Works Ministry Honours Retiring Procurement Director, Belel, for Professional Excellence
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Ministry of Works has honoured its retiring Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, for his exemplary leadership, professionalism and contributions to transparency and accountability in the execution of major national infrastructure projects.
The commendation was contained in a press release issued on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, by the Federal Ministry of Works and signed by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, following Belel’s retirement ceremony held on Monday at the Minister’s Conference Room, Ministry headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja.
The ceremony brought together management, directors, colleagues and staff of the Ministry to celebrate Belel’s distinguished career in the Federal Civil Service, characterised by integrity, diligence, institutional knowledge and dedicated service.
Speaking at the event, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described Belel’s retirement as an emotional moment, noting that his departure would leave a significant gap in the Ministry.
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 experience and contributions would be greatly missed.
He also reiterated the Works Minister’s commitment to the ongoing digitalisation of the Ministry, urging departments and staff 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 played a critical role in strengthening the Ministry’s procurement processes through transparency, competitiveness, fairness and value for money.
He noted that Belel served as a vital link between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and contractors, while also acting as a custodian of institutional memory whose knowledge of procurement procedures and project histories contributed significantly to the Ministry’s operations.
According to the Ministry, the retiring director made professional contributions to several major infrastructure projects across the country, including the Renewed Hope Four Legacy Road Projects, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, Second Niger Bridge and Third Mainland Bridge.
The Director of Information and Public Relations said Belel’s commitment to ensuring that government approvals translated into tangible infrastructure development and benefits for Nigerians earned him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders.
He described the retiring director’s legacy as an inspiration to younger officers, particularly those in the procurement profession, while urging him to remain available to the Ministry for guidance and consultation.
Also speaking, the Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described Belel as an amiable, approachable and hardworking colleague whose friendly disposition and professional conduct made working with him memorable.
Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs. Emily Osunde, commended his calm disposition, kindness and problem-solving abilities, recalling how his professional experience and timely interventions helped the Ministry overcome administrative and procurement-related challenges.
The Deputy Director in the Public Procurement Department, Mr. Okpeh Peter, also praised Belel’s contributions to the development of the procurement profession in Nigeria, particularly his commitment to mentoring younger officers, building professional capacity and upholding ethical standards.
Responding, Belel expressed profound appreciation to the Ministry’s management and staff for the honour, describing the retirement celebration as an unexpected but deeply touching gesture.
He said the affection, solidarity and togetherness demonstrated by his colleagues had moved him, adding that the relationships and friendships built throughout his career would remain treasured memories.
Reflecting on his years of service, the retired director said public procurement required responsibility, patience, diligence and accountability, especially in managing sensitive government transactions and infrastructure projects.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity, strength and wisdom to serve the nation, declaring that he was leaving the Federal Civil Service with his head held high and a deep sense of fulfilment.
Belel urged his colleagues to sustain the values of professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and commitment to duty, while appreciating the support he received throughout his career.
The ceremony featured goodwill messages, tributes and presentation of gifts in recognition of a career marked by professional excellence, mentorship and dedicated service.
The Federal Ministry of Works congratulated Belel on his successful retirement, wishing him sound health, peace, happiness and greater fulfilment in the next chapter of his life.
