The President of the Nigerian Society of
Engineers (NSE), Ali Rabiu, has warned governments against engaging unqualified persons to handle critical engineering projects, saying such practices could endanger millions of lives.

Rabiu gave the warning at the weekend when he inspected the site of a major landslide in Calabar, Cross River State, where Lafarge and other structures were submerged in a ravine. It would be recalled that several lives were lost and houses buried in ravines in Calabar recently.

The inspection was part of activities during his visit to Calabar for the inauguration of the new executive committee of the NSE, Calabar Branch.

Describing the situation as serious, Rabiu said he was pleased that the Cross River State Government had commenced remedial measures, but stressed the need for lasting engineering solutions to prevent further damage.

He said he had been informed that a contractor with considerable experience in similar projects had been mobilised to the site, citing the Araj Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where a severely affected site was reclaimed and transformed through engineering intervention.

Rabiu, however, urged the state government to continue to rely on professional engineers in addressing the problem.

“My only advice is that government should continue to make use of the services of its professional engineers rather than bringing quacks, people who are not trained,” he said.

He described as wrong the practice of allowing people without professional engineering training to determine what happens on construction sites simply because they had acquired years of experience.

“That is very, very wrong,” he said, stressing that engineering decisions required professional competence, particularly where lives and property were involved.

Meanwhile, the NSE Calabar Branch inaugurated Prof. Godwin Akeke as its 19th chairman alongside a new executive committee to pilot the affairs of the professional body.

Other key officers inaugurated alongside Akeke include Obas-Sam Ojobe as Vice Chairman, Bassey Ibok-Eyo as General Secretary and Prof. Ogarekpe as Treasurer.

Speaking after his inauguration, Akeke pledged to build a stronger, united and impactful branch, promising to position the society as a leading professional voice and reliable partner in the development of Cross River State.

He said his administration would strengthen engagement with government agencies, universities, development partners, the private sector and other professional bodies, while advocating quality, sustainability and value for money in public infrastructure.

Akeke also promised to promote continuous professional development, mentorship and exposure to emerging technologies, particularly for young engineers, whom he urged to see engineering as a platform for innovation, wealth creation and employment generation.

He further disclosed plans to work towards establishing additional NSE branches in Cross River, particularly at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) and Ikom.

The outgoing chairman, Engr. Igbor Alaga, expressed confidence in Akeke’s ability to lead the branch, describing him as an experienced member who had served in various planning and administrative capacities.

Alaga said Akeke was taking over a stable and active branch, urging the new executive to make inclusivity a priority, seek the counsel of senior engineers, mentor young professionals and maintain high engineering ethics.

He also appealed to members to support the new leadership and work collectively to sustain the progress of the branch.