The Federal Ministry of Works celebrated the retirement of its Director of Public Procurement (DPP), Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel, and applauded his outstanding contributions to the Ministry, exemplary leadership, professionalism, and years of dedicated service to the nation.
The retirement ceremony, held on Monday, 2 November 2026, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Works Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja, brought together the management, colleagues and staff to honour a distinguished Civil Servant, whose career was defined by integrity, diligence, institutional knowledge and commitment to transparency and accountability.
Speaking at the occasion, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary (DOOPS), Alhaji Muhammed Aminu Ahmed, described the occasion as an emotional moment, noting that the retirement of Belel would leave a significant gap in the Ministry.
Ahmed, who disclosed that he had known and worked with the retiring Director for several years, both within and outside the Ministry, described him as a dependable colleague and committed professional, whose wealth of experience and contributions would be greatly missed. He also reiterated the Honourable Minister of Works’ commitment to the ongoing digitalisation of the Ministry, urging departments and staff to embrace and support the initiative, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency, coordination and effective service delivery.
In his goodwill message, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Abdullahi Ahmed, described Belel as a thoroughbred professional, who distinguished himself through years of meritorious service in the Federal Civil Service. He noted that the retiring Director played a critical role in strengthening the Ministry’s procurement processes, particularly in promoting transparency, competitiveness, fairness and value for money in the execution of government projects.
According to him, Belel served as a vital link between the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and contractors, while also functioning as a custodian of institutional memory whose extensive knowledge of procurement procedures and project histories contributed immensely to the Ministry’s operations.
He further highlighted the retiring Director’s professional contributions to several major infrastructure projects across the country, including the Renewed Hope four (4) Legacy Road Projects, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway, the Second Niger and Third Mainland Bridges, among others.
Ahmed observed that 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 his legacy as a valuable source of inspiration to younger officers, particularly those in the procurement profession, while encouraging him to remain available to the Ministry for guidance, consultation and the sharing of his wealth of experience.
Also speaking, the Director, Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Engr. David Yiltong Dechi, described the DPP 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, commended his calm disposition, kindness and exceptional problem-solving abilities. She recalled several challenging situations in which his professional experience and timely interventions helped the Ministry overcome administrative and procurement-related difficulties.
She particularly appreciated his consistent support and assistance to her department, noting that he was always willing to provide guidance, whenever the need arose.
In his remarks, the Director, Highways Planning and Development, Engr. Ebere Izunobi, described Belel as a dependable senior colleague, who was always willing to listen, offer guidance and provide practical solutions to difficult situations. He wished him good health, happiness and fulfilment in his retirement.
On behalf of staff of the Public Procurement Department, the Deputy Director, Mr. Okpeh Peter, described Dauda as one of the experienced professionals who had contributed significantly to the development of the procurement profession in Nigeria. He commended his commitment to mentoring younger officers, building professional capacity and upholding the ethical standards required in public procurement.
Peter noted that Belel’s leadership had helped nurture competent procurement officers capable of sustaining the department’s responsibilities and maintaining the professional standards established by their predecessors.
Responding, the retired Director of Public Procurement, expressed profound appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry for the honour, describing the retirement celebration as an unexpected but deeply touching gesture. He said he was particularly moved by the affection, solidarity and spirit of togetherness demonstrated by his colleagues, adding that the relationships and friendships built throughout his career would remain treasured memories.
Reflecting on his years of service, Belel acknowledged the demanding nature of public procurement, explaining that the position required a high level of responsibility, patience, diligence and accountability, particularly in handling sensitive government transactions and infrastructure projects.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him the opportunity, strength and wisdom to serve the nation, adding that he was leaving the Federal Civil Service with his head held high and a deep sense of fulfilment.
He also appreciated the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary for his leadership and support, noting that his interventions had contributed to improving administrative processes and making the work environment more conducive for staff.
The retiring Director urged his colleagues to sustain the values of professionalism, integrity, mutual respect and commitment to duty, while expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to his successful career.
The ceremony featured more goodwill messages, tributes, presentation of gifts and expressions of appreciation from colleagues and staff, reflecting the high regard in which the retiring DPP is held and celebrating a career distinguished by professional excellence, mentorship and dedicated service to the nation.
The Federal Ministry of Works congratulates Mr. Dauda Ismaila Belel on his successful retirement. It wishes him sound health, peace, happiness, and greater fulfilment as he begins a new chapter of life.
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