Works Ministry at capacity training for engineers, others, vows to sanction erring staff

By Chris Ochayi

ABUJA: The management of Ministry of Works, has reiterated determination to strictly adhere to zero tolerance of staff misconduct, vowing to apply civil service established disciplinary frameworks to sanction any erring staff.

Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi made the remarks in his keynote address presented at the three-day zonal capacity-building training for engineers, technologists, and technicians in the North Central zone, held on Tuesday at the Pavement Evaluation Unit, Sheda, Kwali Area Council, the FCT.

Engr. Adebiyi noted that the disciplinary frameworks cut across all cadres and that infractions will be met with appropriate sanctions through existing regulations.

The Permanent Secretary called on young professionals to invest in self-development and embrace competence as a prerequisite for employability in a modern public service environment, where performance now drives progression.

The training programme, which was part of strategic leadership of the Honourable Minister, Engr. David Umahi and the Honourable Minister of State, Hon. Bello M. Goronyo, was organised to boost capacity of engineers, technologists, and technicians in the ministry

The event saw participants gathered for intensive knowledge-sharing and technical skill enhancement tailored to the evolving demands of modern infrastructure delivery.

Speaking further, Engr. Adebiyi, emphasised 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 and the anticipated exit of more within the year.

He noted that organising the training on a zonal basis ensures efficient resource management while encouraging broader participation across the federation.

The training refreshes core competencies in highway and bridge design, project and contract management, and applicable quality assurance procedures, while promoting cross-functional exposure to develop versatile, all-around professionals.

Highlighting the importance of dynamic field experience, the Permanent Secretary underscored the need to rotate engineers across different regions and departments, stating that long-term stay in a single location or unit limits professional growth and technical adaptability.

Addressing the recruitment gap within the service, he explained that a comprehensive personnel audit had been conducted and submitted to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for further consideration.

The technical sessions featured expert-led lectures, including “Effective Supervision of Federal Highway Projects” by Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, PhD, emphasised the urgency of addressing workforce overload and called for increased manpower to support the rising volume of national projects, while urging field engineers to uphold discipline and deliver consistently despite constraints. Engr. C. Shausu delivered a session on “ _Effective Communication Skills,”_ highlighting the critical role of communication in project coordination and interdepartmental collaboration.

Additionally, “Ensuring Safety in Project Sites” was 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, Highways, Planning and Development, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described the training as a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to the professional development and technical performance of its workforce, urging participants to embrace their roles with renewed dedication and a stronger sense of national duty.

From the participants’ perspective, the training was described as enriching and transformative, with attendees affirming that the sessions provided valuable insights into professional best practices and identified key areas for improvement to enhance effective project delivery.

In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary reminded participants that the training was not merely academic, but a moral and professional awakening. He called on engineers to recommit to excellence, uphold ethical standards, and demonstrate the technical leadership the Ministry represents.

“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.