Mothercloud News

The Federal Government has called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to play a more active role in resolving Nigeria’s power-related challenges.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, made this appeal while receiving the NSE President, Engr. Margret Aina Oguntala, and other executive members on a courtesy visit in Abuja. The visit aimed to explore strategic partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and technical advisory support for the power sector.

Key Highlights from the Meeting:

1. Harnessing Engineering Expertise for Power Solutions
   • Adelabu noted that, despite Nigeria producing a large number of engineers, the country still struggles with power infrastructure challenges.
   • He urged the NSE to ensure that their expertise contributes to the efficiency of critical power infrastructure.
2. Review of Power Sector Progress
   • The Minister pointed out that it took 40 years for Nigeria to grow from 2,000MW in 1984 to 4,000MW in 2022.
   • However, in less than two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, power generation has increased to 6,003MW.
3. Training and Capacity Building
   • Adelabu emphasized the importance of continuous training and encouraged NSE to collaborate with National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN).
   • He lamented the decline in structured engineering training since the NEPA era and called for a return to rigorous engineer development programs.
4. Local Production and Manpower Development
   • The Minister stressed the need for Nigeria to produce its own power sector materials to boost employment, strengthen local industries, and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
   • He urged NSE members to mentor young engineers, just as pioneers in other fields like Chief Akintola Williams did for accountants.
5. NSE’s Response
   • NSE President, Engr. Oguntala, assured the Minister that the body would rise to the challenge by contributing technical expertise, fostering innovation, and enhancing capacity development in the power sector.

This collaboration is expected to bring about sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s power challenges while strengthening the engineering profession’s impact on national development.