Works Ministry Celebrates Retiring Procurement Director, Belel, Commends Contributions to Infrastructure Development
The Federal Ministry of Works has celebrated the retirement of its Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, commending his professionalism, integrity and outstanding contributions to public service and infrastructure development in Nigeria.
The retirement ceremony, held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja, brought together management, directors, colleagues and staff to honour Belel for his years of dedicated service.
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 the Ministry would greatly miss his experience and contributions.
Ahmed, who said he had worked with the retiring director for several years, described him as a dependable colleague and committed professional whose wealth of institutional knowledge would be difficult to replace.
He also reaffirmed the Minister of Works’ commitment to the digitalisation of the Ministry, urging staff and departments 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 who made significant contributions to strengthening procurement operations in the Ministry.
He said Belel played an important role in ensuring transparency, fairness, competitiveness and value for money in government procurement processes.
According to him, the retiring director also served as a critical link between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and contractors, while preserving valuable institutional knowledge on procurement procedures and major infrastructure projects.
He highlighted Belel’s contributions to several national infrastructure projects, including the Renewed Hope Four Legacy Road Projects, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
Mohammed noted that Belel’s commitment to translating government approvals into tangible infrastructure development earned him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders.
He urged him to remain available to offer guidance and share his experience with younger officers, particularly those in the procurement profession.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described Belel as an approachable, hardworking and amiable colleague whose professional conduct made working with him memorable.
Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, praised his calm disposition, kindness and problem-solving abilities, recalling how his professional interventions helped resolve several administrative and procurement 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, provide guidance and offer practical solutions.
On behalf of the Public Procurement Department, Deputy Director, Mr. Okpeh Peter, commended Belel for his contributions to the procurement profession in Nigeria, particularly his commitment to mentoring younger officers, building professional capacity and maintaining ethical standards.
Responding, Belel expressed appreciation to the management and staff for the retirement celebration, describing the gesture as unexpected and deeply touching.
He said the affection, solidarity and friendship demonstrated by his colleagues would remain cherished memories.
Reflecting on his career, the retired director acknowledged the demanding responsibilities associated with public procurement, particularly the need for patience, diligence, accountability and integrity in handling sensitive government transactions.
He thanked Almighty God for granting him the opportunity and strength to serve the nation, adding that he was retiring from the Federal Civil Service with a deep sense of fulfilment.
Belel urged his colleagues to sustain professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and dedication to duty.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, tributes and the presentation of gifts in recognition of his distinguished career.
The Ministry congratulated Belel on his successful retirement and wished him good health, peace, happiness and fulfilment in his new chapter of life.
