Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Government has been urged to prioritise timely funding of road infrastructure projects to sustain economic growth, improve connectivity, and accelerate national development. The call was made on Thursday, July 9, 2026, by the retiring Director of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation at the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, during a valedictory ceremony held in his honour at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ogbuagu, who bowed out after the mandatory number of service years, stressed that investment in roads remains one of the strongest drivers of economic growth, arguing that no economy can thrive without an efficient road network. “I want the Federal Government to pay more attention to the road sector because it’s the road sector that grows the Gross Domestic Product of any nation because without roads, nothing can be; everything will go down,” he said.
His comments followed recent findings by PUNCH Online from the Open Treasury Portal, which revealed that the government released about N2.68 trillion, barely 5 per cent, for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of roads and bridges across the country between 2023 and April 2026. The analysis also showed a significant disparity between approved budgets and actual releases, with the government making provisions totalling N54.93 trillion for road-related projects within the period under review, highlighting the low release of funds for ongoing projects. Ogbuagu insisted that the government must release funds when due for the road sector to continue to thrive. “It’s with roads that you can be able to do a lot of things. The Federal Government should pay more attention and release funds when appropriate for the road sector to continue to thrive,” he said.
The retiring director commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for introducing innovations and modern technologies into the road sector, particularly the increasing use of concrete pavement technology, which he said had significantly improved the durability and quality of federal roads. Ogbuagu expressed gratitude to God and the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve the country, saying his years in service enabled him to interact with Nigerians from virtually every ethnic group and region, thereby deepening his appreciation of the country’s diversity.
Addressing his colleagues who remain in service, Ogbuagu urged them to preserve the values of integrity, accountability and professionalism that define the Federal Civil Service. He advised public servants to remain faithful to civil service rules throughout their careers to ensure they retire honourably without facing disciplinary or legal challenges. “Maintain all the qualities, rules and regulations so you can retire well, like I am doing today, and not be recalled later to answer for unresolved issues. Be diligent and make your performance impeccable,” he said.
Ogbuagu also applauded the ongoing Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), describing the reforms as a major step towards digital transformation in the public service. He noted that ministries, departments and agencies are steadily moving away from paper-based processes, a development he described as critical to improving efficiency and service delivery. He called for sustained funding and implementation of the reform programme, saying that digitalisation would enhance efficiency and gradually reduce reliance on paper-based processes.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Mohammed Goronyo, described the retiring director as an exceptional public servant whose professionalism, humility and positive attitude would be greatly missed by the ministry. He said Ogbuagu had earned the admiration and respect of colleagues through his unwavering commitment to duty and his calm disposition, even under pressure. “He is a perfect combination of dedication and service. He is popularly called ‘the smiling director.’ Even when it was very hot, he would still smile and make time. That is who he is,” the minister said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Rafiu Adeladan, commended Ogbuagu for his dedication and contributions, urging public servants to remain committed, disciplined, and focused in the discharge of their responsibilities. He said: “Whoever is in public service must be dedicated, self-reliant and focused. Lack of dedication will not take us forward.”
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