APC chair says engineering key to Nigeria’s development

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, has said engineering, innovation and technology must remain at the centre of Nigeria’s development strategy to drive economic growth, industrialisation and global competitiveness.

Yilwatda stated this on Tuesday after attending the opening of the 34th Engineering Assembly organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria in Abuja.

The APC chairman, who described himself as a member of the engineering profession, said the gathering of engineers, policymakers, academics and industry stakeholders underscored the critical role of engineering in national development.

He said the theme of the assembly, “Shaping Solutions, Building a Greater Future,” reflected the need for practical and technology-driven solutions to Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

According to him, engineering extends beyond technical competence and requires innovation, research, ethical practice and visionary leadership to solve societal problems.

Yilwatda said engineers have a vital role in developing resilient infrastructure, expanding access to sustainable energy, modernising agriculture, strengthening healthcare delivery, improving digital connectivity and supporting industrial growth.

He stressed that Nigeria’s long-term development depends on sustained investment in engineering education, research, innovation and local capacity development, noting that countries that achieved rapid economic transformation empowered their engineers and scientists to develop home-grown solutions.

The APC chairman said Nigeria possessed the human capital and natural resources required to drive technological advancement if supported through sound government policies and strategic investment.

He added that engineering would remain central to the implementation of critical infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, bridges, housing, power, telecommunications, manufacturing, mining and the digital economy.

Yilwatda also said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu placed infrastructure and technological advancement at the heart of economic development, making engineers key to translating government policies into tangible benefits for citizens.

He urged Nigerian engineers to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, renewable energy, smart infrastructure, data science and advanced manufacturing while maintaining high ethical and professional standards.

The APC chairman also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulatory agencies, academia, professional bodies and the private sector to accelerate national development.

He commended COREN for promoting professional standards and engineering regulation, describing the annual assembly as an important platform for policy dialogue, innovation, mentorship and professional development.

Yilwatda encouraged young engineers to pursue excellence, innovation and integrity, expressing confidence that Nigerian professionals possess the capacity to address the country’s infrastructure deficit, boost productivity, create jobs and drive inclusive economic growth.