NAEng Unveils Engineering Solutions to National Challenges, Set for Leadership Transition

Bennett Oghifo

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAEng) has reiterated its commitment to providing practical engineering solutions to some of Nigeria’s most pressing socio-economic and infrastructural challenges, while also announcing a series of activities marking its 2026 Apex Events and the transition of leadership within the Academy.

Speaking at a press conference held Tuesday at the Academy’s Secretariat in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Complex of the University of Lagos, Akoka, the President of the Academy, Engr. Prof. Rahamon Adisa Bello, said the institution had remained steadfast in its role as Nigeria’s foremost engineering think-tank, offering independent, data-driven technical expertise to support national development.

Bello described the Academy as the apex body of distinguished engineers drawn from academia, industry, public service and professional practice within Nigeria and the diaspora, dedicated to advancing excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation.

According to him, the Academy has in the past year intensified efforts to address critical national issues through policy dialogues, technical studies and advocacy papers submitted to government at various levels.

Among its notable interventions, Bello highlighted the Academy’s comprehensive report on the 2024 Alau Dam disaster in Borno State. The report, he said, identified the engineering and structural failures responsible for the catastrophe and proposed recommendations aimed at rebuilding the dam, strengthening early warning systems and preventing future climate-induced infrastructure failures.

“The Academy provided its findings and recommendations to the Borno State Government and relevant federal agencies to ensure that such disasters are mitigated in the future,” he said.

On the country’s electricity challenges, Bello disclosed that the Academy recently convened a special forum to examine Nigeria’s persistent power supply deficit and the financial constraints affecting the sector.

He said the Academy strongly supports the Federal Government’s Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme and advocates the issuance of specialised bonds to offset gas supply debts, thereby improving power generation and supply.

The Academy also urged the immediate implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative to boost national grid capacity to 25,000 megawatts, while accelerating investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and hydro power.

Addressing environmental concerns, Bello noted that the Academy’s May 2026 lecture on wastewater management revealed that less than 20 per cent of urban wastewater in Nigeria is properly treated.

He stressed that effective wastewater and sewage management should be regarded as a fundamental requirement for public health and environmental sustainability rather than a luxury.

“We are committed to championing engineering-driven solutions that will improve sanitation and environmental health across the country,” he said.

The Academy also recently hosted a webinar on Nigeria’s climate change and sustainability goals, featuring global and national stakeholders, including United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and representatives of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC).

The discussions focused on Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), climate monitoring mechanisms and practical initiatives being implemented by the Lagos State Government to promote a low-carbon economy.

Bello noted that participants unanimously identified engineers as critical drivers of climate action and sustainable development, urging the Federal Government to adopt engineering-based strategies for safeguarding public health, infrastructure and economic growth.

The Academy’s Apex Events, which commenced with the press conference, will continue through Thursday and feature a range of programmes aimed at promoting innovation, mentorship and professional excellence.

A major highlight of the event will be the investiture of the Academy’s 14th President, Engr. Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, former Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), who will succeed Bello at the end of his tenure.

Activities scheduled for Wednesday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, include the Academy’s Annual General Meeting, election of new Fellows, the third National Innovation Competition Exhibition and the Technology Dinner and Awards Night.

The dinner will also feature a keynote address by Alfred I. Okoigun, Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc., titled, “From Resource Wealth to Knowledge Wealth: The Science of Nation Building.”

On Thursday, the Academy’s Annual Lecture, themed “Impactful Engineering through Innovation and Mentorship,” will be delivered by former Academy President, Engr. Emeritus Prof. Fola Lasisi, at the J.F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium of the University of Lagos.

The event will also feature the investiture of the new president, induction of new Fellows and presentation of Life Achievement Awards to distinguished members of the Academy.

Bello expressed appreciation to the Academy’s corporate partners and sponsors, including Globacom, ARCO Group, MTN, Aradel, ND Western, InvestmentOne, First Bank of Nigeria, CISCO Systems, Heirs Energies and several others, for their continued support in advancing engineering innovation and national development.

He subsequently invited members of the public, industry stakeholders and the media to participate in the Academy’s annual lecture and investiture ceremony scheduled for June 25 at the University of Lagos.