Umahi Tasks Federal Controllers to Intensify Supervision of Road, Bridge Projects
The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has directed Federal Controllers of Works across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to intensify supervision of federal road and bridge projects while strengthening engagement with stakeholders and keeping Nigerians adequately informed about ongoing and completed infrastructure projects.
Umahi gave the directive during a strategic meeting with the Federal Controllers at the Ministry’s headquarters on Tuesday, August 12, 2026.
The Minister stressed that the Controllers are the Ministry’s representatives at the sub-national level and therefore have a critical responsibility to ensure that projects within their jurisdictions are properly supervised, challenges are identified and addressed promptly, and contractors deliver according to approved specifications, quality standards and contractual obligations.
He urged the Controllers to take greater ownership of projects and build stronger working relationships with state governments, contractors, traditional institutions, host communities, professional bodies, other stakeholders and the media.
‘Go to the Sites, Not Just the Offices’
Umahi emphasised that effective project delivery must be matched by effective communication, noting that Nigerians and road users deserve clear and accurate information about infrastructure interventions in their communities.
He directed the Controllers to remain physically present at project sites, monitor construction activities closely and identify potential challenges before they become major obstacles to delivery.
“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 also tasked them with ensuring that contractors comply with approved project specifications and contractual obligations, stressing that professional supervision is essential to achieving value for money.
Proper Use of Contract Provisions
The Minister further directed the Controllers to be proactive in resolving legitimate technical and construction challenges within existing contractual provisions.
He explained that provisions contained in Bills of Quantities and contingencies should be properly understood and applied where necessary, in accordance with contractual conditions, to facilitate efficient project execution.
Umahi, however, cautioned that such provisions must not be abused to create unnecessary work or additional costs. Any adjustment, he said, must be technically justified, properly documented and duly approved, with the ultimate objective of improving project outcomes and protecting public resources.
He also stressed the importance of timely professional decisions, warning that delays in resolving legitimate construction challenges could increase project costs, extend completion periods and worsen difficulties faced by road users.
Stronger Public Communication
The Minister called for a robust infrastructure communication strategy across the states and the FCT, including strategically placed project information signs, media engagements, documentaries, radio and television jingles, project tours and community-level sensitisation.
He urged the Controllers not to compromise professional standards or overlook deficiencies in project execution, stressing that effective supervision requires diligence, courage and commitment to the public interest.
Umahi also called for closer collaboration between Federal Controllers and the Ministry’s Zonal and Coordinating Directors to improve communication and accelerate decision-making on project-related issues.
Capacity Building for Technical Officers
The Minister assured personnel of continued capacity building, particularly for officers involved in project monitoring and evaluation.
He said officers requiring additional training would be provided opportunities to improve their technical and professional competencies, adding that Ministry personnel must remain abreast of international construction practices, contract administration and modern project management procedures.
He encouraged Controllers to acquire practical knowledge through regular site inspections, stressing that effective supervision cannot be achieved through office-based assessments alone.
‘Put the People First’
Umahi urged the Controllers to place the interests of road users and host communities at the centre of their responsibilities, noting that the ultimate measure of infrastructure delivery is its impact on mobility, economic activities and the quality of life of Nigerians.
“When you put the people first, you are putting God first,” he said.
He urged the officials to work closely with contractors, consultants, state governments, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that federal road and bridge projects are delivered to the required standards and within approved timelines.
The Minister also directed the Controllers to ensure that Nigerians remain adequately informed about infrastructure interventions being executed by the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Permanent Secretary Commends Umahi
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, commended Umahi for his commitment to improving infrastructure delivery and praised his determination to drive the Ministry’s mandate.
Adeladan urged the Federal Controllers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and support efforts to strengthen project supervision, stakeholder engagement, public communication and the delivery of quality infrastructure nationwide.
The meeting, which was attended by the six Zonal and Highways Coordinating Directors, featured an interactive session where issues surrounding project supervision, construction challenges, community engagement and communication strategies were discussed.
Umahi concluded by urging the Federal Controllers to demonstrate greater ownership, accountability and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, stressing that effective collaboration across all levels remains essential to delivering infrastructure that works for Nigerians.
Umahi Tasks Federal Controllers to Intensify Supervision of Road, Bridge Projects