention given to the Ministry and his approval of concrete pavement in most of the 2024 projects. He stated that the Ministry is committed to the development of road infrastructure in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. The Minister noted the huge debts arising from unpaid certificates inherited from the past administration, which runs up to N1.5 trillion up till date and the expected contract reviews arising from inflation.

These two factors are recognized in the Ministry as issues that must be confronted in order to move forward.

The Minister has, therefore, set up six committees of one committee per geopolitical zone to review all debts of unpaid certified certificates generated before May 29th, 2023, and from May 29th 2023 to date. The committees will also review the approved and unapproved variation of prices and all augmentations that were approved or are yet to be approved and make recommendations to the Ministry's management. The Ministry has exposed these debts and all reviews in the Ministry to Mr. President’s economic team and also to the Federal Executive Committee on road sector funding. It is believed that the internal works through these constituted committees will help them to use external Consultants to reverify the works so that concrete decisions will be made to move the Ministry forward.

Contractors who are being owed are requested to approach these committees with all documents to back up their claims from Tuesday 12th 2023 to Friday, 22nd of December 2023 from 9 am to 7 pm at the Honourable Minister’s Conference Room, 1st floor, Federal Ministry of Works, Headquarters, Mabushi Abuja.

The Minister again thanked Mr. President very highly as well as National Assembly and pledged their commitment in using judiciously whatever fund allocated to the Ministry and such funds must impact on the road infrastructure improvement.

The entire Directors of the Ministry pledged for a renewed vigor in the supervision of the projects, and the results are already evident.

SPEECHES

May

2023

Remarks By H.E Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN At the Virtual Commissioning of Three Bridges, Three Secretariats and One Road on Tuesday 23rd May 2023

Mr. President, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen:

On behalf of the Honourable Minister of State, Ibrahim Umar El-Yakub, and other Ministers of States who have served with me, the Permanent Secretary and former Permanent Secretaries, Directors serving and retired and all the staff of the Ministry of Works and Housing, I am pleased to welcome you all to this momentous day.

A day where the Federal Government of Nigeria, working with the State Governors, Senators and House of Representative members, Traditional Rulers and with the people of Nigeria, unveils 3 (THREE) major bridges the Loko-Oweto, Second Niger and Ikom bridges, a completed Section of over 200 kilometres of Kano-Kaduna Highway and three new Federal Secretariats.

Today, Mr. President will connect Benue to Nasarawa on the Loko – Oweto Bridge, Cross River to Benue on Ikom Bridge and Anambra to Delta on the Second Niger Bridge, and literally connect many parts of Nigeria to themselves.

In the same vein, we link Kano to Kaduna on the Kaduna-Kano highway and impact Zamfara, Bayelsa and Anambra directly through the Secretariats.

This is a story of development and a story of people, all of which cannot be fully told here.

But I will try; starting from the President and the Commander-in-Chief whose leadership, support and opportunity afforded us to serve has made all these possible.

The story of the cabinet members from the Vice-President and my colleague ministers whose support for the various memoranda in Council made these projects possible.

Some of those memoranda you spent hours to debate and approve have yielded some fruit.

Our legislators in both chambers of Parliament were part of the story. They appropriated, they approved where necessary and oversighted all through the project; but they never obstructed.

The State Governors, their Commissioners and their Traditional Rulers are a story that must be told, about how Federal, State Government and Traditional Institutions can, and must work together to deliver development and prosperity.

The story of the men and women who worked on these construction sites is an unforgettable one.

Not only were these sites places of employment for them to earn a living to support their families; I saw in them men and women, boys and girls involved in the dignifying and patriotic work of nation building.

The story of the economic activity that took place at these sites is also most compelling.

Thousands of tonnes of construction materials, sand, cement, diesel, reinforcement, bitumen, aggregates were bought, sold and transported over the period.

This was a period of boom for small and family-owned businesses who supplied the contractors.

It is the clearest narrative about how infrastructure benefits the people and how this drives the services sector of the economy that employs the most people.

It is the story of how the Muhammadu Buhari policies meet the people at their point of need even if many of these people will never meet Muhammadu Buhari in person.

Another story to tell is that prosperity is already being delivered by these projects.

Travel time is reduced by more than 50% in many of the places we surveyed.

Property values of landowners have appreciated by up to 30% in the surveys conducted on land values where we have delivered infrastructure.

These are some of the attempts by Government to pushback against multi-dimensional poverty; because Loko-Oweto reduces travel time to Abuja by 4 (FOUR) hours and with the Second Niger Bridge it will take a few minutes, instead of hours to cross the River Niger, a crossing of approximately 1.5 Kilometres.

The Calabar port now has a story of improved patronage to tell, and efficient import and export business can only help in the push back against poverty.

With regards to the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund, I want to tell the story of a successful working relationship with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) under the previous Managing Director, Uche Orji, and the present one, Aminu Umar-Sadiq and the management team.

They were worthy custodians and managers of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.

I cannot forget the story of my working relationship with your Excellency’s office through your Chiefs-of-Staff, the late Abba Kyari of blessed memory and the amiable Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

With their collaboration, the Attorney-General and the Minister of Finance, we delivered the Second Niger bridge, 200 kilometres out of the 365 kilometres of the Kano-Abuja highway and 114 kilometres of the 127 kilometres Lagos-Ibadan highway.

Mr. President it is now my pleasure to invite you Sir to dedicate and hand over the following projects for public use:

a. Zamfara Federal Secretariat, Gusau
b. Bayelsa Federal Secretariat, Yenagoa
c. Anambra Federal Secretariat, Awka
d. The Ikom Bridge, Cross River
e. Loko-Oweto Bridge (Nasarawa/Benue)
f. Muhammadu Buhari 2nd Niger Bridge (Anambra/Delta)
g. Two hundred kilometres of Kano-Kaduna dual carriageway.