


HONOURABLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WORKS, RT. HON. BELLO MUHAMMAD GORONYO, ESQ., HONOURED BY NBA SOKOTO BRANCH AT ANNUAL BAR DINNER AND AWARD NIGHT The Honourable Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., was recently honoured with the “Supportive Member Award” by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Sokoto Branch during its Annual Bar Dinner and Award Night. The award, which was presented by the National President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, recognises the Minister’s exceptional contributions to national development, unwavering commitment to the growth of infrastructure, and dedication to good governance and the rule of law. The “Supportive Member Award” specifically celebrates his long-time dedication, commitment, and outstanding efforts towards the growth and sustainability of the Caliphate Bar. In his acceptance remarks, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., expressed profound gratitude to the NBA Sokoto Branch and the national leadership for the recognition, describing it as a source of encouragement to redouble his efforts in the service of the nation. He commended the NBA for its steadfast role in defending justice, promoting the rule of law, and serving as a strong advocate for the people. The colourful event, which attracted members of the legal profession, government officials, and dignitaries from within and outside Sokoto State, also witnessed the recognition of other distinguished individuals including the National President of NBA and organisations for their outstanding contributions to society. The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Works to continue implementing critical infrastructural projects across the country aimed at boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity, and improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
BODO-BONNY ROAD: FG ORDERS JULIUS BERGER TO RETURN TO SITE WITHIN 14 DAYS OR FACE SANCTIONS The Federal government has ordered the contractor handling the Bodo- Bonny road construction to return to site within 14 days or risk appropriate sanctions. Works Minister, His Excellency, Distinguished Sen. Engr. (Dr) David Umahi gave the marching order today at a meeting with the handlers of the road project, Julius Berger PLC , as well as representatives of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas NLNG and Royal Fathers from Bonny Kingdom and other members of host communities in Abuja. According to the Minister, the Bonny-Bodo road contract which was initially awarded at the cost of N120 billion in 2015, was later varied at N199 billion with a completion dateline of December 2023, which has since elapsed. The Minister deplored the unilateral stoppage of work by Julius’ Berger, describing the action as unacceptable. While rejecting in total, Julius Berger’s request for variation based on fluctuations in exchange rate and increasing cost of material, the Minister said government does not award contract based on exchange rate. He pointed out that no contractor will come to government for a downward review of the cost of any project if the exchange rate becomes one naira to one dollar, adding that government cannot anchor contract cost based on exchange rates variations. Senator Umahi was particularly unhappy that the timelines for the completion of the project were not adhered to, maintaining that if the project were completed in December 2023, as contained in the contract agreement , issues of high exchange rate and increasing cost of materials would not have arisen ‘ He however promised that he would make a presentation to Mr President and commander in Chief His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a marginal augmentation to ensure that the project is completed on or before December 2024, particularly in the Spirit of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the love President Tinubu has for Bonny Kingdom and other host communities in the Niger Delta Region. Earlier in his presentation, the Managing Director, Julius Berger Plc Engr Dr. Lars Richter called for the variation of the contract which he said has become necessary in view of the declining value of the Naira and rising cost of construction materials in the country. The Managing Director drew the attention of the Minister to the time lag when the contract was awarded in 2015 when the exchange rate was N305 to a dollar, adding that the cost of building materials has since risen by over 1000%. Contributing, the Deputy Managing Director of NLNG, Olakunle Osobu pointed out that the contract which is being funded through the Tax Credit Scheme is intended to complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, calling on all parties to the project to remain patriotic as well as make the necessary sacrifices for the actualisation of the project. On their part, Roya Fathers of Host Communities led by Chief Abel Attoni, Palace Secretary, Bonny Kingdom expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the decision of the Renewed Hope administration to ensure that Bodo-Bonny road is completed. His Royal majesty applauded the commitment of the Works Minister to the road project especially coming at a time the Nation is experiencing economic difficulties. ...
Those Criticizing the Ongoing Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway Project Being Done by The Renewed Hope Administration Of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Either Have Little Knowledge of the Concept of EPC+F On Project Financing Or Are Deliberately Sacrificing The Cause Of Development At The Altar Of Politics The trending posts of criticisms by some notable politicians on the propriety and priority of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project being executed by the Renewed Hope administration of His Excellency President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR are no doubt baseless thoughts of critics who are either bereft of the knowledge of the workings of the project initiative or they deliberately want to sacrifice the modest developmental efforts of Mr. President at the altar of their political ambitions. It is unthinkable that such highly placed people fail to understand the various elucidations provided by the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen Engr Nweze David Umahi CON on when the project was conceptualized, the various administrations that attempted but failed to carry out the project, the economic and technical considerations that gave rise to the commencement of the project under the Renewed Hope administration, the funding and procurement details and indeed the dimensions, importance, priority and propriety of the projects in the national developmental trajectory. For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos- Calabar coastal highway project is being done under EPC +F. What does this type of funding entail? This is a project financing mechanism in which EPC+F contractors also arrange financing for the project. EPC+F is Engineering, Procurement and Construction plus Financing. Engineering here includes design and specification. This initiative provides a fixed price, fixed date, and transfers risks to the contractor. This type of funding requires only a counter- part funding from the Federal Government. Such funds are sourced by contractors where they have confidence in the economic policies of government, which essentially entails allowing the participation of the private sector in the road infrastructure development through PPP or EPC+F. In the recent Inauguration of the Committee on Compensation of owners of properties that will be affected by section 1 of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway, the Honourable Minister emphasized the nature of the project funding and the workings of EPC + F when he said, "And graciously, Mr. President had approved that this section three will start from Calabar, which is the end point of the project, and start running towards Akwa Ibom. So, the 700 km is procured under phase one, in phases, and it's EPC +F. EPC+F is engineering, procurement, construction, and finance. And so, under this kind of arrangement, the contractor is expected to bring in a certain amount of money, and Federal Government is expected to pay certain counterpart funding." No patriotic Nigerian should discourage this kind of project where funding is substantially from the contractor. There is no doubt that Mr. President is aggressively tackling the backlogs of uncompleted road projects. In the 2023 Supplementary Budget, Mr. President approved funds for intervention on the over 260 dilapidated roads nationwide. The 2024 appropriation made provision for capital investment on our critical roads across the 6 Geo- political zones of Nigeria. The Honourable Minister has already made a great difference in the road infrastructure development roadmap of this administration through his new innovations on road construction and rehabilitation, his power of supervision, and his contract negotiation power which is second to none in the history of the Federal Ministry of Works. He has been touring around and supervising the various ongoing projects of the federal government, and the difference is already there. The people are testifying of the quality and speed of road projects being executed by the Renewed Hope administration. He has proven track records on road infrastructure development. He is not into rhetorics like many politicians who talk high but can do only less. The administration of President Tinubu is doing roads that will stand the test of time. The roads he is fixing will facilitate economic recovery. The patriotic Nigerians are already applauding the good efforts of Mr. Presidentt, but professional politicians are busy criticizing a landmark project that will launch Nigeria into the league of the best economies of the continent. On the importance of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project to the economy of the nation, it is clear that the coastal highway, when completed, will foster national economic growth. Notably, all roads in the country are important as reflected by the interventions of this administration on road rehabilitation across the nation, but the coastal highway offers much more economic benefits to the nation because of its connectivity to the North and South through the existing spurs. The road, when completed, has the potential to increase Nigeria’s GDP and trigger industrialisation, create trade, enhance the transportation of goods and services, and safety of road users.The road is going to be the biggest super highway in Africa in terms of the structure and solidity as we all as utility value, having ten lanes with a rail track designed for concrete technology, covering 700 kilometers. It is going to attract foreign direct investment to Nigeria, and it is going to trigger economic development. It is going to develop the potential of our coastal businesses, especially at the local economic corridors, and boost tourism and marine businesses. ...
Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway: A Renowned Policy Analyst Describes Cost of Project as One of The Most Effective Project Figures in The World, Says Sen. Umahi's Negotiation Power is Second to None Blueprint Newspaper Written By Bode Olagoke A think tank body of policy analysts on the platform of the Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) Wednesday justified the N2.8trn to be expended on the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway. The group said the cost of construction of the highway "is appropriate." It also faulted former Vice President Atiku Abubakar's criticism of the project, saying there is enough proof to support the cost of the mega project. IMPI in a statement by its chairman, Niyi Akinsiju, in Abuja Wednesday said its study of the situation shows that all the claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate were off the mark and targeted at discrediting the project. The think tank group acknowledged the track record of the project handling firm in constructing coastal highways with reinforced concrete in many countries, citing the successful handling of the Bar Beach Shoreline protection. On Atiku's criticism of the cost of the project, the policy group insisted that a cost analysis of road projects similar to the Lagos-Calabar highway in some parts of the world show that the cost of the project was appropriate. The statement reads: "We note that there is no unified standard pricing template for the cost of building a kilometre of road anywhere in the world. The realities of road building have much to do with several variables: location, train, type of construction, number of terrain, lanes, lane width, surface durability, and the number of bridges, to name a few. "Yet, for engagement, we reviewed some cost estimates in some other countries to establish the context of fraud or otherwise that Waziri Abubakar is trying to throw up. "To build a 2-lane road of 12 metres wide of each lane with no bridges in states of North Eastern United States of America is $3.34m per km (when converted to Naira using the N1200/$ adopted by Umahi, it comes to N4.08bn per km) while the same 2-lane road in South Eastern USA with no bridges is $ 3.78m per km (N4.53bn per km) "According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the average cost of building a concrete road in rural areas is around $2.5m per mile, while in urban areas, it can costs upwards of $5m per mile. "In California, the estimated cost of building a concrete road ranges from $3 million to $6 million per mile, depending on the location and other factors. In Australia, average road project costs were around $5.1m (N6.12bn) per lane kilometre in 2017. "But in Bangladesh, according to the World Bank, the estimated cost of construction is $6.6m (N7.92bn) per kilometre for the Rangpur-Hatikumrul highway, $7m (N8.4bn) per kilometre for Dhaka-Sylhet highway, $11.9 million (N14.28 billion) per kilometre for Dhaka-Mawa highway. This underscores cost differentials in road construction because of peculiarities in terrains." ...
Varsity Lauds Fashola Over 2.0 km Internal Road Intervention
• Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola has been commended for the 2.0 kilimeters road Intervention project done in the Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto (UDUS)
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Lawal Sulaiman Bilbis gave the commendation during the official handover of the completed road to the University, Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
The Minister, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Sokoto State, Engr Akintunde Akintade, said that the Ministry is working on 76 road projects in selected Federal Tertiary Institutions across the nation.
"We have successfully intervened in the internal road networks of 46 tertiary institutions and handed over 29 as at 2021 and we now have another 17 ready to be handed over, while we are currently attending to 30 roads in similar institutions across the country making a total of 76," he said
Fashola explained that there were clear indications that responses from institutions who benefited with the intervention revealed that the gap of the infrastructure needs is steadily being bridged by a gradual process of repairs and construction on the major highways and schools.
Accordingly, he added that the construction of the internal roads in the tertiary institutions by the Federal Government has enormously helped the students' renewed enthusiasm to attend classes because bad roads across the tertiary institutions have been restored to good condition.
Similarly, the Minister explained the project has created jobs for no less than ninety (90) people during the execution which contributed tremendously to the job creation initiatives of Buhari’s administration.
In his response the Vice Chancellor of UDUS, Prof. Lawal Sulaiman Bilbis, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Garba Mahuta applauded the Minister His Excellency Babatunde Fashola for the intervention, describing it as a giant stride in the course of humanity
Prof Bilbis stated that the rehabilitation of the road commenced last year and was completed 100 percent by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing under the able leadership of Minister Fashola
The President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Umar Shamsudeen, said he was so delighted with the road project and under his tenure the project would be protected and maintained, adding that the road would enhance the environment and improve teaching and learning.
While speaking, the Sector Commandant of 10.1 of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Sokoto State, Muhammad Kabo, appreciated the effort of the Federal Government in putting the road in good condition and appealed to the road users to always observe road signage and speed limit.
ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF WORKS AND HOUSING, BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA SAN AT THE 27TH MEETING OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON WOKS
PROTOCOL
It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the fourth day of this memorable event of the 27th meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) being held in Bauchi State.
2. Let me first express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Bala A. Muhammed CON, the Executive Governor and the entire people of Bauchi State for accepting to host the 27th meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW). This has demonstrated the mutual relationship and peaceful coexistence between the Federal and Bauchi State Government. The Bauchi State, "the Pearl of Tourism" is no doubt the treasure of the Nation considering its many beautiful tourist attraction canters across the State.
3. The theme of this year's Council meeting "Infrastructure Delivery, Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity" was carefully selected to alleviate the problems associated with lack of maintenance of infrastructure being provided by the Federal, State and Local Governments which results to huge money and retard the economy growth.
4. Nigeria like other developing Countries is seriously confronted with inadequate resources for establishment of infrastructure which are essential for National Economic Development. Since the Independence, a large chunk of the country's resources has been channelled to infrastructure constructions including roads infrastructure. However, maintenance culture which encompasses provision for adequate care of hard-earned infrastructure is needed to ensure sustainability of these roads’ infrastructure for national prosperity. Experts have posited that if any nation can imbibe the maintenance culture in every sector of the economy, it will reduce cost and ensure national economic growth. Therefore, provision of adequate road infrastructure with a maintenance backup will no doubt help the government in saving more money to achieve National Economic Prosperity.
5. The highly acquired capital infrastructure is not given adequate maintenance to enable it have a longer lifespan needed to support development efforts and thereby deteriorate to the point of starting afresh. Therefore, acquired infrastructure such as constructed road network, bridges, road signage should be properly managed and adequately maintained to ensure durability and enable them live up to their life span of 20 years of road construction.
6. In prioritizing Maintenance culture in the road network with the goal of improving its 195,500 km road network of which about 60,000 km are paved while 135,000 road networks are un-tarred, the Federal Government and the States need to collaborate together along with investments from International
Finance Institutions and Public Private Partnership intervention in order to achieve the desired goal in Infrastructure Delivery, Maintenance Economy and National Prosperity.
7. Therefore, the 27th Council is expected to provide policy frame work that will sustain concerted and consistent culture of maintenance on the infrastructure on ground and also build in maintenance policy in the future road projects to move the country to the next level.
8. Kindly bear in mind that your recommendations will bear far reaching importance in Nation building and it is my prayer that our Highways will become safer and more comfortable for all and the nation's economy will be revamped and sustained.
9. I urge you to contribute meaningfully to the deliberations here today which will not only enhance improvement in the road infrastructure but will also stimulate world standard maintenance culture in the Nigerian road system.
10. Once again, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Executive Governor and the entire people of Bauchi State for providing necessary provisions to ensure the hitch free of this year's Council meeting.
11. Thank you all and God bless
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