News

FG Deepens Transparency in Road Projects, Sets New Benchmarks for Speed and Quality

Published

10 months ago

December 5, 2025

…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.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

9 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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