From Victoria Jigah, Abuja
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has called for engineering, innovation, and technology to be placed at the centre of national planning, saying they are key to Nigeria’s sustainable development, economic transformation and global competitiveness.
Professor Yilwatda made the remarks after participating in the opening ceremony of the 34th Engineering Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) held in Abuja.
The event brought together engineering professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, academics and other critical stakeholders to deliberate on the future of engineering practice in Nigeria.
Speaking as a member of the profession himself, the APC National Chairman, described the gathering as timely, noting that it offered a valuable opportunity to engage with colleagues working to advance engineering standards and contribute to national development.
He said the Assembly reaffirmed engineering’s role as a strategic tool for nation-building, economic prosperity and social progress.
Professor Yilwatda said the theme of this year’s Assembly, “Shaping Solutions. Building a Greater Future,” perfectly reflects the enormous responsibility placed on engineers at a period when Nigeria and indeed the global community are confronted with increasingly complex developmental challenges requiring practical, innovative and technology-driven solutions.
He explained that shaping solutions demands more than technical competence; it requires visionary leadership, creative thinking, continuous research, ethical professional conduct and an unwavering commitment to solving real societal problems. According to him, engineers are expected to design systems that improve lives, create resilient infrastructure, develop sustainable energy solutions, modernise agriculture, strengthen healthcare delivery, expand digital connectivity and support industrial growth.
The APC National Chairman noted that building a greater future cannot be separated from deliberate investments in engineering education, research, innovation and local capacity development. He stressed that every modern economy that has successfully transformed itself has done so by empowering its engineers, scientists and innovators to develop indigenous solutions capable of addressing national priorities.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information, Abimbola Tooki, Professor Yilwatda further observed that Nigeria possesses abundant human capital, natural resources and youthful talent capable of driving technological advancement if properly supported through sound government policies, strategic partnerships and sustained investment in science, engineering and innovation.
He maintained that engineering remains indispensable to the successful implementation of major national infrastructure projects, including roads, rail transportation, bridges, housing, water resources, power generation and transmission, telecommunications, manufacturing, mining and the rapidly expanding digital economy.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration recognises infrastructure and technological advancement as critical pillars of economic development, making the role of engineering professionals even more significant in translating government policies into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
Professor Yilwatda also emphasised that the future of engineering lies in embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, green construction technologies, data science and advanced manufacturing. He urged Nigerian engineers to position themselves at the forefront of these global technological shifts while remaining committed to ethical practice, professionalism and continuous learning.
One of the participants Engineer Favour Jigah said, the program was educating and exciting to be part of this year’s COREN program and wish for stronger collaboration among government institutions.
Professor Yilwatda encouraged young engineers to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, innovation and integrity, assuring them that the future belongs to professionals who combine technical competence with visionary leadership and a commitment to public service.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the capacity of Nigerian engineers to provide transformative solutions capable of addressing the country’s infrastructure deficit, improving productivity, creating employment opportunities and driving inclusive economic growth.
