BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government has kickstarted series of training meant to empower engineers to deliver safer and quality roads across the country.
It commenced with a three-day zonal capacity building for engineers, technologists, and technicians in the North Central zone, at the Pavement Evaluation Unit, Sheda in Kwali Area Council, Abuja.
The participants gathered for intensive knowledge-sharing and technical skill enhancement tailored to the evolving demands of modern infrastructure delivery.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi emphasised that the programme was approved by the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi.
The training was targetted at addressing 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.
Adebiyi noted that organising the training on a zonal basis ensured 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 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.
He 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.
Reaffirming the ministry’s zero tolerance for misconduct, he noted that the civil service has well-established disciplinary frameworks across all cadres and that infractions will be met with appropriate sanctions through existing regulations.
The technical sessions featured expert-led lectures, including "Effective Supervision of Federal Highway Projects" by Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, who emphasised the urgency of addressing workforce overload.
While urging field engineers to uphold discipline and deliver consistently despite constraints, he called for increased manpower to support the rising volume of national projects.
On Effective Communication Skills, Engr Shausu highlighted the critical role of communication in project coordination and interdepartmental collaboration.
Additionally, 'Ensuring Safety in Project Sites' was delivered by Engr. A.A. Adebiyi, who stressed the importance of enforcing safety protocols and maintaining high standards to protect lives and infrastructure.
Speaking on broader significance of the programme, the Director of Highways, Planning and Development, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi described the training as a demonstration of the ministry’s commitment to professional development and technical performance of its workforce.
He urged the participants to embrace their roles with renewed dedication and a stronger sense of national duty.
The permanent secretary reminded participants that the training was not merely academic, but a moral and professional awakening.
He enjoined 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 added.
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.
The training also formed part of a broader national initiative approved by the 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.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed in Abuja.
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