Abuja: An engineering expert, Clement Ogbuagu, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise investment in road infrastructure to grow Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Ogbuagu, the Director of Highways, Construction, and Rehabilitation at the Federal Ministry of Works, made this appeal at a send-off ceremony as he retired from service.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogbuagu praised the Minister of Works for introducing innovations in the road sector, particularly the adoption of concrete pavement technology, which has improved the durability and quality of federal highways. He emphasized that road infrastructure is a major driver of national economic growth and urged the government to provide adequate and timely funding to the sector.
Ogbuagu highlighted the benefits of concrete pavements on roads, noting, “You can see that most of our roads are now on concrete pavements, and that has really improved the quality of the road in Nigeria.” He pointed out that the road sector is crucial for GDP growth and meaningful development in any nation.
In addition to his focus on road infrastructure, Ogbuagu spoke on the ongoing reforms within the Federal Civil Service through the Federal Civil Service Implementation Plan (FCIP), emphasizing significant progress in digital transformation. He stated, “Today, almost every ministry goes digital. Very soon, paper files will become obsolete.”
Expressing gratitude for a successful career, Ogbuagu thanked God and the Federal Government for the opportunity to serve. He reflected on his years in the federal civil service as a valuable experience working with people from across Nigeria, saying, “I have become a full-fledged Nigerian because there is hardly any part of the country where I did not meet people during my years of service.”
Ogbuagu advised civil servants to remain committed to the ethics of the service, adhering to rules and regulations to retire with honor. Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, praised Ogbuagu’s dedication and professionalism, noting that his absence would be felt deeply by the ministry.
Rafiu Adeladan, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, also commended Ogbuagu for his dedication and commitment, emphasizing the importance of dedication, focus, and self-reliance for success in public service.