Tale of Two Nigerians Playing Key Roles in Qatar’s Civil Infrastructure Development

By Sunday Ehigiator

Qatar’s ambitious infrastructure projects, driven by the nation’s rapid urbanisation and preparation for global events, have seen significant contributions from professionals worldwide. Among them are two Nigerian experts whose expertise in contract management, quantity surveying, and civil engineering have been instrumental in shaping the country’s urban landscape. Oluwasola Adeolu and Afolabi Ojo exemplify the vital role that skilled professionals play in the development of a nation’s infrastructure. Their expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence have not only contributed to the physical transformation of Qatar but have also set a benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the region. As Qatar continues to grow and evolve, the contributions of professionals like Adeolu and Ojo will remain integral to the nation’s success.

Adeolu: Contract Specialist in Qatar’s Civil Infrastructure

Oluwasola Adeolu is a seasoned contract specialist whose career has spanned over a decade in procurement, quantity surveying, and contract administration across both civil infrastructure and oil and gas sectors. His expertise lies in managing complex Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) contracts, with a track record of delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget.

Adeolu began his professional journey in Nigeria with Ratcon Nigeria Limited, where he gained foundational experience in procurement and pre-contract management for road and refinery infrastructure projects. Early responsibilities included coordinating material delivery, preparing tender documents, and supporting project managers with cost control and contract compliance. This period provided him with a robust understanding of the technical and commercial dynamics that underpin successful project delivery.

In 2012, Adeolu moved to Qatar, joining Horizon Progressive Company to work on community and public facility projects for the Public Works Authority, Ashghal. He oversaw the construction of kindergartens, village schools, and community support buildings, handling procurement, cost assessment, and schedule management. His contributions ensured that these facilities met technical specifications, adhered to budgets, and complied with contractual obligations.

Adeolu’s role expanded into larger civil infrastructure projects, most notably the Greater Doha Drainage Network Operation and Maintenance (DNOM) and road rehabilitation programs. In these projects, he managed post-contract administration, assessed variations and claims, and prepared cost reports to guide project decision-making. His work ensured that preventive maintenance, emergency responses, and network upgrades were carried out efficiently, with minimal disruption to residents and businesses. He also contributed to the design and implementation of junctions and roundabouts as part of Doha’s urban development plans.

Alongside civil infrastructure, Adeolu has played a significant role in Qatar’s oil and gas sector, particularly in FEED and EPCI contracts for major LNG projects, including the North Field Expansion and Gas Supply to Facility D projects. His responsibilities included cost estimation, contractor performance assessment, and coordination across offshore and onshore works. Colleagues describe him as someone who blends technical knowledge with commercial insight, ensuring contracts are fair and projects proceed smoothly.

Adeolu’s career is underpinned by a commitment to professional development. He has obtained certifications in Certified Planning Engineering, Certified Facility Management, and Quantity Surveying International, and has attended numerous seminars on construction claims, delay analysis, and responsible contract administration. This combination of formal training and hands-on experience has made him a valued mentor to younger professionals entering the field.

From roads and drainage systems to LNG platforms and pipelines, Adeolu’s career reflects a rare blend of technical proficiency, contractual expertise, and leadership. His work ensures that large-scale projects not only meet their deadlines and budgets but also contributes meaningfully to urban development and energy infrastructure. For Adeolu, each project represents more than construction or contract management—it is a contribution to the communities and industries that rely on these vital systems.

Ojo: Senior Contracts Specialist in Qatar’s Construction Sector

Afolabi Ojo is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor based in Qatar, specialising in managing the contractual and commercial aspects of various construction projects. His expertise ensures compliance, quality control, and effective cost management throughout the project lifecycle. Afolabi’s role is pivotal in navigating the complexities of large-scale infrastructure developments, aligning with the strategic objectives of his clients.

With a strong foundation in construction law and arbitration, Ojo brings a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks governing construction projects. This knowledge enables him to effectively manage disputes, negotiate contracts, and ensure that projects adhere to legal and regulatory requirements.

Ojo’s experience spans various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. His ability to manage multiple stakeholders, oversee procurement processes, and monitor project progress has contributed to the successful delivery of numerous projects in Qatar.

His role often involves reviewing and approving monthly and final payment certificates, verifying the relevance of cash flows provided by contractors, and updating executed quantities based on actual measurements. He also monitors materials delivered to site, studies the cost effects of requested variation orders, and advises on issues related to contract variations. His proactive approach ensures that projects remain within budget and are completed on time.

Ojo’s commitment to professional development and staying abreast of industry trends ensures that he brings innovative solutions to the projects he manages. His dedication to excellence and his proactive approach to problem-solving make him a valuable asset to any project team.

Shared Contributions to Qatar’s Infrastructure

Both Adeolu and Ojo have made significant contributions to Qatar’s infrastructure development, particularly in the areas of road construction, drainage systems, and public facilities. Their expertise in contract management and quantity surveying has been instrumental in ensuring that projects are delivered efficiently, within budget, and to the highest standards.

Their roles have involved close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, contractors, and consultants, to ensure that projects meet all requirements and standards. Through their efforts, they have helped mitigate risks, resolve disputes, and ensure the successful completion of numerous infrastructure projects across Qatar.