ASCSN President Calls for Innovation and Resilience in Nigeria’s Infrastructure

📍 Location: Asaba, Delta State
🗓️ Event: Construction Projects Conference by NBA-SBL
🎙️ Speaker: Comrade Muhammed Shehu, National President, ASCSN
🧱 Theme: “Making Construction & Infrastructure Projects Work Better”

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has issued a powerful call to action for Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, urging a shift towards innovation, sustainability, and resilience. Speaking at the second edition of the Construction Projects Conference held in Asaba, Comrade Muhammed Shehu, ASCSN National President, stressed the urgency of transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.

 Power Sector and Infrastructure: The Backbone of National Growth

In a stirring address, Shehu emphasized that reliable infrastructure, particularly electricity, is not just essential — it is the foundation of Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth. He pointed to the recent national electricity grid collapse as a wake-up call, demanding a systemic overhaul of planning and execution in infrastructure.

“Reliable electricity is the backbone of industrialization and economic growth. We must address systemic failures now,” — Comrade Muhammed Shehu

 Delta State as a Model of Progress

With Delta State’s burgeoning development as the conference backdrop, Shehu commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for setting a high standard in infrastructure planning and execution. Highlighting the governor’s award from This Day Newspapers for leadership in construction, Shehu noted how Delta’s achievements offer a replicable model for other states.

“In Delta, we see how well-planned infrastructure creates jobs, drives growth, and improves lives,” he said.

 Civil Servants: Silent Drivers of National Development

Shehu emphasized the critical role of civil servants, especially those in directorate positions, in ensuring infrastructure projects are not just delivered, but delivered excellently.

“The ASCSN is committed to backing initiatives that elevate national development. Civil servants are the hands behind the execution,” he stated.

 A Platform for National Dialogue

Shehu applauded the Nigeria Bar Association’s Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL) for organizing the impactful forum, bringing together policymakers, professionals, and business leaders to chart a sustainable path forward for Nigeria’s construction sector.

“This gathering of minds is exactly what we need to reshape our national infrastructure priorities,” he said.

 Support from Trade Union Congress

Also speaking at the event’s close, Dr. Bolum Nwachukwu, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in Delta State, echoed Shehu’s praise for both NBA-SBL and Governor Oborevwori. He emphasized the importance of worker-focused policies and infrastructure planning that prioritizes the people.

 Vision for the Future

As the conference came to an end, Shehu’s message remained clear and compelling: Nigeria’s future depends on infrastructure that is reliable, innovative, and resilient. The time to act is now — not just for Delta State, but for the nation at large.

“Let the conversations here guide transformative change. We owe it to our nation to build the backbone of its prosperity.”