Project Supervision: Umahi Talks Tough as Federal Controllers Listen

Project Supervision: Umahi Talks Tough as Federal Controllers Listen

By Gabriel Kekong

Abuja (Core Reporters) The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, has charged Federal Controllers of Works (FCWs) across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to intensify supervision of federal road and bridge projects, strengthen stakeholder engagement and ensure that Nigerians are adequately informed about completed and ongoing infrastructure interventions in their respective jurisdictions.

The Minister gave the charge during a strategic interaction with the Controllers at the Ministry’s Headquarters on Tuesday, August 12, 2026. He emphasised that their responsibilities extend beyond routine administrative duties, noting that they serve as the Ministry’s representatives at the sub-national level and play critical roles in ensuring proper project supervision, prompt resolution of challenges and effective public communication.

Umahi urged the Controllers to take greater ownership of projects under their jurisdiction and establish stronger working relationships with state governments, contractors, traditional institutions, community groups, other stakeholders and the media.

He stressed that effective communication must complement project delivery, noting that road users and citizens should have access to clear and factual information on projects being executed, including their locations, scope, implementation status and expected benefits.

The Minister also urged the Controllers to demonstrate greater commitment to the welfare of road users by maintaining a regular presence at project sites, identifying and addressing construction challenges early, and ensuring that contractors comply with approved specifications, quality standards and contractual obligations.

He directed them to be proactive in resolving technical and construction-related challenges within the provisions of existing contracts. He explained that legitimate provisions in the Bill of Quantities (B.O.Q.) and contingencies should be properly understood and applied in accordance with relevant contractual conditions whenever adjustments are required to facilitate efficient project delivery.

Umahi, however, cautioned that such provisions must not be used to create unnecessary work or additional expenditure for contractors, stressing that every adjustment must be technically justified, properly documented and approved, with the ultimate objective of achieving value for money and improved project outcomes.

The Minister further emphasised the importance of professional judgement and timely decision-making, noting that unnecessary delays in addressing legitimate project challenges could increase costs, prolong construction periods and worsen the difficulties experienced by road users.

He promised continuous capacity building within the Ministry, particularly for technical personnel involved in project monitoring and evaluation. According to him, officers requiring additional training would be exposed to appropriate learning opportunities to broaden their technical and professional competencies and keep them abreast of international construction best practices, contract administration and project management procedures.

Umahi urged the Controllers to take personal interest in construction activities, observing that practical knowledge acquired from project sites is essential to effective supervision. He stressed that technical officers must not limit their responsibilities to office-based assessments but should regularly inspect project sites, interact with contractors and verify the quality and progress of work on the ground.

“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 directed.

He also directed the Controllers to strengthen public awareness of federal infrastructure projects through a robust communication plan across the states and the FCT. Such measures, he said, should include strategically located project information signages, media engagements, documentaries, radio and television jingles, project tours and community-level communication.

The Minister advised the Controllers not to compromise professional standards or overlook deficiencies in project execution, stressing that effective supervision requires diligence, courage and an unwavering commitment to the public interest.

He equally called for stronger collaboration among Federal Controllers, Zonal and Coordinating Directors, noting that regular communication and coordinated action would improve the speed and quality of decision-making on project-related issues.

Umahi assured the Controllers that the Ministry would continue to focus on solving problems and removing avoidable obstacles to project delivery, urging officials to approach their responsibilities with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

He encouraged the Controllers to place the interests of road users and host communities at the centre of their professional calling, stressing that the ultimate measure of the Ministry’s success is the extent to which infrastructure enhances mobility, supports economic activities and improves citizens’ quality of life.

“When you put the people first, you are putting God first,” Umahi asserted, urging them to remain committed to public service and discharge their responsibilities with integrity, diligence and compassion.

He further reminded the Controllers that effective project delivery requires collective effort, urging them to work closely with the Ministry’s management, contractors, consultants, state governments, communities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that road and bridge projects are delivered in accordance with approved standards and timelines.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, commended the Minister for his commitment to improving infrastructure delivery and applauded the passion with which he continues to drive the Ministry’s mandate.

Adeladan also reminded the Federal Controllers to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and support the Ministry’s efforts towards improved project supervision, effective stakeholder engagement and communication, and the delivery of quality infrastructure across the country.

The Minister concluded by urging the Controllers to work collectively to ensure that projects are executed according to specifications, contractors remain accountable for their obligations and Nigerians are kept adequately and consistently informed about infrastructure interventions being implemented under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

He disclosed that Zonal Directors and other key Directors would hold a follow-up meeting to address operational details and implementation modalities.

The meeting, which was attended by the six Zonal and Highways Coordinating Directors, provided an opportunity to reinforce the Ministry’s expectations regarding professional responsibility, effective supervision, capacity development, stakeholder engagement and strategic public communication.

It also featured an interactive session during which issues concerning project supervision and delivery, community engagement and communication strategies were discussed and addressed.