Engineering Key to Nigeria’s Development, Economic Growth, APC Chairman

Nigeria's path to sustainable development, economic transformation, and industrial growth critically depends on placing engineering, innovation, and technology at the forefront of national planning, stated Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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Nigeria’s drive for sustainable development, economic transformation and industrial growth depends on placing engineering, innovation and technology at the centre of national planning.

Yilwatda, an engineer himself, spoke Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 34th Engineering Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja. He described engineering as a strategic tool for nation-building, economic prosperity, and social progress. The assembly's theme, “Shaping Solutions, Building a Greater Future,” he noted, reflects the responsibility engineers hold in providing practical, technology-driven solutions to the nation's challenges.

He urged engineers to move beyond technical expertise, embracing innovation, research, ethical practices, and leadership. This, he explained, is essential for designing infrastructure and systems that genuinely improve citizens' lives. Yilwatda emphasized that investments in engineering education, research, innovation, and local capacity development are vital for Nigeria to compete globally, pointing to countries that achieved rapid economic transformation by empowering their engineers, scientists, and innovators.

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engineering as a strategic tool for nation-building, economic prosperity and social progress

The APC chairman believes Nigeria possesses the necessary human and natural resources for technological advancement, provided there are supportive government policies, strategic partnerships, and sustained investment in science and engineering. He identified engineering's critical role in implementing infrastructure projects across various sectors, including roads, rail, housing, power, and the digital economy. Yilwatda also noted that President Bola Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda" recognizes infrastructure and technological advancement as key pillars for economic growth, further amplifying the significance of engineers' contributions.

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engineers must go beyond technical competence by embracing innovation, research, ethical practice and leadership to design infrastructure and systems that improve the lives of citizens.

Encouraging Nigerian engineers to adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, Yilwatda also called for high ethical and professional standards. He advocated for stronger collaboration between government, regulatory agencies, academia, professional bodies, and the private sector to accelerate national development. He commended COREN for its role in promoting professional standards and ensuring public safety through effective oversight.

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investments in engineering education, research, innovation and local capacity development were essential for Nigeria to compete globally