By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Ministry of Works has applauded the retiring Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, for his legacy of professionalism, integrity, transparency and dedicated service to the nation, describing his contributions to the Ministry as invaluable.
According to an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the Ministry gave the commendation during a retirement ceremony held in honour of Belel on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.
The ceremony brought together management, directors, colleagues and staff of the Ministry, who celebrated the retiring director’s distinguished career, exemplary leadership, institutional knowledge and commitment to accountability in public service.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described Belel’s retirement as an emotional moment, noting that his exit would leave a significant gap in the Ministry.
Ahmed, who disclosed that he had known and worked with Belel for several years, both within and outside the Ministry, described him as a dependable colleague and committed professional whose wealth of experience would be greatly missed.
He also reiterated the Minister of Works’ commitment to the ongoing digitalisation of the Ministry, urging departments and staff to embrace the initiative to improve 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 whose years of meritorious service in the Federal Civil Service were marked by integrity, diligence and commitment to duty.
He said 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.
Ahmed noted that 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 through his extensive knowledge of procurement procedures and project histories.
He highlighted Belel’s contributions to major infrastructure projects across the country, including the Renewed Hope Four Legacy Road Projects, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
According to him, the retiring director’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 Belel’s professional legacy as a source of inspiration to younger officers, particularly those in the procurement profession, and urged him to remain available to the Ministry for guidance, consultation and the sharing of his wealth of experience.
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 memorable.
Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, commended his calm disposition, kindness and exceptional problem-solving abilities, recalling how his professional experience and timely interventions helped the Ministry overcome administrative and procurement-related challenges.
The Director of Highways Planning and Development, Engr. Ebere Izunobi, also described him as a dependable senior colleague who was always willing to listen, offer guidance and provide practical solutions to difficult situations.
On behalf of staff of the Public Procurement Department, the Deputy Director, Mr. Okpeh Peter, described Belel as an experienced professional 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, noting that his leadership had helped nurture competent officers capable of sustaining the department’s responsibilities.
Responding, Belel 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 acknowledged the demanding nature of public procurement, noting that the position required patience, diligence and accountability, particularly in handling sensitive government transactions and infrastructure projects.
The retired director 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.
He urged his former colleagues to sustain the values of professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and commitment to duty.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, tributes and presentation of gifts in recognition of Belel’s distinguished career, professional excellence, mentorship and dedicated service to the nation.
The Ministry congratulated him on his successful retirement and wished him sound health, peace, happiness and greater fulfilment in the next chapter of his life.
