NSE Urges Government To Give Local Engineers More Opportunities

The Apapa Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on the Federal and State Governments to give local engineers more opportunities to handle major projects as a way of driving speedy economic growth.Chairman of the branch, Mr Emmanuel Okolo, made the appeal yesterday at a press briefing to mark the beginning of the 2025 Engineering Week and the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the branch.
According to Okolo, although multiple Executive Orders on Local Content exist, more attention must be paid to their implementation so that the capacity of Nigerian engineers can be properly harnessed.
He stressed that local engineers were competent to lead key projects, adding that they had consistently pursued goals for economic development and industrialisation of the country and should be encouraged with more opportunities.
Okolo also disclosed that the Apapa Branch carried out nine industrial visits in the past year, in addition to hosting seminars designed to support the nation’s all-round development.
“We have been able to collaborate and help companies in the area of supporting firms in the designing and fabrication of industrial equipment for their use.
“We deployed some of our young engineers who are amongst the best to be employed in companies within and outside Lagos.
“Our structural engineers have assisted in resolving problems associated with building designs. We also have our student and NYSC members serving in firms in Lagos,” he said.
According to him, the theme for the 2025 Engineering Week, “Community-Based Engineering Solutions for a Thriving Economy,” further shows the branch commitment of economic growth.
The briefing, the branch held a Technical Workshop anchored by Mr Loko Ajibola, a Senior Corrosion Engineer from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
It was titled “Corrosion Engineering in Port Environments: Lessons from Case Studies”.
Okolo further announced that the branch would embark on a humanitarian visit to the Red Cross and motherless baby homes on Tuesday, while a public lecture and indoor games would hold on Wednesday at the branch secretariat.
The AGM is scheduled for Thursday, during which elections for new officers — except the chairman — will be conducted via electronic voting.
Highlighting achievements of the branch, he said capacity-building initiatives and welfare programmes for members had been prioritised over the past year.
“The branch has 656 six financial members drawn from the academia, private and public sectors of the economy,” he said.
Okolo thanked members of the branch for their cooperation, support and participation in the programmes, urging them not to relent in their efforts.