Nigerian engineers backbone of growth — Minister

The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, has hailed Nigerian engineers, both at home and abroad, as key drivers of the nation’s infrastructure, sustainability, and development agenda.

Goronyo made the remarks in a statement after attending the 2025 Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), London Branch Conference.

The statement was released by Mrs Maryam Sanusi, Director of Information/Public Relations at FERMA.

Speaking on the conference theme, “The Role of Engineers in Infrastructure Sustainability,” the minister emphasised the critical role engineers played in building modern, resilient, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure across Nigeria.

He stated that Nigeria’s greatest export was not oil or gas, but its people, skilled, intelligent, and determined professionals contributing to global innovation and national transformation.

Goronyo reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda placed infrastructure at the heart of Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term development strategy.

“No nation can achieve prosperity, inclusivity, or competitiveness without resilient, sustainable infrastructure,” he said, highlighting ongoing flagship projects across roads, housing, and energy sectors.

He listed key infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja-Kano Road, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and the East-West Corridor, all being executed to international safety and sustainability standards.

Goronyo also noted investments in mass housing, renewable energy, and climate-sensitive urban renewal as proof of the administration’s focus on inclusive and environmentally responsible development.

“These projects are more than just concrete and steel; they serve as engines for commerce, platforms for empowerment, and pathways to social dignity,” the minister added.

He paid glowing tribute to engineers delivering those projects, saying their expertise and dedication were essential to realising Nigeria’s infrastructure vision.

Goronyo said Nigerian engineers abroad contributed to global innovation while mentoring younger professionals and bridging knowledge gaps between Nigeria and the international engineering community.

“Wherever Nigerian engineers are found, progress is never far behind. You are a vital bridge between global best practices and local realities,” he said.

He urged engineers to focus on sustainability beyond political timelines, integrating green technologies and fostering a strong maintenance culture in their work.

Goronyo also stressed the need to mentor the next generation of engineers, ensuring that the profession continued to drive national progress in decades to come.

He outlined government reforms, partnerships, and investments aimed at creating an enabling environment for engineering excellence and innovation.

“We need your ideas, skills, networks, and passion.

“Keep building bridges, literally and figuratively, between Nigeria and the global engineering ecosystem,” he said.

The minister commended the NSE London Branch for promoting professional excellence and strengthening international engineering linkages.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of development, but engineers are the heartbeat.

“Together, we must build a Nigeria where development is sustainable and engineers lead the transformation,” he said.