Works Ministry, NBA Move to Strengthen Legal Support for Infrastructure Projects
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Works and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to enhance legal support and effective delivery of infrastructure 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 could focus on legal support for infrastructure contracts, contract review, dispute resolution and other areas relevant to the implementation of major road projects.
According to him, infrastructure development is closely linked to the legal profession because road and other construction 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,” Goronyo said.
He congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her emergence as NBA President and urged her to promote unity within the legal profession by reaching out to other contenders and drawing on the experience of senior members of the Bar.
Goronyo also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment, under the leadership of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through the construction and rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure.
He cited major projects including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri corridor.
The Minister said improved road infrastructure would contribute to agriculture, trade, transportation, security and the movement of people and goods across the country.
He also assured the NBA President that the Ministry would examine concerns over the condition of the road and drainage infrastructure around the NBA Secretariat and consider appropriate technical recommendations.
Earlier, the Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Frank Chukuani, said effective infrastructure development required a strong legal framework.
She noted that the Ministry’s Legal Services Department plays an important role in ensuring that contracts and other activities of the Ministry comply with relevant laws.
In her remarks, the NBA President commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts to improve road infrastructure across the country.
Badejo-Okusanya said the NBA was willing to partner with the Ministry by providing legal expertise in areas such as contract review, legal advisory services, capacity development, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration.
She particularly highlighted construction arbitration as an increasingly important area in infrastructure development and proposed capacity-building initiatives to equip lawyers and other professionals with relevant expertise.
“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.
The NBA President also appealed to the Ministry to address the road leading to the NBA Secretariat and drainage challenges affecting the area.
Responding, Goronyo assured her 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.
Goronyo thanked the NBA President and her delegation for the visit, expressing confidence that stronger cooperation between the legal profession and the Ministry would support infrastructure delivery and contribute to national development.
