The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with international development partners, particularly the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), to accelerate the completion of strategic road and bridge projects across Nigeria.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this known when he received a delegation from the Islamic Development Bank Regional Hub in Nigeria, led by the Team Leader, Operations, Ibrahim Chalive, during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, the discussions centred on expanding partnership frameworks between the Ministries of Works and Finance and the IsDB to support funding and execution of key components of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects.
Umahi described road infrastructure as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda, stressing that the ministry under his leadership is committed to ensuring that all ongoing projects are executed transparently, efficiently, and in a cost-effective manner.
“Infrastructure remains a major driver of economic growth,” Umahi said. “President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda accords high priority to road development as a catalyst for economic emancipation, job creation, and the smooth movement of goods and people nationwide. The Ministry is committed to transparent, innovative, and cost-effective project delivery.”
He explained that the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects were designed to connect industrial and agricultural hubs, improve mobility, and enhance regional trade across the six geopolitical zones of the country. Umahi added that the administration’s approach focuses on quality engineering, accountability, and value for money.
The Minister also commended members of the National Assembly for their continued support toward infrastructure development, particularly in facilitating funding interventions aligned with the Renewed Hope Legacy Projects.
“We are grateful to the National Assembly for their understanding and collaboration in ensuring that the needed funding for critical road projects is available,” Umahi said. “This synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government has been instrumental to our progress.”
He also praised the Islamic Development Bank for its sustained partnership with Nigeria in advancing infrastructure development, describing the visit as a constructive step toward consolidating achievements and opening new areas of cooperation.
“The Islamic Development Bank has been a reliable partner in Nigeria’s infrastructure journey,” he noted. “Their commitment to long-term financing and technical assistance has helped us deliver projects that have meaningful social and economic impacts.”
In his remarks, the IsDB Team Leader, Ibrahim Chalive, commended the Ministry of Works for the reforms it has introduced in engineering design, quality assurance, and project management. He expressed the Bank’s satisfaction with the government’s efforts to improve governance and accountability in the infrastructure sector.
Chalive reaffirmed the Bank’s readiness to provide both financial and technical support to boost Nigeria’s infrastructure capacity. “We are committed to supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure goals through financing, knowledge sharing, and technical cooperation. The progress we have seen gives us confidence that the partnership will deliver sustainable results,” he said.
Following the discussions, both parties agreed to form a joint technical team that will identify priority road and bridge projects, design a practical collaboration framework, and ensure accountability and transparency in implementation. The technical team will also work on defining clear timelines and performance benchmarks for each project phase.
Umahi stated that the renewed partnership reflects the Federal Government’s determination to modernise Nigeria’s road network in line with international standards and sustainable development goals. He noted that the ultimate goal is to create a transport system that supports trade, attracts investment, and connects rural communities to economic opportunities.
“This partnership is another demonstration of President Tinubu’s resolve to deliver quality infrastructure that drives productivity, reduces travel time, and improves the living standards of Nigerians,” Umahi said.
Also in attendance at the meeting was the Special Assistant to the President on Stakeholders Engagement (South-East), Barrister Chioma Nweze, who expressed optimism that the collaboration would accelerate infrastructural delivery across the country.
