Port Harcourt:The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) has called on engineers to enforce professional standards and reject unsafe practices to safeguard lives and infrastructure. Dr. Felix Adeboye, NIEEE President, emphasized these points during an event in Port Harcourt, organized to mark the 2026 World Standards Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adeboye highlighted the critical need for regulatory compliance and continuous professional development, noting that engineers hold a position of public trust. Their responsibilities, he said, go beyond technical expertise to include integrity and accountability, urging them to dismiss substandard practices that could risk lives.
Adeboye also urged Nigeria and other African countries to actively engage in developing and implementing international standards rather than solely consuming them. He encouraged Nigerian engineers, researchers, industries, and universities to contribute to standard-setting processes to ensure local conditions and priorities are considered.
He called for greater collaboration among governments, regulators, standards organizations, academia, and industries to enhance compliance and prepare engineers for emerging technologies. He stated that standards are crucial for guiding innovation and protecting society as engineering systems become more digital and interconnected.
Mr. Giandomenico Massari, Chairman of the occasion, cautioned against cutting corners in engineering, which could lead to infrastructure failures, financial losses, and fatalities. He urged engineers to adhere to approved designs and standards while continually enhancing their skills to meet changing professional demands.
Massari also pointed out the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in engineering, emphasizing the necessity for proper human oversight to avoid errors and misleading results. He encouraged the use of locally manufactured electrical cables and quality engineering materials to support industrial growth, job creation, and economic strength.
Additionally, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced a review of the national grid code to accommodate renewable energy and emerging technologies. Mr. Joseph John, representing NERC, stated this review would align the code with the Electricity Act 2023 and strengthen grid security and real-time monitoring.
Similarly, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), called for stronger collaboration among telecommunications, power, and engineering sectors to protect infrastructure and enhance digital services. He emphasized the importance of standardization for network security, equipment compatibility, and service quality.
Maida urged government agencies and engineers to protect telecommunications infrastructure from damage during construction. He noted that technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G networks present opportunities for improved infrastructure monitoring and digital services.
The event concluded with the presentation of an award to the chairman and certificates of appreciation to presenters from engineering and regulatory organizations.