FG Flags Off Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Dualisation, Umahi Moves to Tackle CriticCritical Road in Benin and Ekiti

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, has declared an end to temporary interventions on the strategic Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, as the Federal Government formally flagged off the dualisation of the route in Ibadan, Oyo State.
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Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on August 24, 2026 that took place at Open Field of Legacy Estate, Umahi said the project marked a decisive shift from temporary fixes to the delivery of durable infrastructure under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “Today marks the end of an era of temporary fixes on this vital corridor. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are building roads that will outlive generations.”

The Minister described the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode project as more than an ordinary road construction project, stressing that its strategic importance goes beyond asphalt and concrete “This 56.5km Dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention.”

According to Umahi, the dualisation will open up new economic opportunities across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, while making movement easier, reducing travel time and addressing security challenges that have been associated with the deteriorated sections of the road. “By expanding this corridor, we are unlocking the massive agricultural and commercial potential of the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, reducing travel times drastically, and eliminating security vulnerabilities like kidnapping that thrived on dilapidated sections.”

The 56.5-kilometre dualisation project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and awarded to JRB Construction Limited, is expected to strengthen one of the major transportation and economic links between Oyo and Ogun states.

Umahi said the project was one of the clear indications of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape, particularly through the construction of durable roads capable of supporting growing economic activities.

He also praised JRB Construction Limited for its work on the corridor, describing the company as the best indigenous contractor and drawing attention to the scale of the ongoing earthworks. “I can tell you that JRB contractors are the best indigenous contractors. Go and see the work they are already doing. They are filling up to 40 feet along this road.”

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the project as an important economic connection between the two neighbouring states. “Today demonstrates the flag-off of the 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road. It is more than just a flag-off; it is a vital connection between two sister states economically.”

The President’s commitment to the corridor was further emphasised at the ceremony. “The Ibadan-Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor is simply too important for the Federal Government to neglect. This administration is committed to delivering infrastructure that outlives generations”.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also welcomed the project, recalling the hardship experienced by farmers and traders who have depended on the road over the years. “We thank President Tinubu for seeing the strategic value of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road. For years, our farmers and traders faced immense hardship navigating this route. This concrete dualisation project will bring lasting economic relief and security to Ibadanland and our neighboring communities.”

The monarch also commended Umahi for his role in advancing the infrastructure agenda of the Tinubu administration. “Senator Umahi has proven himself to be an indefatigable champion of infrastructure, and he has the full backing of our traditional institution.”

Immediately after the ceremony, the Minister announced that he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road, where he said the Federal Government would engage all relevant parties and work towards resolving the difficulties currently confronting road users. “Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba Road. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we solve that problem. It’s not caused by Minister of Works. It’s caused by our attempt to involve private sector in roads development as is done in other places. But this concessionaire came and removed over 30KM of the asphalt and threw it away and closed the yard and left and today, people are suffering. We are going to be talking to the independent engineer and our lawyer, and of course, the concessionaire. So there’s going to be a robust engagement even with the governor Edo State.”

He also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo would visit the Ifaki–Kabba Road in Ekiti and Kogi states, another critical route requiring urgent attention. “The Minister of State is going to go to Ifaki – Kabba in Ekiti/Kogi States. Incidentally, in 2024, the president saw the terrible nature of that project, and he called me and he said we should take care of it. We have redesigned it, and when he goes, he’s going to bring up a report which we shall tell Mr. President.”

Umahi used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for approving what he described as critical road projects across the country, arguing that the scale of construction under the administration was unprecedented. “We may be having too many roads but I want to thank the president very, very highly. These are critical projects. Because tell me anywhere in this country, any zone where you had before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, 50KM of road that you can ride through without pothole, without potholes on the road.”

Ibadan-Ijebu Ode

He urged Nigerians to appreciate the President’s infrastructure drive, noting that road construction was taking place across the country. “So I want Nigerians to appreciate what the president is doing. Every state is a construction site. There is no region that we say, “Oh, we are shortchanged.” There is nothing like that. So I commend the president very highly.”

The ceremony, which brought together government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, ended with the official ground-breaking of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
August 25, 2026
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Bonga South-West Aparo Project: NNPC, OML 118 Contractor Parties Execute PSC and DSA Addenda

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), and the OML 118 Contractor Parties — Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) — today executed the Addendum to the OML 118 Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and the Addendum to the Dispute Settlement Agreement (DSA), marking a major milestone in the advancement of the deepwater Bonga Southwest/Aparo project (BWSAp) towards Final Investment Decision (FID).
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… Project to Attract $15-21bn Investment, to Become Nigeria’s Largest Deepwater Development.

The execution gives effect to the fiscal and commercial terms approved by the Federal Government to support the development of BSWAp and it reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to creating a competitive, stable and attractive environment for large-scale deepwater investment.

The milestone follows the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, an important component of the Federal Government’s ongoing reforms to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s deepwater sector and unlock new investment. The BSWA PSC and DSA Addenda demonstrate the practical impact of these reforms in translating policy into investment and project development.

BSWAp is expected to be one of Nigeria’s largest deepwater developments, with the potential to attract US$15 billion to US$21 billion in investment over the life of the project and achieve peak production of about 175 kbopd of oil and 140 mmscfd of gas. The development is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy through increased oil and gas production, government revenues, foreign exchange earnings, local content development, employment and expanded opportunities for Nigerian businesses.

Speaking on the milestone, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said: “The execution of the BSWAp PSC and DSA Addenda demonstrates the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s reforms in translating policy into investment. This is about unlocking a major deepwater project and demonstrating that Nigeria has a competitive fiscal framework and a clear pathway for sustainable investment in its energy sector. NNPC Ltd will continue to work closely with the Federal Government, our partners and other stakeholders to ensure that this project delivers maximum value for the Federation and the Nigerian people.”

The Contractor Parties also announced the successful completion of the project’s Pre-Front End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) phase, marking an important milestone in maturing the technical and commercial scope of the development and positioning the project to progress into the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) phase, subject to applicable partner, assurance and governance requirements.

Following a competitive selection process, a bidder has been identified as the preferred Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) contractor for the BSWA project, subject to completion of applicable partner, regulatory, assurance and governance processes. The selection provides a basis for progressing the FPSO concept into FEED and for undertaking the further engineering and commercial work required to mature the project towards FID. Any eventual award of the FPSO Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) contract remains subject to the completion of all applicable approvals and requirements.

Once operational, BSWAp is expected to become one of Nigeria’s most significant new deepwater production hubs, contributing materially to national oil production and supporting the country’s ambition to sustainably grow oil and gas output over the coming years.

The project is expected to deliver substantial benefits to Nigeria through billions of dollars of investment, increased participation by Nigerian contractors and suppliers, and significant direct and indirect employment opportunities across engineering, fabrication, offshore construction, logistics and operations.

BSWAp is also expected to strengthen Nigerian content through increased contracting opportunities for indigenous companies, enhance local fabrication, marine and engineering capabilities, facilitate technology transfer and skills development, and create lasting value across the wider Nigerian economy.

NNPC

The milestone reflects the strong collaboration among NNPC Ltd, the Federal Government, relevant regulatory agencies and the OML 118 Contractor Parties , and reinforces Nigeria’s position as a competitive destination for deepwater investment.

NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to advance the BSWA project safely, competitively and responsibly, while maximising value for Nigeria and the Nigerian people.

Andy Odeh
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Limited
24th August 2026
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Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Others Grace Shekina and Shope’s Wedding in Lagos

It was a celebration of love, family, friendship and distinguished personalities in Lagos on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
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Shekina, a niece of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, DSc, OFR, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.

The wedding brought together governors, senior government officials, lawmakers, business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, family members and friends from across the country to celebrate the young couple.

The Honourable Minister of Works, who also serves as the Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, was present at the ceremony to celebrate with his niece and the families of the newlyweds and was joined by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, CON; and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.

In his opening remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Governor Alex Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the newlyweds to embrace patience, understanding and tolerance as they begin their journey together.

With humour, the Abia State Governor stressed the permanence of marriage, telling the couple that they should approach their union with a strong commitment to making it work.

“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” he said.

In separate remarks, the parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.

They praised Shekina and Shope for distinguishing themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, describing them as outstanding young people who had continued to make their families proud.

They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in their marriage and wished them a fulfilling life together.

The Umahi family also formally welcomed the couple with the presentation of family gifts.

On behalf of the Umahi family, the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds.

The ceremony attracted a gathering of political leaders, statesmen and captains of industry.

Other governors present at the event included the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Patricia Obila; Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo; Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.

Among the captains of industry, statesmen and
other distinguished personalities at the occasion were Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), among others.

The Ministry of Works was also represented at the ceremony, with the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs, among others, joining in the celebration.

Umahi, Sanwo-Olu

Other members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.

The wedding provided a memorable gathering of the two families, their friends and well-wishers, with guests celebrating the union and offering prayers and goodwill for a happy, peaceful and enduring marriage.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
Sunday 23, 2026
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