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Road Sector Development: SSA-P, NSE, Others Commend FG On Quality Of Road Infrastructure

Published

8 months ago

January 20, 2026

Joel Ajayi

The Renewed Hope Administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development has continued to attract widespread commendation from key stakeholders in the road sector.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President (SSA-P) on Community Engagement, North West Zone, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai, alongside members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the host communities, and road users, have applauded the Federal Government for the quality of ongoing road projects.

They gave the commendations during a National Media Tour and Commissioning of Projects in Kaduna State on Monday, 19 January, 2026.

The SSA-P assured Nigerians that “the quality of work being executed is of such a standard that the roads will outlive us.” Speaking during the inspection, the SSA-P praised the Federal Ministry of Works and the contractors for their strict adherence to approved engineering standards and for aligning project execution with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Hon. Yakasai also commissioned three (3) Emergency/Special Intervention Projects in the State. These include: the Repairs of Taban Sani Road (4.5km) in Makarfi Local Government Area; Sabo Rail Bridge to Command Junction Road in Chikun Local Government Area; and Mahuta Army Post-Service Housing Scheme Roads, also in Chikun Local Government Area.

Earlier, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Kaduna State, Engr. Ulagu Loveday, welcomed stakeholders and explained that the Award for the Completion of Outstanding Sections of the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Expressway followed the termination of the original contract and its reassignment to a new contractor.

He disclosed that the project was rescoped from a flexible asphaltic pavement to a continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP), in line with global best practices, to achieve enhanced durability, improved road safety, and reduced vehicular maintenance costs.

Providing technical insights into the project, the Senior Project Manager of Infiouest International Construction Limited, Engr. Robert Turner stated that it involves the pulverisation of the existing pavement, the reinstatement of the stone base, the use of steel reinforcement, and the placement of high-strength concrete.

He added that this is followed by a 14-day curing period before the road is opened to traffic. According to him, Section II is scheduled for completion by October 2025, while Section II is expected to be completed by April 2026, subject to the availability of funds.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Kaduna Branch, Engr. Muhammadu Ibrahim, alongside another member, Engr. Arege Samson Bawa, affirmed that the project complies with professional and engineering standards.

They commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE for prioritising quality, professionalism, and the active participation of Nigerian Engineers in the execution of projects.

They also hailed the adoption of CRCP technology in the construction of major federal roads, citing reduced maintenance expenses and longevity as comparative advantages over flexible roads.

Similarly, the Project Manager of Messrs Eksiogullari Construction (Nig.) Limited, Engr. Salihu Yunusa on the Kaduna Eastern Bypass Project, noted that upon completion of the Rabah Road Interchange, traffic flow would significantly improve, reducing congestion, and enhancing connectivity within Kaduna State and other parts of the North West Zone.

Representatives of the Contractor handling the Western Bypass, Messrs Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited and the Financiers of the project, the Dangote Group, led by Engr. Jonathan Obrusu of Dangote, reaffirmed their commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure in support of national development. The project is being funded under the Federal Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme of the Federal Government.

In the same vein, the Project Manager of Mothercat (Nigeria) Ltd, handling the Zaria – Funtua – Gusau – Sokoto Road, Section I (Zaria – Sheme) in Kaduna and Katsina States, Engr. Ziad Karan, assured stakeholders of the company’s dedication to quality delivery, noting that road users and members of the public have continued to attest to the high standard of work being carried out.

The Team was also at the Mararraba – Pambeguwa Road, where the FCW and the Project Manager, Setraco (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Moustapha Jaber confirmed that the project is 98% completed and will soon be commissioned, though it has since been opened to vehicular traffic.

In his closing remarks at the end of the Tour and Commissioning Ceremonies, the SSA-P commended all stakeholders for their collaboration and reassured communities along the projects’ corridors of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to delivering durable, safe, and economically impactful road infrastructure across the State, the North-West, and the nation, at large.

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

Published

18 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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