Nigerian Society of Engineers Hosts Annual International Conference and Exhibition with Prominent Attendees and International Delegates: Highlights Role of Engineers in Addressing Food Security and Climate Change in Nigeria

The 57th International Engineering Conference, Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) took place in Abuja from Monday, November 18th, to Friday, November 22nd, 2024.

Themed Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change, the conference aimed to leverage engineering ingenuity to tackle the pressing challenges of feeding our growing world and safeguarding our planet’s future. It attracted a diverse group of attendees, including prominent government officials, international delegates, industry leaders, and young engineers.

Notable among the attendees were several international delegates from engineering organizations across Africa, as well as key figures from Nigeria’s engineering and political sectors, including the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Senator Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security; President of the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE), Engr. Kwabena Bempong; President of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), Engr. Shammah Kiteme; President of the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineering, Engr. Oba Jones; and  President of the Engineering Society of Liberia,  Engr. Dadley Toe.

Highlighting the significance of the conference in ensuring food security and national development in Nigeria, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engineer Magaret Oguntala, stated, “The NSE is committed to promoting excellence in engineering education, research, and practice. It plays a critical role in influencing policies that shape national development while advocating for high engineering standards and ethics. The theme, Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change, aligns with our commitment to driving innovation and promoting sustainable practices within the engineering community. This conference is a vital platform through which we can deliver sustainable engineering solutions to the pressing issues of food security and climate change. By doing so, we will help safeguard the well-being of our country and its citizens for generations to come.”

The keynote also addressed environmental sustainability, urging the adoption of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, real-time monitoring systems, and predictive analytics to ensure pipeline integrity. The President stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to mitigate risks such as agricultural engineering vandalism, leaks, and oil theft, which could jeopardize the economy and the environment.

She said “Food insecurity remains a critical issue, exacerbated by climate change, which disrupts agricultural productivity and endangers livelihoods. Through strategic collaboration with the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), we have supported raw material production by establishing demonstration farms in the six geopolitical zones of the country. These farms will showcase innovations in agricultural engineering while producing vital raw materials for local industries.”

“The theme of this year’s conference is Promoting Sustainable Practices. We have mobilized public and private partnerships to implement eco-friendly initiatives and build capacity in green technologies, aligning with global best practices. We also influence policy for sustainable manufacturing and green technology adoption, ensuring lasting change for Nigeria’s industrial landscape. The twin challenges of food security and climate change are not just theoretical; they are issues that define the survival and progress of our nation today”.

In closing, the President reiterated the NSE’s commitment to promoting innovative solutions and best practices in pipeline management. She urged all stakeholders, including government, industry players, and regulators, to prioritize safety, sustainability, and collaboration. The event served as a crucial platform for driving forward Nigeria’s pipeline infrastructure agenda, ensuring that it continues to support both national economic development and environmental preservation.