Engr Benjamin Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Enugu State.
•••Newly sworn-in commissioner vows strict adherence to international standards and supports Governor Peter Mbah’s transformative infrastructure vision.
The newly appointed Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh, FNSE, FASCE, officially resumed duties on Monday, pledging to enforce strict quality standards in the execution of public projects. Okoh, who assumed office after Friday’s handover ceremony, described his first day as “a fulfilling and purposeful start, marked by a deep sense of duty to support the bold and transformative vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”
During a management meeting with the top leadership of the ministry, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ogugua Emehelu, expressed confidence in the commissioner’s approach. “Teamwork is key, and we must align fully with the renewed drive for excellence under the leadership of Governor Mbah,” Emehelu said.
Reacting to the development, Engr. Chuka Nwankwo, a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), commended the commissioner’s quality-first stance. “It is refreshing to hear a public official emphasise strict compliance with engineering standards. If implemented, this approach will drastically reduce failed projects and ensure value for taxpayers’ money,” Nwankwo told GMTNewsng.
Okoh, in his address, emphasised that quality would be non-negotiable in all projects. “Every project must be executed strictly according to approved specifications. If a contract calls for a particular concrete strength, that is exactly what must be delivered. Compromise is not an option,” the commissioner stated.
He further highlighted the importance of adhering to international best practices, especially in road construction. “Pavement thickness must conform to specifications, and asphalt must be produced, transported, laid, and compacted at regulated temperatures,” Okoh said. He added that construction methodologies for buildings must strictly follow approved designs to ensure safety and structural integrity.
To strengthen quality assurance, the commissioner disclosed plans to upgrade and fully resource the Ministry’s Materials Laboratory Department, which is responsible for testing and verifying construction materials. “I am personally committed to ensuring that the lab is well equipped to deliver accurate and timely assessments,” he affirmed.
Following the meeting, Okoh embarked on a brief inspection tour of roads requiring urgent intervention, as well as ongoing projects. These site visits, he said, offered “valuable insights into the present condition of our infrastructure and the immediate interventions required.”
Sharing her perspective, Mrs. Ifeoma Eze, a road infrastructure advocate, welcomed the commissioner’s pledge to prioritise staff welfare and project monitoring. “For too long, poor supervision has compromised the quality of public projects. The commissioner’s proactive steps could finally bring lasting solutions to Enugu’s infrastructure challenges,” she said.
Looking ahead, Okoh outlined plans to strengthen project monitoring and evaluation to ensure compliance with specifications and timely project delivery. “Contractors must meet their obligations, and our work will be anchored on quality, transparency, and accountability. Every project must reflect value for money and durability,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to Governor Mbah’s infrastructure agenda, the commissioner concluded: “We are not just building roads and bridges; we are setting a new standard for public works in Nigeria. The Enugu State we knew two years ago will be remarkably transformed by the end of this administration, and we are committed to realising that vision with urgency and excellence.” GMTNewsng
