BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo has sought more partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association ,NBA, on contractual agreement that would speed-up the implementation of infrastructure projects.
Goronyo, who stated this when he received a delegation from the NBA on Tuesday in Abuja, informed that the Ministry's activities are closely linked to the legal profession, as roads and other infrastructure projects require sound contractual and legal frameworks.
He said: "There is no contract that can be awarded without an agreement, and there cannot be an agreement without the possibility of disputes. We therefore need to leverage our relationship and ensure that we utilise what we have so that together we can build a prosperous nation."
Goronyo hinted that the Ministry led by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi is committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through the development and rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure across the country.
He highlighted major projects under the Federal Government's infrastructure programme, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri corridor, adding that the projects were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and strengthen access across different parts of the country.
The Minister harped on the importance of adequate road infrastructure to national development, saying that improved roads would support agriculture, trade, security, transportation and the movement of people and goods.
He assured the NBA President that the Ministry would examine concerns raised regarding the road and drainage infrastructure around the NBA Secretariat and consider appropriate technical assessment and recommendations.
The Minister described the visit as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between the Federal Ministry of Works and the NBA, particularly in the areas of legal support, infrastructure contracts, dispute resolution and the implementation of major road projects.
Goronyo congratulated Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya on her assumption of office as President of the NBA, encouraging her to promote unity within the legal profession, including reaching out to those who contested against her.
He pleaded with her to seek the counsel of senior members of the Bar, as it would be valuable in strengthening the unity of the profession and advancing the rule of law.
The Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Frank Chukuani noted that infrastructure development would not be achieved effectively without a strong legal framework.
She stated that the Ministry's Legal Services Department plays an important role in ensuring that contracts and other activities of the Ministry are properly guided by law.
Chukuani was optimistic that the visit would open new areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the NBA.
The NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts towards improving Nigeria's road infrastructure.
She informed that the NBA had observed ongoing construction and rehabilitation works in different parts of the country and acknowledged the importance of infrastructure to national development.
The NBA President noted that roads were critical gateways to economic growth and expressed the Association's willingness to partner with the Ministry in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the effective delivery of infrastructure projects.
She specifically identified contract review, legal advisory services, capacity development, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration as areas where the NBA could support the Ministry.
Badejo-Okusanya pointed out that construction arbitration is important in the infrastructure sector, saying that lawyers and other professionals could develop expertise in the field.
“We are ready to offer our partnership and expertise when called upon to do so, including reviewing contracts and developing knowledge in these areas,” she added.
Badejo-Okusanya also proposed collaboration on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in construction arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, to help reduce prolonged disputes and contribute to the timely completion of infrastructure projects.
She appealed to the Ministry to consider the condition of the road leading to the NBA Secretariat, as well as the drainage challenges affecting the area.
Goronyo assured that the Ministry would look into the concerns and take the necessary steps for technical assessment.
During the visit, the NBA President also presented a gift to the Minister as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.
The Minister appreciated the delegation, saying that stronger cooperation between the legal profession and the Ministry of Works would contribute to the successful implementation of infrastructure projects and the overall development of the country.
He looked forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the NBA in support of infrastructure development and national progress.
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo has sought more partnership with the Nigerian Bar Association ,NBA, on contractual agreement that would speed-up the implementation of infrastructure projects.
Goronyo, who stated this when he received a delegation from the NBA on Tuesday in Abuja, informed that the Ministry's activities are closely linked to the legal profession, as roads and other infrastructure projects require sound contractual and legal frameworks.
He said: "There is no contract that can be awarded without an agreement, and there cannot be an agreement without the possibility of disputes. We therefore need to leverage our relationship and ensure that we utilise what we have so that together we can build a prosperous nation."
Goronyo hinted that the Ministry led by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi is committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through the development and rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure across the country.
He highlighted major projects under the Federal Government's infrastructure programme, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri corridor, adding that the projects were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and strengthen access across different parts of the country.
The Minister harped on the importance of adequate road infrastructure to national development, saying that improved roads would support agriculture, trade, security, transportation and the movement of people and goods.
He assured the NBA President that the Ministry would examine concerns raised regarding the road and drainage infrastructure around the NBA Secretariat and consider appropriate technical assessment and recommendations.
The Minister described the visit as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between the Federal Ministry of Works and the NBA, particularly in the areas of legal support, infrastructure contracts, dispute resolution and the implementation of major road projects.
Goronyo congratulated Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya on her assumption of office as President of the NBA, encouraging her to promote unity within the legal profession, including reaching out to those who contested against her.
He pleaded with her to seek the counsel of senior members of the Bar, as it would be valuable in strengthening the unity of the profession and advancing the rule of law.
The Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Frank Chukuani noted that infrastructure development would not be achieved effectively without a strong legal framework.
She stated that the Ministry's Legal Services Department plays an important role in ensuring that contracts and other activities of the Ministry are properly guided by law.
Chukuani was optimistic that the visit would open new areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the NBA.
The NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts towards improving Nigeria's road infrastructure.
She informed that the NBA had observed ongoing construction and rehabilitation works in different parts of the country and acknowledged the importance of infrastructure to national development.
The NBA President noted that roads were critical gateways to economic growth and expressed the Association's willingness to partner with the Ministry in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the effective delivery of infrastructure projects.
She specifically identified contract review, legal advisory services, capacity development, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration as areas where the NBA could support the Ministry.
Badejo-Okusanya pointed out that construction arbitration is important in the infrastructure sector, saying that lawyers and other professionals could develop expertise in the field.
“We are ready to offer our partnership and expertise when called upon to do so, including reviewing contracts and developing knowledge in these areas,” she added.
Badejo-Okusanya also proposed collaboration on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in construction arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, to help reduce prolonged disputes and contribute to the timely completion of infrastructure projects.
She appealed to the Ministry to consider the condition of the road leading to the NBA Secretariat, as well as the drainage challenges affecting the area.
Goronyo assured that the Ministry would look into the concerns and take the necessary steps for technical assessment.
During the visit, the NBA President also presented a gift to the Minister as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.
The Minister appreciated the delegation, saying that stronger cooperation between the legal profession and the Ministry of Works would contribute to the successful implementation of infrastructure projects and the overall development of the country.
He looked forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the NBA in support of infrastructure development and national progress.
Comments
Post a Comment