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FG Deepens Transparency in Road Projects, Sets New Benchmarks for Speed and Quality
…Opens Keffi Flyover
Joel Ajayi
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the execution of road projects, with anti-corruption agencies currently reviewing all ongoing contracts nationwide.
Speaking during the reopening of the reinstated damaged flyover on the Abuja–Keffi Expressway and Keffi-Nasarawan Toto Road in Keffi on Thursday, 4th December 2025, the Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNATE, FNSE, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR directed that all road projects be submitted to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The verification exercise is an unprecedented step towards strengthening transparency and accountability in the governance of projects.
“We have sent Mr President’s projects to ICPC immediately after I assumed office to go to all the states and verify. This is the first of its kind. We have also sent the same list to the EFCC,” Umahi said. He added that the President has ordered a full assessment of road works across the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT, with an online platform currently in the offing to enable the public to track project status in real time.
The Minister praised President Tinubu’s prompt intervention in restoring the damaged flyover, which suffered a major 20-metre structural failure earlier in the year. “Within 24 hours, Mr President approved the release of funds for the reinstatement. It is unprecedented,” he stressed. The Flyover, now reconstructed with modern safety features including a twin gantry crash-prevention system on both sides of the approach, was delivered in just four months – far ahead of typical industry timelines.
During an inspection of ongoing works on the Abuja–Kano Dual Carriageway, on the same day, Engr. Umahi provided updates on the redesigned concrete-pavement project. He explained that the original design contained significant technical gaps, which required modification, adding that the adoption of continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology guarantees a longer lifespan and lower maintenance costs. The Minister dismissed claims of slow progress on the project, noting that the redesigned project is barely six months old. “This road is a priority legacy project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What we have done within this period speaks for itself,” he added.
He further explained that the Federal Government’s new “build–operate–maintain” model aims at ensuring sustainability and cost recovery on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. “With concrete roads, maintenance costs are very minimal. What will come to the government from tolling will, therefore, be higher. That is our return on investment,” Umahi revealed.
Opposition political party leaders, who joined the inspection tour, commended the pace, quality, and transformation unfolding under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration. A People Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, Otunba Segun Showunmi said that “Within three months this Flyover is back and looking better. At this pace, our national infrastructure deficit will be defeated.”
African Democratic Congress (ADC) representative, Dr. Kanti Uthman also has this to say on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, “I passed here four (4) months ago during the rains – there was no road. Today I am surprised. The quality is world-class.”
Representatives of the Action Alliance (AA) party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also praised the giant strides of the Administration and urged the Federal Government to replicate the model on other critical routes.
Earlier, the Technical Crew confirmed that all major structural components of the Keffi Flyover are now in place. The Federal Controller of Works (FCT), Engr. Yakubu Usman, stated that “The damaged section has been reinstated and the deck, which was cast 29 days ago is ready for traffic.”
The Acting Director, Highways (Bridges and Design), Engr. Musa Sa’idu added that the new gantry system is already preventing further crashes and damage to the structure. “Another trailer attempted to hit the flyover but the gantry stopped it. The project is completed and ready for use,” he confirmed.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his untiring efforts towards repositioning Nigeria’s road infrastructure through the dynamic leadership of Engr. Umahi.
He assured that the Ministry’s entire staff will continue to support the Minister to meet the President’s mandate, noting that he has worked with him long enough to attest to his diligence, competence, and exceptional leadership.
Also with the Minister on the tour of duty were members of the Senate, Senior Special Assistants to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement, and other stakeholders.
News
FG Targets 50,000 Youths for Digital Jobs, Deepens Partnerships for Nationwide Empowerment Drive
Joel Ajayi
Federal Government has intensified efforts to empower young Nigerians through strategic partnerships, digital skills development, and inclusive programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment opportunities nationwide.
The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, made this known during a media interview with African Independent Television (AIT), where he outlined a renewed policy direction focused on measurable impact, transparency, and large-scale youth engagement.
At the core of this effort, he explained, is a landmark partnership with the Digital School (TDS), supported by the Government of the United Arab Emirates, targeting the training of 50,000 Nigerian youths in globally competitive digital skills.
The Minister noted that the initiative is expected to produce at least 5,000 internationally certified and job-ready youths within the first six months of implementation.
Comrade Olawande also highlighted the Ministry’s sector-specific collaborations, including its partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), aimed at boosting youth participation in agriculture. He added that this is being complemented by expanded programmes under the Nigerian Youth Academy and other key youth empowerment initiatives.
He further disclosed that the government is scaling up internship, gig economy, and startup support programmes to reach a wider range of beneficiaries across the country, while also intensifying efforts to promote digital literacy through The Digital School (TDS) initiative, being implemented in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
To enhance transparency and ensure merit-based access to opportunities, the Ministry has introduced a digital engagement platform, “Nigerian New Tech.” He added that ongoing reforms in youth health, financial inclusion, and social protection are also broadening opportunities for young Nigerians.
During the interview, the Honourable Minister said:“We are moving away from fragmented and tokenistic approaches to youth development. Our focus is to build sustainable systems that empower young Nigerians at scale and with real impact.”
“Through our partnership with The Digital School and the UAE Government, we are not just training youths; we are preparing them for global opportunities, whether they choose to work remotely or internationally.”
“For too long, many young Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector, have been excluded from structured opportunities. This administration is committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind.”
“Our role as government is to create an enabling environment where young people can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“Transparency and merit are at the core of all our programmes. Access to opportunities should not depend on who you know, but on your capacity and readiness to grow.”
The Honourable Minister reaffirmed that youth development remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, assuring that the Ministry will continue to deepen partnerships, expand programmes, and implement sustainable frameworks for the benefit of present and future generations.
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