The former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, has called for the establishment of dedicated innovation funds and technology parks, where engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs can collaborate to build indigenous solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges.
Also, he asked the Federal Government to enact and enforce forward-looking policies that promote innovation, incentivise research and development, and streamline regulatory processes to accelerate national development through engineering.
Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja as the chairman of the opening ceremony of the 33rd COREN Engineering Assembly, Nnaji stressed the importance of engineers in driving inclusive growth and addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure and development challenges.
He said: “Establishing dedicated funds and technology parks where engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs collaborate will foster homegrown solutions.
“The government also has a vital role to play. It must enact and enforce clear, forward-looking policies that incentivise research and development, protect intellectual property, and streamline regulatory approvals”, he said.
He called on the authorities to provide an enabling environment for engineering enterprises to thrive.
Nnaji, a professor of mechanical engineering and the founder and chairman of the indigenous power company, Geometric Power Limited (GPL), also advocated a transparent public-private partnership (PPP) framework, which he said, is essential to leverage private sector expertise and financing in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
“Government can tap into private engineering expertise and capital, accelerating delivery while ensuring accountability,” he added.
While highlighting the critical role engineers play in national development from constructing roads and power plants to designing digital infrastructure, he stressed the importance of adapting academic curricula to include digital literacy, artificial intelligence, and interdisciplinary learning.
“Engineers are nation builders. When given the opportunity, we create solutions that are essential for inclusive development,” he said, noting that technological innovation must be underpinned by ethical standards and professional competence”, he said.
He urged the government to support the engineering profession through increased investment in laboratories, scholarships, and continuous professional training, saying this would ensure that Nigerian engineers remain globally competitive.
Earlier, the COREN President, Professor Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, had announced a week’s mourning period for the late former president, Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the 33rd COREN Engineering Assembly would have been postponed to mourn him if not for the fact that the programme commenced last Friday.
He said” As we are aware, our country is currently going through a significant moment. Our esteemed past president has passed on, and the nation has declared today a public holiday and a day of national mourning. ”I believe we all share the same mood: as individuals, as Nigerians, and as engineering professionals. Despite this, we had already made elaborate arrangements for this programme, which began on Friday.
”Of course, nobody could have anticipated the unfortunate circumstances. As engineers, as Nigerians, we acknowledge that the late President Muhammadu Buhari was a Fellow of our engineering society. In consultation with the government, the organisers have decided to continue with the event.
“Before handing over to the Master of Ceremonies, I kindly request that we all rise and observe a moment of silence in honour of our departed president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. May his soul rest in peace. Amen. ”Finally, I would like to inform you that the statutory assembly has declared one week of mourning. All participants will be decorated accordingly to reflect this”. ……………..
