BY OLUWARAISE-ME-UP
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has emphasized the need for discipline, transparency and innovation in Nigeria’s engineering sector, noting that these virtues remain crucial to achieving sustainable infrastructural development across the country.
Umahi, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti during the closing session of the 30th National Council on Works (NCW), said professionalism and integrity must be upheld to restore public confidence in engineering practice. The event, hosted by the Ekiti State Government, had the theme: “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice.”
Represented by the Minister of State for Works, Hon. Muhammad Bello, Umahi commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what he described as an impressive and result-driven infrastructural transformation in Ekiti State, noting that the state has become a reference point for purposeful governance.
“The theme of this year’s council aligns perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transparency, accountability and innovation in public service,” he noted.
According to him, discipline in the civil service ensures that public servants uphold professionalism and serve the public interest, while transparency fosters trust and enhances service delivery.
“Transparency means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. When transparency becomes institutionalized, trust is strengthened and value is delivered,” the Minister said.
He urged the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to intensify enforcement of ethical standards as a means of eliminating quackery and strengthening public confidence.
“We must be champions of transparency and advocates of innovation, not just in speech, but also in action. Let us serve the Nigerian people with discipline, integrity and excellence,” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration’s commitment to leveraging engineering to drive economic growth and sustainable development in the state. He appreciated President Bola Tinubu for ongoing interventions on federal roads in Ekiti and highlighted joint efforts on strategic corridors, including Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki, Aramoko–Ado and Ido–Ifaki routes.
“We are undertaking a road infrastructure revolution across Ekiti, but we are also aware that more work lies ahead. We must continue to invest in innovation, research and collaboration to build an economically vibrant and well-connected state,” Oyebanji said.
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Adesola Adebayo, restated the government’s commitment to strengthening road infrastructure to support economic activities and enhance mobility across communities.
He said the state government will continue to prioritise rehabilitation works that improve accessibility, encourage investment and promote inclusive development.