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.” “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. 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. 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
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.
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.
“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.
Director, Information and Public Relations.
1 February, 2026.
More Jobs Coming as FEC Approves Award of Urgent Repairs, General Maintenance Contracts on Some Roads Nationwide ....Roads include Gorgaram – Guri; Buni Gari – Gulani in Yobe State; Water Corporation Drive and Trinity Avenue in Lagos ....The objective is to improve conditions of federal roads, restoring nation’s road network in line with National Development Plan 2021 - 2025, says Fashola ....Substantial number of jobs to be generated through the projects In pursuance of the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the nation’s road network in the six geopolitical zones, the Federal Executive Council (FEC), has approved contracts for urgent repairs and special general maintenance of some roads nationwide worth N48.519 billion. While presenting the Memo, as one of three considered from his Ministry at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, the Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN explained that the aging state of federal roads nationwide has warranted the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to procure the projects in its Amended 2022 Appropriation. He added that the projects would enhance Federal Government’s objective of restoring the nation’s road network as part of the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 -2025. The roads for which the Minister got approval for the award of contracts for urgent repairs, and special general maintenance included the construction of Gorgaram - Guri Road in Yobe state, in the sum of N40.907 billion, with a completion period of 36 months and the rehabilitation of the 90-kilometre Buni Gari - Gulani road also in Yobe state in the sum of N4.785 billion with a completion period of 36 months. Approval was also received for the reconstruction of Water Corporation Drive and Trinity Avenue in Victoria Island, Lagos State. This was approved in the sum of N2.826 billion with a completion period of 36 months.’ The approvals, which were sequel to the Memoranda submitted to the Council by the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, showed that the construction of Gorgaram - Guri Road in Yobe state will be executed by Messrs Mothercat Limited, the Buni Gari - Gulani road will be rehabilitated by Messrs Hikam Engineering and Consultancy Limited, while the reconstruction of Water Corporation Drive and Trinity Avenue will be carried out by Messrs Wizchino Engineering Limited. In terms of creating job opportunities, it was noted that due diligence and post qualification checks were carried out which showed that the companies have the capabilities to execute the contracts with a substantial number of jobs generated for Nigerians. Advancing reasons for seeking the approvals, the Minister explained that “these roads have been reported to be in very bad condition and requiring urgent intervention to enable road users’ access to economic activities along the routes.” ...
FG Seeks The Support Of El- Rufai On Right Of Way The Federal government has called for the support and cooperation of the Kaduna State Government to ensure that the few obstructions on the road towards the Rigachukwu and Raba road which is part of section 1 of the Abuja - Kaduna - Kano road construction and rehabilitation project are removed so that the contractor can have access to work. The Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Honourable Umar Ibrahim El - Yakub made the call when he paid a courtesy visit on the Governor at the Government House, Kaduna on Friday October, 21,2022. The Minister informed the Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr.Hadiza Sabo Balarabe that he was on an inspection tour of the Abuja -Kaduna - Zaria - Kano road to assess the progress of work by the contractor. He told the Governor that the work which was suspended at section one of the road due to security threat will soon resume fully as the security situation on the road had improved significantly. He praised Governor El - Rufai for the infrastructural development he championed in the state. The Minister said,"Under the leadership of Mallam Nasir El - Rufai's very dynamic and purposeful government, Kaduna has seen alot of transformation." While emphasising the significance of infrastructure El- Yakub said, " It is an essential part of economic development because economic activities thrive when you have developed infrastructure." Responding on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for coming to inspect the road. Dr. Balarabe expressed optimism that the construction and rehabilitation of the road will ease movement of people and goods, ease the security situation in the areas and boost the economic activities of the people. Later while briefing newsmen, the Minister disclosed that section 2 of the road which begins from Zaria to Funtua is about 56 kilometres out of which 7 kilometres is a dual carriageway. He added that the contractor has promised that by next month the 7 kilometers carriageway would be completed. He expressed happiness over the quality of work. He stated that the project is being funded under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme which is one of the innovative ways introduced by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for financing infrastructure. El - Yakub also inspected the Rigachuku and Dumbi bridges. He informed journalists that currently only one of the dual carriageway of the Rigachuku brigde is functioning, he however said that the contractor has been mobilised to work on it. He added that the Dumbi bridge is still functioning fully but the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is just being proactive to ensure that any weakness in the bridge is rectified. Engineer Alex Onaji who is the Engineer's Representative on section 2 of the project said work was progressing on the project and only 13 percent was remaining to get it completed, adding that the contractor was committed to the project. ...
FG Reiterates Commitment To The Completion Of Abuja - Kaduna -Kano Road. ....Work on Abuja - Kaduna road to resume fully The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians of its commitment to the completion of the Abuja- Kaduna- Kano road. The Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing, Hon. Umar Ibrahim El- Yakub gave the assurance while inspecting the road from Abuja to Kaduna eastern bypass on Thursday, October 20, 2022. The Minister said the contractor suspended work on the first section of the road due to the security threat especially after the train attack in March this year will soon resume work fully on the road because of the obvious improvement on the security in the area. He said contrary to the speculation that the contract was abandoned, palliative work was being done after it was discovered that the road had deteriorated due to the effect of rainfall. He added that the contractor has been working on the second and third sections of the road which have reached appreciable level and would be delivered on schedule. The Minister said, " We are still optimistic that sections two and three of the roads will be finished between now and first quarter of next year. However, section one will be longer than that for obvious reasons." El-Yakub said work on the three sections were moving simultaneously before the train attack and over fifty percent of the work on section one was achieved before the contractor suspended the work due to the security problem. Speaking on the progress of work at the eastern bypass in Kaduna, the Minister lamented that the contract which was awarded by the previous administration in 2002 was neglected until the advent of the President Buhari led administration who has placed premium on infrastructure development across the nation due to its significance to the development and prosperity of the people and the country. He disclosed that the bypass has a total of ten bridges: four land bridges, five river bridges and one bridge over the railway line. He commended Mr. President, the Chief of Defence Staff and the entire security operatives for their tireless efforts in ensuring the security of life and properties of the people. The Minister who reassured Nigerians that maximum attention will be given to the work on the road to ensure its completion as soon as possible, observed that no administration in recent times has committed so much efforts and resources on infrastructure be it road, rail, airport, health or digital communication. Similarly, the Honourable member representing Tudunwada - Doguwa Constituency of Kano State in the House of Representatives, Honourable Alhassan Ado Doguwa who was passing by during the inspection commended President Muhammadu Buhari and the Ministers of Works and Housing for their commitment to the work on the road, adding that when completed it would ease the security threat in the area. He also praised the commitment of the President and security architecture in the country for their efforts in addressing the security problem in the country especially in recent times. The Federal Controllers of Works for the Federal Capital Territory and that of Kaduna State expressed gratitude for the encouragement by the management of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and gave the assurance of the commitment of the contractor to the project. ...
Protection Of National Assets: A Pinnacle To Nation’s Development
The Honourable Minister of State II for Power, Works and Housing, Surv. Sulieman Hassan Zarma, mnis, has called for community participation in the ownership of public assets and critical infrastructures in the country, stressing that people in the communities need to be sensitized to take personal responsibility for the protection of public infrastructures.
He added that at a time like this, the federal government still consider as a matter of priority, spending the nation’s meagre resources to provide its citizens with necessary and critical infrastructures.
Hassan stated that ‘It is sad to note that there are lots of damages and inadequate maintenance of these public assets which are yet to meet the need of the citizenry’.
Declaring the workshop opened, the Minister said this at a one Day Stakeholders Conference on Preservation, Protection and Community Ownership of Public Assets and Critical Infrastructure organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja.
He commended NOA for choosing the topic for discussion, adding that the forum will help inform, educate and enlighten the people on the efforts the government is making towards the provision of adequate infrastructures and the need to encourage stakeholders to cherish and preserve them for posterity.
The Minister also stated that the Ministry will continue to make concerted efforts in ensuring that the three Sectors meet up with the mandate of delivering critical infrastructures to Nigerians in the areas of improved power generation, adequate funding and resuscitation of abandoned/new road projects and provision of mass housing across the country.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Abari, stated that infrastructure development, preservation and protection are critical element in measuring the level of development of a nation.
According to Abari, ‘’If we accept this as a fact, it then stands to reason that no nation can be said to be truly developed, unless it continues to invest not only in the development of new infrastructures, but also in the protection and preservation of existing ones’’.
The NOA boss called for collaboration and synergy between stakeholders in Nigeria’s infrastructure and the National Orientation Agency, for the protection and public ownership of national infrastructures in the country.
The function was graced with notable discussants who presented relevant papers on the topic and key note addresses.
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
DRIVING NIGERIA’S FUTURE: CELEBRATING TWO YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP AND THE LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY MILESTONE
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1
MID -TERM REVIEW MEETING ON THE IMPLIMENTATION OF THE DECISIONS REACHED AT THE 29TH NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WORKS (NCW) DAY 1