By The Ameh News
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has declared that engineering, innovation and technology must become the foundation of Nigeria’s economic transformation, industrialisation and sustainable development if the country is to compete successfully in the global economy.
Speaking on Tuesday after participating in the opening ceremony of the 34th Engineering Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja, Yilwatda said Nigeria’s future prosperity depends on empowering engineers to deliver practical, technology-driven solutions to the nation’s infrastructure and development challenges.
The APC chairman joined engineering professionals, policymakers, academics, industry leaders and other stakeholders at the annual gathering, which focused on the theme: “Shaping Solutions. Building a Greater Future.”
According to him, engineering is no longer just a profession but a strategic pillar for national development, economic growth, job creation and improved quality of life.
“Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development, economic transformation, industrial growth and global competitiveness can only be achieved by placing engineering, innovation and technology at the centre of national planning and execution,” Yilwatda said.
He described the Assembly as timely, saying it brought together experts committed to strengthening engineering standards, promoting innovation and contributing to national development through professional excellence.
Engineering Critical to National Development
Yilwatda noted that Nigeria faces increasingly complex challenges that require innovative engineering solutions, stressing that engineers must go beyond technical competence by providing visionary leadership, ethical practice and creative problem-solving.
He said engineers play a vital role in designing resilient infrastructure, expanding digital connectivity, modernising agriculture, improving healthcare delivery, developing sustainable energy systems and accelerating industrial growth.
According to him, countries that have successfully transformed their economies did so by investing heavily in engineering education, scientific research, technological innovation and indigenous capacity development.
He argued that Nigeria possesses abundant human capital, youthful talent and natural resources capable of driving technological advancement if supported through sound government policies, increased investment and stronger collaboration between public and private sector institutions.
Renewed Hope Agenda Relies on Engineering
The APC National Chairman said engineering remains indispensable to the successful execution of major infrastructure projects across transportation, housing, power, water resources, manufacturing, telecommunications, mining and the digital economy.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development and technological advancement at the centre of economic reforms, making engineering professionals essential partners in translating government policies into tangible benefits for Nigerians.
According to him, engineers will play a central role in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit, improving productivity, creating employment opportunities and supporting inclusive economic growth.
Emerging Technologies Hold the Key
Yilwatda urged Nigerian engineers to embrace emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, smart infrastructure, renewable energy, green construction technologies, data science and advanced manufacturing.
He said remaining globally competitive would require continuous learning, innovation and strict adherence to professional ethics.
He also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, regulatory agencies, universities, professional bodies and the private sector to accelerate national development.
“Sustainable development can only be achieved through coordinated efforts that harness the expertise of all stakeholders,” he said.
COREN Commended
The APC chairman praised the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for strengthening engineering regulation, promoting professional standards and safeguarding public safety.
He described the annual Engineering Assembly as an important platform for policy dialogue, mentorship, innovation and knowledge sharing, expressing confidence that recommendations from the conference would support policies aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s industrialisation.
Yilwatda also encouraged young engineers to pursue excellence, integrity and innovation, assuring them that the future belongs to professionals who combine technical expertise with leadership and public service.
Why It Matters
Experts have consistently argued that engineering remains one of the strongest drivers of economic development. Improved infrastructure reduces the cost of doing business, boosts industrial productivity, attracts investment, expands digital access and creates jobs across multiple sectors.
As Nigeria continues implementing major reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, engineering innovation is expected to be central to delivering reliable power supply, efficient transportation systems, affordable housing, improved healthcare infrastructure, food security and sustainable industrial growth.
What Next?
Stakeholders expect recommendations from the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly to shape future engineering policies, strengthen professional standards and encourage greater investment in science, technology and innovation.
The discussions are also expected to deepen collaboration between government, academia and industry while positioning Nigerian engineers to take advantage of emerging technologies and contribute more effectively to national development.
Concluding his remarks, Yilwatda expressed confidence in the ability of Nigerian engineers to transform the country’s future through innovation and professionalism.
“By harnessing our collective knowledge, embracing innovation, upholding professionalism and working together across sectors, we can truly shape lasting solutions and build the greater future that every Nigerian deserves,” he said.
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