Protocol,

Presidents of Academies

Presidents of Stakeholder Organisations of Engineering

Political Parties

Distinguished Fellows of the Academy

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press.

After decades of development policy formulation and implementation, Nigeria is still challenged with dysfunctional infrastructure, and it appears that no section of the economy is operating at an optimal level. Infact we are all aware of the situation where some of the challenges have been so bad that the existence of the nation, Nigeria was under threat.  Today, we are preparing for a general election in a few months’ time. it is imperative that we get it right this time.

The Nigerian Academy of Engineering’s approach to contributing towards solving the problem is not about cataloguing the problems, trading blames, and comparing Nigeria with developed economies. It is also not about supporting any particular political party towards winning the election. It is not about debating on the numerous development policies and programmes over the years and why they have not worked. It is not that these are not important but because as a think tank, we know that information on the above are already in the public domain as Nigerians do not lack in expertise in analyzing our problems as a nation.

Our approach in solving the problem is to provide evidence, data and knowledge-based advice on how the incoming administration can redirect Nigeria towards the path of progress. We have come to the conclusion that the missing link in Nigeria’s efforts at economic and human development in all sectors is engineering. The Academy has therefore established various working Committees where Fellows with years of experience behind them come together to analyze the development challenges and proffer innovative solutions in the areas of infrastructure including: manufacturing, power, renewable energy, ICT, oil and gas, water and sanitation, climate change, education, health, agriculture, transportation, etc. The work of the committees are produced as Policy Briefs to guide government towards public policy formulation and implementation. These are available to Federal and State governments.

Today, we have assembled four Fellows of the Academy who have seen it all in different areas of engineering for development from the perspective of government, industry, and academia in the spirit of the Triple Helix model. They will provide policy direction and advise for the incoming administration on how to use engineering to drive development in Nigeria. We recognise that it is impossible to deal with all the problems facing Nigeria in just one Public Forum. The Academy therefore offers to engage more with any of the political parties who need more in-depth recommendations on how to use engineering to develop Nigeria within the shortest possible time.

I once more welcome everybody (physical and virtual) to this forum and pray that we can all work together to make Nigeria work.

Engr. Prof. Azikiwe Peter Onwualu, FAEng

President, Nigerian Academy of Engineering

 15^th December 2022