By Stella Odueme
The Federal Ministry of Works has paid tribute to its retiring Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, recognising his contributions to infrastructure development, procurement reforms and effective service delivery during his years in public service.
The Ministry, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, said Belel was honoured at a retirement ceremony held on November 2 at its headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja.
The event brought together top management officials, directors, colleagues and staff, who commended the retiring director for his integrity, professionalism, institutional knowledge and commitment to duty.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described Belel's retirement as an emotional development, noting that the Ministry would miss his wealth of experience and contributions.
Ahmed also urged staff to support the Ministry's ongoing digitalisation drive, describing it as an important step towards improving administrative efficiency and service delivery.
In his remarks, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed, said Belel played a vital role in strengthening procurement procedures through transparency, competitiveness, fairness and accountability.
He noted that the retiring director maintained effective working relationships between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement and contractors, while his knowledge of procurement processes and project history served as an important institutional resource.
He particularly acknowledged Belel's involvement in major national infrastructure projects, including the Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
Other directors, including Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, Mrs. Emily Osunde and Engr. Ebere Izunobi, described Belel as a supportive, approachable and dependable colleague whose professional guidance helped resolve several administrative and procurement challenges.
Similarly, the Deputy Director in the Public Procurement Department, Mr. Okpeh Peter, praised his commitment to mentoring younger officers and strengthening professional standards in public procurement.
Responding, Belel expressed gratitude to the Ministry's management and staff for the recognition, describing the gesture as deeply touching.
He said his years in public service had taught him the importance of patience, diligence, accountability and integrity, particularly in managing sensitive government transactions.
The retired director thanked God for the opportunity to serve the country and expressed satisfaction that he was leaving the Federal Civil Service with a sense of fulfilment.
He urged serving officers to uphold professionalism, mutual respect and dedication to duty, while assuring the Ministry of his continued willingness to offer guidance whenever necessary.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, tributes and presentation of gifts in recognition of his contributions to the Ministry and the procurement profession.