Abuja: Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has highlighted the vital role of consulting engineers in Nigeria’s efforts to address its infrastructure deficit and support sustainable national development. Akume made these remarks during the 47th Annual Conference 2025 and General Meeting of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the SGF, represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Technical, Prof. Babatunde Bolaji, emphasized the importance of the conference’s theme, ‘Closing the National Infrastructure Deficit and the Strategic Role of Consulting Engineers.’ This theme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure investment as a driver for economic transformation and job creation. Akume noted that the technical competence and innovation of Nigerian consulting engineers are essential to these efforts.
Akume acknowledged ACEN members as key contributors to ensuring that infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water systems, and power projects adhere to global standards. He highlighted the federal government’s recognition of the role these engineers play, from feasibility studies to project management and maintenance, and expressed commitment to strengthening partnerships with the association. Through the Presidential Council on Infrastructure Delivery and Monitoring, new frameworks are being introduced for quality assurance, capacity building, and local content optimization in engineering consultancy.
The SGF also discussed ongoing infrastructure programs, including major highway projects, rail modernization, and power sector reforms, which aim to enhance connectivity, productivity, and inclusive growth. He urged engineers to continue providing the necessary technical leadership and innovative solutions to accelerate national development, emphasizing the need for synergy between government, private firms, academia, and development partners.
In his keynote address, Dr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), pointed to the electricity access challenge as a significant test for engineers. Despite numerous policy discussions, over 86 million Nigerians still lack reliable electricity access, placing Nigeria among the countries with the largest number of people without electricity globally. Aliyu called on engineers to lead in bridging the infrastructure and electricity access gaps through innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
Kam-Salem Bukar, President of ACEN, noted the critical importance of infrastructure development for Nigeria’s economic growth, social progress, and global competitiveness. He emphasized the role of consulting engineers in providing expertise and strategic guidance to bridge the infrastructure gap. The conference serves as a platform for discussions, insights, and practical solutions to deliver sustainable infrastructure projects.
Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), highlighted ACEN’s commitment to promoting resource deployment and ensuring value for money in project execution. Despite economic constraints, she stressed the importance of continuing infrastructure projects at both subnational and federal levels, as they are crucial for national development, job creation, and economic stability.