Speaking on Friday at the ongoing 2025 Ministerial Sectoral Update held at the National Press Centre, Abuja, Umahi stated that he had not visited the United Kingdom in the past two years and had no plans or discussions about doing so.

The reports, which circulated widely on social media, alleged that several federal ministers were set to attend an international media briefing in London to promote the administration’s performance. Umahi dismissed the story as unfounded and lacking official basis.

“No such invitation has been extended to me or any of my colleagues,” the minister said, adding that all official international trips by ministers require presidential approval. “These rumours are simply misinformation and should not be given credence,” he added.

The Minister also clarified that he remains focused on his responsibilities at home and emphasized adherence to due process for any official travels, noting that during his time as governor, travel approvals were routinely sought through the appropriate legislative channels.

Reacting to concerns raised by citizens over the reported foreign event, Umahi reiterated that there is no need to host promotional activities abroad when the government’s performance can be communicated domestically.

In a related development, the minister also provided updates on efforts to enhance local participation in infrastructure development. He announced a directive from President Tinubu encouraging reduced reliance on foreign contractors in favour of empowering Nigerian engineers and firms.

As part of this policy shift, the Ministry of Works has launched the “New Tool Initiative,” a programme designed to engage five unemployed civil engineers in each state. These engineers will be deployed to work on key national infrastructure projects, particularly the administration’s ongoing “Legacy Projects.”

Umahi also advocated for increased adoption of concrete road pavement, which he said offers greater durability and transparency in construction quality. He noted resistance from some contractors due to the reduced margin for error with concrete compared to asphalt.

“Our focus is on building lasting infrastructure and developing local capacity. Nigeria cannot continue to outsource its growth. We must train and empower our own professionals,” he stated.

The minister concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency, quality, and sustainability in its infrastructure agenda.

The post Umahi Dismisses Claims of Foreign Trip to Promote Tinubu’s Achievements appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Umahi spoke on Friday when he appeared before the senate committee on works to defend his ministry’s budget.

The minister said the cost of road repairs has increased when compared to what was expended in the previous administration.

“I have not failed in many of my life engagements but I am feeling frustrated with fixing roads in Nigeria with funds that are not in any way tangible for what is required,” he said.

“Remember the president inherited 2,064 projects totalling N13 trillion. If you review that project in line with the market realities now, it should be close to N18 trillion now.

“The president, who is an economist, who has gone through all the segments of what we are passing through, by reason of his experiences, is making efforts to borrow money to do these projects.

“The roads, when fixed, are catalysts to economic growth. They also eliminate hunger because road infrastructure activities create a lot of economic activities.”

The former governor of Ebonyi said the roads “cannot be fixed by mere yearly budgetary provisions”, adding that more attention should be given to such infrastructure.

Some lawmakers in the committee concurred with the minister, saying the sum of N827 billion allocated to the works ministry for the 2025 fiscal year is not sufficient.

The post Umahi: Fixing Nigerian roads frustrating — funds are not enough appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this timeline while leading a team comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, the House of Representatives, and the Senate Committee on Works to inspect portions of the highway project, which spans eight states.

Minister Umahi reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to revitalizing abandoned road projects across Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Lagos-Calabar Highway. However, he cited various obstacles delaying the project, including legal disputes, lawsuits, and petitions from property owners affected by the project. He urged citizens to support the government’s efforts to deliver this critical infrastructure on time.

Umahi also noted that full compensation had been paid to affected property owners along the federal right-of-way before any demolitions began. He appealed to property owners to collaborate with the government to realize this coastal road’s full potential, which is expected to boost economic activity across the connected states significantly.

The minister highlighted challenges such as inflation, rising costs, and the depreciation of the naira, which have increased the cost of materials like bitumen and iron. He underscored the need for additional funding to meet these financial demands and ensure the project’s completion.

Reflecting on the broader state of road projects in Nigeria, Umahi pointed out that President Tinubu inherited over 20,000 ongoing projects, valued at N13 trillion, with contractors owed N1.6 trillion for completed work. To address this, Umahi asserted that the government would no longer tolerate delays, warning that contracts could be terminated if contractors failed to meet the required standards.

He specifically mentioned the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano dual carriageway project, awarded to Julius Berger Plc, stating that the government would reassign it to another firm if substantial progress isn’t made within a seven-day window.

Minister Umahi praised President Tinubu’s efforts to advance road infrastructure, emphasizing the significant benefits such improvements bring to Nigeria’s economy.

The post Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Phase 1 Set for May 2025 Completion, Says Works Minister Umahi appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Umahi emphasized the government’s commitment to road infrastructure, revealing that over 2,000 uncompleted road projects were inherited by the current administration, many of which are worth trillions of naira.

During his address, Umahi highlighted the federal government’s decision to terminate 10 contracts of non-compliant construction companies, adding that more terminations could follow if standards are not met.

He also spoke on collaborative efforts between the federal and Ondo state governments to address sea incursion challenges in Aiyetoro community.

“By December, we aim to have all federal roads cleared for safe passage,” Umahi stated, adding that preparations for the 63-kilometer Calabar-Lagos coastal highway alignment in Ondo will be completed in November, with inauguration expected by December

The post FG Pledges All Federal Roads Will Be Motorable by Christmas – Umahi appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The minister said his ministry was not afraid of taking big decisions and had wielded the big stick by terminating 10 contracts of erring companies.

Mr Umahi said this on Thursday in Akure during the Federal Ministry of Works Town Hall meeting/stakeholders’ engagement on the alignment of the Ondo State with the 63km segment of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Mr Umahi exchanging pleasantries with Gov. Aiyedatiwa.

According to Mr Umahi, President Bola Tinubu is a gift to Nigeria by starting several legacy projects that would last beyond the current administration.

The minister said the Federal Government and the state government were committed to restoring Aiyetoro community that was currently battling sea incursion.

Mr Umahi also said that the road, which would pass through seven states, would open up new businesses.

He assured that the design for the section of the road in the state would be concluded in November.

“We have terminated over 10 contracts of big companies and we have the mind to terminate more and you can’t dictate to us, we will tell you what we want.

“Our books are very much open. We will conclude the design (for Ondo State) within the month of November and we will inaugurate it.

“We have directed that all federal road controllers should give us details of roads within their domain, whether awarded or not, so that by this Christmas, all federal high roads will be motorable.

“We are coming back after your election to start the Aiyetoro project, which we will construct after this one.

“Nigerians should be grateful that we have a listening President. He is committed to all sectors. This country still has a lot of potentials,” he said.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State commended Tinubu for always remembering the state when it comes to legacy projects.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who said the project was not a political one, noted that the project had already started in other sections.

“He (Tinubu) is supporting us economically. I want to thank you for all the other projects in the country.

“This projects will be of huge benefit to us, that is why we are going to corporate with the Federal Government and the contractors,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended Tinubu for the initiative and the minister for working hard to get the desired results for Nigerian roads.

We at the House of Representatives are fully behind the President and the works minister.

“Our aim is that, we want Nigeria to work. We have to say bye-bye to the practice of contractors collecting money and not working.

”If contractor are not in site, don’t pay them, that’s one of the biggest scam in the ministry,” he said.

A representative of the Riverine communities, Banji Okunomo, appreciated President Tinubu for deeming it important to ensure the road pass through their domain.

Mr Okunomo noted that the 93 km shore line of the riverine areas had been so disconnected, urging them to deliver the project in stipulated time and assured of enabling environment to achieve the result.

The post Tinubu govt inherited over 2,000 road projects, terminated 10 contracts — Umahi appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The primary reason cited for these abandonments is the contractors’ requests for price variations, arguing that the agreed sums are insufficient to complete the projects due to factors such as inflation and the cost of importing machinery.

Examples of recently abandoned road construction projects include the Bodo-Bonny road project being handled by Julius Berger, the Lokoja-Benin and Obajana Junction-Benin road projects in Kogi and Edo States, and the 15km section of East-West Road from Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction in Rivers State.

READ ALSO: Lagos Traders Devastated by Alaba Rago Market Demolition for Road Expansion

In response to these abandonments, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, has issued ultimatum notices to contractors, demanding they return to the construction sites or sign revised contracts.

READ ALSO: Construction Company Successfully Dualises 220km Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Road

However, despite these sanctions, the government has had to make compromises to ensure project continuation. For instance, the Federal Government recently approved an additional N280 billion for Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. to complete the Bodo-Bonny road project, despite initially deciding against agreeing to any price variations requested by the contractor.

The post FG Criticizes RCC for Failing to Complete East-West Road Section Despite N40 Billion Payment appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Umahi disclosed this information during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, emphasizing that the demolition is necessary for the construction project’s progress.

During the meeting, Umahi clarified that the demolition plan aligns with the previously gazetted alignment of the highway. He explained that while 490 houses would be affected by the new alignment, following the original gazette alignment would result in the demolition of 750 houses. Additionally, Umahi assured stakeholders that a realignment at the Okun Ajah area would be implemented to avoid damaging submarine cables.

Furthermore, Umahi revealed that President Bola Tinubu has been invited to flag off the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project on Sunday, May 26, 2024. He emphasized the significance of the coastal highway in boosting tourism and facilitating economic growth.

READ ALSO: House of Representatives to Investigate N15 Trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Project

However, some property owners expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation offered by the government for their affected properties. They argued that the compensation did not adequately reflect their investments in the marked properties. One property owner, Cajetan Onu, appealed for a fair evaluation of compensation, citing insufficient funds compared to their property investments.

Similarly, another property owner, Olanrewaju Ojo, criticized the compensation amount, stating that it was insufficient to cover his investment losses. Others echoed these sentiments, highlighting the disparity between the compensation and the market value of their properties.

READ ALSO: Lagos Residents Protest Demolition Plans for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road Project

Responding to these concerns, Umahi defended the government’s compensation policy, asserting its impartiality and fairness. He revealed that over N2 billion had been allocated for compensation payments from channel 0 to channel 3 of the highway project.

The compensation process commenced with the flag-off for ten property owners during the stakeholders’ meeting. These included individuals representing various businesses and properties along the highway route.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, spanning 700 kilometers and extending through nine states, aims to enhance connectivity and foster economic development. Umahi emphasized that the road construction would utilize concrete pavement for durability and sustainability.

The post Minister Unveils Plans to Demolish 750 Houses for Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed cement companies to go back to the status quo as regards to the price of the commodity.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, revealed this to newsmen shortly after inspecting BUA cement factory in Sokoto on Thursday.

According to him, during a meeting with the manufacturers, the president directed them to revert to the earlier price of cement.

I want to encourage them to abide by the directive of Mr. President so that we can achieve a massive housing program and the renewed hope agenda of concrete roads initiated by the President,” he said.

Umahi commended the company for completing its 5th line.

“When the chairman of the company visited Mr President last week, he assured that the 5th line will soon commence operation and with my visit here, I can confirm the 5th line, though waiting to be commissioned has already commenced operation,” he testified

READ ALSO: NDIC Repays Depositors of 179 Closed Microfinance and Mortgage Banks

He however commended the management of the company for ensuring cleanliness within the entire premises of the company.

Accompanied by the Senate committee chairman on housing, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, the Minister said the federal government was embarking on 372 kilometers of road, dual carriage way from Zaria to Sokoto State.

“I am here to see things for myself, as you are aware, the federal government is currently embarking on 372 dual kilometers of road of which the first phase will be done with Asphalt, while the step down will be done with concrete.

“If you calculate the 372 kilometers, because it is dual carriage way into two will give us total of 744 kilometers.

“The second 372 kilometers will be conducted with pure concrete in line with the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.

Also speaking, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, commended BUA management for living up to expectations in the discharge of its responsibilities.

He also appealed to the management of the company to in addition to improved capacity in its production also ensure the availability of the product to the masses at affordable prices so as to meet up with the current administration of housing for all.

Speaking earlier in his welcome address, managing director of the company, Engineer Yusuf Binji, assured that with the fifth line, the company will ensure massive production of the product in the company.

He said the increase in the production of cement will further pushed down the price of the product in the market.

Source: thenigerialawyer

The post Cement Price Hike: Tinubu Has Directed Dangote, BUA, Others To Revert To Old Price — Umahi appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Umahi made this announcement during a special recognition event organized by civil servants of the Federal Ministry of Works, where he was honored for his exemplary leadership and commitment to the welfare of ministry employees.

According to a statement released by Barrister Orji Uchenna Orji, the minister’s special adviser on media, Umahi was presented with a ‘Pragmatic Leadership Award’ by the Joint Union of the Ministry, representing over 1,500 workers.

Expressing gratitude for the award, Umahi emphasized his dedication to fulfilling his responsibilities with utmost diligence and collaboration with the ministry’s workforce. He disclosed plans to commence training programs for staff at grade levels 14 and above, as well as the establishment of a Welfare Fund effective March 2024, aimed at enhancing employee satisfaction.

READ ALSO: Umahi issues 14-day termination notice to CECC for subpar work on Enugu-Port Harcourt highway 

In addition, Umahi announced the engagement of ministry staff in nationwide project monitoring and evaluation, alongside the reactivation of the whistleblowers desk to ensure compliance with project specifications.

Addressing civil servants across the nation, Umahi urged them to prioritize the interests of Nigeria in discharging their public duties, highlighting the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration to the nation’s development.

Dr. Yakubu Adam Kofaramata, the permanent secretary, commended Umahi for his remarkable leadership qualities, describing him as a minister of exceptional intelligence, action-oriented, and driven by vision, who recognizes and values the potential of the ministry’s workforce.

The post Umahi Orders Reactivation of Whistleblowers Desk in Ministry Contracts Oversight Push appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, launched a new team to manage contracts for the Highways Development & Management Initiative (HDMI). The team, called the Contract Management Team (CMT), will focus on Valued-added Concessions, a category of projects under HDMI.

HDMI is an initiative of the Ministry of Works that is designed to manage and develop federal road networks. It aims to attract sustainable investment and funding in the development of road infrastructure and maximize the use of assets along the right of way (RoW).

READ ALSO: NERC Approves Upward Price Review for Prepaid Electricity Meters

The CMT is responsible for guiding contracts to financial close and project implementation. It is composed of representatives from the Ministry of Works, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), and the private sector.

In his speech at the inauguration, Minister Umahi urged the members of the CMT to be proactive and to work closely with the Concessionaires to ensure the success of HDMI. He also said that the government is committed to providing the CMT with the necessary support.

The minister’s speech was followed by a presentation by the ICRC on the HDMI framework. The presentation highlighted the benefits of HDMI, including the potential to attract private investment, improve the quality of roads, and create jobs.

The inauguration of the CMT is a significant milestone for HDMI. It marks the beginning of the implementation of this important initiative, which has the potential to transform the Nigerian road sector.

READ ALSO: Just In: Tribunal dismisses APM’s petition against Tinubu, Shettima

READ ALSO: Osun Community absolves Army of Land Grabbing, Blames Neighbors

SOURCE: Ajayi Taiwo

The post Minister Umahi Launches New Team to Manage Contracts for HDMI appeared first on Housing TV Africa.