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.

Jun

2022

FG Reaffirms Commitment To Complete Idukpani- Itu - Ikot Ekpene Road In 2023 ... East-west Road bridge section iv will be ready soon The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing dualization and rehabilitation of the Odukpani - Itu - Ikot Ekpene road in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States. The Director, Highway Construction and Rehabilitation of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Folorunsho Esan made the reaffirmation on Thursday, June 16, 2022 during the inspection of work on the 83 .3 kilometres road being handled by Julius Berger, SERMATEC and CCECC companies. The Director however called on the State governments to prevail on its people who have structures on the right of way to remove them in order not to frustrate the effort of the contractors so that the roads can be delivered on target since the land belongs to the state government. Engineer Essan said, " The challenges are mainly on the right of way, people have their structures on the right of way and this will delay the work, the land belongs to the states, they are the owners of the land, they are the ones that can talk to them so that we can have space to work". He disclosed that funding is not a problem as the road is being funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) under the Federal Government Tax Credit Scheme. The Director expressed satisfaction at the pace of work by Julius Berger and SERMATECK companies while urging CCECC to improve on its pace of work. The Federal Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engineer Bassey Nsentip said the contractors have the equipment and are willing to work, adding that the road project include five bridges and several culverts. Engineer Bakari Kehinde and Engineer Joseph Ukpata, site engineers of Julius Berger and SERMATECK respectively also called on the state governments to help in resolving the problem of the right of way. Similarly, Engineer Esan informed newsmen that the bridge on section iv of the east-west road in Akwa Ibom state will be opened to traffic soon He said, " The contractor is working on the bridge so that it can open up traffic in order to work on the other side of the road and they are saying it will take them eight weeks and we are taking them by their words ". He disclosed that the road was under the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs before it was recently handed over to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to continue with the supervision and completion He further said that the east-west road is not yet under the Tax Credit Scheme but hoped that it will be part of it soon. ...

Jun

2022

Suleja - Minna, Agaei - Baro Roads For Completion May 2023 - FG The Federal Government has given the assurance that work on section II of the ongoing dualization of Suleja - Minna road and construction of the Agaei - Baro road will be completed by January and May 2023 respectively as planned. Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Engineer Folorunsho Esan gave the assurance during an assessment inspection of the roads, Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Both roads are being funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under the Tax Credit Scheme introduced by the federal government. While speaking to journalists, the Director Highways expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work. On the Suleja - Minna road he said "My impression is that the contractor is on site making progress and we can see the various aspects of work, the earthwork, the pavement work and even the asphalt laying is going on smoothly, the only challenge is that of security but it's being taking care of with the presence of security agents". Speaking on the 52 kilometers Agaei - Baro Port road which connects the Lambata - Bida highway, Engineer Esan said, " work is progressing, 14 kilometres have been asphalted, earthwork is up to 32 kilometres and the rest which is about 18 kilometres is still outstanding, but we have the assurance that the work will be delivered on target". The Director said the road when completed will boost the economy of the Nation and the North Central region in particular as it leads to the Baro Port through which goods and services can be brought into the country and exported to other countries. Team Leader of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Tahir Ahmed who took part in the inspection exercise to asses the quality and progress of work also expressed satisfaction with the work done so far. He said NNPC is funding the construction of the roads under the Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal government that allows corporate organisations to invest the tax that would have been paid to the Federal Government into infrastructure development, stating that the work will aid the progress of their business, the economy and improve the wellbeing of Nigerians. Mr. Tahir also stated that the roads were among the other critical roads selected to be funded by the NNPC because of their importance to the economy of the nation through which Petroleum products are being conveyed to other parts of the country. The contractors working on both sites expressed confidence that the projects will be completed and delivered on target as funding is readily available. Some residents of Takalafiya community along Lapai - Bida road who recalled the hardship and accidents that were experienced on those roads, praised the Federal Government for the job. Muhammed Abdullahi said, " we use to see different kinds of accidents on this road, now that they are reconstructing the road we are very happy because we are satisfied with the work going on. Another resident of the area, Abdullahi Audu said, " We were facing problems on this road but now we have started having some relief because the people working on the road are trying seriously" " Now driving from here to Lambata is done with ease, before it would take up to 2 hours or more but now it will take only about 30 minutes. Federal Government is trying, we are happy" he added. ...

May

2022

FG Commissions Erosion Control Project in Taraba State The Federal Government has commissioned the completed Erosion and flood control project at the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Jalingo, the Taraba state capital. President Muhammadu Buhari who was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Works and Housing, Mu'azu Jaji Sambo as the Special Guest of Honour observed that the project was approved under the ecological intervention projects in 2020 to address the perennial problem of erosion in the area so as to enhance the comfort of the youth corps members during their orientation programme. Sambo emphasized the zeal with which the Buhari led administration had been executing infrastructural projects across the country since inception. He said, " Since the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration various government Ministries and Agencies have taken steps to boost infrastructural development for the wellbeing of the citizenry." He explained that the commitment of the administration to infrastructural development was informed by the social economic role that it plays in enhancing connectivity, safe mobility and the provision of opportunities, all of which add value to the living standards of the people. The Minister described the project as well envisioned and positioned, adding that it underscores the administration's sincerity of purpose and responsiveness in tackling the challenges of its citizens thereby making life more meaningful. He praised President Buhari for carrying every part of the country along in the distribution of social amenities. The Minister commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and the Ecological Project Office under the leadership of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aisha Lawal for ensuring timely and speedy completion of the project and many others across the country in fulfillment of government promises to the people. The Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku who was represented by the Commissioner Taraba State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development Mrs. Napisa Clara Ibrahim commended the Federal Government for executing the project which will bring relief to the benefitting community. In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ecological Project Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal said the project was executed by the Ecological Project Office to tackle the erosion and flood problem as well as enhance the road sustainability by constructing concrete drain networks within the camp. She disclosed that the contractor, Messrs. Peters and Partners Inter-Global Limited worked assiduously and conscientiously to ensure that the project was completed on time and in accordance with the specifications contained in the contract document. The Permanent Secretary stated that the purpose of the commissioning and handing over of the project to the benefitting community was to enable them exercise ownership and to ensure its care, protection as well as sustenance. She therefore implored the residents of the NYSC orientation camp and its environs to jealously guard the facility. Dr.Lawal applauded the exemplary and towering leadership qualities of the Honourable Minister of State for Works and Housing. The Director General of the NYSC, the Chairman Taraba State NYSC Governing Board and the Taraba State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment were represented at the occasion. ...