NSE advocates policy reform on project funding, maintenance
By Angela Atabo
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has called for policy reforms that will ensure adequate funding and maintenance structure for any projects to be embarked upon by the government.
The NSE President, Ms Margaret Oguntala made the call at an event in Abuja, to mark the World Engineering Day themed “Engineering Solutions for Sustainable World”.
Oguntala said most projects became moribund because of lack of funding and maintenance culture.
“We find out that in Nigeria, when we embark on projects, we do not have plans on how to maintain them and that’s why they become moribund.
“There is therefore the need for a review of our policies in a way that will capture the maintenance of any project after their completion,” she said.
Oguntala gave the example of the refineries which for many years had not been performing optimally leading to importation of petroleum products
She recalled that in the 80s Engineers were engaged to manage and maintain a lot of projects, but the culture had since changed as a lot of projects were now moribund.
Oguntala stressed the need for policy reforms to involve engineers in all national projects for regular maintenance and sustainability.
She specifically underscored the need to strengthen legal frameworks that would allow for transformation of the power sector among others for economic development.
According to her , Nigeria needs to leverage on the variety of engineers available in all sectors of the economy for sustainable development.
Oguntala underscored the significant roles of Engineers in proffering solutions in the face of the current global economic, social and humanitarian crises.
She said that the World Engineering Day offered a unique opportunity to give hope to younger persons, whether they are already in the profession or aspiring to become engineers.
The Minister of Works ,David Umahi, represented by his Chief of Staff, Joseph Ekumankama, commended NSE for its effort in developing Nigeria and reassured NSE of the government’s support.
Prof. Abubakar Sambo, President-Elect, Nigerian Academy of Science, in his presentation titled “:The case of Nigeria, advocated alternative means of generating electricity.
Sambo said there is the need for Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African nations to adopt robust energy policies based on carefully produced energy demand and supply projections. (NAN)
Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi
Published By
-
Editor/Assistant Chief Correspondent,
FCT Correspondent,
NAN Abuja.
Has also recently published
Economy/BusinessDecember 23, 2024FG lifts 5-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara
MetroDecember 20, 2024Yuletide: More than 340,000 passengers to enjoy free train rides – NRC
Economy/BusinessDecember 20, 2024FCT-IRS collects N252.83bn IGR in 2024
Economy/BusinessDecember 19, 2024ACCI to establish university to bridge skills gap in Africa
