Enugu state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh, has met with roads contractors, reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure across the state and directing Engineers in state projects to register with the Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria (COREN.).
Addressing contractors and officials of the Ministry, Monday, in his office in Enugu, , the Commissioner unveiled new operational guidelines designed to significantly raise the standard of infrastructure delivery in Enugu State. He described the meeting as the beginning of a new era of technical excellence, innovation, and accountability in project execution.
“I am not here by accident, His Excellency brought me here with a clear mandate to deliver. That mandate requires your cooperation, professionalism, and full alignment with our vision,” Engr. Okoh stated.
Pix: Commissioner in blue
Public Relations Officer of the
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Ngozi Ngene in a statement made available to Newsmen in Enugu, Tuesday, reads:
“As part of the new quality assurance measures, the Commissioner announced the engagement of Ette-Aro & Partners, a renowned civil engineering consultancy firm with over five decades of experience, to provide professional project supervision and ensure that all key infrastructure projects meet the highest standards.
“He disclosed that the state is currently executing an unprecedented number of projects, including 268 Smart Green Schools, 260 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), and multiple road projects spread across the state”, Ngene said..
Engr. Okoh directed that all engineers involved in State projects must be duly registered with COREN and present valid practising licences. “Projects without proper professional oversight will not be approved,” he emphasised.
The Commissioner further underscored the need for strict adherence to specifications, noting that all materials and workmanship will undergo comprehensive quality control testing, and that approved construction approaches must be followed to the letter.
He stressed that the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has oversight of the entire project lifecycle from procurement and award to supervision and completion, ensuring transparency, consistency, and long-term durability. “We want to build roads that last over 20 years. Let us raise the standard together.
Engr. Okoh called on all contractors to partner with the State Government in achieving the administration’s vision of building durable, high-quality infrastructure that meets international standards. He praised His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his bold, visionary leadership and for placing infrastructure at the heart of the state’s development agenda.
Responding on behalf of the contractors, Prince Ugochukwu Nnaji of Atakata Construction congratulated the Commissioner and expressed optimism that some concerns of contractors will be addressed under his leadership. Engr. Antoine Jamhour of J&J Techno Nig. Ltd also commended the Commissioner, describing the meeting as “a breath of fresh air” for the Ministry.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama