The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged mechanical engineers to harness opportunities within Nigeria’s vast coastal and marine ecosystem by developing critical equipment that could drive a sustainable blue economy for the country.
He also called for stronger partnerships between government, academia, and professional institutions to train young Nigerians in marine engineering, subsea design, and green energy systems.
Oyetola made the call at the 38th international conference, exhibition and yearly general meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) with the theme: ‘Promoting a sustainable blue economy through technological advancement, the mechanical engineering perspectives,’ in Ikeja, Lagos.
Represented by the Director, Marine Conservation, Innovation and Technology, Hussaini Shettima, he outlined several areas where mechanical engineers had contributed to the marine and blue economy value chain, as well as emerging gaps requiring their intervention.
The Minister challenged them to drive innovations not only to enhance efficiency but also to lower costs and position Nigeria to compete confidently in the global blue economy.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, who led the charge, noted that mechanical engineers occupy a pivotal position in developing the technologies that underpin modern energy and marine industries.
According to him, the role of the practitioners in designing corrosion-resistant platforms, advanced mooring systems, and automated port facilities that can withstand harsh Atlantic conditions while enhancing efficiency and safety in oil and gas operations cannot be overemphasised.
He encouraged them to help the country by developing mechanical innovations like efficient desalination plants to address water scarcity in coastal communities, and green solutions for vessels that can curb emissions from shipping and logistics.
Ahmed, who was represented by Director and Regional Coordinator, NMDPRA, South-West, Dr Lukeman Cardoso, emphasised that mechanical expertise could unlock Gigawatts of clean energy through offshore wind farms, turbine dynamics, and subsea robotics, all contributing to the reduction of Nigeria’s carbon footprint.
NIMechE National Chairman, Alhassan Mohammed, said the choice of the conference theme was aimed at supporting the government through the deployment of engineering expertise to develop the sector.
He noted that the NSE, as the umbrella body, often sets strategic directions that its divisions, including NIMechE, collectively promote to advance national growth.
Mohammed noted that NIMechE is well-positioned to assist the government in both technological innovation and infrastructure development. Earlier, President and Chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, represented by Vice President, NSE Corporate Services Dr Felicia Agubata, said the theme aligned with both national aspirations and global efforts toward sustainable development, particularly in the responsible and innovative use of ocean and aquatic resources.
