NAE backs power reforms, warns on infrastructure gaps
The Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) has thrown its weight behind ongoing reforms in the power sector, urging the federal government to adopt stronger engineering-driven solutions to address Nigeria’s infrastructure deficits, including electricity supply, climate resilience and urban sanitation.
The academy’s president, Rahamon Bello, made the call on Tuesday during a press briefing at its secretariat in the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Complex, University of Lagos, Akoka, ahead of its 2026 apex events.
He stated that the academy had spent the past year deepening its role as a technical think tank, producing policy papers and engaging government on what he described as “structural challenges” across key sectors of the economy.
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“The Academy exists to provide data-driven, independent technical expertise to the nation,” Mr Bello said.
Mr Bello explained that the academy’s recent work included a technical review of the 2024 collapse of the Alau Dam in Borno State, which identified structural and engineering failures as key contributing factors.
He said the findings had been submitted to both the Borno State Government and relevant federal agencies, alongside recommendations on reconstruction, early-warning systems, and long-term safeguards against climate-related infrastructure failures.
On the power sector, he revealed that the academy’s April 2026 special forum reviewed Nigeria’s widening electricity supply gap and recommended urgent financial and structural reforms.
The academy, he said, supports the federal government’s Presidential Power Sector Financial Reforms Programme, including the proposed issuance of specialised bonds to clear gas supply debts and improve liquidity in the sector.
It also called for accelerated implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative aimed at expanding grid capacity to 25,000 megawatts, alongside increased investment in solar, hydro and other renewable energy sources.
Wastewater, climate risks and urban pressure
Mr Bello also raised concerns over Nigeria’s urban wastewater management system, citing findings from a May academy lecture which showed that less than 20 per cent of urban wastewater is properly treated.
He noted that the situation poses growing risks to public health and environmental safety, warning that sanitation infrastructure can no longer be treated as a secondary development issue.
In June, he said, the academy hosted a climate change webinar featuring the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, alongside officials of the National Council on Climate Change and the Lagos State Government.
He emphasised that discussions at the forum reinforced the central role of engineers in delivering Nigeria’s climate commitments under its Nationally Determined Contributions.
“We urge the federal government to swiftly adopt these engineering blueprints to safeguard public health, infrastructure and the country’s economic future,” he said.
Danbatta to succeed Bello as academy president
Mr Bello also announced that the academy’s 2026 apex events will climax with the investiture of Umar Danbatta as the 14th President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
Mr Danbatta, former Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, currently serves as Vice President of the academy and is expected to assume leadership at the end of Mr Bello’s tenure.
The programme begins on Wednesday with the Annual General Meeting at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, where fellows will review the past year and induct new members.
It will also feature the third National Innovation Competition Exhibition, which showcases engineering solutions to industry stakeholders and potential investors.
Later in the day, the academy will host its Technology Dinner and Awards Night, where innovators, partners and sponsors will be recognised. The event will also feature the presentation of its Travel Fellowship Grant to young academics for international research exposure.
The Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, Alfred Okoigun, will deliver the keynote address titled “From Resource Wealth to Knowledge Wealth: The Science of Nation Building.”
Annual lecture, awards and leadership transition
The apex events will conclude on Thursday at the J. F. Ade-Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, with the academy’s annual lecture, investiture ceremony, lifetime achievement awards and induction of new fellows.
The lecture, themed “Impactful Engineering through Innovation and Mentorship,” will be delivered by the academy’s 10th President, Fola Lasisi.
The ceremony will also feature the formal investiture of Mr Danbatta, presentation of lifetime achievement awards, and induction of engineers recognised for outstanding contributions to national development and the engineering profession.
Nigeria’s apex engineering body
Founded in 1997, the Nigerian Academy of Engineering is the country’s foremost engineering think tank, bringing together distinguished professionals from academia, industry, government and private practice.
The academy provides independent technical advice on engineering, technology and innovation to support national development and global competitiveness.
Its fellowship is highly selective, with members elected in recognition of excellence in engineering practice, research and leadership. It also confers honorary fellowship on individuals outside the profession who have made exceptional contributions to engineering development.
As of March, the academy has 196 fellows and three honorary fellows.
Beyond policy advisory work, the academy runs programmes such as the National Innovation Competition, Fellows’ Forums, public lectures and a $10,000 Travel Fellowship Grant for young academics, aimed at strengthening innovation and capacity development across the engineering ecosystem.
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The academy acknowledged long-standing support from partners including Globacom, ARCO Group Plc, MTN Nigeria, Aradel Holdings, ND Western and InvestmentOne.
It also named First Bank of Nigeria Limited as grand sponsor of this year’s National Innovation Competition, alongside other supporters including Cisco Systems, Heirs Energies, Mudozangl, Oriental Energy Resources and NehRebAB Investment Company Limited.
Mr Bello also commended individual fellows and corporate entities supporting the academy, saying their contributions remain critical to sustaining its programmes and national engagements.
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