The Ministry of Works Partners NBA on legal support for the provision of infrastructure

The Ministry of Works Partners NBA on legal support for the provision of infrastructure

From our journalist

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., received the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and members of her delegation, with a call for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the legal profession to support effective infrastructure development and project delivery in Nigeria.

Goronyo made the call when he received the NBA delegation at his office in Abuja on Thursday, September 17, 2026, describing the visit as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between the Federal Ministry of Labor and the NBA.

According to him, the collaboration would be particularly useful in areas such as legal support, infrastructure contracts, dispute resolution and the implementation of large road projects.

The minister congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her appointment as NBA president and urged her to use her mandate to promote unity within the legal profession, including by addressing those who challenged her position.

He also encouraged her to draw on the wisdom and experience of senior members of the Bar Association, stressing that their advice would be invaluable in strengthening unity within the profession and promoting the rule of law.

Goronyo said the Federal Ministry of Works is willing to collaborate with the NBA in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the successful implementation of infrastructure projects.

According to him, the Ministry’s activity is closely linked to the legal profession, since road projects and other infrastructure projects require solid contractual and legal foundations.

“There is no contract that can be awarded without an agreement, and there cannot be an agreement without the possibility of dispute. We must therefore leverage our relationships and ensure that we use what we have so that together we can build a prosperous nation,” he said.

The Minister said the Ministry, under the leadership of the Minister of Public Works, Eng. David Nweze Umahi, CON, remained committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through the development and rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure across the country.

He highlighted major projects under the federal government’s infrastructure programme, including the Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri Corridor.

According to him, the projects are designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and strengthen access in different parts of the country.

Goronyo also highlighted the importance of adequate road infrastructure for national development, stressing that improving roads would support agriculture, trade, security, transportation and the movement of people and goods.

He assured the NBA President that the Ministry will review concerns raised about road and drainage infrastructure around the NBA Secretariat and consider appropriate technical assessments and recommendations.

Earlier, Director of Legal Services of the Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Frank Chukuani, welcomed the NBA delegation and noted that infrastructure development could not be achieved effectively without a strong legal framework.

He said the Ministry’s Legal Services Department plays an important role in ensuring that contracts and other activities of the Ministry are adequately regulated by law.

Chukuani expressed optimism that the visit will open up new areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the NBA.

Speaking during the visit, the NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

He said the NBA observed construction and rehabilitation works taking place in different parts of the country and recognized the importance of infrastructure for national development.

The NBA President described roads as key gateways to economic growth and expressed the Association’s willingness to collaborate with the Ministry in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the effective implementation of infrastructure projects.

It specifically identified contract review, legal advisory services, capacity building, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration as areas where the NBA could support the Ministry.

According to her, construction arbitration is increasingly important in the infrastructure sector, adding that lawyers and other professionals could develop expertise in the sector.

“We stand ready to offer our partnership and expertise when asked to do so, including contract review and knowledge development in these areas,” he said.

Badejo-Okusanya also proposed collaboration on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in construction arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, to help reduce protracted disputes and contribute to the timely completion of infrastructure projects.

He also appealed to the Ministry to consider the condition of the road leading to the NBA Secretariat, as well as the drainage issues affecting the area.

In response, Goronyo assured the NBA president that the Ministry will look into the concerns and take necessary steps towards a technical evaluation.

During the visit, the NBA President also presented a gift to the Minister as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.

Goronyo expressed appreciation to the NBA President and his delegation for the visit, stressing that stronger cooperation between the legal profession and the Ministry of Works will contribute to the successful implementation of infrastructure projects and the overall development of the country.

He said the Ministry looked forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the NBA in support of infrastructure development and national progress.