……….Minister Commends President Tinubu And Ekiti Governor For Infrastructure Strides.
The 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) officially commenced in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji declaring the event open on Thursday, 4th November 2025. The Council, which drew participation from Honourable Commissioners of Works and Permanent Secretaries from the 36 States of the Federation, focused on advancing transparency, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure delivery across Nigeria.
In his address, Governor Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress recorded by his administration in road construction and rehabilitation, describing it as a “road revolution” that has opened up communities, enhanced connectivity, and improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. He reaffirmed Ekiti State’s commitment to infrastructural excellence and inclusive development, noting that hosting the NCW was a recognition of the State’s growing reputation for innovation and good governance.
“Since inception, our administration has made deliberate efforts to invest in infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and social development,” he stated. “We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his interventions on Federal roads in our State, which we have complemented through the repair of the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki dual carriageway,” he added.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FANTE, represented by the Minister of State, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Esq., commended both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for their shared commitment to infrastructure renewal. He described their collaboration as a reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s success in fostering synergy between the Federal and State Governments for sustainable national development.
The Minister expressed profound appreciation to the Government and the good people of Ekiti State for graciously hosting the 30th Council. He commended the Governor for providing an enabling environment for collaboration and dialogue, describing Ekiti as a hub of responsible governance and infrastructural innovation. He also acknowledged the unwavering commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to infrastructure renewal under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has empowered the Ministry to deliver transformative projects that enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and restore public confidence.
He particularly applauded Governor Oyebanji for the successful completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport, describing it as a landmark project that has repositioned the State for economic growth and investment.
Reflecting on the Council’s theme, “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” the Minister emphasised the need for a renewed mindset in public service and infrastructure delivery. He stressed that discipline builds trust, transparency ensures accountability, and innovation drives sustainability in modern engineering.
He further revealed that the Ministry is adopting advanced technologies, including digital project monitoring, geotechnical mapping, drone-assisted planning, and the use of climate-resilient materials, to meet Nigeria’s evolving infrastructure needs. “Infrastructure is more than concrete and steel or asphalt, it is the backbone of our economy and a bridge to opportunities. “Through discipline, transparency, and innovation, we will deliver roads that reflect our people’s aspirations,” he promised.
The Council, chaired by the Minister of State reviewed 67 memoranda, out of which 62 were adopted. These memoranda had undergone robust deliberations during the three-day Technical Sessions preceding the main event, which included Meetings of Directors and other Stakeholders, as well as those of the Permanent Secretaries. The meetings underscored enhanced policy coordination, institutional strengthening, innovation-driven engineering, and transparency in project delivery.
Among key resolutions reached were:
- Adoption of a National Monitoring, Evaluation and Control (MEC) Framework to ensure value-for-money and accountability.
- Directive for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to publish project details and progress updates on official websites for transparency.
- Approval for the constitution of a National Road Infrastructure Coordination Committee (NRICC) to harmonize efforts across agencies and prevent duplication of contracts.
- Recommendation for increased adoption of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in road and bridge infrastructure.
- Endorsement of the use of solar street lighting and climate-resilient construction materials in line with national sustainability goals.
- Call for inter-ministerial collaboration between the Federal Ministries of Works, Transportation, and that of Innovation, Science, and Technology to drive digital innovation and smart transport systems and
- Support for FERMA’s Direct Labour Unit to strengthen rapid road maintenance response nationwide.
In a Vote of Thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE expressed profound appreciation to the Governor for hosting the high-level meetings. He also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works and the Minister of State for making the NCW a reality. He also commended the latter for his exceptional dedication in presiding over the final session and lauded the Commissioners of Works and Infrastructure Development, their Permanent Secretaries, and all Stakeholders for the constructive engagements and teamwork exhibited throughout the week-long event.
The 30th National Council on Works concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to promoting transparency, fostering innovation, and strengthening discipline in the delivery of sustainable infrastructure across Nigeria. “The NCW has come up with far-reaching resolutions that will reposition the road sector for greater efficiency and accountability,” he concluded.
The Council announced that the 31st National Council on Works will be hosted by Sokoto State in 2026, subject to confirmation.
Signed
Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Press and Public Relations.
7th November 2025.
