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FG Fixes Key Roads, Eases Flooding in Bauchi Communities

Published

1 day ago

February 9, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Ministry of Works continues to implement strategic infrastructure interventions across Nigeria, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Since its inception in May, 2023, the administration has been implementing numerous federal road and bridge projects nationwide, focusing on priority corridors to improve connectivity, safety, and socio-economic outcomes.

The North-East Zone National Media Tour and Commissioning of Emergency/Special Intervention Projects kicked off in Bauchi State on Sunday, 8th February, 2026, with a visit to the Rehabilitation of Bauchi–Gombe Road, a vital corridor linking Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba States. The 35-kilometre section of the alignment was awarded in 2024 to Messrs Triacta (Nigeria) Limited at a contract sum of N39,999,177,118.59.

The rehabilitation project aims to restore a major transport artery that has, in recent times, recorded frequent accidents and prolonged travel times. Ongoing works have already resulted in a noticeable reduction in road crashes, They are expected to significantly improve safety, reduce travel time, and cost of vehicle maintenance, as well as boost economic activities across the North-East Zone, upon completion.

Also, as part of its ongoing efforts toward the provision of road infrastructure to Nigerians, the Federal Ministry of Works commissioned two completed emergency and special intervention projects on the same day, along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum Road.

The Federal Government’s recent road interventions in Bauchi State include the Emergency Repair of a Collapsed Concrete-Lined 3-Cell Pipe Culvert at Konkiyel Town (Chainage CH 120+500). The project was executed to permanently address perennial flooding, protect adjoining farmlands and communities, and safeguard the integrity of the federal road infrastructure.

This was followed by the Emergency Repair of a Collapsed Section of a 2-Cell Pipe Culvert and Concrete-Lined Drain at Sauke Village (Chainage CH 162+000), restoring hydraulic capacity, mitigating flood risks, improving road safety, and ensuring uninterrupted movement of people, services, and goods.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, who was ably represented by the Bauchi State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Umar Saidu, led the commissioning ceremonies.

He described the interventions as transformative, emphasising their role in bringing lasting relief to affected communities, preventing recurring flood damage, and enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Bauchi State and the wider North-East Zone.

He called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the durability and effectiveness of both ongoing and
completed projects.

Giving technical insight into the projects during the exercise, the Federal Controller of Works in Bauchi State, Engineer Bashiru Adamu, explained that the interventions form part of the 260 Emergency Projects initiated at the outset of the present administration to address critical infrastructure failures, nationwide.

He noted that the Bauchi–Gombe road rehabilitation and the emergency drainage works along the Bauchi–Darazo–Kari—Potiskum Road were executed to mitigate flooding and protect federal assets. It will also help in mitigating the effects of climate change, he added.

According to him, the culverts and concrete-lined drains are critical hydraulic structures that ensure roads, farmlands, and communities remain safe and accessible.

In his remarks, an official of the Bauchi State Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engineer Ibrahim Ahmed, commended the Federal Government for its prompt response to infrastructure challenges and expressed satisfaction with the engagement of licensed engineers and technologists on the projects, encouraging sustained professional oversight to further strengthen delivery standards.

Similarly, the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Bauchi Branch, Engineer Shehu Wakili, underscored the strategic importance of the Bauchi–Gombe and Bauchi–Potiskum corridors to regional connectivity and economic growth.

He noted that the emergency culverts and drainage works protect the federal road network and support the smooth movement of goods and services, while urging host communities to complement government efforts through environmental protection measures such as the planting of trees.

Speaking on the project, the Project Manager of Triacta (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Joseph Samaha, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its support and assured that the Bauchi–Gombe Road rehabilitation is progressing according to schedule. He confirmed that works, including the construction of drainage, binder courses, and asphalt surfacing, are ongoing, with full completion expected within the year.

Mallam Zakari Ya’ u, Head of Sauke Village, expressed profound gratitude to the current administration for the emergency intervention and prayed that Allah sustains it. Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Mallam Zakari Ya’ u stated that the projects have brought lasting relief by preventing annual flooding, protecting farmlands, and improving access for residents. He pledged the community’s commitment to protecting and maintaining the infrastructure to ensure its sustained benefits.

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SGF, Gbajabiamila, Wase, HoS Mandate FCC Board; Chairman Declares End to Business as Usual

Published

4 hours ago

February 10, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to fairness, equity, and national cohesion, urging the recently inaugurated members of the fifth Board of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to strengthen enforcement of constitutional provisions guiding inclusive governance.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day induction and sensitization workshop at Stratton Hotel, Abuja, on Tuesday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. George Akume, OFR, described the gathering as a strategic national engagement aimed at repositioning the Commission as a proactive and results-driven institution.

Represented by his technical adviser, Professor Babatunde Bernard, Akume emphasized the importance of assertive regulatory measures.

“The Commission must move beyond routine compliance toward a more assertive regulatory framework that ensures fairness, accountability, and inclusive governance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Nigerians expect a Commission that is principled, independent, and professional. The Federal Character Principle must neither be politicized nor diluted,” he said.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the Federal Character Commission as a strategic pillar within Nigeria’s governance architecture.

The former Speaker, House of Representatives, reminded commissioners that their mandate extends beyond political appointments to equitable distribution of national opportunities and development initiatives.

“Federal Character must never become a mere arithmetic exercise. Representation and merit must strengthen one another rather than compete. You are custodians of one of the most delicate compacts holding our nation together. When fairness is upheld, Nigeria feels united; when it is ignored, the country feels fragile,” Gbajabiamila said.

Also, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character, stressed the value of collaboration between the legislature and the Commission in ensuring balanced representation across the federation.

“The Federal Character Commission must remain a guardian of fairness and inclusion. Balanced representation builds trust and reinforces democratic stability. Inclusion and competence must work together. Strong institutions emerge when fairness and merit are applied side by side,” Wase stated.

Representing Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary for the Service Policies and Strategies Office, Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed re-emphasized the need for disciplined and efficient human resource management across the public service.

“Federal Character is not only about representation; it is about ensuring that appointments and placements are strategic, merit-driven, and aligned with national priorities,” he said.

In her welcome remarks, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, described the induction programme as a defining moment in the Commission’s institutional evolution, stressing that the workshop align with vision, deepen understanding of statutory responsibilities, and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.

“The Federal Character Principle is not a political slogan, it is a stabilizing framework that promotes fairness, inclusion, and national cohesion. It will not be business as usual. We are committed to ethical conduct, accountability, and lawful enforcement of our mandate,” Omidiran affirmed.

The opening day of the induction workshop was attended by the Secretary, Honorable Commissioners and Directors of the Federal Character Commission.
Themed “Guiding the Effective Implementation and Enforcement of the Federal Character Principle,” featuring sessions led by seasoned resource persons and policy experts, focusing on leadership, monitoring frameworks, data-driven compliance, and collaborative governance.

Photos: Hon Hulayat Omidiran, Executive Chairman, and Hon Ahmed Idris Wase. Chairman House Committee on Federal Character; Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President; Prof Babatunde Bernard (Rep of SGF), Dr Ishiyaku Mohammed, Permanent Secretary SPOS of HoS.

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