Nigerian Engineers Urged to Drive National Development through Sustainable Engineering PracticesNigerian Engineers Urged to Drive National Development through Sustainable Engineering Practices Nigerian engineers have been called upon to utilize their expertise to promote national growth by designing and implementing solutions that foster inclusive economic development and enhance the quality of life. During an international conference hosted by the Faculty of Engineering at Rivers State University of Science and Technology, former Executive Vice President of Upstream, NNPC Ltd., Engineer Adokiye Tombomieye, emphasized the crucial role engineers play in shaping the nation’s development and safeguarding the environment. Highlighting the topic “Engineering Practice for National Development and Environmental Sustainability,” Tombomieye stated that engineers must recognize the power of their profession in shaping nations and protecting the planet. He emphasized the need for a re-evaluation of engineering practices to ensure both national progress and environmental sustainability in light of 21st-century challenges such as urbanization, climate change, and resource scarcity. According to Tombomieye, national progress cannot be solely measured by economic indicators but must also consider social welfare, environmental quality, and cultural heritage preservation. He urged engineers to design and implement solutions that promote inclusive growth, improve quality of life, and preserve the natural environment. Furthermore, Tombomieye emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability in engineering practices. He highlighted the degradation of ecosystems, depletion of natural resources, and impending threat of climate change as urgent reminders of the need for sustainable development. He stressed the adoption of a circular economy approach that prioritizes resource efficiency, minimizes waste, and regenerates ecosystems. Tombomieye acknowledged the contributions of engineers globally and in Nigeria, where local content policies have enabled a significant increase in indigenous engineers’ involvement in major national projects. He encouraged young engineers to seize opportunities to contribute to national development, but warned of challenges such as vested interests and outdated policies that hinder sustainability and equitable development. Tombomieye concluded by emphasizing the transformative power of engineering in shaping the future. He urged engineers to embrace a holistic approach to development and prioritize environmental sustainability to build a prosperous, just, and resilient future for generations to come. The conference attracted scholars and intellectuals from Nigeria and abroad, including Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University; Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN); and Engineer Effifia Chu, Managing Director of Warri Refinery and Petrochemicals.
Nigerian engineers are urged to use their engineering skills to promote national development by designing and implementing solutions that promote inclusive growth and improve the quality of life.
Engineer Adokiye Tombomieye, former Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, made this appeal recently in Rivers State during an international conference organised by the Faculty of Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking on the topic, “Engineering Practice for National Development and Environmental Sustainability”, Tombomieye said engineers have a key role to play in both policy formulation and implementation for the desired national development. He said they must recognize the crucial role engineering plays in shaping the course of nations and protecting the health of our planet.
“Engineering is not just a profession; it is a driving force for economic growth, social progress and environmental stewardship. However, the challenges we face in the 21st century – rapid urbanization, climate change, resource scarcity – require a reappraisal of our engineering practices to ensure both national development and environmental sustainability. Moreover, engineering must be viewed through the lens of holistic development,” Tombomieye said.
The former Vice Chairman of Upstream of NNPC Ltd. said national progress cannot be measured solely through economic indicators but must also take into account social welfare, environmental quality and cultural preservation.
“As engineers, we have a responsibility to design and implement solutions that promote inclusive growth, improve quality of life, and preserve our planet’s natural heritage. Furthermore, environmental sustainability must be at the forefront of our engineering efforts. The degradation of our ecosystems, the depletion of natural resources, and the looming threat of climate change are stark reminders of the urgent need for sustainable development. We must adopt a circular economy approach that uses resources efficiently, minimizes waste, and regenerates ecosystems. From renewable energy systems to green infrastructure, our engineering solutions must prioritize environmental sustainability at every stage of the project lifecycle,” he said.
Tombomieye noted that engineers globally contribute to the development of their countries through design, construction and production. He said that in Nigeria, the engineering practice has undergone several evolutions. He claimed that in the early years after independence, very few indigenous engineers were involved in flagship projects, even as staff engineers.
He noted today that as a result of deliberate national policies (e.g. local content), a significant number of Nigerian engineers are involved in leading national engineering projects.
“Some are involved as engineering entrepreneurs. I want young engineers here to know that there are opportunities to contribute to our national development. However, achieving national development and environmental sustainability through engineering practices is not without its challenges. We need to tackle the vested interests that put short-term profits ahead of long-term sustainability. We need to overcome the inertia of outdated policies and practices that perpetuate environmental degradation and social inequality. We need to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries and ensure that all countries have access to the knowledge, technology and resources needed to pursue sustainable development,” he said.
He continued and concluded by warning that engineering has the power to shape the future of nations and the fate of the planet. He said that by embracing a holistic approach to development and prioritizing environmental sustainability in their practice, engineers can build a world that is prosperous, just and resilient for future generations. He urged engineers to harness the transformative power of engineering to create a better, more sustainable future for all. READ ALSO:
The conference, which had sub-themes on Advances in Agricultural Machinery, Development and Utilization, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Developments in Road Transport Infrastructure/Structural Design and Development, attracted scholars and intellectuals from within and outside Nigeria, including Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, Chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Niger (COREN) and Engineer Effifia Chu, Managing Director of Warri Refinery and Petrochemicals.
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