Nigerian engineers have been urged to use engineering practice to engender national development by designing and implementing solutions that promote inclusive growth and enhance quality of life.
Engineer Adokiye Tombomieye, former Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd made the call recently in Rivers State at an international conference organized by Faculty of Engineering of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking on the topic, “Engineering Practice for National Development and Environmental Sustainability”, Tombomieye said engineers must play key role both in policy formulation and implementation for desired national development. He said they must acknowledge the pivotal role that engineering plays in shaping the trajectory of nations and safeguarding the health of our planet.
“Engineering is not merely a profession; it’s a driving force behind economic growth, social progress and environmental stewardship. However, the challenges we face in the 21st century- rapid urbanization, climate change, resource scarcity-demand a revaluation of our engineering practices to ensure both national development and environment sustainability. Furthermore, engineering must be viewed through the lens of a holistic development”, Tombomieye said.
The former VP, Upstream of NNPC Ltd, said national progress cannot be measured solely by economic indicators but must also encompass social well-being, environmental quality and cultural preservation.
“As engineers, we have a responsibility to design and implement solutions that promote inclusive growth, enhance quality of life and preserve the natural heritage of our planet. Moreso, environmental sustainability must be at the forefront of our engineering endeavours. The degradation of our ecosystems, the depletion of natural resources and looming threat of climate change are stark reminders of the urgent need for sustainable development.
“We must adopt a circular economic approach where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized and ecosystems are regenerated. From renewable energy systems to green infrastructure our engineering solutions must prioritize environmental sustainability at every stage of the project lifecycle”, he stated.
Tombomieye noted that globally engineers contribute to their nation’s development with designs, constructions and manufacturing. He said In Nigeria, engineering practice has gone through several evolutions. He averred that during the early years after independence, very few indigenous engineers were involved in flagship projects, even as staff engineers.
Today, he noted, following deliberate national policies (e.g. local content) significant number of Nigerian engineers are involved in national flagship engineering projects.
“Some are involved as engineering entrepreneurs. I want young engineers here to know that there are opportunities out there for you to add to our national development. However, achieving national development and environmental sustainability through engineering practice is not without its challenges. We must confront the entrenched interests that prioritize short term gains over long-term sustainability.
“We must overcome the inertia of outdated policies and practices that perpetuate environmental degradation and social inequity. We must bridge the gap between developed and developing nations ensuring that all countries have access to the knowledge, technology and resources needed to pursue sustainable development”, he said.
Continuing, he admonished closing, that engineering has the power to shape the future of nations ,and the fate of the planet. He said by embracing a holistic approach to development and prioritizing environment sustainability in their practice, engineers can build a world that is prosperous, equitable and resilient for generations to come.
He enjoined engineers to harness the transformative power of engineering to create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
The conference, which had as it sub-themes, Advances in Agricultural Machinery, Development and Utilization, Computing and Artificial Intelligence, Developments in Road Trans Infrastructure /Structural Designs and Development, attracted scholars and intellectuals from within and outside Nigeria.
They include, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigerua (COREN) and Engr. Effifia Chu, Managing Director, Warri Refinery and Petrochemicals.