The federal government has set up the National Engineering and Innovation Fund (NEIF) to support local innovation and encourage entrepreneurship.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Bello Goronyo,
minister of state for works, announced the development on Tuesday at the 2024
International Engineering Conference Exhibition and annual general meeting in
Abuja.
The conference was organised by the Nigerian Society of
Engineers (NSE) to address issues around sustainable engineering solutions to
food security and climate change.
“I am proud to announce the establishment of the National Engineering and Innovation Fund,” Tinubu said.
“It is a new initiative designed to provide grants and
resources to engineers and technologists working on solutions for Nigeria’s
unique challenges.
“With this fund, we aim to support local innovations,
encourage entrepreneurship, and ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of
engineering advancement in Africa.
“It is also aimed at strengthening regulations and
standards. This is because a commitment to quality and safety is at the heart
of responsible engineering.”
Tinubu pledged to collaborate with the NSE and other
regulatory bodies to ensure that only licensed and qualified professionals
handle critical national projects.
The president encouraged engineers to explore solutions in
solar, wind, and other renewable energy technologies to provide reliable,
affordable, and sustainable energy.
‘NIGERIA NEEDS SUSTAINABLE STORAGE FACILITIES, PROCESSING
TECHNOLOGIES’
Also speaking at the event, Abubakar Kyari, the minister of
agriculture and food security, praised the NSE for its commitment to developing
agriculture in Nigeria.
“Nigeria’s food security and climate resilience face
pressing challenges that demand innovative and sustainable engineering
solutions,” Kyari said.
“Some of these engineering tools include emerging
technologies, innovative concepts, further reduction in post-harvest losses and
increased usage of agricultural machinery for enhanced productivity and
efficiency.”
Kyari asked engineers to design affordable and adaptable
machinery for Nigerian crops and terrains to encourage mechanised farming and
improve productivity.
On rural development, he called for the creation of
sustainable storage facilities and processing technologies to reduce
post-harvest losses, particularly in rural communities.
Kyari said renewable energy systems like solar and biogas
could revolutionise agriculture in off-grid areas by providing reliable power
for irrigation, processing, and storage.
The minister said the federal government is keen on
supporting legislation and policies that promote sustainable engineering solutions
in agriculture.
Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno, urged the engineers
to invest in research on irrigation, food cultivation, water harvesting,
mechanisation, and environmental degradation to enhance food production.
“This is very important. On my part, as the governor of
Borno state and one of you, we shall continue to provide the political will and
the commitment needed to drive the process,” Zulum said.
Margaret Oguntala, president of the NSE, said the conference
was a call for engineers to address problems and innovate solutions both for
Nigeria and globally.
She said food insecurity remains a critical issue which,
exacerbated by climate change, disrupts agricultural productivity and endangers
livelihoods.
“As engineers, we hold the tools to pioneer sustainable
solutions, whether through advancements in precision agriculture, renewable
energy for rural communities or climate-adapted infrastructure,” Oguntala said.
“The solutions we craft here will not only serve Nigeria but
will resonate globally.”
Oguntala encouraged engineers to think creatively, push
boundaries, and develop solutions that address current challenges while
safeguarding the future.
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