Umahi Tasks Controllers On Supervision, Publicity Of Road Projects

By Jane Salihu

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has called for improved supervision of federal road and bridge projects and effective public communication to keep Nigerians informed of infrastructure interventions across the country.

Umahi made the call on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with Federal Controllers of Works from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

He described the controllers as critical representatives of the ministry at the sub-national level and urged them to take ownership of projects in their jurisdictions.

The minister charged them to strengthen collaboration with state governments, contractors, traditional institutions, community groups, road users and the media.

He stressed that controllers must maintain a strong presence on project sites, identify construction challenges early 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,” Umahi said.

He said effective project delivery must be complemented with effective communication, directing the controllers to provide the public with clear and factual information on federal projects, including their locations, scope, implementation status and benefits.

To improve public awareness, he directed them to develop robust communication plans involving strategic project signages, media engagements, documentaries, radio and television jingles, project tours and community-level sensitisation.

Umahi also urged the controllers to be proactive in addressing legitimate technical and construction challenges within the provisions of existing contracts.

He said provisions in the Bill of Quantities and contingencies should be properly understood and applied where necessary, adding that any adjustment must be technically justified, properly documented and approved.

He cautioned against using such provisions to create unnecessary jobs or additional expenditure for contractors, insisting that every adjustment must be aimed at achieving value for money.

The minister warned that unnecessary delays in resolving genuine project challenges could increase costs, prolong construction and worsen the plight of road users.

On professional development, Umahi assured the controllers that the ministry would continue to provide capacity-building opportunities for technical personnel involved in project monitoring and evaluation.

He said officers would be exposed to relevant training to improve their competence, particularly in international construction practices, contract administration and project management.

He urged technical officers to prioritise practical experience by regularly visiting construction sites and physically verifying the quality and progress of work, rather than relying solely on office-based assessments.

The minister also called for stronger coordination among Federal Controllers, Zonal Directors and Highways Coordinating Directors, noting that regular communication would improve decision-making and ensure faster resolution of project-related challenges.

He further urged them to place the interests of road users and host communities at the centre of their responsibilities, stressing that the ultimate measure of infrastructure delivery is its impact on mobility, economic activities and quality of life.

“When you put the people first, you are putting God first,” he said.

Umahi urged the controllers to work collectively with contractors, consultants, state governments and host communities to ensure that federal road and bridge projects are delivered according to approved standards and within deadlines, while keeping Nigerians informed of interventions under the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, commended the minister for his commitment to infrastructure delivery and urged the controllers to remain dedicated to effective supervision, stakeholder engagement and public communication.

The meeting, which was also attended by the six Zonal and Highways Coordinating Directors, featured discussions on project supervision, delivery challenges, community engagement and communication strategies.