JUST IN: FMOT, IRWA Forge Strategic Alliance to Strengthen Right of Way Management for National Infrastructure Development

 

 

 

By OGB Joseph, Abuja 

 

 

 

 

 

The Executive Members of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), led by its President, ESV Kola Olayode, on Monday, April 28, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, in Abuja as part of efforts to deepen collaboration and promote effective Right of Way (ROW) management in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

 

 

 

 

In a statement signed by IRWA Chapter 84 Secretary, ESV Ikechukwu Henry Nwachukwu, FNIVS, PSLC, he noted that the high-level engagement focused on sensitization, professional development, industry standardization, and strategic partnership aimed at enhancing efficient delivery of transportation and other critical infrastructure projects across the country.

 

 

 

Speaking during the visit, the IRWA President, ESV Kola Olayode, described the association as a global, non-profit professional body for Right of Way practitioners, with over 70 chapters worldwide, committed to advancing global best practices in ROW acquisition, compensation, and management.

 

 

He stressed the association’s readiness to partner with the Federal Ministry of Transportation in ensuring seamless execution of government projects through improved Right of Way administration.

 

 

According to him, “IRWA is prepared to deepen collaboration with the ministry through professional development and industry standardization to ensure that government projects move from the drawing board to commissioning without avoidable Right of Way bottlenecks.”

 

 

Olayode further emphasized that the growing complexity of modern infrastructure projects requires highly trained specialists rather than generalists, calling on professionals across relevant sectors to actively participate in IRWA’s activities and certification programmes.

 

 

 

He encouraged Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Lawyers, Land Surveyors, Engineers, Environmentalists, Project Managers, and other stakeholders to join the association to benefit from continuous professional education, global networking opportunities, conferences, and knowledge exchange on international Right of Way best practices.

 

 

 

Responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, acknowledged the critical role Right of Way professionals play in successful infrastructure development and project sustainability.

 

 

He urged IRWA to sustain its advocacy and sensitization campaigns across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), noting that such efforts would help restore professionalism, order, and transparency in ROW acquisition and compensation processes nationwide.

 

 

“The government and the public must understand the implications of encroachment on already acquired Right of Way corridors and the consequences of poor ROW management,” he stated.

 

 

Adebiyi assured the association of the ministry’s commitment to collaboration, pledging stronger institutional support towards achieving effective and efficient project delivery within the transportation sector.

 

 

 

He also disclosed that the ministry would encourage staff involved in Right of Way-related responsibilities to participate in IRWA conferences and seminars, particularly the forthcoming IRWA Chapter 84 Seminar scheduled for June 4, 2026, in Abuja, with the theme: “Better Right of Way Management and Maintenance.”

 

 

 

Among those present during the visit were the Director of Rail Services, Engr. James Zirra; IRWA Chapter 84 Vice President, ESV Idongesit Akpan; Chapter Secretary, ESV Ikechukwu Henry Nwachukwu; Treasurer, ESV Aminu Shuaibu; Education Committee Chairman, ESV Philip Nwachukwu; Past President, ESV Eze Odigbo; and ESV Rasheedat Lawal-Raheem, among other dignitaries.