The federal government has urged Nigerians, particularly professional engineers, to eliminate leakages, inefficiencies and unethical practices that sometimes hinder project implementations.
The minister of Works, David Umahi made the call in Ekiti saying that it is imperative for all to know that the infrastructure sector involves massive capital investments which must be protected.
Umahi spoke in Ado Ekiti while delivering his keynote address at the 30th meeting of the National Council On Works (NCW), themed, “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice.”
Represented by the minister of State for Works, Bello Goroyo, he said the government remains committed to strengthening procurement reforms in line with the Public Procurement Act to ensure open and competitive bidding for federal projects; publishing project details for public access and oversight and working closely with anti-corruption agencies to investigate and sanction infractions.
He said that that when transparency is institutionalised, trust will be built, value will he delivered, and lives will be improved.
“Innovation is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. The demands on our infrastructure are growing, and traditional methods can no longer meet today’s complex challenges. Innovation must be embedded in how we design, construct, manage, and maintain our infrastructure assets. We must be champions of transparency and advocates of innovation, not only in words but in action,” he said.
The minister said there should be renewed determination in promoting accountability in project delivery; invest in research and modern technologies, empower our engineers with tools and training, monitor and evaluate projects rigorously, and most importantly, serve the Nigerian people with discipline, professionalism, integrity and excellence.
“Let me remind us that infrastructure is more than concrete and steel. It is the backbone of economic growth, the facilitator of trade, the link between communities, and the hope of millions of Nigerians who rely on us to connect them to opportunity.
“Let us work together with transparency as our compass and innovation as our engine to build a future where Nigerian infrastructure reflects the best of our engineering capabilities and the aspirations of our people.”
Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress recorded by his administration in road construction and rehabilitation, noting that the road revolution has significantly changed the face of infrastructure development and brought new life to communities across the state.
Oyebanji said his administration remains committed to investing in infrastructure as a major drive of economic growth, social development and regional integration.
