By Isqil Najim
Enugu State’s newly sworn-in Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, officially resumed his duties yesterday, Monday, July 28, 2025. This followed a handover ceremony last Friday by his predecessor.
Engr. Okoh, a who is Immediate past chairman of NSE Abuja Branch, began his first day with a management meeting involving the ministry’s top leadership. Engr. Ogugua Emehelu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, was present and expressed confidence in the new direction, urging teamwork and full alignment with the renewed drive for excellence.
While meeting with the staff, Okoh pledged a “fulfilling and purposeful start” that would align the ministry with the “bold and transformative vision” of Governor His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
In his address, Engr. Okoh made it unequivocally clear that quality is non-negotiable. “Every project must be executed strictly according to approved specifications,” he stated. “If a contract calls for a particular concrete strength, that is exactly what must be delivered. Compromise is not an option.” He declared.
He emphasized strict adherence to international best practices, particularly in road construction. This includes ensuring pavement thickness conforms to specifications and that asphalt is produced, transported, laid, and compacted at regulated temperatures. He also stressed that construction methodologies must be precisely followed, with no deviation from approved designs.
To bolster quality assurance, Engr. Okoh announced his prioritization of the upgrade and full resourcing of the Ministry’s Materials Laboratory Department. This department is crucial for testing and verifying construction materials, and the Commissioner personally committed to ensuring it is well-equipped for accurate and timely assessments.
Following the meeting, Engr. Okoh conducted a brief tour of selected roads requiring urgent attention and ongoing projects. These site visits provided valuable insights into the current state of infrastructure and identified immediate intervention needs.
He also addressed technical staff, underscoring the importance of professionalism, diligence, and collective responsibility. While acknowledging existing challenges, he assured personnel that clear steps are being taken to address them and that their well-being and working environment will remain a priority. Commitment and dedication, he promised, would be recognized and rewarded.
Moving forward, the Ministry will strengthen its project monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure full compliance with specifications and timely delivery.
“Contractors must meet their obligations, and our work will be anchored on quality, transparency, and accountability,” Engr. Okoh affirmed. “Every project must reflect value for money and durability.”
“We are not just building roads and bridges,” he declared. “We are setting a new standard for public works in Nigeria. I am fully aligned with His Excellency’s vision. The Enugu State we knew two years ago will be remarkably transformed by the end of this administration, and we are committed to realizing that vision with urgency and excellence.”
Engr. Okoh announced plans to meet with various heads of department for briefings and continue project site visits as part of his hands-on engagement strategy.
“We are ready to serve. We are committed to excellence. And by the grace of God, we will deliver,” he concluded.
