By Abubakar Yunusa
The Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Ahmed A.S.Y Kutigi, has said that engineering holds the key to unlocking Nigeria’s future through skills development, job creation and wealth generation.
Speaking at the 2025 Engineering Week and Annual General Meeting of the NSE in Abuja, Kutigi described the year’s theme, “Renewing the Hope of Nigerians Through Engineering for Skills, Job and Wealth,” as more than a slogan.
“This theme is a clarion call, a strategic imperative, and a reflection of our commitment to the progress and prosperity of our nation,” he told delegates.
The NSE chief said the society’s commitment to capacity building remained “unwavering”, citing workshops, seminars and collaborations with universities and industry players.
He stressed the need to domesticate engineering projects, ensuring Nigerian engineers are given priority in execution. This, he argued, would retain wealth within the country while enhancing local expertise.
“Our task is immense, but so is our collective resolve,” Kutigi said.
“This week must be a platform for robust discussions, innovative ideas and concrete action.”
The engineer noted that many of Nigeria’s challenges—unemployment, economic diversification, and sustainable development—could be addressed through engineering innovation and practice.
He highlighted the importance of continuous professional development, urging engineers to embrace re-skilling and up-skilling to keep pace with a rapidly changing global economy.
Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, he said, must be embraced to reposition Nigeria.
Kutigi described engineering as a natural job-creating discipline, citing infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and power plants.
He called for policies that incentivise local content development and encourage indigenous firms. Investment in renewable energy projects like solar farms and wind installations, he noted, would not only close Nigeria’s energy gap but also generate thousands of jobs.
According to him, wealth creation through engineering goes beyond individual prosperity to national economic growth and stability.
By leveraging engineering expertise, Nigeria could unlock vast potential in agriculture, solid minerals and the digital economy, he said.
He added that processing, manufacturing and technological innovation would transform raw materials into finished goods, boosting exports and reducing reliance on imports.
A vibrant engineering sector, Kutigi said, would attract foreign investment, stimulate entrepreneurship and build a knowledge-driven economy.
As the umbrella body for engineers, the NSE pledged to uphold professionalism, integrity and ethical standards in education, training and practice.
Kutigi urged members to inspire the next generation of engineers, stressing that they hold the key to Nigeria’s renewal.
“Together, we can indeed renew the hope of Nigerians through engineering for skills, jobs and wealth,” he said.
In his paper presentation, Professor Idris M. Bugaje, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), urged Nigerians to join hands in building the country’s engineering future.
“By investing in engineering skills today, we are investing in Nigeria’s prosperity tomorrow. Together, we can transform our nation from a consumer to a creator of technology,” he said.
Bugaje proposed the formation of a National Engineering Skills Task Force comprising representatives from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), government, academia, and industry. He also challenged institutions to commit to implementing at least one recommendation from his presentation within the next 90 days.
Delivering a lecture on the theme, the Founder and Chief Executive of Bindir Knowledge Centre International, Yola, Engineer Umar Buba Bindir, highlighted the importance of the blue economy.
He explained that the concept refers to the sustainable use of ocean and freshwater resources for economic growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods, while protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
“The blue economy encompasses a range of activities, including fisheries, tourism, offshore energy, shipping, and marine biotechnology. These generate significant economic value but also carry risks of environmental degradation and climate change impacts if not managed responsibly,” Bindir noted.
