Works Ministry Celebrates Retiring Procurement Director, Belel, Hails Years of Service

"Belel's retirement as an emotional moment. His departure would leave a significant gap in the Ministry." Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works 

The Federal Ministry of Works has celebrated the retirement of its Director of Public Procurement, Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, commending his outstanding contributions to public procurement administration, infrastructure delivery and the promotion of transparency and accountability in government operations.

The Ministry, at a retirement ceremony held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at its headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, described Belel's years of service as a remarkable career defined by professionalism, integrity, institutional knowledge and commitment to national development.

Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed
Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works 

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, both within and outside the Ministry, described him as a dependable colleague and committed professional whose experience and contributions would be greatly missed.

He also reaffirmed the Minister of Works' commitment to the 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 significant role in strengthening the Ministry's procurement processes, particularly in ensuring transparency, competitiveness, fairness and value for money in government projects.

He noted that the retiring director served as an important link between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and contractors, while his extensive knowledge of procurement procedures and project histories made him a vital custodian of institutional memory.

According to him, Belel's professional contributions spanned 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.

He said Belel's dedication to ensuring that government approvals translated into tangible infrastructure development and benefits for Nigerians earned him the respect of colleagues and stakeholders.

Ahmed described his professional legacy as a source of inspiration to younger officers, particularly those in the procurement profession, urging him to remain available to the Ministry for consultation, guidance and mentorship.

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 a memorable experience.

Similarly, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mrs Emily Osunde, praised his calm disposition, kindness and exceptional problem-solving abilities, recalling how his experience and timely interventions helped the Ministry overcome difficult administrative and procurement challenges.

She particularly acknowledged his consistent support for her department, noting that he was always willing to offer guidance whenever the need arose.

The Director of Highways Planning and Development, Engr. Ebere Izunobi, also described Belel as a dependable senior colleague who readily listened to others, offered useful guidance and provided practical solutions to difficult situations.

On behalf of staff of the Public Procurement Department, the Deputy Director, Mr Okpeh Peter, commended the retiring director for his contributions to the development of the procurement profession in Nigeria, particularly his commitment to mentoring younger officers, building professional capacity and upholding ethical standards.

Peter said Belel's leadership had helped nurture competent procurement officers capable of sustaining the department's responsibilities and maintaining established professional standards.

Responding, Belel expressed gratitude to the Ministry's management and staff for the recognition, describing the retirement celebration as an unexpected but deeply touching gesture.

He said he was particularly moved by the affection, solidarity and sense of togetherness demonstrated by his colleagues, adding that the relationships and friendships built throughout his career would remain cherished memories.

Reflecting on his years in service, the retired director acknowledged the demanding nature of public procurement, stressing that the responsibility required patience, diligence, accountability and a high level of professionalism, particularly in handling sensitive government transactions and infrastructure projects.

He thanked 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 also appreciated the leadership and support of the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, noting that his interventions had helped improve administrative processes and create a more conducive working environment.

He urged serving officers to sustain the values of integrity, professionalism, mutual respect and dedication to duty, while expressing appreciation to colleagues and management for their support throughout his career.

The ceremony featured goodwill messages, tributes and the presentation of gifts in recognition of a career which the Ministry said was distinguished by professional excellence, mentorship and dedicated service to the nation.

The Ministry congratulated Belel on his successful retirement, wishing him good health, peace, happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of his life.