Federal Ministry of Works

Feb

2026

LATEST PRESS

FG COMMISSIONS REHABILITATED SECTIONS OF GWADA-SHIRORO ROAD, RESTORES CONNECTIVITY AND SAFETY IN NIGER STATE AND BEYOND

The Federal Ministry of Works has officially commissioned the completed critically failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road Section 1 in Niger State, alongside Emergency Repairs of Embankment Washouts and the Construction of a 2-Cell Box Culvert on the same alignment. The projects are part of the 260 Emergency/Special Intervention Projects carried out, nationwide, by the Renewed Hope Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR in order to salvage the nation’s road network. It signals a significant milestone in restoring connectivity, safety, and economic activities in the affected areas.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, which forms an integral component of a National Media Tour, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW) in Niger State, Engineer Eyitayo Aluko, welcomed members of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), community leaders, residents, members of the press, and other stakeholders. He informed the gathering that he represents the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi CON, FNSE, FNATE in the State, describing the intervention as “two projects in one.”
Engineer Aluko explained that the ceremony site was previously a critical failure point on the road, where a one-cell pipe culvert had collapsed due to its flawed design and overburdenedness. The collapse of the culvert severely disrupted the movement of people, goods, and services, moving in and out of Gwada town into a major challenge for commuters and residents.

“Before our intervention, movement through Gwada was a nightmare. The pipe cover here was inadequate and eventually collapsed. We had to intervene urgently,” said the Controller. According to him, the Ministry improved the infrastructure by replacing the collapsed one-cell pipe culvert with a two-cell box culvert measuring 2.0m x 2.0m, significantly enhancing water flow capacity and structural stability, and durability. He noted that the project has since been completed and traffic has fully resumed.
In addition to the construction of the culvert, the FCW disclosed that several failed sections of the Gwada–Shiroro Road were rehabilitated to improve travel time, road safety and reduce wear and tear of vehicles. The scope of work included embankment washout remediation, construction of the box culvert, laying of stone base, granular course, and asphalt surfacing.
The projects were awarded to Messrs Wise Spin Limited and Messrs High Dee Construction Limited, and have been substantially completed and put to use.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Representative of COREN, Engineer Dr. Bala Saliu, who is also the Chairman of the Engineering Regulation Committee of COREN, Niger State Chapter, commended the intervention, describing it as professional, timely, and impactful.

“This intervention speaks for itself. The project has been put to use, and you can see the community's happiness. Despite how remote this area is, its economic and social importance cannot be overemphasised,” he further noted.

He added that similar critical areas exist across Niger State and expressed confidence that the Federal Government would continue to intervene to ease the challenges faced by commuters and residents.

The Secretary General, NSE, Minna Branch, Engineer Abubakar Kawu also praised the delivery of the two projects. He described the Gwada–Shiroro Road as a strategic route that required urgent attention.
“This timely intervention has significantly reduced road accidents and increased socioeconomic activities. This road leads to the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station, a major contributor to power generation in Nigeria,” he recalled. He further stated that the road rehabilitation would positively impact the power and energy sectors, while affirming that the project meets required engineering standards and professional regulations.

The Mai Anguwa (Ward Head) of the immediate benefiting community, Alhaji Alhassan Zarumi, expressed deep appreciation to the Federal Government for extending the nationwide road intervention initiative to his people. He described the road as a former “death trap” and emphasised its importance as a link to the Shiroro Power Station and other surrounding towns and villages.

“If this place were not repaired, I wonder if we would be passing here today. Now, we can move freely and safely. We thank the Federal Government, the Engineers, and the contractors for a job well done,” he said.

In his remarks before performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Chapter, Comrade Uriah Tsado Gana, thanked President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for ensuring the successful completion of the project.

The Team visited ongoing works on the Bida–Lemu–Wushishi–Zungeru Road, Phase 1, which commences from Yesso Junction in Bida Town to Yazhigi. Giving an update on the progress of work, the FCW revealed that the road shoulders are being constructed with 200mm thick concrete, and that approximately 16 kilometers of asphaltic binder course have been completed out of the 29.5-kilometer project length - representing about 40 percent completion. He added that the contractor is actively on site and is expected to complete the binder course within the next two months, after which the asphaltic wearing course will be applied.

The Project Manager of Gerawa Global Engineering Limited, Engineer Adam S. Adam, corroborated the update and highlighted initial challenges faced during project execution, including security concerns and attempted kidnappings. He disclosed that with the support of the Ministry, community leaders, and security stakeholders, these issues have been fully resolved and work is ongoing. “We are now working day and night. The problems have been resolved completely, and the quality of work speaks for itself,” he stated.

Also present was the NSE official, Engineer Aliyu, who attested to the project’s compliance with engineering standards and professional ethics, giving kudos to the company handling the work.

The Ministry continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing national road infrastructure with the execution of major highway projects across Niger State, aimed at improving connectivity between the Northern and Southern parts of the country, guaranteeing safety, and enabling socio-economic development. Another strategic project underway in the State is the Jebba–Mokwa–Bokani Junction Road (Section II), which forms part of the Trans-Sahara Road Network, linking Lagos in the South West geopolitical zone to Northern Nigeria through Kwara State.

The route is a vital artery that carries heavy volumes of articulated traffic on a daily basis. And the project is redesigned as a Dual Carriageway with a pavement structure consisting of 7.3-metre-wide asphaltic concrete carriageways on each side, complemented by 3.0m and 2.75m wide surface-dressed shoulders. The pavement layers include a 200mm thick sub-base, 275mm stone base, and two asphaltic concrete layers of 75mm binder course and 50mm wearing course.

The road section commences at the northern end of the River Niger Bridge in Jebba and terminates at the Bokani Junction, with a total length of 46.0 kilometres. It involves the construction of an additional carriageway that intersects the existing one at various alignments, traversing farmlands, settlements, and diverse terrains, including hills, valleys, streams, and ridges. Interchanges will also be constructed at major intersections to facilitate free-traffic flow. The project is being executed by Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited.

In addition, the Federal Government is presently rehabilitating the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road (Section I), also a major transportation link connecting Northern and Southern Nigeria and a vital route for the movement of industrial and agricultural goods. The road has suffered severe deterioration over the years, characterized by deep potholes, failed carriageway sections, frequent accidents, and prolonged travel time.

Section I of the project stretches 94.987 kilometres from Minna to Tegina, comprising a 10.90km dualised urban section within Minna town and an 84.087-kilometre single carriageway through inter-urban and non-urban areas. The scope of work includes the rehabilitation of the single-carriageway sections and overlay of the existing dual carriageway, which remains in fair condition. The road traverses about eighteen communities, including Maikonlele, Kuyi, Gusase, Zungeru, Akusu, Garum Gabas, and Gatako, terminating at Tegina.

The existing infrastructure includes several pipe and box culverts, as well as seven bridges, many of which are slated for repair and maintenance due to siltation and structural degradation. The project is being handled by Messrs Develevo (Nigeria) Limited in partnership with Messrs HMF Construction Limited.

Similarly, Section II of the Minna–Zungeru–Tegina Road, covering the Tegina–Kontagora axis, is also receiving intervention. This section is a single carriageway extending from Tegina to Kontagora, with its zero chainage at a Y-Junction off the Mokwa–Makera–Kaduna State border road and terminating at the Kontagora roundabout. The road passes through several semi-rural communities, including Gimi, Babban Gona, Mariga, Bobi, Beri, Tungan Ahmadu, Tadali, and Machanga.

The existing carriageway, though originally constructed to standard specifications, has suffered erosion of shoulders and deterioration of pavement in several sections. The project includes the replacement of substandard culverts, desilting of existing drainage structures, and maintenance works on six bridges along the corridor to ensure structural integrity and improved hydraulic performance. The contractor handling this section is Glamor Engineering Nigeria Limited.

Upon completion, these projects are expected to significantly reduce road accidents, shorten travel time, improve the movement of goods, both industrial and agricultural, and strengthen economic activities across Niger State and its neighbours. The Administration remains committed to delivering quality road infrastructure that enablers of national growth and improves the quality of life of Nigerians. Road users, members of the benefiting communities along the corridors visited, and different stakeholders were full of praises to Mr. President’s infrastructure renaissance.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations.
1 February, 2026.

Dec

2022

Critical Road Interventions Is To Support Education- Fashola ...This unique internal road will remain evergreen in our minds- VC The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN, CON has said that the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works and Housing's intervention in the construction of the nation's tertiary institutions internal roads is government's commitment of improving the human condition and a critical intervention to support education. The Minister made the remarks at the official handover of the 1.2 kilometre internal road at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The Honourable Minister, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Akwa Ibom State, Engineer Gabriel Akinwande said that with the reconstruction of the internal road at the University of Uyo and other universities, the gap of the nation's infrastructural needs was steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs, renewal and construction on major highways as well as in schools. Speaking on the impact of the newly reconstructed roads and the quality of education, the Minister said: "It is unbeatable that quality of education will be impacted on by the quality of these infrastructure and the learning environment and that those who doubt it should simply listen to some of the feedbacks from students in the schools where this type of intervention has taken place." From the feedback gathered so far, Mr. Fashola said students are now expressing renewed enthusiasm with regards to attending classes because some defective roads have been restored to good condition. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Professor Nyaudor Ndaeyo commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, CON, saying that these internal roads were unique gifts to them and the university and also that it will remain evergreen in their memory. "The entire University community are very happy for this commissioning and handing over of these roads today. It will no doubt enhance the socio- economic life of members of the community," he said. Commending President Muhammadu Buhari, the VC said they are very grateful and would continue to display their unalloyed loyalty and support to his administration. In varied interview sessions with some students, hear their comments: Master Sito Abasi, a Law student of the institution, Miss Okiyi Grace and Lawrence Okieji of the institution all agreed unanimously that the hitherto poor condition of the roads posed serious impediments, if not death traps to both staff and students of the institution. Speaking on behalf of other students, Sito Abasi thanked President Buhari and the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing for the timely completion of the road projects which took just three months. "We are now happy because some time ago, we had suffered greatly because of the poor condition of these roads but this has become history now. We say thank you President Muhammadu Buhari," he said. On his part, the Dean of Environmental Studies, Professor Ephraim Edem commended the quality of the road projects saying that they are very impressed. " All eyes can now see that the roads have added value to the campus life and we do not have fear of rain causing impediment to our movement during the rainy season," he said. ...

Nov

2022

Fashola proposes University Consultancy Services, Data Provision, Poll Results, Value Data, Printing Press for Tertiary Institutions as Alternative Sources of Funding The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN said, “University Consultancy Services, Data Provision, Poll Results, Value Data, Printing Press are value proposals for Tertiary Institutions" The Minister made the above remarks as a panellist at an event organised by Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, held at a National Summit in Abuja on tertiary education with a view to providing solutions to challenges facing the sector with a theme ‘Re-imagining Tertiary Education in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Solutions.’ Fashola also said " employees of government owned institutions who want to be autonomous is a big issue " He said Tertiary Education is on the concurrent list, meaning that States and Federal Governments can fund education in the country. Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Benjamin Akabueze while making his remarks said, ‘'There has to be a sustainable funding of tertiary education .We cant continue with the current system because it is not working and not sustainable." Professor (Mrs.) Uduak Ekpo, Department of Education Administration & Planning, University of Calabar remarked at the event, “Budget and allocation for tertiary education should go up instead of going down. Nigeria's education budget remains among the poorest in Africa." She said if lecturers run away from their core mandate of academic’s excellence through research and teaching and go into business, funding of university, education will suffer. Director Centre for Gender and Women Studies University of Jos, Professor Irene Agunloye in her remarks said, “ Education is a commodity and if you do not build the capacity of people in academics there will not be headway.“ She advised that some institutions should be made research universities in order to generate more fund . Chairman / Chief Executive Officer Channels Media Group, Dr.John Momoh said "There is need for the Academic Staff Union of Universities and Federal Government to come to agreement till both sides are happy with the negotiation." Momoh also said that universities should look for a way of generating fund from alumni and to also look for a way of outsourcing of assets of universities in order to improve funding. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) led by its current President, Emmanuel Osodeke said “ The level of poverty in Nigeria would not allow Nigerian students to pay increased tutition fees. ...

Nov

2022

Under Bridges Are Not Market Places - Fashola The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, CON, has reiterated to Lagos residents that under bridges built in the state are not market places but are built for ease of vehicular movement, movement of goods and services and for the benefit of humanity. Speaking during the inspection tour of the recently burnt Eko bridge and also at a press briefing on the rehabilitation and repairs of Eko Bridge burnt section (Apongbon and Ijora Olopa section), Fashola noted that tough laws are needed as regards the protection of bridges and that such Laws must have Federal Government backing and support. “If you don’t give tough laws, things will not be done. You have our support, under bridges are not places of cooking or a residing place and it’s not only endangering their lives but also the lives of other people. Illegal way of living must be put to an end”. He said. “We are appealing to the Lagos State government to ensure that all trading activities under the bridges in the state must as a matter of urgency be brought to a stop. We seek the cooperation of the Ministry of Transportation, Environment, Local Government Law enforcement agencies to help us preserve our bridges.” He said. The Minister emphasized that the aspect of stopping people from trading under the bridges, is a collective task and effort, as government put laws asking people to stop selling under the bridge, buyers should as well automatically stop patronizing sellers at such unhealthy locations. “This is also a generational effort, people should stand and say; this kind of a thing will not happen on our bridges again, I refuse to sell and I also refuse to patronize, no more trading that endangers lives again, the purpose is to ensure that this infrastructure continues to deliver for us”. He said. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Olufemi Hamzat warned the citizens to desist from doing business under the bridge and live the right way for the interest of others. The Deputy Governor said that the state government is willing to support in any way that will ensure quick compliance by citizens to stop illegal use of the under bridges. Olufemi said: “The State Government will be available to monitor the process and provide assistance where necessary to ensure that the contractor have a smooth operation. In the aspect of people trading under the bridge, we will communicate with appropriate department to ensure that the issue is addressed.” The Director Highways (Bridges and Design) Engr. Oluropo Oyetade explained that as a result of the fire incident on the bridge, the section of the bridge has been closed and the Contractor has been directed to carry out technical evaluation of the bridge to ascertain the extent of the damage. The Ministry’s Engineers have also been directed to carry out a thorough inspection of the burnt bridge and come up with a technical report pending the Technical Evaluation. Speaking on the extent of the damages, Managing Director, Messrs. Buildwell Plants and Equipment Industries Ltd., Engr. Enile Aboohabib said that most of the bearing of the bridge needs to be changed, jacketing of damaged piers, removal of damaged expansion joints, unclogging of drainage gullies e.t.c some parts he said are about to collapse if not for the quick intervention of the Federal Government. Enile said: “We have commenced the rehabilitation exercises but now we are shifting some of our materials to the newly burnt Ijora section of the bridge as directed because of its busy nature than the Agbogbon section, the scope for total completion will be by June 2023. “We are committed to the vision of the Federal Government and we have record of delivering project in record time. We have categorized the affected areas into 1 to 5 and work is ongoing. Now that we are allowed to close the bridge completely it will make the work easier and faster." ...

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2025

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May

2018

Minister Scores Osun NHP High

Minister of State 11 for Power,Works and Housing, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma has expressed satisfaction over the quality and speed of work at the National Housing Programme (NHP)site located at Abere, Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State and commended the team leader, Arc Mrs Lola Onwubalili and her team for a good supervision and execution of the project.

Speaking after inspecting the project in continuation of his inspection tour of the Ministry’s projects in the South-West Zone, the Minister said the site is a “big success story”, adding that it is really a site to visit. He noted that “Osun NHP is near delivery and I can see active Nigerians on ground here”.

The 68 units housing comprise: 4 nos 1 bedroom, 44 nos 2 bedroom units and 20 nos 3 bedroom units including a 1 no Condominium block consisting 24 of 1,2, and 3 bedroom units

The Minister reiterated his stance against the building of perimeter fencing at the NHP sites, explaining that security is not about walling but about exploring other proactive measures to stay secured. According to him, “fencing is not in our thinking but think of other ways to secure the site”.

Zarma further explained that the essence of the National Housing Programme is to build communities that will integrate with one another both within and around the estates.

The Minister also expressed delight at the pace of work of the infrastructure projects at the site. These include: the water project which has attained 90 per cent completion, electricity and the road network which are on- going.

Team leader of the project, Mrs Lola Onwubalili described her success story commendation by the Minister as a result of dedicated contractors who worked tirelessly and obeyed supervising directives to deliver quality and timely projects and also the commitment of members of her team and the entire workforce.

She said the project is 75 per cent completed with a slight delay on the Condominium which is on the second floor already and hoped that in the next two months, the Condominium would be completed 8 out of the 12 contractors have already completed and handed over their houses while the remaining 4 are at various finishing stages.