Federal Ministry of Works

Sep

2026

LATEST PRESS

UMAHI ORDERS IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY INTERVENTION ON BENIN-ASABA ROAD, AND SOME OTHER CRITICAL FEDERAL ROADS

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Federal Road to restore the failed sections and bring an end to the suffering of motorists and other road users.

This is because, the situation on the concessioned Benin-Asaba Road has reached a point where the overall public interest must take precedence over the existing concession agreement.

Recall that the Honourable Minister of Works was on the Benin-Asaba Road about seven days ago, where he assembled a number of contractors and directed them to prepare for immediate palliative intervention on the affected sections of the road at no cost to the concessionaire. In line with the Concession agreement which requires that before the Federal Government could intervene, the permission of the concessionaire must be required, and that permission was not granted to federal government.

The Minister subsequently proposed three options to the concessionaire, any one of which would have enabled the Federal Government to move in and address the worsening condition of the road. Unfortunately, none of the options was accepted by the concessionaire. Immediately after the Minister left Asaba, the already limited equipment deployed to the road by the concessionaire was further reduced to just one, worsening the situation and increasing the suffering of motorists and other road users.

While the Minister takes responsibility for the concerns and suffering of Nigerians using the road, it is important to state that the concessionaire has also not taken the suffering of Edo people and travelling public sufficiently into consideration by declining all the options put forward by the Federal Government. The concessionaire continues to rely on the terms of the concession agreement entered into by the previous administration, an agreement which weighs heavily against the Federal Government’s ability to intervene quickly in the interest of the public in a situation like this.

In view of this situation, the Honourable Minister of Works has directed the immediate deployment of major contractors within the corridor to all three sections of the Benin-Asaba Road to restore the failed sections and bring relief to the people, with the cost of the emergency intervention being borne by the Federal Government. The Honourable Minister has also directed immediate redesign of the entire route to be rebuilt with reinforced concrete pavement. The public should therefore take note that immediate action is underway to restore every failed section of the Benin-Asaba Road and subsequently rehabilitate the entire sections of the road using reinforced concrete pavement.

2. On the Benin-Sapele Road:
The Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Government are currently engaged in interventions on different sections of the road to restore the entire route. While some sections are receiving palliative attention, permanent works are also ongoing on other sections.

3. On Ifaki(Ekiti) - Kabba (Kogi) Road:
The Federal Government is engaging both the contractor; Gamji Nigeria Company Limited, and Dangote PLC on immediate emergency and permanent intervention on the most failed sections of the road, while efforts are being made to financially mobilise the company for more extensive permanent work to commence on the axis.

4. On the Sokoto-Zamfara-Katsina Road: This is an inherited project involving the dualisation of approximately 350 kilometres, which translates to about 700 kilometers. The project has since been redesigned and is currently ongoing and most sections are being reconstructed using reinforced concrete pavement. From the Sokoto axis towards Zamfara, over 50 kilometres of one carriageway have been fully completed with reinforced concrete pavement. From Zamfara to Katsina, some sections have been completed and palliative works have been ordered over the sections that have not been reconstructed. However, the pace of work slowed down due to the redesign and rephasing of the project. The contractors currently engaged on the road include CBC, SETRACO, Triacta and Mothercat. They are being remobilised to return to site and complete the outstanding works.

5. On the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road: The Federal Government took over the Road project and has currently completed the 118-kilometer mostly on reinforced concrete pavement on lot 1. The Lot 2, which covers 164 kilometres, is over 60 percent completed on reinforced concrete pavement. The Federal Government has also introduced solar-powered light on the entire route of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria - Kano to improve visibility during night travel and enhance the overall security situation on the route. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

6. On Bauchi-Jigawa Road: Triacta Nigeria Limited has been mobilised to carry out the necessary interventions on some failed sections and work is currently ongoing in those failed sections.

7. On the Sagamu-Ore Road: 48 Kilometers of the 96-kilometre road have already been completed using reinforced concrete pavement. There is also a 24-kilometre section around Ore which was abandoned by the previous contractor. The Federal Government has directed its immediate restoration to ensure seamless travel. Solar lights are being installed in the entire 96kilometer of the road.

8. On Flooded Sections on Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road: The flooded sections on the same corridor between Sagamu-Ore-Benin Road, as well as other flooded sections in Ondo State, are being designed for emergency procurement and intervention.

9. On the East-West Road:
Some failed and critical sections, including defective sections of bridges along the East-West Road, are being marked out for emergency procurement and intervention.

10. On the Abuja-Lokoja Road:
Several contracts are ongoing along the route, while the three critical sections currently without contracts are being procured for emergency intervention.

11. On the Lokoja-Benin-Warri Road: The President has directed a complete redesign and procurement of the 400-kilometre dualised route covering the uncompleted sections, using reinforced concrete pavement, while palliative works will continue with the contractors currently on the road.

12. On Carter Bridge:
While the Federal Government continues to undertake weekly maintenance of the underwater elements of the bridge. The site has also been handed over to the contractor, CCECC, for the construction of a permanent new bridge, and work has commenced.

13. On the Third Mainland Bridge:
With regard to the defective underwater structural elements, the Federal Government is at the final stage of determining the appropriate intervention for the repair of the affected elements.

14. On the flooded section of the Lagos-Ibadan Road: Work has commenced on the affected section. There are also several flooded sections on federal roads across the six geopolitical zones, largely occasioned by excessive flooding and the effects of climate change. The Federal Government is identifying and marking these sections for immediate attention.

15. On the First and Second Niger Bridges:
Intervention work is ongoing on the approach roads to the Second Niger Bridge damaged by flood and the work is progressing very well. The First Niger Bridge has been closed to traffic to enable immediate repair works. Contractor has mobilized to site and comprehensive rehabilitation of the bridge has started. From Summit Junction to the First Niger Bridge, massive rehabilitation work is also ongoing using reinforced concrete pavement.

16. The Honourable Minister wishes to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the massive work being undertaken on the nation’s roads since the administration assumed office in 2023.

17. It is important to state that when the present administration came into office, there was hardly any part of the country where one could travel for an hour without encountering significant challenges on the road network. The condition of the country’s roads and bridges was a major national infrastructure challenge.

18. Rather than shy away from the problem, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the nation’s road network a priority. Virtually every part of the country became a priority, and the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, Regional Commissions, Parastatals and other MDA’s has continued to respond extensively to these challenges.

19. The Federal Government is currently working on over 80 percent of the inherited federal roads, an unprecedented level of intervention in the country’s road infrastructure.

20. We ask the public to understand the enormous challenges inherited on our roads and bridges and to take note not only of the problems being solved, but also of the permanent solutions being introduced.

21. A major part of this new approach is the use of reinforced concrete pavement, designed to significantly extend the lifespan of major roads. These roads are expected to last between 50 and 100 years. This means that roads being constructed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration are being designed with future generations in mind, rather than simply providing temporary solutions to today’s problems. And this is a complete departure from the past, when roads often deteriorated only a few years after completion, resulting in a continuous cycle of reconstruction and expenditure.

22. We appreciate the concerns of Nigerians over the condition of some roads presently and the difficulties faced by motorists and commuters who cannot move easily from one point to another. Those concerns are legitimate, and the Federal Government is listening. But Nigerians should also recognise the enormous scale of the problems inherited and the amount of work currently being undertaken across the country.

23. It is simply impossible to resolve every road challenge accumulated over many years of neglect by the past administrations within three years. What is important is that the government is working, the government is responding, and the government is putting permanent solutions in place.

25. We appreciate members of the public who send situation reports on failed roads and other infrastructure challenges. These reports help the Ministry identify areas requiring urgent attention. However, we also appeal to members of the public to report when such problems have been addressed, just as they report when they occur.

24. We are aware of situations where photographs and reports of road challenges continue to circulate on social media even after the Federal Government has intervened and resolved the particular problem.
25. However, the Ministry will continue to respond as rapidly as possible to genuine reports and concerns from Nigerians.
26. It is also important to note that we have compiled a comprehensive record of all inherited, ongoing and intervention projects across the country which is available to the public. This is to ensure that Nigerians have access to information on the infrastructure projects being undertaken nationwide and can fully participate in and appreciate the infrastructure revolution of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Sep

2023

Umahi To Collaborate with South-East Governors in Road Infrastructural Development of The Region. The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi has expressed optimism that collaboration with the South-East Governors will transform the region’s road infrastructural development, thereby bringing an end to the perennial issue of failed roads and none motorable roads in the region. Umahi made this statement when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti and his counterpart, the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mba respectively during his ongoing inspection tours of Federal Road projects in the region. The Minister at each visit listed and narrated all the federal road projects in the state and pleaded for collaboration and synergy to getting the work done which he says will bring development and boost socio-economic and commercial activates in the region. “We have 11 federal road projects ongoing in Abia state and up to ten in Enugu state and all of them are going on well, some are on Tax credit Scheme, while others on MTN sponsorship, some others on Sukuk, they all have funding and the ones on budget we will do something about it to make sure the roads are put in use for our people, get us informed if you notice anything wrong and I suggest the appointment of an SSA on federal roads, this will help to get you informed well on any issue that may delay work” He said. Umahi took time to explain to them FG's new proposal on what it calls Brown Field and Green Field Projects which he noted will bring to an end the issues of dragging for refund on money spent by state government in constructing federal roads in their states, this is rather an easy agreement and transparency incorporated. “You can do federal roads if you want but no refund for now from federal government because there is no money, but I suggest you key in into what we call Green field or Brown Field Road Projects. You construct a new road you toll it get your money and we start to share the profit, or you take up a constructed road, to maintain it, you toll get your money and we share the profit, we can talk more on it” he said. The Minister introduced the use of concrete pavement technology as a better option on road construction in the region considering the soil texture of the region, more so that it’s cheaper, safer and it lasts longer than asphalt without maintenance for a longer time. “It is safer doing it on concrete and it’s cheaper, Asphalt is good, but it will not last long. I believe strongly that if we start using it in the region it will help us because water does not disturb it rather it makes it stronger without much maintenance but it's durable having stayed for long” he said. He pledged his support for states in delivering the dividend of democracy to the citizens and the nation at large saying the federal government came prepared and determined to ensure that a significant milestone is achieved in providing good road network across the nation. He directed the Federal Controllers of Works in the States to always be in close contact with Governors and must brief them on any project to be executed in the state and also to speak up freely if there is any challenge that needs state attention. Also, to check insecurity on the highways, the Minister encouraged the Governors to clear roadsides at least up to fifty (50) meters inside which he said will give a clear vision and feasibility in case of any emergency and can also be used for agricultural crops that doesn’t grow tall. Responding, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti welcomed the Minister for his visit which he said came right in time as the new government prepares to embark on some road projects in the state and promise to key into rigid pavement technology. He congratulated him on his appointment describing it as a well-deserved appointment considering his antecedents in infrastructural development in Ebonyi State and urged him to replicate same in the South-East and the Nation at large, for the benefit of all. Responding the Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah warmly received the Minister and commended his immediate response to visiting federal road projects in different states across the Nation describing it as desirable. The Governor thanked him for his innovation on the use of concrete pavement which he affirmed was a good idea that is worth keying into and that he too shall introduce and use it as well. ...

Sep

2023

"Fight on turning to Concrete is a continuous one - Umahi Engineer David Umahi, the Minister of Works has said that the fight on turning to the use of Concrete Technology in road construction is a continuous one. The Minister made this statement while on inspection tour of the Rehabilitation of Outstanding Section of Onitsha - Enugu Expressway under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme - Contract no 7629 on September 6, 2023. In an interview with Journalists, he gave reasons for using this concrete technology to be loaded with a whole lot of benefits, as being durable with a life span of over fifty years (50), and that it can stand for these number of years before it will require maintenance more than bitumen imported into the Country that are more of sub-standard which cannot stand the number of expected years, also it's cheaper to build with much local content sourced materials. In his words " I have looked at the cost of bindal cause, the wearing costs on our roads, it is safer doing it on concrete, it's going to be cheaper, Niger Cat are doing it that's why I directed that the right-hand side of the Enugu - Onitsha Expressway be done on concrete". He directed that Enugu Section lll - Port-Harcourt expressway by Messrs. CGC Nig Ltd also that the second carriage way be totally done on concrete, "we are safer on concrete in the South East and that's what we are going to be doing" he added. Umahi frowned at the costing of Ozalla - Isu - Onitsha and additional 3km with bridges to cost fifteen billion naira, he instructed that the work be brought back to be looked at. " I saw the road leading to Ozalla - Isu - Onitsha, I'm very shocked that four bridges and 3km additional road is said to be costing fifteen billion, I believe strongly that there's no other way it will cost us more than three - four billion. He made it known that contractors should stay aside when budget is too expensive and budgeting process is low because it's unhealthy for the contractor. " What I want to do when a budget is too expensive and budgeting process is very low, the contractors can stay aside like what we are witnessing ten to fifteen years, it's not healthy for the contractor, because he is losing money on equipment and maintaining the work". "Ogbulafor - Okalagun roads because it was awarded in 2010, the whole shoulders are gone". Earlier, the contractor while explaining the work, said it will be completed by April 2025 and also that there was no problem of funding. ...

Sep

2023

FG Orders the Completion of Carriage Ways Before Working on Spurs... The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi has directed the contractors working on Federal roads in the South East Region to concentrate on the completion of carriageways first before working on the spurs to ensure the speedy completion of the project for use. He made the declaration at the inspection of the construction of the Enugu – Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States by MTN Nigeria Communication Plc, The Rehabilitation of Old Enugu – Onitsha Road (Opi Junction – Ukehe – Okpatu – Awhum, Abor –Udi – Oji to Anambra border and many other road construction projects at the ongoing inspection tours of all the federal roads project going on in the region. The Minister ordered that the remaining portion of the roads still under construction be done using concrete pavement as he noticed that some of the road shoulders are already cracking because the quality of bitumen in use is of low quality and adulterated. “I will allow the portions already laid with asphalt but the failing road shoulder should be replaced with concrete carriage, I know what I am saying, the quality of bitumen in this country is low and adulterated. We will not give up the fight till we get to the level where after construction, the road stays for 30 – 50 years before we talk of maintenance” he said. Umahi maintained that the use of concrete technology in road construction is cheaper, safer and reduces the longer time contractors have to stay on site trying to patch failed portions after the project completion, and that with the use of concrete pavement, no one goes back to check if the road is failing or not because road failure when concrete is in use is laughable. “It is safer doing it on concrete and cheaper, I believe strongly that when a project is so expensive it keeps the contractor a longer time on site because he will keep delaying to get all his payment meanwhile there is no money to pay him so he keeps staying on site doing nothing. The Minister directed all contractors that have left their site because of payment to quickly and immediately move back to site or he will terminate the contract noting that the monies released already to the contractors from what he was told is supposed to complete the carriageways before requesting for additional money. “I am optimistic that the money available will complete the work, come with your bill of quantity so we review it and give you proper directive, move back to site immediately to continue your work within 7 days or I terminate the contractor, you cannot say we are owing you and because of that you stop work” He said”. Umahi promised the contractors that availability of fund is not going to be a challenge when they do their own part. He added that he will be meeting with the funding partners and the one being financed through appropriation, all will be given attention. “You said there is no money to complete the project, it is my duty to chase the debt, it is yours to go back to site. I guarantee that the money will be paid, I will meet with the financers and we will do what we are supposed to do”. The Minister demanded that the Director Highways South East, Engr. Bede Obioha brings up the entire project for review to see how they will put ideas together to ensure that all the outstanding projects be completed and be open for usage. During his briefing, the Operations Manager, Niger Cat Construction Company Ltd. Engr. Fadi Mosaad welcomed the Minister and commended the Minister’s directives on the use of concrete pavement saying it’s going to help considering the soil texture and the terrain of the zone. The projects visited are: Rehabilitation of old Enugu – Port Harcourt Road (Agbogugu – Abia Border spur to Mmaku, Rehabilitation of Oji – Achi – mmaku – Awgu – Ndeabgor Road section 1 in Enugu State, Construction of Ugwueme – Nenwenta – Mkwe – Ezere – Awunta – Obeagu – Mgbidi Nmaku Road in Enugu State, construction of Enugu – Onitsha Expressway in Enugu and Anambra States, The Rehabilitation of Old Enugu – Onitsha Road (Opi Junction – Ukehe – Okpatu – Awhum, Abor –Udi – Oji to Anambra. ...

LIVE ACTIVITY FEED

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nov

2025

OTHER NEWS

May

2018

Minister Summons Road Contractor Over Poor Performance

The Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Alhaji Mustapha Shehuri has summoned the contractor handling rehabilitation work on Bauchi-Gombe road, Enerco Nigeria Ltd., over poor performance.

Shehuri gave the order on Thursday in Bauchi during an inspection of ongoing Federal Government projects in the North-East. He expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work on the project, adding that Nigerians were becoming impatient with unserious contractors. “We have visited other construction sites in the state before we arrived here, while I am satisfied with the level of work by other contractors, I am disappointed with the pace of work here.

“I have summoned the contractor to come over to Abuja to sort out issues because if they are not ready for business they should let us know. “Nigerians are becoming very impatient, they need this project because apart from the road, we are also interested in the employment content and other benefits that will come with it,” he said. Mr Charles Ezike, the Federal Controller of Works, Bauchi State, said that the 81.5 kilometres rehabilitation road project was awarded in 2017 with completion period of 24 months.

He said that the contractor was adequately mobilised and had achieved 1.88 per cent completion after 49.72 per cent time lapse. “This to us is a dismal performance because when the contractor primed the first stone base section, they were unable to cover it with asphalt. “This resulted to deterioration on the surface that we are witnessing and the reason is that the contractor’s asphalt plant is not in working condition.
“They have been battling to fix it and I have severally advised that if their own cannot function well that they should buy asphalt from other company,” he said. Mr Jamil Nasser, the Project Manager, Enerco Nigeria Ltd blamed the delay in the project on the bad state of the company’s asphalt plant.

He said efforts were being made by the management to change the plant and pledged that the new plant would be ready for work within days.
Source: (NAN)