By Jabiru Hassan
The Federal Ministry of Works, under the strategic leadership of the Honourable Minister, Engr. David Umahi, CON, and the Honourable Minister of State, Hon. Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., has organised a three-day zonal capacity-building training for engineers, technologists, and technicians in the North Central zone.
The training commenced on Tuesday, at the Pavement Evaluation Unit, Sheda, Kwali Area Council, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), bringing together participants for intensive knowledge-sharing and technical skill enhancement tailored to the evolving demands of modern infrastructure delivery.
In his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, noted that the programme—approved by the Honourable Minister—aims to address the widening generational and capacity gaps caused by the recent retirement of a significant number of senior engineers, with more exits anticipated within the year.
He explained that conducting the training on a zonal basis ensures efficient resource management while fostering broader participation across the federation.
The training focused on refreshing core competencies in highway and bridge design, project and contract management, and quality assurance procedures, while also promoting cross-functional exposure to develop versatile, well-rounded professionals.
Highlighting the importance of dynamic field experience, the Permanent Secretary emphasised the need to rotate engineers across regions and departments. He stated that prolonged placement in a single location or unit limits professional growth and technical adaptability.
Addressing the existing recruitment gap within the service, he disclosed that a comprehensive personnel audit had been submitted to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for further action.
He also encouraged young professionals to invest in self-development and embrace competence as a prerequisite for employability in today’s performance-driven public service environment.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, Engr. Adebiyi stressed that the civil service has well-established disciplinary frameworks for all cadres, and any infractions would attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations.
The technical sessions featured expert-led lectures. A lecture on “Effective Supervision of Federal Highway Projects” delivered by Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, PhD, emphasised the urgency of addressing workforce overload. He called for increased manpower to support the growing volume of national projects and urged engineers to uphold discipline and deliver results despite operational constraints.
Engr. C. Shausu presented a session on “Effective Communication Skills,” highlighting the critical role of communication in project coordination and interdepartmental collaboration.
Another session, “Ensuring Safety on Project Sites,” delivered by Engr. A.A. Adebiyi, stressed the importance of enforcing safety protocols and maintaining high standards to protect lives and infrastructure.
Speaking on the broader significance of the programme, the Director of Highways, Planning and Development, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described the training as a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to the professional development and technical competence of its workforce. He urged participants to approach their roles with renewed dedication and a heightened sense of national duty.
Participants described the training as enriching and transformative, affirming that the sessions provided valuable insights into professional best practices and helped identify key areas for improvement in project execution.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary reminded attendees that the training was not merely academic, but a moral and professional call to action. He urged engineers to recommit to excellence, uphold ethical standards, and demonstrate the technical leadership the Ministry is known for.
“Let this engagement reset our priorities and rekindle our pride as engineers. We must rise above complacency—we must deliver,” he charged.
This training forms part of a broader national initiative approved by the Honourable Minister to strengthen technical capacity, reinforce professionalism, and ensure that the Federal Ministry of Works remains at the forefront of sustainable infrastructure development across Nigeria.
