The Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Section on Business Law (SBL) recently held its 2nd National Conference on Construction and Infrastructure Projects in Asaba, Delta State. The conference, themed “Making Construction & Infrastructure Projects Work Better,” brought together experts and stakeholders to address critical issues affecting infrastructure development in Nigeria.
Participants from different NBA branches in Nigeria were also in attendance, making it a truly national event. The NBA Enugu Branch, under the leadership of V.C. Odo was in attendance with some Young Lawyers of the Enugu branch. The branch remains committed to advocating for responsible governance, efficient resource allocation, and people-centered infrastructure development initiatives. The chairman however, lamented how Nigeria seemed to be celebrating wastage in infrastructure development and utilisation. A situation where some government institutions have oversized high-rising office building at Abuja with some of the rooms unoccupied for years, while its branch offices in the States and local governments levels have dilapidated structures or none at all.
Chairman V.C. Odo of the NBA Enugu Branch delivered a thought-provoking remark, questioning why Nigeria tends to celebrate waste, particularly in infrastructure development. He emphasized the need for responsible governance, efficient resource allocation, and people-centered initiatives.. The NBA Enugu Branch, under the leadership of V.C. Odo, remains committed to advocating for responsible governance, efficient resource allocation, and people-centered infrastructure developmen initiatives
The conference focused on several critical issues, including:
– The role of lawyers in contract agreements and dispute resolution. The Young Lawyers were urged to explore this area of law with ethical and professional standards, focusing on the bigger picture with diligence and hardwork as well as balance between their chosen career path, family, health and relaxation. Lawyers were enjoined to draft contract agreements to contain exactly the specifications and clauses in any contract and to ensure contract proposals stipulate clearly every detail agreed by parties without any ambiguity.
– Holding project implementation persons accountable for their failures and poor delivery. Lawyers were also called upon to ensure that the execution of contracts is in line with the proposed budgets without cutting corners and to hold the budget and project implementation persons for their failures.
– Ensuring transparency and accountability in infrastructure development projects
– Addressing the challenges of building collapse and ensuring structural integrity
– Balancing urban development with safety, sustainability, and community needs
Specific topics explored during the conference included:
– *Public Bureau Establishment Act*: The role of public bureaus in infrastructure development and the importance of transparent and efficient procurement processes
– *Land Use Act*: The impact of the Land Use Act on road construction and infrastructure development
– *Road Construction*: Strategies for improving road infrastructure, reducing congestion, and enhancing safety
– *Housing*: Affordable housing solutions, addressing the housing deficit, and promoting sustainable urban development
– *Bridges*: Design, construction, and maintenance of bridges, ensuring safety and durability
– *Oversized and Excessive High-Rising Buildings*: Balancing urban development with safety, sustainability, and community needs
– *Building Collapse*: Preventing building collapse, ensuring structural integrity, and promoting accountability
Participants discussed the importance of transparent and efficient procurement processes, effective contract management, and forward-thinking approaches to enhance growth and ensure a prosperous, sustainable future. Lawyers were enjoined to embrace this ares of law and mentorship to properly tapped the benefits of this crucial sector of our economy.
Joseph Ekumankama, representing the Minister of Works, Emgr. David Umahi, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks and political considerations in infrastructure planning. He stressed the need for collaboration between lawyers and other stakeholders in the nations infrastructuredevelopment, including engineers, architects, surveyors government officials especially the Bureau of Public Procurement and adhernce to the BPE Act , private sector experts, and civil society organizations.
The conference was attended by participants from different NBA branches in Nigeria, making it a truly national event. Notable attendees included NBA President Afam Osigwe SAN, Senior Lawyers, NBA Branch Chairmen, Former NBA Presidents, Olumide Akpata, Chairman NBA SBL Chairman – Barr. Mrs Osufu Akemudia, DG BPE, Minister of Works Representatives, Ministry of Works, Traditional Rulers Council in Delta State, Attorney General of Delta State, Delta State Governor’s Representatives, Founders and CEOs of giant institutions in the private sector among others.
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