Federal Government
FG Advances Renewed Hope Agenda In Plateau, Strategic Road Reconnect Communities
FG Advances Renewed Hope Agenda In Plateau, Strategic Road Reconnect Communities
FG advances renewed hope agenda in Plateau, strategic road reconnect communities. The Federal Government has commissioned and completed emergency road infrastructure interventions in Plateau State and visited ongoing strategic road projects, including the Lafia–Shendam Road and the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, as part of sustained efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve national connectivity and economic growth.
This is in continuation of the Ministry’s national media tour of the North Central region, in Plateau State, aimed at showcasing completed emergency repairs and ongoing road projects and highlighting its commitment to delivering critical infrastructure under the transformative leadership of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE. This is in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s aggressive infrastructure development drive as captured in the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
During the National Media Tour, several emergency and special intervention projects were commissioned. At the same time, strategic road projects were also visited, with the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road serving as the final point in the state. Upon assumption of office in May, 2023, the administration inherited 2,064 ongoing federal road projects, many of which had been abandoned due to funding constraints.
In response, the Federal Government approved 260 emergency projects nationwide, prioritising critically failed sections of the network to restore connectivity, enhance safety, and make it easier to move goods, services, and people across the country.
The Commissioning was done, on behalf of the Minister, by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayiku Pwaspo. She emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to not only initiating projects but ensuring their timely completion, in line with approved specifications, noting that improved road infrastructure remains critical to sustainable development.
Providing technical details on the projects, the Federal Controller of Works (FCW), Plateau State, Engr. Jibril Shua’ibu stated that among the commissioned interventions was the Reinstatement of Embankment Washouts of a Culvert and Bridge at kilometre 30+250 (Kwande), along the Shendam–Lafia Road, covering Chainage 38+000 to 38+200 (culvert washout) and Chainage 30+250 (bridge washout).
According to him, the project, which was awarded at a contract sum of ₦824 million, commenced in 2024 and was completed within a span of a few months, thereby restoring safe and uninterrupted traffic flow along the corridor.
At another location along the same Lafia–Shendam alignment, undertaken to address structural failure, prevent erosion, and enhance hydraulic capacity, he informed that the repairs involved the construction of a 2.0m x 1.5m double-cell box culvert beside an existing 2.0m x 1.5m single-cell, including asphalt overlay works, at Chainage 1+500.
The Controller further took the team to the site of an ongoing construction, explaining that the work covers a 16-kilometre stretch from the Lafia–Shendam Road Junction through Poeship to Ngotuguut towns. He further revealed that an additional 7-kilometre Section II of the project is undergoing procurement processes.
He disclosed that the project was awarded to Messrs Triacta Construction Company at a contract sum of approximately ₦16 billion, with a completion period of 15 months, and has currently attained about 52 percent completion, noting that earlier challenges, including funding-related issues, have been resolved and the project is now progressing well.
The Project Manager, Mr. Nakhle Abou Yaounde, reaffirmed the contractor’s commitment to delivering the project, in line with approved specifications and timelines, while commending the Federal Ministry of Works for consistent technical supervision and the host communities for their cooperation and patience.
Speaking on behalf of the host communities during the exercise, the Community Liaison Officer, Pharmacist Senpet Yitnoe, described the Lafia–Shendam Junction–Poeship–Ngotuguut Road as a “road to endless possibilities,” noting its positive impact on access to farmlands, schools, and economic opportunities, and assured the Federal Government of continued community support.
The tour also covered the Construction of Babban Lamba–Sharram Road, a 44.625-kilometre new alignment linking Babban Lamba and Sharram communities of the state. Although initially taken as a rehabilitation project, the FCW noted that the scope effectively involves the construction of a new flexible pavement, including side clearance, earthworks, sub-base, and stone base layers. He further told that while the contract was awarded in 2018 with a completion period of 24 months, progress had earlier been stalled due to funding challenges.
However, following the intervention of the Minister, the contractor has fully remobilised to the site, with active construction ongoing from the Sharram end, using multiple construction teams (gangs) and equipment spread across sections of the corridor, according to the Controller. The team witnessed a hope being renewed.
Speaking on the project, the Project Coordinator for Ric Rock Construction (Nigeria) Limited, Engr. Kenneth noted that the road, with a carriageway width of 7.3 metres and shoulders of 2.75 metres on both sides, is expected to significantly reduce travel time between communities, cutting journeys that previously took nearly two hours to about 20 minutes.
Dave Umahi
He added that the project includes multiple bridge structures within the corridor and that construction activities are ongoing at both road and bridge locations, with strong cooperation from the host communities.
Similarly, the Site Agent for the project, Engr. Augustine Imiere stated that the Babban Lamba–Sharram Road is designed to open up markets, enhance access to businesses, and improve socio-economic activities across connected communities and beyond.
He disclosed that the project includes hydraulic structures, drainage facilities, and five bridges, including multi-span ones at different locations, and expressed confidence that with continued support from the Ministry and cooperation from the communities, the project would be delivered soon.
Economy
Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway will Boost Agriculture, Open Economic Opportunities, Says Information Minister
Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway will Boost Agriculture, Open Economic Opportunities, Says Information Minister
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway will boost agriculture and open new economic opportunities for communities and states along the 1,000-kilometre corridor, including Kebbi State.
Eereporter.com
The Minister stated this when he received the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information, Hon. Yakubu Ahmed Birnin-Kebbi, and members of the state Governor’s media team on a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.
Idris said about 250 kilometres of the highway would pass through Kebbi State, making the project an important opportunity for the state to expand agriculture, improve trade and strengthen economic activities.
“The Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway is not just designed to link communities, states and cities together. It is also designed to provide an avenue for the advancement of economic activities in the corridor. About 250 kilometres of that super highway will pass through Kebbi State,” he said.
The Minister noted that the project would create opportunities beyond road transportation, explaining that about 63 dams are expected along the corridor, with potential benefits for agriculture, power generation and other economic activities.
He also commended the Kebbi State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure and security, saying such collaboration was important to national development.
“I have witnessed first-hand what collaboration between the Federal Government and the states can achieve in agriculture. In Kebbi, we saw large-scale tomato farming and women actively participating in agriculture and earning livelihoods,” Idris said.
He recalled that the Federal Government’s investment in major infrastructure projects, including the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to take development closer to the people and create conditions for businesses and communities to thrive.
“The population of Nigeria exists mainly in the states, not in Abuja. That is why the Federal Government continues to work with state governments to take development to where the people are,” he said.
Earlier, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Information said the delegation was in Abuja to brief the Minister on the achievements of the state government and strengthen its relationship with the Federal Government.
“We are here to tell the story of Kebbi State and to show the progress being made. With the support of the Federal Government, Kebbi has enormous potential for agriculture, infrastructure and economic development,” he said.
He said Kebbi had made progress in agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and security, adding that the state was committed to working with the Federal Government to unlock its development potential.
The Minister assured the delegation that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation would continue to communicate development initiatives across the country and support efforts to ensure that Nigerians are informed about opportunities created by government investments.
Information Minister
In attendance were the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Suleiman Haruna, PhD, among other senior management staff.
Rabiu Ibrahim, mnipr
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Thursday, 13 August, 2026
Eereporter.com
Umahi Charge Federal Controllers: Put Nigerians First, Take Ownership of Your Projects
The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, has charged Federal Controllers of Works across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to remain committed to quality project delivery and always put the interests of Nigerians first.
Eereporter.com
Umahi gave the charge on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, during the Ministry’s monthly meeting with Federal Controllers of Works from across the country, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja. a regular platform for reviewing the progress of federal road projects, addressing challenges and strengthening supervision and accountability in project delivery.
Umahi urged the Controllers to take a keen interest in construction and make continuous learning a priority, stressing that effective supervision requires both professional knowledge and practical understanding of what is happening on project sites.
“Take interest in the construction. Read your books to improve. I learn a lot from the site, not from the office,” the Minister said.
He encouraged the Controllers to spend more time on project sites, understand the realities of construction and remain close to the people who are directly affected by the projects under their supervision.
According to him, public service is more meaningful when it is driven by genuine passion for the people.
“When you have passion for the people, you put God first. God will make you do more things you don’t even know how to do,” he said.
The Minister, who reflected on his experience as Governor of Ebonyi State, said his achievements in office were driven by his faith, commitment to the people and a strong sense of responsibility.
“When I was Governor, God gave me the revelation that I had the ability to do so many things. That was God’s direction,” Umahi recalled.
He told the Controllers that placing the people at the centre of their work is also a way of putting God first, adding that genuine commitment to public service brings personal fulfilment.
“When you put the people first, you are putting God first. You will enjoy your job. You will be happy with the job. As you are putting God and the people first, you are creating everlasting blessing for your family,” the Minister added.
Umahi Charge Federal Controllers
The Minister urged the Controllers to remain diligent and committed to their responsibilities, noting that the quality of work delivered on federal roads is ultimately measured by the difference it makes in the lives of Nigerians.
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
August 12, 2026
Eereporter.com
Economy
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
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He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026
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