By Lydia Chigozie-Ngwakwe
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos Branch, has urged governments to give engineers greater opportunities to be involved in policy-making and national development.
The Chairman of the branch, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, made the call during an official visit by the branch to the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) and Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) on Thursday.
Kesha, who led the delegation, said that engineering remained the bedrock of infrastructure and economic growth.
According to her, Nigeria must take deliberate and holistic steps to match global standards in infrastructure development.
She said: “We must take drastic actions that will place Nigeria among nations that are proud of their systems.
“Engineers must set the standards because we are the drivers of infrastructure development.”
Kesha emphasised the need for strong institutions to tackle issues such as building collapse, adding that proper training, welfare, enforcement of regulations and accountability were critical.
“If institutions are weak, society will override them. Where there is no enforcement, there is no law,” she said.
At the LSMTL, the General Manager, Mrs Olayinka Abdul, highlighted the agency’s transformation efforts since she assumed office, saying that the facility had previously been in a dilapidated state.
Abdul said that with the support of the state governor and his deputy, the agency had been gradually improving.
“By November this year, LSMTL will be 20 years. When I came in, the structures were in poor condition and the agency was largely neglected.
“However, after engaging with the deputy governor in October 2024, we began to witness significant progress.
“Though we need more support, we are making the best use of available resources,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegati toured the laboratory, where officials demonstrated how building materials could be tested to ensure quality and safety standards.
At the LSPWC, the General Manager, Mr Tokunbo Ajanaku, commended Kesha for good leadership and contributions to the engineering profession.
He described her as a respected figure who consistently supported young engineers and promoted professional excellence.
Ajanaku briefed the delegation on the corporation’s operations, including road rehabilitation processes, and provided videos of completed projects.
In her remarks there, Kesha urged engineers to remain committed to professionalism and resist unethical practices.
“Government has given us the opportunity to make a difference. We must not allow greed to override our responsibilities.
“As engineers, we should challenge ourselves and deliver quality works. Engineering is profitable, and no engineer should be associated with poverty,” she said.
She also commended the LSPWC management for efforts, saying that there had been visible improvements in road rehabilitation across the state.
The delegation was taken to the organisation’s asphalt production yard, where the members observed the process of mixing hot asphalt for road maintenance.
The team concluded the visit with a tour of Howo Sinotruk facility as part of NSE’s Continuous Professional Development programme aimed at exposing engineers to industry experience. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola
