GORONYO, NBA PRESIDENT EXPLORE STRONGER LEGAL PARTNERSHIP FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has received the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and members of her delegation, with a call for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and the legal profession to support effective infrastructure development and project delivery in Nigeria.

Receiving the NBA delegation in his office in Abuja on Thursday, 17th September 2026, the Minister described the visit as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between the Federal Ministry of Works and the NBA, particularly in the areas of legal support, infrastructure contracts, dispute resolution and the implementation of major road projects.

Goronyo congratulated Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya on her assumption of office as President of the NBA and urged her to use her tenure to promote unity within the legal profession, including reaching out to those who contested against her. He also encouraged her to continue to draw on the wisdom and experience of senior members of the Bar, noting that their counsel would be valuable in strengthening the unity of the profession and advancing the rule of law.

The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Works would be willing to partner with the NBA in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the successful delivery of infrastructure projects. According to him, the Ministry's activities are closely linked to the legal profession, as road and other infrastructure 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,” he said.

Goronyo said the Ministry, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, was committed to supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda through the development and rehabilitation of critical road infrastructure across the country.

He highlighted major projects under the Federal Government's infrastructure programme, including the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Akwanga-Jos-Bauchi-Gombe-Maiduguri corridor, noting that the projects were designed to improve connectivity, facilitate economic activities and strengthen access across different parts of the country.

The Minister also stressed the importance of adequate road infrastructure to national development, noting that improved roads would support agriculture, trade, security, transportation and the movement of people and goods.

He further assured the NBA President that the Ministry would examine concerns raised regarding the road and drainage infrastructure around the NBA Secretariat and consider appropriate technical assessment and recommendations.

Earlier, the Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Frank Chukuani, welcomed the NBA delegation and noted that infrastructure development could not be effectively achieved without a strong legal framework. She said the Ministry's Legal Services Department plays an important role in ensuring that contracts and other activities of the Ministry are properly guided by law.

Princess Chukuani expressed optimism that the visit would open new areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the NBA.

Speaking during the visit, the NBA President, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, commended the Federal Ministry of Works for its efforts towards improving Nigeria's road infrastructure. She said the NBA had observed ongoing construction and rehabilitation works in different parts of the country and acknowledged the importance of infrastructure to national development.

The NBA President noted that roads were critical gateways to economic growth and expressed the Association's willingness to partner with the Ministry in areas where legal expertise could contribute to the effective delivery of infrastructure projects.

She specifically identified contract review, legal advisory services, capacity development, alternative dispute resolution and arbitration as areas where the NBA could support the Ministry.

According to her, construction arbitration is increasingly important in the infrastructure sector, adding that lawyers and other professionals could develop expertise in the field.

“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.

Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya also proposed collaboration on capacity-building initiatives, particularly in construction arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, to help reduce prolonged disputes and contribute to the timely completion of infrastructure projects.

She further appealed to the Ministry to consider the condition of the road leading to the NBA Secretariat, as well as the drainage challenges affecting the area.

Responding,  Goronyo assured the NBA President that the Ministry would look into the concerns and take the necessary steps for technical assessment.

During the visit, the NBA President also presented a gift to the Honourable Minister as a gesture of goodwill and appreciation.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the NBA President and her delegation for the visit, stressing that stronger cooperation between the legal profession and the Ministry of Works would contribute to the successful implementation of infrastructure projects and the overall development of the country.

He said the Ministry looks forward to a mutually beneficial partnership with the NBA in support of infrastructure development and national progress.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Abdullahi Mohammed, SA Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Works.