The BusinessDay Awards Committee has selected the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, for its 2026 Public Service Award in recognition of his leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
The selection was conveyed in a letter dated November 11, 2026, signed by the Publisher of BusinessDay, Frank Aigbogun, and addressed to Ewalefoh.
According to the letter, the award recognises his “distinguished public service, strategic leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.”
It added that the selection acknowledges his leadership at the ICRC, particularly in advancing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, strengthening infrastructure concession regulation and promoting private-sector participation in public infrastructure development.
“Your selection recognises your leadership and stewardship at the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), particularly in advancing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks, strengthening infrastructure concession regulation, promoting private-sector participation in public infrastructure development and creating an enabling environment for sustainable investment in critical national infrastructure,” the letter stated.
BusinessDay said the award was established to recognise public-sector leaders whose commitment, professionalism, innovation and leadership contribute to measurable progress in governance, economic development and national transformation.
The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at the NAF Conference Centre and Suites, Kado, Abuja.
The letter disclosed that the event would bring together senior government officials, policymakers, business leaders, institutional heads, diplomats, investors and other stakeholders.
It also stated that the occasion would be chaired by former Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
Explaining the importance of the recognition, BusinessDay noted that infrastructure development remained fundamental to Nigeria’s economic growth, competitiveness and national transformation.
“Bridging the country’s infrastructure deficit requires innovative financing models, effective regulatory frameworks and stronger collaboration between government and the private sector,” it said.
The letter further highlighted the strategic role of the ICRC in facilitating private-sector investment in public infrastructure through PPP arrangements.
It noted that through regulatory oversight, project development support, concession monitoring and the promotion of best practices in infrastructure procurement, the commission helps ensure that projects are transparent, commercially viable and capable of delivering sustainable value to Nigerians.
BusinessDay said Ewalefoh’s leadership carried significant national responsibility in strengthening the PPP ecosystem, unlocking private capital, improving infrastructure delivery and positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for infrastructure investment.
The recognition is also expected to highlight the commission’s contributions to promoting investor confidence, strengthening collaboration among government institutions and private investors, and addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.