The Federal Government has issued a firm directive to cement manufacturers nationwide to immediately lower the market cost of their products. This intervention comes amid rising concerns that current pricing structures are creating significant financial strains on active infrastructure initiatives across the country. According to authorities, the pricing surge has led to numerous construction firms demanding contract variations, a situation that the government insists must be addressed by adjusting production costs rather than public budgets.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced that official talks between the government and major industry stakeholders are scheduled to commence on July 1, 2026. Speaking at an industrial gathering in Lagos, Umahi stated that building material suppliers must take proactive measures to manage their pricing structures instead of relying on the state to absorb rising material expenses. The minister emphasized that contractors are under immense pressure due to financial constraints, but noted that the administration will not be reviewing existing project allocations.

Beyond securing public infrastructure, the government highlighted that a reduction in market rates is essential to support affordable housing for everyday citizens. The ongoing expansion of transport networks, bridges, and highways under President Bola Tinubu’s administration offers extensive commercial prospects for suppliers who adapt to the country’s development needs. Consequently, industry players have been urged to scale up their manufacturing volumes to balance affordability with the accelerating demands of national growth.

The post FG Demands Cement Price Cuts from Manufacturers appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed that it monitored projects worth over N21.23 trillion under the Federal Ministry of Works as part of efforts to curb corruption and improve accountability in public spending.

Chairman of the commission, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during a joint workshop organised with the Nigerian Union of Journalists. The event, themed “Reinvigorating the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2022–2026): A Post-Assessment Roadmap for the Fourth Estate,” focused on strengthening transparency and media collaboration.

Aliyu explained that the commission has prioritised prevention by closely monitoring government spending through its Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative. According to him, the ICPC recently tracked about 950 projects across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, valued at approximately N415.25 billion.

He noted that the exercise exposed several abandoned and poorly executed projects, forcing contractors back to site and improving accountability in service delivery. He added that such tracking mechanisms are designed to ensure value for money and prevent corrupt practices before they occur.

“In addition to these efforts, projects under the Federal Ministry of Works valued at over N21.23 trillion were also tracked, reflecting the scale of our oversight responsibilities,” Aliyu said.

The ICPC chairman also highlighted the crucial role of the media in the anti-corruption fight, describing journalists as key partners in promoting transparency. He urged media professionals to strengthen investigative reporting and uphold responsible journalism to support ongoing reforms.

Aliyu further explained that the workshop was aimed at deepening collaboration between the commission and the media, while generating actionable ideas for the next phase of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2022–2026).

The engagement forms part of ICPC’s broader efforts to reinforce the role of journalists in raising public awareness and ensuring accountability in governance.

The post ICPC Tracks N21.23tn Works Projects, Intensifies Anti-Corruption Drive appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Minister of Works, , has called on anti-graft agencies to investigate contracts and ongoing projects under the ministry in a move to reinforce transparency and accountability.

Umahi invited the (EFCC) and the (ICPC) to scrutinise all procurement processes and project execution within the ministry.

He stated that the ministry has nothing to hide, stressing that all procedures from tendering to implementation followed due process.

Ministry insists on transparency

Speaking in Abuja, Umahi said relevant documents and project files are open for inspection by the agencies.

He revealed that while the ICPC has completed a preliminary report, the EFCC is still conducting its review.

Shift to concrete roads highlighted

The minister also defended the ministry’s decision to shift from asphalt to concrete roads, noting that the approach is designed to ensure durability and reduce maintenance costs over time.

According to him, the goal is to construct roads that can last up to 100 years with minimal repairs.

Call for responsible reporting

Umahi urged journalists to verify information before publication, emphasizing that inaccurate reporting can affect public perception and ongoing infrastructure efforts.

He also commended President for prioritising infrastructure development across the country.

Push for accountability in infrastructure

The move signals the ministry’s attempt to build public trust and demonstrate accountability, especially amid growing scrutiny of government projects.

The post Umahi Invites EFCC, ICPC to Probe Works Ministry Projects appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A heated exchange disrupted proceedings in the Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed during the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Works.

The session, chaired by Senator Hanga, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, began smoothly with a presentation by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi. However, tensions escalated during the question-and-answer segment, leading to a shouting match and a brief walkout by some legislators.

The drama in Senate budget defence unfolded when Deputy Senate Whip, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi), made remarks praising the performance of the Minister of Works and President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the road sector.

Some members of the committee reportedly viewed his comments as overly patronising. Senator Hanga, who presided over the session in the absence of the substantive chairman, asked Nwaebonyi to conclude his submission.

Verbal Clash Over Speaking Time

Nwaebonyi objected to the interruption, arguing that other senators had been allowed extended time to speak without interruption. He insisted on continuing his remarks, stating that he had barely spoken for five minutes.

The exchange quickly escalated, with both lawmakers raising their voices. Nwaebonyi challenged Hanga’s authority to curtail his contribution, while Hanga struck the gavel to reassert control over the proceedings.

At one point, Nwaebonyi declared that as a ranking senator from the ruling party, he could not be overruled by a minority senator. Hanga countered by defending his authority as the presiding officer and referencing electoral mandates.

Attempts by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) to calm the situation initially failed, as Nwaebonyi angrily stormed out of the venue. Normalcy was later restored following interventions by Ndume and Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), allowing the session to continue.

Umahi Defends 2026 Budget Allocation

Before the disruption, Minister Umahi had responded to concerns about the quality of work on the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Road. He challenged lawmakers to conduct an on-the-spot assessment, pledging to resign if the project failed to meet required standards.

Umahi disclosed that the Ministry of Works had a capital allocation of N3.245 trillion in the 2026 budget. Of this amount, N760 billion is designated for new projects across the six geopolitical zones.

He clarified that the new projects are separate from four major “legacy” projects initiated by the Presidency, as well as the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Maiduguri road project.

The minister further explained that the N7 trillion required to complete certain road projects previously funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited would be sourced from domestic bond markets.

Focus on Major Highways

According to Umahi, the ministry’s 2026 capital budget will prioritise the completion of strategic highways and the ongoing legacy projects. He assured lawmakers that project execution would be closely monitored to ensure quality and value for money.

Despite the temporary disruption, the Senate Committee on Works continued its scrutiny of the ministry’s proposals, underscoring the legislature’s oversight role in the national budget process.

The incident highlights growing political tensions within parliamentary proceedings, even as lawmakers deliberate on critical infrastructure spending in the 2026 fiscal year.

Alt Text (Featured Image):
Lawmakers clash during 2026 budget defence session in the Nigerian Senate

Image Caption:
Senators exchange heated words during the 2026 budget defence of the Ministry of Works

Image Description:
A Senate session showing lawmakers during a tense exchange over the 2026 budget allocation for the Ministry of Works.

Tags:
Drama in Senate, 2026 budget defence, Ministry of Works, David Umahi, Nigerian Senate, infrastructure budget, Senate clash

The post Drama in Senate as Lawmakers Clash During 2026 Budget Defence appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has criticized the Federal Government’s handling of cost disclosures related to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, urging greater transparency in the execution of the multi-billion-naira infrastructure project.

In a viral video circulated on Friday, Makinde questioned the reluctance of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to provide a straightforward cost breakdown, particularly after Umahi’s contentious live exchange with Arise News anchor Rufai Oseni. Oseni had asked for a per-kilometer cost analysis of the project, prompting an irate response from the minister, who dismissed the question as “elementary” and “uninformed.”

“How can you be asking for cost per kilometer? The prices are different,” Umahi said during the interview. “Keep quiet and stop saying what you don’t know. I am a professor in this field.”

In response, Governor Makinde defended the journalist’s question and insisted that public officials owe Nigerians clarity on major spending decisions. “They asked how much the coastal road is, and the minister is dancing around. Then what is the average cost?” he said.

Makinde offered examples from Oyo State, noting that the Oyo-Iseyin road cost N9.99 billion for roughly 35 kilometers, about N238 million per kilometer while the 76-kilometre Iseyin-Ogbomoso road, including two bridges, cost about N500 million per kilometer.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway spans nine states and includes two northern spurs. The first phase, covering 47.47 kilometers, has been awarded to Hitech Construction Company Ltd. and will be constructed with concrete pavement.

Although the Federal Government argues that the project is critical to national development and regional connectivity, the lack of cost transparency has drawn criticism from stakeholders, who are demanding greater accountability in the use of public funds.

The post Makinde Criticises Umahi Over Lack of Transparency in Coastal Highway Project appeared first on Housing TV Africa.