NSE Seeks Stronger Government Collaboration on Engineering, Infrastructure, and Technology

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen its collaboration with the Society to drive Engineering, infrastructure, and technological advancements in Nigeria. This appeal was made by the President of NSE, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, during a courtesy visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, on Thursday, January 30, 2024, in Abuja.

During the meeting, NSE President presented NSE’s request for the full sponsorship of its proposed Innovation Hub, a technology incubation and product development center aimed at adapting research and technologies into commercially viable products. She highlighted that the initiative is modeled after Taiwan’s transformation into a global semiconductor powerhouse and emphasized the importance of policy backing and government funding to drive this vision.

The NSE President also advocated for the implementation of the Engineering Salary Scale, urging the government to approve Level 10 as the entry point for Engineers in public service. She stressed that this move would boost the morale and productivity of Engineers across the country.

Expressing concern over the appointment of non-Engineers to key technical positions in agencies like the River Basins Development Authorities (RBDAs), NSE President called for corrective measures to ensure that only qualified Engineers are appointed to such roles, given their strategic importance to national development. She further reaffirmed NSE’s technical expertise and its ability to provide strategic policy guidance to support sustainable infrastructure growth and national development.

In response, Senator Akume assured NSE of the Federal Government’s commitment to partnering with the Society to achieve national development goals. He acknowledged the crucial role of Engineering and technology in shaping Nigeria’s economic and infrastructural landscape and pledged government support for NSE’s initiatives.

This engagement signals an era of stronger collaboration between the NSE and the Federal Government, aimed at strengthening Engineering policies, driving technological innovation, and fostering sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

SOURCE: IN HOURSE