By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) are exploring stronger collaboration on legal frameworks, contract management and dispute resolution to support effective delivery of infrastructure projects across Nigeria.
According to an official statement signed by Abdullahi Mohammed, Special Adviser on Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Works, the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, made this known on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received the NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and her delegation in Abuja.
Goronyo described the visit as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between the Ministry and the legal profession, particularly in infrastructure contracts, legal support, dispute resolution and the implementation of major road projects.
He said the Ministry’s activities were closely linked to the legal profession because road and other infrastructure projects required sound contractual and legal frameworks to ensure effective implementation.
“There is no contract that can be awarded without an agreement, and there cannot be an agreement without the possibility of disputes. We therefore need to leverage our relationship and ensure that we utilise what we have so that together we can build a prosperous nation,” he said.
The Minister also congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her assumption of office as NBA President and urged her to promote unity within the legal profession, including reaching out to other contestants.
He encouraged her to draw on the experience of senior members of the Bar, noting that their counsel would be valuable in strengthening the profession and advancing the rule of law.
Goronyo said the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, remained committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the development and rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure.
He cited major projects including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri corridor, noting that the projects were intended to improve connectivity and facilitate economic activities across the country.
The Minister further assured the NBA President that the Ministry would examine concerns over the condition of the road and drainage infrastructure around the NBA Secretariat and consider appropriate technical assessment and recommendations.
Earlier, the Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Frank Chukuani, said infrastructure development could not be effectively achieved without a strong legal framework.
She explained that the Ministry’s Legal Services Department plays a key role in ensuring that its contracts and other activities are properly guided by law, expressing optimism that the NBA visit would open new areas of cooperation.
The NBA President commended the Ministry’s efforts towards improving road infrastructure, noting that the Association had observed construction and rehabilitation works in different parts of the country.
Badejo-Okusanya said the NBA was prepared to provide legal expertise in areas including contract review, legal advisory services, capacity development, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration.
She also proposed collaboration on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in construction arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, noting that such cooperation could help address prolonged disputes associated with infrastructure projects.
“We are ready to offer our partnership and our expertise when called upon to do so, including reviewing contracts and developing knowledge in these areas,” she said.
The NBA President also appealed to the Ministry to address the road and drainage challenges around the NBA Secretariat.
Responding, Goronyo assured the delegation that the Ministry would look into the concerns and take the necessary steps for technical assessment.
The engagement ended with the NBA President presenting a goodwill gift to the Minister, while Goronyo expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with the legal profession in support of infrastructure delivery and national development.
