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FG Commits To National Development With Major Contract Agreements — Umahi

Published

14 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has again signed landmark contract agreements with four (4) construction firms to execute critical road projects across the country, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The contract signing ceremony, held on Thursday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, marks another major step in the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering durable, sustainable road infrastructure that enhances connectivity, stimulates economic growth, and improves the quality of life of Nigerians.

The four contractors and their respective projects are as follows:

1. Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited – Reconstruction of Mando (Kaduna) – Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State,

2. Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited – Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road in Oyo and Ogun States,

3. Messrs Truecrete Solutions Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road in Osun State and

4. Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited – Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road in Osun and Oyo States.

Speaking during the event, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the projects as strategic national infrastructure designed to boost economic activities, improve transportation efficiency, and strengthen national integration. He noted that the reconstruction of the Mando (Kaduna) –Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State holds special significance, as it was one of the key infrastructure development commitments made by His Excellency, President Tinubu during the 2022/2023 electioneering campaigns. According to the Minister, the present administration remains resolute in its determination to deliver world-class infrastructure that will stand the test of time. “Our vision is to build roads that will last for generations. Under the Renewed Hope administration, we are determined to deliver infrastructure that can serve Nigerians for up to 100 years through the adoption of rigid pavement (concrete) technology,” Umahi stated.

The Minister commended the selected contractors for their competence, track records, and proven capacity, emphasising the Federal Government’s confidence in indigenous contractors. He particularly praised Messrs JRB Construction Company Limited, Truecrete Solutions Limited, and other indigenous firms for their commendable performances on previous projects across the country.

Umahi charged all contractors to mobilise to their respective project sites immediately and commence work without delay, stressing that the Ministry expects measurable progress within the stipulated timelines.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Olarinre Adeladan, who formally signed the contract agreements, described the occasion as the successful completion of the procurement process and the official commencement of project implementation.

He commended the leadership of the Ministry for its commitment to ensuring that projects reached the execution stage and reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to effective monitoring, quality assurance, and timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Mr. Clement Ogbuagu, presented details of the awarded contracts as follows:

1. Reconstruction of Mando–Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna State

Contractor: Messrs J. Patel and Sons Nigeria Limited

Contract Sum: ₦178,116,787,162.00

Length: 122 Kilometres

2. Dualisation of Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, Oyo and Ogun States

Contractor: JRB Construction Company Limited,

Contract Sum: ₦295,996,609,992.77

Length: 114.5 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent)

3. Construction of Osogbo–Ikirun–Akoda Road, Osun State

Contractor: Truecrete Solutions Limited

Contract Sum: ₦101,806,585,825.90

Length: 70 Kilometres (Single Carriageway Equivalent) and

4. Construction of Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan Road, Osun State

Contractor: Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited

Contract Sum: ₦114,854,477,607.93

Length: 73 Kilometres

All the projects will be executed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to building durable, cost-effective, and sustainable road infrastructure nationwide.

The ceremony represents another significant milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to modernise Nigeria’s road network and accelerate national economic development.

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Lawyers Fault Case Against Alison-Madueke, Insists Allegations Remain Unproven

Published

19 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The League of Legal Practitioners of Nigeria, LOLPON, says the ongoing trial of Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, before a United Kingdom court has failed to meet the legal standard required for a conviction.

Addressing journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the legal body said its position followed what it described as a careful and dispassionate review of facts available in the public domain.

“Our position is strictly legal, objective, and grounded in established principles of law,” the association stated.

LOLPON stressed that, as of now, no court of law has established guilt against the former minister.

“Nothing has been proven against the Defendant. Allegations remain allegations. In law, they do not translate to guilt until proven beyond reasonable doubt,” the group declared.

The legal practitioners referenced the presumption of innocence guaranteed under United Kingdom law and international human rights instruments, noting that the burden of proof lies solely on the prosecution.

“This is not symbolic; it is binding. The burden lies entirely on the prosecution, and at this stage, that burden has not been discharged,” LOLPON said.

On the substance of the bribery allegations, the association argued that prosecutors have failed to establish the essential elements required under the UK Bribery Act, including proof of financial benefit, improper conduct, and corrupt intent.

“Critical gaps remain. Alleged bribe payers have denied making any payments, and no direct evidence of corrupt intent has been established,” the statement noted.

The group maintained that neither the act nor the intention required to ground criminal liability has been proven under Nigerian or UK law.

“There is no conclusive evidence that the Defendant demanded, received, or intended to receive bribes in exchange for official actions,” it said.

Addressing allegations that a contractor rented an apartment for the former minister in London, LOLPON argued that the claim does not amount to bribery.

“There is no evidence that the property was owned by the Defendant, no evidence of financial gain, and no transfer of wealth,” the association stated.

It added that renting accommodation in London for official travel purposes could be reasonable and cost-effective, especially for officials travelling with large delegations.

The legal body also pointed to Nigerian procurement realities, stressing that contract awards are institutional decisions rather than personal ones.

“Ministers do not act in isolation, and stakeholder interactions within regulated boundaries do not automatically constitute criminal conduct,” LOLPON said.

On the issue of alleged corruption, the group insisted that no personal enrichment has been established.

“No asset transfer, no definitive financial benefit, and no unlawful accumulation of wealth have been proven,” the statement emphasized.

LOLPON further cited contradictions arising from the denial of bribery payments by alleged payers, arguing that such inconsistencies create reasonable doubt.

“In criminal law, where doubt exists, it must be resolved in favour of the accused,” it said.

The association urged United Kingdom judicial authorities to ensure that the case is determined strictly on the basis of evidence and due process.

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