The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced the 30th National Council on Works (NCW) in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with a strong call for innovation, discipline, and transparency in engineering practice across Nigeria.
The five-day event, themed “Discipline, Transparency, and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” opened on Monday at the Adetiloye Hall, Trade Fair Complex, and will run until Friday, November 6, 2025. The gathering, tagged “Ekiti 2025,” brings together Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, Engineers, Contractors, and other stakeholders to deliberate on policies and strategies aimed at strengthening public infrastructure delivery.
The opening session began with a Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) briefing by Engr. Adebudo Friday, who sensitised participants on safety protocols, environmental considerations, and emergency procedures. Welcoming delegates, the Director of Civil Engineering, Ekiti State Ministry of Works, Engr. B.J. Oke, described Ekiti as the “Land of Honour and Integrity” and reaffirmed the state’s readiness to support national development through effective infrastructure partnerships.
Declaring the meeting open, the Permanent of the Federal Ministry of Works, SecretaryEngr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE, commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for hosting the milestone event. He also lauded the Minister of Works, Sen. (Engr.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, and the Minister of State, Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., for their leadership and commitment to improving Nigeria’s road network and promoting transparency in project implementation.
Adebiyi disclosed that about 95 percent of Nigerians rely on road transport for movement and logistics, underscoring the immense pressure on the nation’s road infrastructure. He stressed the importance of ethical standards, innovation, and modern technology in achieving sustainable development within the works sector.
“The resultant effect is heavy traffic volume and rapid deterioration of our pavements caused by heavy-duty vehicles and cargo movements,” he noted, adding that the Ministry remains committed to transparency and sustainability in project delivery.
Earlier, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, described the National Council on Works as a vital policy platform that ensures coordination between states and the Federal Government. She emphasized that discipline, transparency, and innovation are essential pillars for the progress of Nigeria’s works and infrastructure sector.
The first technical session on memoranda featured discussions under various thematic groups, co-chaired by senior directors, including Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Engr. U.B. Ekong, Engr. Emenoge Rugba, and Engr. David Yiltong.
The 30th NCW continues through the week, with deliberations expected to yield actionable strategies for improved efficiency, professionalism, and integrity in engineering practice across the country.
