By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, has directed Federal Controllers of Works across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to intensify supervision of federal road and bridge projects and strengthen engagement with host communities and other stakeholders.
Umahi gave the directive on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, during a strategic meeting with the Federal Controllers at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, stressing that they must ensure Nigerians are adequately informed about completed and ongoing infrastructure projects in their respective jurisdictions.
The Minister described the Controllers as the Ministry’s representatives at the sub-national level, charging them to take greater ownership of projects, promptly address challenges and build stronger relationships with state governments, contractors, traditional institutions, community groups, the media and other stakeholders.
He emphasised that effective communication must complement project delivery, saying citizens should have access to clear and factual information on the location, scope, implementation status and expected benefits of federal infrastructure projects.
Umahi also directed the Controllers to remain physically present at project sites, monitor construction activities closely and ensure contractors comply with approved specifications, quality standards and contractual obligations.
“Go hard on the contractors. Go straight to the site, not sit in the office. The sites need your extra attention to ensure quality and timely delivery,” the Minister said.
He urged the Controllers to proactively resolve technical and construction-related challenges within the provisions of existing contracts, particularly where legitimate provisions in the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and contingencies could facilitate efficient project delivery.
However, Umahi cautioned that such provisions must not be exploited to create unnecessary work or additional expenditure for contractors, insisting that every adjustment must be technically justified, properly documented and duly approved, with value for money as the overriding consideration.
The Minister further stressed the importance of professional judgement and timely decision-making, warning that delays in resolving legitimate project challenges could increase costs, prolong construction periods and worsen the difficulties faced by road users.
He also announced continued capacity building for Ministry personnel, particularly technical officers involved in project monitoring and evaluation, saying officers requiring additional training would be exposed to relevant opportunities to improve their technical and professional competencies.
According to him, personnel must remain abreast of international construction practices, contract administration and project management procedures.
Umahi urged the Controllers to acquire practical knowledge through regular site inspections rather than relying solely on office-based assessments. He directed them to interact with contractors and physically verify the quality and progress of work.
He equally tasked the Controllers with developing robust infrastructure communication plans across the states and FCT, including strategically located project signages, media engagements, documentaries, radio and television jingles, project tours and community-level communication.
The Minister warned against compromising professional standards or overlooking deficiencies in project execution, noting that effective supervision requires diligence, courage and commitment to the public interest.
He also called for stronger collaboration between Federal Controllers and Zonal and Coordinating Directors to improve communication and speed up decision-making on project-related matters.
Umahi assured the officials that the Ministry would continue to focus on removing avoidable obstacles to project delivery, urging them to approach their responsibilities with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
He stressed that the interests of road users and host communities must remain at the centre of their professional responsibilities, adding that the success of the Ministry should ultimately be measured by the extent to which infrastructure improves mobility, supports economic activities and enhances citizens’ quality of life.
“When you put the people first, you are putting God first,” Umahi said, urging the Controllers to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, diligence and compassion.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, commended the Minister for his commitment to improving infrastructure delivery and praised the passion with which he is driving the Ministry’s mandate.
Adeladan urged the Federal Controllers to remain committed to their duties and support the Ministry’s efforts towards improved project supervision, stakeholder engagement, effective communication and delivery of quality infrastructure nationwide.
The Minister further directed the Controllers to ensure that projects are executed according to specifications, contractors remain accountable for their obligations and Nigerians are consistently informed about infrastructure interventions under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He disclosed that Zonal Directors and other key Directors would hold a follow-up meeting to address operational details and implementation modalities.
The meeting, attended by the six Zonal and Highways Coordinating Directors, also featured an interactive session on project supervision and delivery, community engagement and infrastructure communication strategies’, a statement by Mohammed A. Ahmed ,Director, Information and Public Relations Federal Ministry of Works on 13 August 2026″ Stated.
