Transparency, innovation top agenda as National Council on Works meets in Ekiti
The 30th Meeting of the National Council on Works (NCW) has opened in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, with Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji declaring the event open on Thursday. The meeting brought together Commissioners of Works and Permanent Secretaries from the 36 states of the federation to deliberate on advancing transparency, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure delivery across Nigeria.
Governor Oyebanji expressed delight at the progress achieved in road construction and rehabilitation under his administration, describing it as a “road revolution” that has enhanced connectivity and access to essential services. He reaffirmed Ekiti’s commitment to infrastructural excellence and lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting federal road interventions, complemented by the state’s repair of the Ado–Iworoko–Ifaki dual carriageway.
Representing the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, the Minister of State, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, commended both President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji for their shared commitment to infrastructure renewal. He said their collaboration exemplified the Renewed Hope Agenda’s success in fostering synergy between the federal and state governments for sustainable national development.
The Minister praised Ekiti State for hosting the Council and providing a conducive environment for dialogue and collaboration, describing it as a hub of responsible governance and innovation. He also commended the completion of the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Airport, noting it as a landmark project that has positioned the state for economic growth and investment.
Speaking on the theme, “Discipline, Transparency and Innovation in Engineering Practice,” the Minister emphasised the need for a renewed mindset in public service delivery. He said discipline builds trust, transparency ensures accountability, and innovation drives sustainability, adding that the Ministry is embracing digital monitoring, drone-assisted planning, and climate-resilient materials to improve infrastructure outcomes.
The Council, chaired by the Minister of State, reviewed 67 memoranda and adopted 62 after extensive deliberations. Discussions during the technical sessions focused on strengthening policy coordination, institutional efficiency, and innovation-driven engineering across the works sector.
Key resolutions included the adoption of a National Monitoring, Evaluation and Control Framework, the creation of a National Road Infrastructure Coordination Committee, and the directive for MDAs to publish project details online. Others were calls for increased use of Public-Private Partnerships, adoption of solar lighting, and inter-ministerial collaboration to drive digital innovation in transport systems.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, appreciated the Ekiti State Government and stakeholders for their support. He added that the NCW had produced far-reaching resolutions that would reposition Nigeria’s road sector for greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability, while announcing that Sokoto State will host the 31st National Council on Works in 2026, subject to confirmation.
