Abuja: The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) has emphasized that sustained infrastructure development is the most critical driver of economic growth, trade expansion, and investment. The National Chairman of NICE, Mr. Tokunbo Ajanaku, highlighted this perspective during the 2nd Sen. Adefemi Kila Annual Colloquium held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the colloquium revolved around the theme ‘Infrastructure Development as the Bedrock for Growth in Trade, Economy, and Investment in Nigeria’. Ajanaku pointed out that global studies consistently demonstrate a strong correlation between infrastructure development and economic performance. He noted that the growth of major economies is deeply rooted in infrastructural development and warned that without it, sectors such as the economy, trade, and business would struggle to expand.
Ajanaku cited the introduction of GSM in Nigeria in 2000 as a transformative infrastructure development that has significantly improved business operations. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure projects, such as roads, in stimulating economic activities along their corridors. He described infrastructure as an “injection” and an “elixir” for economic growth, urging policymakers to adopt a systematic approach to infrastructure expansion to optimize national economic benefits.
The colloquium also served to honor Sen. Adefemi Kila, recognizing his contributions to national development. Keynote speaker Dr. Dakuku Peterside warned that Nigeria’s economic goals would remain unattainable without urgent infrastructure reforms. He stressed that a nation’s growth cannot rely on borrowed infrastructure or wishful thinking, emphasizing that infrastructure is the platform that transforms potential into productivity and local activities into global trade.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and guest speaker, underscored the significance of rail transport in economic development. He argued that neglecting mobility would hinder development and highlighted the role of railways in reducing logistics costs, cutting transit times, and unlocking agricultural and industrial value chains.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ali Rabiu, called on political leaders to prioritize competence over patronage in awarding contracts. He advocated for the involvement of Nigerian engineers in infrastructure delivery, noting that local expertise is often overlooked in favor of foreign firms.
In response, Sen. Adefemi Kila expressed gratitude to NICE for organizing the colloquium in his honor. The event featured the unveiling of NICE’s website and membership portal, awards presentations, fundraising for its headquarters, and the conferment of fellowship on over 60 members.