NIGER WORKS COMMISSIONER CHAMPIONS 3 -DAY STAFF TRAINING

The Commissioner, Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Kabir Abbas, has urged staff of the Ministry participating in a three-day professional workshop to actively participate, ask questions and share their experiences throughout the programme.

Hon. Kabir Abbas made the call while declaring open the three-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development in collaboration with Coreshield Consulting Services.

The Commissioner was represented at the occasion by the Director, Public Buildings, Arc. Salihu Muhammad Wanigi.

The Commissioner noted that most of the participants had spent considerable time in the Ministry and had acquired valuable professional and practical experience that could contribute significantly to the success of the workshop.

He encouraged the participants to be open-minded and interact freely during the sessions, stressing that nobody is perfect and that learning is a continuous process.

According to him, active participation would enable the participants to share their knowledge and experiences with one another, while also providing an opportunity for the facilitators to learn from the practical experiences of the participants.

Hon. Kabir Abbas further explained that such interaction would make the workshop more engaging, relevant and beneficial to all participants.

The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of observing standard protocols within the public service, noting that the proper order of recognition and engagement includes the Honourable Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, Directors, Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors and other officers.

He emphasised that the workshop was not only an avenue for participants to acquire new knowledge and skills, but also an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from one another and strengthen their professional capacity for improved service delivery.

In his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, QS Hassan Baba Estu, reiterated the commitment of the Ministry to continuous training and retraining of its personnel to enhance efficiency and improve project delivery across the state.

The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director, Civil Engineering Services, Engr. Dr. Andrew Yisa Adama, said the training was particularly important in equipping personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills needed to effectively supervise and manage infrastructure projects.

QS Hassan Baba Estu described training and retraining as a priority of the Ministry, stressing that continuous professional development would enable staff to remain abreast of emerging trends, standards and best practices in the construction and infrastructure sector.

He appreciated the commitment of the organisers and facilitators for utilising their expertise and available resources to conduct the training programme, saying the initiative demonstrated their dedication to strengthening professional capacity within the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary noted that the competence of the facilitators was not in doubt, adding that the Ministry had previously benefited from their training experience.

He expressed confidence that the current programme would equally provide participants with valuable knowledge that would positively impact their professional responsibilities.

QS Hassan Baba Estu therefore urged participants to take full advantage of the three-day programme and apply the knowledge acquired to their various assignments.

He emphasised that effective oversight, transparent procurement, quality control and strict adherence to safety standards remained essential to delivering durable, cost-effective and quality infrastructure for the people of Niger State.

In her welcome remarks, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development, QS Ashiya Alfa, stressed the importance of continuous capacity building for personnel involved in the planning and execution of government projects.

QS Ashiya Alfa noted that effective project delivery requires competent and well-trained personnel who understand the importance of proper planning, monitoring, supervision and adherence to approved standards.

According to her, the workshop would provide participants with practical knowledge that would improve their effectiveness in supervising projects and ensuring that government investments in infrastructure achieve the desired results.

She urged participants to actively participate in all sessions, ask questions and share their professional experiences, stressing that the knowledge gained should be applied to their respective responsibilities for the overall development of the state.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Coreshield Consulting Services, Hajiya Rukkiya Mohammed Sharu, said the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of participants on effective project supervision and responsible management of public funds.

She explained that the training would also focus on ensuring quality throughout the project cycle, stressing the need for proper quality assurance from the foundation stage through construction to the completion of projects.

Hajiya Sharu emphasised that effective oversight, transparent procurement and sound contract management are essential to achieving value for money and preventing waste in the execution of public projects.

She encouraged participants to put the knowledge acquired into practice and uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

The workshop, organised by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development in collaboration with Coreshield Consulting Services, is expected to strengthen the capacity of Ministry personnel and contribute to improved project implementation, accountability, quality and safety across infrastructure projects in Niger State.

Hon. Kabir Abbas wished the participants fruitful deliberations and a successful workshop, assuring them of the Ministry’s support throughout the duration of the programme.