Federal Ministry of Works Honours Belel at Retirement, Says His Legacy Will Inspire Younger Officers
The Federal Ministry of Works has honoured its outgoing Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, for his distinguished career, exemplary leadership and contributions to transparent procurement practices and national infrastructure development.
Belel was celebrated on Monday, November 2, 2026, during a retirement ceremony organised at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.
The event attracted senior management officials, directors, colleagues and staff members who paid glowing tributes to the retiring director, describing him as a seasoned professional whose impact on the Ministry would remain significant.
The Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described Belel’s retirement as an emotional occasion, saying his experience, dedication and professional contributions would be greatly missed.
Ahmed recalled their longstanding working relationship and described him as a reliable colleague who consistently demonstrated commitment to his responsibilities.
He equally urged staff to support the ongoing digitalisation drive of the Ministry, which he said was part of the Minister’s efforts to strengthen institutional efficiency and improve service delivery.
Also speaking, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed, praised Belel for his outstanding contributions to public procurement and infrastructure development.
He noted that Belel helped strengthen procurement procedures through the promotion of transparency, competitiveness, fairness and accountability in the award and execution of government projects.
According to him, the retiring director was instrumental in maintaining effective relationships between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement and contractors.
He further described him as a custodian of institutional memory whose knowledge of procurement processes and project histories contributed immensely to the Ministry’s operations.
Among the major infrastructure projects highlighted were the Renewed Hope Four Legacy Road Projects, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
He said Belel’s professional commitment ensured that government approvals were translated into meaningful infrastructure projects capable of benefiting Nigerians.
Mohammed encouraged him to continue sharing his wealth of experience with younger professionals, particularly officers working in public procurement.
In separate remarks, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described Belel as a friendly, hardworking and accessible colleague.
The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, commended his kindness, calm disposition and ability to resolve difficult administrative and procurement-related issues.
She particularly acknowledged his consistent support for her department and willingness to provide professional guidance whenever necessary.
Similarly, the Director of Highways Planning and Development, Engr. Ebere Izunobi, praised Belel’s dependability and willingness to assist colleagues with practical solutions to challenging situations.
Representing staff of the Public Procurement Department, Deputy Director, Mr. Okpeh Peter, described Belel as one of the experienced professionals who had contributed to the growth of procurement practice in Nigeria.
He praised his mentorship of younger officers, commitment to capacity development and dedication to maintaining professional and ethical standards within the department.
In his response, Belel expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s management and staff for celebrating his retirement, saying he was deeply touched by the show of love and solidarity.
He described public procurement as a demanding responsibility that requires integrity, patience, diligence and accountability, particularly when dealing with sensitive government transactions and major infrastructure projects.
The retired director thanked God for the opportunity to serve the country and expressed satisfaction that he was leaving the Federal Civil Service with his head held high.
He also appreciated the leadership of the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for his support and efforts towards improving administrative operations and the working environment.
Belel urged serving officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and commitment to their duties, stressing the importance of sustaining the standards established within the Ministry.
The ceremony ended with goodwill messages, tributes and the presentation of gifts in recognition of his years of meritorious service.
The Federal Ministry of Works congratulated Belel on his retirement, wishing him sound health, peace, happiness and greater fulfilment in the years ahead.
