The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called for stronger collaboration between the engineering profession and the nation’s security institutions to enhance national defence, infrastructure development and technological innovation.

The society also proposed a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Defence in key areas, including engineering standards for defence infrastructure, joint research, indigenous technology development, defence industry-academia collaboration, emergency response, post-conflict reconstruction and national resilience.

The call was made during a visit by the NSE leadership to the Ministry of Defence in Abuja. Speaking during the visit, President of the NSE, Ali Rabiu, appealed for the restoration of the Society’s dedicated participation slot in the Nigerian Defence College Course, noting that such engagement would strengthen engineers’ understanding of strategic defence, national security and civil-military cooperation.

Rabiu also invited the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), to deliver the keynote address at the Society’s forthcoming International Engineering Conference and Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold in Borno State.

He further sought the ministry’s support in logistics coordination, security guidance and liaison arrangements to ensure the smooth movement and participation of delegates expected from across Nigeria and abroad.

Responding, the Minister of Defence commended the Society’s achievements under its current leadership, describing its programmes as purposeful and forward-looking.

Musa acknowledged the critical role engineers play in defence infrastructure, military logistics, combat support systems, technological innovation and national security, stressing that engineering solutions remain fundamental to the operational effectiveness and modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The minister approved the ministry’s support for enhanced security arrangements at the conference venue and the participation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, military engineers, defence institutions and the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN).

Musa expressed confidence that a stronger and more structured partnership between the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Society of Engineers would enhance Nigeria’s indigenous defence capabilities, promote technological advancement and strengthen national resilience.

The minister also assured the Society that its request for renewed participation in the Nigerian Defence College Course would receive due consideration.