By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Federal Ministry of Works,under the leadership of Minister, David Umahi, and Minister of State, Bello M. Goronyo, has organised a three-days zonal capacity-building training for engineers, technologists, and technicians in the North Central zone.
A statement signed and issued by Director, Press and Public Relations Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed.
The training commenced yesterday at Sheda, Kwali Area Council, FCT.
Speaking in his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, emphasised that the programme was approved by the minister.
“ The programme aims 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”.
He said the training was organised on a zonal basis to ensures efficient resource management while encouraging broader participation across the federation.
“The training refreshes course competencies in highway and bridge design, project and contract management, and applicable quality assurance procedures”.
He said this will promote cross-functional exposure to develop versatile, all-around professionals.”
Adebiyi, highlighted 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.
He also 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.
He also reaffirmed 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.
Addressing the 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.
Speaking on the broader significance of the programme, the Director, Highways, Planning and Development, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described the training as a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to the professional development and technical performance of its workforce.
He urged participants to embrace their roles with renewed dedication and a stronger sense of national duty.
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.
This training forms part of a broader national initiative approved by the Honourable 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.
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