The Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ben Osy Okoh, has mandated strict compliance with valid professional practising licences for all technical personnel involved in the ongoing procurement process of the Ministry.
Engr. Okoh directed that all bidders who responded to the recent Expression of Interest (EOI) must ensure that their key technical staff possess current and verifiable practising licences issued by their respective regulatory bodies. He stressed that the requirement is a fundamental condition for participation in project execution and supervision under the Ministry.
According to the Commissioner, only professionals with active licences — including those regulated by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria — and other recognised statutory councils will be recognised in the implementation of government projects.
He further mandated that all nominated engineers and technical officers must sign formal undertakings committing to full compliance with the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation, approved engineering standards, and contractual specifications.
The professionals are also required to accept full responsibility for proper supervision and execution of projects in line with established construction and safety standards.
Speaking during the bid opening session, Engr. Okoh reiterated that the procurement process must be anchored on professionalism, integrity, and regulatory compliance. He described the practising licence requirement as non-negotiable, adding that it forms a critical safeguard to ensure quality infrastructure delivery across Enugu State.
The Commissioner assured stakeholders that the exercise would remain transparent, competitive, and fully aligned with the provisions of the Enugu State Public Procurement Act. He emphasised that no bidder would receive preferential treatment, as evaluation would be conducted strictly on merit, technical competence, and proven capacity to deliver durable infrastructure.
Engr. Okoh noted that the directive is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening quality assurance, accountability, and professional integrity in the delivery of infrastructure projects throughout the state.
In a related development, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Chairman of the Ministerial Tenders Board, Anyaora Okereke, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to due process and transparency.
Engr. Okereke explained that the bid opening exercise forms part of the statutory procurement framework backed by the Enugu State Public Procurement Act, which provides a competitive and transparent platform for selecting qualified firms with demonstrable technical capacity.
He congratulated companies that successfully passed the initial stage of evaluation but clarified that this does not amount to automatic contract awards.
He disclosed that the next phase would involve detailed technical assessments, and bidders would be formally notified as the process advances in line with established procurement guidelines.
Both officials reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to uphold professionalism, transparency, and regulatory compliance in the execution of infrastructure projects designed to meet the growing needs of residents.
One of the bidders, Engr. Yakubu, commended the Enugu State Government for what he described as a transparent and professionally managed process. He praised the strict adherence to due process and the opportunity given to firms to demonstrate their expertise.
He encouraged fellow bidders to remain committed as the exercise progresses, noting that participation reflects confidence in the State’s governance and development agenda.
Engr. Yakubu also expressed readiness to contribute meaningfully toward the vision of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, reaffirming support for the continued transformation and infrastructure development of Enugu State.
The Ministry maintained that the ongoing procurement exercise underscores government’s determination to prioritise quality, compliance, and value for money in all public works projects.
