By Julius Peter, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Works has celebrated the retirement of its Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, commending his outstanding contributions to public service, exemplary leadership, professionalism and commitment to transparency and accountability throughout his years in the Federal Civil Service.
The retirement ceremony, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja, brought together members of the Ministry’s management, directors, colleagues and staff to honour Belel for a distinguished career marked by diligence, integrity, institutional knowledge and dedication to national development.
Speaking at the event, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described Belel’s retirement as an emotional moment, noting that his departure would create 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, institutional knowledge and contributions would be greatly missed.
He commended Belel for his dedication to duty and the valuable role he played in advancing the Ministry’s responsibilities, particularly in ensuring that procurement activities were conducted in line with established regulations and professional standards.
The DOOPS also reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Works to the ongoing digitalisation of the Ministry, urging directors, departmental heads and other staff to embrace the initiative.
According to him, the digitalisation drive is aimed at strengthening institutional efficiency, improving coordination and enhancing effective service delivery across the Ministry.
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 said the retiring director played a critical role in strengthening the Ministry’s public procurement processes, particularly in promoting transparency, competitiveness, fairness and value for money in the implementation of government projects.
Ahmed noted that Belel served as an important 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 significantly to the Ministry’s operations.
He particularly acknowledged the retiring director’s professional contributions to several major infrastructure projects across the country, including the Renewed Hope Four Legacy Road Projects, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, the Second Niger Bridge and the Third Mainland Bridge.
According to him, Belel’s commitment to ensuring that government approvals translated into tangible infrastructure development and meaningful benefits for Nigerians earned him considerable respect among colleagues and stakeholders in the construction and procurement sectors.
He added that the retiring director’s professional legacy would remain a source of inspiration to younger officers, especially those pursuing careers in public procurement.
Ahmed urged Belel to remain available to the Ministry for consultations, professional guidance and the sharing of his wealth of experience, stressing that his knowledge would continue to be valuable to the institution even after retirement.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described Belel as an amiable, approachable and hardworking colleague whose friendly disposition and professional conduct made working with him a memorable experience.
Dechi commended his cooperative attitude and commitment to duty, noting that his contributions to the Ministry went beyond his official responsibilities to include building cordial relationships and fostering teamwork among colleagues.
Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, praised the retiring director’s calm disposition, kindness and exceptional problem-solving abilities.
Osunde recalled several challenging situations in which Belel’s professional experience, timely interventions and practical advice helped the Ministry overcome administrative and procurement-related difficulties.
She particularly appreciated his consistent support for her department, noting that he was always willing to offer guidance and assistance whenever the need arose.
In his remarks, the Director of Highways Planning and Development, Engr. Ebere Izunobi, described Belel as a dependable senior colleague who was always ready to listen, offer advice and provide practical solutions to difficult situations.
He wished the retiring director good health, happiness and fulfilment as he begins a new phase of life outside the Federal Civil Service.
Speaking on behalf of staff of the Public Procurement Department, the Deputy Director, Mr. Okpeh Peter, described Belel as one of the experienced professionals who had contributed significantly to the development of the procurement profession in Nigeria.
Peter commended his commitment to mentoring younger officers, strengthening professional capacity and upholding the ethical standards required in public procurement.
He explained that Belel’s leadership had helped nurture competent procurement officers equipped with the knowledge and skills required to sustain the department’s responsibilities and maintain the professional standards established by previous generations of procurement practitioners.
He noted that the retiring director’s commitment to professional development and ethical conduct had helped strengthen the department’s capacity to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
Responding, Belel expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for organising the retirement celebration in his honour, describing the gesture as unexpected but deeply touching.
He said he was particularly moved by the affection, solidarity and spirit of togetherness demonstrated by his colleagues, adding that the relationships and friendships established throughout his years of service would remain treasured memories.
Reflecting on his career, the retired Director of Public Procurement acknowledged the demanding nature of public procurement, explaining that the position required a high level of responsibility, patience, diligence and accountability, particularly when handling sensitive government transactions and major infrastructure projects.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him the opportunity, strength and wisdom to serve the nation, stressing that he was leaving the Federal Civil Service with his head held high and a deep sense of fulfilment.
Belel 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 creating a more conducive working environment for staff.
He urged his former colleagues to sustain the values of professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and commitment to duty, regardless of the challenges they might encounter in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The retiring director further encouraged officers in the Public Procurement Department to uphold transparency, accountability and fairness in the execution of their duties, while remaining committed to the public interest.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, tributes, presentation of gifts and other expressions of appreciation from colleagues and staff, reflecting the high regard in which Belel is held within the Ministry.
His retirement marks the end of a career distinguished by professional excellence, institutional service, mentorship and contributions to the procurement processes supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
The Federal Ministry of Works congratulated Belel on his successful retirement and wished him sound health, peace, happiness and greater fulfilment as he begins a new chapter of life.
The press statement was signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, and dated November 3, 2026.
