By Stella Odueme
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to support effective infrastructure development and timely delivery of projects across Nigeria.
Goronyo made the call on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when he received the NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and members of her delegation at his office in Abuja.
The Minister said the partnership would be particularly valuable in the areas of legal support, infrastructure contracts, dispute resolution and the implementation of major road projects.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media,Abdullahi Mohammed , he
congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her assumption of office as NBA President and urged her to promote unity within the legal profession by reaching out to those who contested against her.
Goronyo also encouraged her to draw on the wisdom and experience of senior members of the Bar, noting that their counsel would contribute to strengthening the profession and advancing the rule of law.
The Minister said the Ministry of Works was willing to partner with the NBA in areas where legal expertise could enhance the successful delivery of infrastructure projects.
According to him, road construction and other infrastructure projects require sound contractual and legal frameworks.
“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.
Goronyo said the Ministry, 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 highlighted the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri corridor as major projects under the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme.
He said the projects were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and strengthen access across different parts of the country.
The Minister further stressed the importance of good road infrastructure to agriculture, trade, security, transportation and the movement of people and goods.
He also assured the NBA President that the Ministry would examine concerns regarding 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 noted that the Ministry’s Legal Services Department plays a critical role in ensuring that contracts and other activities are properly guided by law.
Chukuani expressed optimism that the visit would open new areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the NBA.
Speaking during the visit, Badejo-Okusanya commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts to improve Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
She said the NBA had observed ongoing construction and rehabilitation works in different parts of the country and acknowledged the importance of infrastructure to national development.
The NBA President expressed the Association’s willingness to partner with the Ministry in areas where legal expertise could contribute to effective infrastructure delivery.
She identified contract review, legal advisory services, capacity development, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration as areas of potential collaboration.
According to her, construction arbitration was becoming increasingly important in the infrastructure sector, adding that lawyers and other professionals could develop expertise in the field.
“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.
Badejo-Okusanya also proposed capacity-building initiatives in construction arbitration and alternative dispute resolution to help reduce prolonged disputes and contribute to the timely completion of infrastructure projects.
She appealed to the Ministry to address the condition of the road leading to the NBA Secretariat, as well as drainage challenges affecting the area.
Responding, Goronyo assured the NBA President that the Ministry would look into the concerns and take the necessary steps for technical assessment.
During the visit, the NBA President presented a gift to the Minister as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the NBA President and her delegation, stressing that stronger cooperation between the legal profession and the Ministry of Works would contribute to infrastructure development and national progress.