Works Ministry Celebrates Retiring DPP Ismaila Belel, Hails Legacy of Excellence and Professionalism

The Federal Ministry of Works celebrated the retirement of its Director of Public Procurement (DPP), Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, and applauded his outstanding contributions to the Ministry, exemplary leadership, professionalism, and years of dedicated service to the nation.
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The retirement ceremony, held on Monday, 2 November 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja, brought together the management, colleagues and staff to honour a distinguished Civil Servant, whose career was defined by integrity, diligence, institutional knowledge and commitment to transparency and accountability.

Speaking at the occasion, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described the occasion as an emotional moment, noting that the retirement of Belel would leave a significant gap in the Ministry.

Ahmed, who disclosed that he had known and worked with the retiring Director for several years, both within and outside the Ministry, described him as a dependable colleague and committed professional, whose wealth of experience and contributions would be greatly missed. He also reiterated the Honourable Minister of Works’ commitment to the ongoing digitalisation of the Ministry, urging departments and staff to embrace and support the initiative, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency, coordination and effective service delivery.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed, described Belel as a thoroughbred professional, who distinguished himself through years of meritorious service in the Federal Civil Service. He noted that the retiring Director played a critical role in strengthening the Ministry’s procurement processes, particularly in promoting transparency, competitiveness, fairness and value for money in the execution of government projects.

According to him, Belel served as a vital link between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and contractors, while also functioning as a custodian of institutional memory whose extensive knowledge of procurement procedures and project histories contributed immensely to the Ministry’s operations.

He further highlighted the retiring Director’s professional contributions to several major infrastructure projects across the country, including the Renewed Hope four (4) Legacy Road Projects, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, the Second Niger and Third Mainland Bridges, among others.

Ahmed observed that Belel’s commitment to ensuring that government approvals translated into tangible infrastructure development and benefits for Nigerians earned him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders.

He described his legacy as a valuable source of inspiration to younger officers, particularly those in the procurement profession, while encouraging him to remain available to the Ministry for guidance, consultation and the sharing of his wealth of experience.

Also speaking, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described the DPP as an amiable, approachable and hardworking colleague, whose friendly disposition and professional conduct made working with him a memorable experience.

Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, commended his calm disposition, kindness and exceptional problem-solving abilities. She recalled several challenging situations in which his professional experience and timely interventions helped the Ministry overcome administrative and procurement-related difficulties.

She particularly appreciated his consistent support and assistance to her department, noting that he was always willing to provide guidance, whenever the need arose.

In his remarks, the Director, Highways Planning and Development, Engr. Ebere Izunobi, described Belel as a dependable senior colleague, who was always willing to listen, offer guidance and provide practical solutions to difficult situations. He wished him good health, happiness and fulfilment in his retirement.

On behalf of staff of the Public Procurement Department, the Deputy Director, Mr. Okpeh Peter, described Dauda as one of the experienced professionals who had contributed significantly to the development of the procurement profession in Nigeria. He commended his commitment to mentoring younger officers, building professional capacity and upholding the ethical standards required in public procurement.

Peter noted that Belel’s leadership had helped nurture competent procurement officers capable of sustaining the department’s responsibilities and maintaining the professional standards established by their predecessors.

Responding, the retired Director of Public Procurement, expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for the honour, describing the retirement celebration as an unexpected but deeply touching gesture. He said he was particularly moved by the affection, solidarity and spirit of togetherness demonstrated by his colleagues, adding that the relationships and friendships built throughout his career would remain treasured memories.

Reflecting on his years of service, Belel acknowledged the demanding nature of public procurement, explaining that the position required a high level of responsibility, patience, diligence and accountability, particularly in handling sensitive government transactions and infrastructure projects.

He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him the opportunity, strength and wisdom to serve the nation, adding that he was leaving the Federal Civil Service with his head held high and a deep sense of fulfilment.

Works Ministry

He also appreciated the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for his leadership and support, noting that his interventions had contributed to improving administrative processes and making the work environment more conducive for staff.

The retiring Director urged his colleagues to sustain the values of professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and commitment to duty, while expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to his successful career.

The ceremony featured more goodwill messages, tributes, presentation of gifts and expressions of appreciation from colleagues and staff, reflecting the high regard in which the retiring DPP is held and celebrating a career distinguished by professional excellence, mentorship and dedicated service to the nation.

The Federal Ministry of Works congratulates Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel on his successful retirement. It wishes him sound health, peace, happiness, and greater fulfilment as he begins a new chapter of life.

Mohammed A. Ahmed
Director, Information and Public Relations.
3 November, 2026.
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ICPC Boss Charges Tertiary Institutions to Strengthen Controls, Protect TETFund Interventions

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has charged heads of tertiary institutions to strengthen internal controls, address corruption risks and ensure that Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) interventions deliver value for money.
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Dr Aliyu gave the charge while declaring open a two-day Organisational Integrity Management Capacity-Building Programme for Officials of TETFund Beneficiary Institutions in Abuja. The programme was organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN), the training and research arm of ICPC, with support from TETFund.

The ICPC Chairman warned that weak procurement practices, inadequate project supervision, ineffective internal controls, conflicts of interest and financial mismanagement could undermine investments in tertiary education. He stressed that funding would achieve its intended purpose only when beneficiary institutions demonstrated transparency and accountability in managing the resources entrusted to them.

“Integrity must not exist merely in policy documents or institutional mission statements. It must be reflected in everyday decisions, administrative processes, and the management of public resources,” he stated. He urged institutional leaders to demonstrate ethical conduct, enforce established procedures and provide appropriate channels for reporting misconduct without fear of retaliation.

Dr Aliyu called on participating institutions to institutionalise corruption risk assessments, strengthen documentation and segregation of duties, ensure independent verification of projects and improve reporting and response mechanisms. He also urged them to identify specific integrity measures, designate responsible officers, set implementation timelines and establish measurable indicators for tracking progress.

“The success of this initiative should be measured not merely by attendance or participation, but by the improvements introduced in your respective institutions,” he said. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to prevention through System Study and Review, Corruption Risk Assessment, the Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard and capacity-building programmes delivered through ACAN.

In his remarks, the Provost of ACAN, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, emphasised that integrity in tertiary education must extend beyond institutional leadership to academic staff, non-academic personnel and students. He identified honesty, accountability and fairness as essential to building trust and maintaining ethical standards across educational institutions.
Professor Ibrahim urged tertiary institutions to work with ICPC to strengthen integrity management and address administrative corruption, embezzlement, examination misconduct, the monetisation of marks, sexual harassment and ghost workers. He commended TETFund for supporting the programme and providing an opportunity to strengthen education governance.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, PhD, represented by the Director of Human Resources and General Administration, Dr. Kolapo Okunlola, stressed that funding alone could not guarantee results without accountable leadership, effective implementation and strict adherence to standards. He urged institutional leaders to comply with procurement laws, financial regulations and TETFund guidelines, take responsibility for project outcomes and protect those who report misconduct.

ICPC

Arc. Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to transparency and accountability, calling on participants to identify institutional vulnerabilities and apply the lessons from the programme in their respective institutions.

He stressed that the impact of TETFund interventions should be assessed by the integrity of their management and the improvements they deliver in educational infrastructure, research and learning.

J. Okor Odey
Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC
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SSANU Threatens indefinite Strike, Shuts Sokoto University Over Unpaid Allowances

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Sokoto State University chapter, has shut down services at the institution following the commencement of a five-working-day warning strike over unresolved staff entitlements.
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The union warned that it would embark on an indefinite strike if the Sokoto State Government failed to address its demands before the expiration of the warning action.

The strike, which commenced on Monday, November 2, followed the expiration of a 14-working-day ultimatum issued to the state government on October 14.

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday and jointly signed by the chapter Chairman, Ismail Bala Muhammed, and Secretary, Mansur Ahmad, SSANU said the decision followed unsuccessful attempts to resolve the dispute through dialogue and engagements with relevant government officials.

The union said, “Despite repeated engagements, appeals and consultations with relevant government authorities, no concrete action has been taken to address the legitimate demands of our members.”

SSANU is demanding the payment of arrears arising from the 25 per cent salary increment, approval and implementation of the 35 per cent Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance, annual salary increments for eligible members and the release of outstanding check-off dues.

The union said it had previously engaged the Commissioner for Higher Education, the ministry’s permanent secretary and the deputy governor in a bid to resolve the issues amicably.

It added that the government subsequently constituted a committee to engage university-based unions from Sokoto State University and Shehu Shagari University of Education.

According to the statement, at a meeting held on October 9, the government maintained that arrears arising from the 25 per cent salary increment would not be paid, while implementation of the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance would commence in January 2027, subject to budgetary provision.

However, the union rejected the position, insisting that it failed to address the concerns of its members.

“Despite resubmitting our demands as requested by the Permanent Secretary, the government failed to take any concrete action before the expiration of the ultimatum,” the statement said.

SSANU

The association maintained that the 35 per cent allowance was a legitimate entitlement, noting that similar allowances had been approved for academic staff under the Academic Staff Union of Universities and other categories of workers in state-owned tertiary institutions.

It appealed to Governor Ahmed Aliyu to personally intervene by approving the outstanding demands to prevent the dispute from escalating.

The union also called on traditional institutions, parents, students and other stakeholders to intervene and facilitate an amicable resolution.
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