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Senior Civil Servants under the aegis of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) have made a strong case for a more transformative approach to Nigeria’s infrastructure to enable it to achieve desired objectives.

Speaking at the second edition of the Construction Projects Conference organised by the Nigeria Bar Association’s Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), held in Asaba, Delta State, National President of the Association Comrade Mohammed Shehu highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms for reliable infrastructure, particularly in the power sector, saying it is essential for economic growth and national progress.

In his speech, titled “Making Construction & Infrastructure Projects Work Better,” Shehu encapsulated the need for a more efficient, innovative, and sustainable approach to the nation’s construction sector.

He said that infrastructure is the bedrock upon which economic prosperity rests, saying it extends far beyond roads and bridges to the building of any thriving society.

Reflecting on the recent challenges facing the nation, particularly the collapse of the national electricity grid, Shehu made a compelling case for a renewed focus on resilient, well-planned infrastructure projects.

“Reliable electricity is the backbone of industrialization and economic growth,” he said, adding that addressing systemic failures in the power sector is crucial to ensuring that infrastructure projects deliver their intended benefits.

His statement struck a chord, drawing attention to the critical role that electricity and other core infrastructure play in driving industrial and economic growth, especially in the face of recurring power failures.

Shehu praised the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori for the infrastructural development of the state.

He said the governor’s commitment in modernising infrastructure in the state was recently acknowledged by This Day Newspapers, which conferred an award on him for his exceptional leadership.

“In Delta State, we have seen firsthand how well-planned infrastructure can drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for citizens,” Shehu remarked, highlighting the significant impact effective project execution can have at the state level.

Shehu reiterated the association’s commitment to supporting projects that are pivotal to national development, stating that civil servants, particularly those at the directorate cadre, play an integral role in ensuring that the projects are not only completed on time but are also executed with excellence.

He said the union which represents senior civil servants in both the federal and state public services, is particularly attuned to the importance of a strong, efficient civil service in facilitating the implementation of infrastructure projects.

“The ASCSN recognises the importance of strong infrastructure in driving national progress. We will continue to support initiatives that further this cause,” he declared, pledging the union’s ongoing involvement in advocating for more efficient public service practices that contribute to the overall success of national infrastructure efforts.