President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled the National Engineering and Innovation Fund, a landmark initiative to empower engineers and technologists to address Nigeria’s unique challenges. The announcement was made during the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) ‘s Annual General Meeting and International Engineering Conference in Abuja.
Empowering Local Innovations
The newly established fund seeks to:
- Provide grants and resources for innovative engineering projects.
- Encourage entrepreneurship by supporting local talent.
- Position Nigeria as a leader in African engineering advancements.
President Tinubu, represented by Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, emphasized the administration’s commitment to creating opportunities for professional development within the engineering sector.
Focus on Standards and Regulations
The government also pledged to enforce stringent regulations to ensure quality and safety in engineering projects. Collaboration with bodies like the NSE will ensure only licensed and qualified professionals handle critical national projects.
Engineering Solutions for Agriculture and Climate Change
The conference theme, “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change,” underscored engineers’ pivotal role in addressing pressing issues. Key speakers outlined actionable strategies:
- Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari
- Called for climate-smart agricultural solutions tailored to Nigerian conditions.
- Advocated for:
-
-
- Affordable, adaptable machinery for mechanized farming.
- Sustainable storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses.
- Renewable energy systems (solar, biogas) to power irrigation and processing in off-grid areas.
- Efficient irrigation systems and soil health tools for year-round farming.
- Leveraging GIS and IoT technologies for precision agriculture.
-
- Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum
- Urged investment in research on:
-
-
- Irrigation and water harvesting for enhanced food production.
- Renewable energy sources like geothermal and solar to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
-
Call to Action for Engineers
NSE President Margaret Oguntala highlighted the dual challenges of food security and climate change, urging engineers to become proactive problem solvers.
“The survival and progress of our nation depend on innovative engineering solutions. This conference is a clarion call for action.”
The National Engineering and Innovation Fund represents a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s developmental challenges. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, the initiative aims to empower engineers to create transformative solutions for food security, climate change, and beyond.
RELATED POSTS:
South Africa’s Komati Coal Plant Closure: A Cautionary Tale for the Energy Transition
FG, EU Sign £17.9M Power Development Agreement to Boost Nigeria’s Off-Grid Electricity Project
iRESS Solar Backpack: RKK Group Wins AfriSAFE 2024 Innovative Product Award
