Retirement: Works Ministry celebrates Belel, hails contributions to procurement reforms

By Onu Okorie

The Federal Ministry of Works has celebrated the retirement of its Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, describing his years of service as a significant contribution to transparency, accountability and effective implementation of infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
The Ministry said Belel’s professional competence, institutional knowledge and commitment to ethical procurement practices had strengthened its operations and contributed to the delivery of major federal infrastructure projects across the country.
The commendation was made on Monday, November 2, 2026, during a retirement ceremony organised in his honour at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.
The event brought together management staff, directors, colleagues and other officers who paid glowing tributes to the retiring director, whose career in the Federal Civil Service was characterised by diligence, integrity, professionalism and dedication to duty.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described Belel’s retirement as an emotional moment, noting that the Ministry would feel the impact of losing an experienced and dependable officer.
Ahmed, who disclosed that he had known and worked with Belel for several years, both within and outside the Ministry, said his wealth of experience, professional contributions and commitment to service would be greatly missed.
He also reiterated the Minister of Works’ commitment to the ongoing digitalisation of the Ministry, urging directors and staff to embrace the initiative as part of efforts to improve administrative efficiency, coordination and 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 meritorious service and played a critical role in strengthening the Ministry’s procurement system.
He particularly highlighted the retiring director’s contributions to promoting transparency, competitiveness, fairness and value for money in government procurement and contract administration.
According to him, Belel served as an important link between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and contractors, while his extensive knowledge of procurement procedures and project histories made him a valuable custodian of the Ministry’s institutional memory.
He identified several major infrastructure projects in which the retiring director made professional contributions, including the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
Ahmed noted that Belel’s commitment to ensuring that government approvals translated into actual infrastructure development and tangible benefits for Nigerians earned him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders.
He urged younger procurement officers to draw inspiration from his professional example, while encouraging him to remain available to the Ministry for consultation, mentorship and guidance.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described Belel as an approachable, amiable and hardworking colleague whose friendly disposition and professionalism made working with him a rewarding experience.
Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, commended his calm disposition, kindness and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
She recalled instances when his experience and timely interventions helped the Ministry overcome difficult administrative and procurement-related challenges, particularly appreciating his consistent support for her department.
The Director of Highways Planning and Development, Engr. Ebere Izunobi, also described Belel as a dependable senior colleague who was always willing to listen, offer guidance and provide practical solutions to challenging situations.
He wished him good health, happiness and fulfilment in retirement.
On behalf of staff of the Public Procurement Department, the Deputy Director, Mr. Okpeh Peter, commended Belel for his contributions to the development of the procurement profession in Nigeria.
Peter particularly acknowledged his commitment to mentoring younger officers, building professional capacity and upholding the ethical standards required in public procurement.
He said Belel’s leadership had helped develop competent officers capable of sustaining the department’s responsibilities and preserving the professional standards established over the years.
Responding, the retired director expressed appreciation to the Ministry’s management and staff for the honour, describing the 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 friendships and relationships built during his years in service would remain cherished memories.
Reflecting on his career, Belel described public procurement as a demanding responsibility requiring patience, diligence, accountability and a high degree of professionalism, particularly when handling sensitive government transactions and major infrastructure contracts.
He thanked Almighty God for granting him the opportunity, strength and wisdom to serve the nation, declaring that he was leaving the Federal Civil Service with his head held high and a deep sense of fulfilment.
He also appreciated the DOOPS for his leadership and support, noting that his interventions had helped improve administrative processes and create a more conducive working environment for staff.
Belel urged serving officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and dedication to duty, stressing the importance of sustaining the values that strengthen public institutions.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, tributes, presentation of gifts and expressions of appreciation from colleagues and staff, reflecting the high esteem in which the retiring director is held.
The Ministry congratulated Belel on his successful retirement and wished him sound health, peace, happiness and greater fulfilment as he begins a new chapter of life.