The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has challenged its members to develop homegrown solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure, energy and climate challenges towards setting the tone for a sustainable future for the country.

Speaking at a dinner event during the 2025 Engineering Week of the NSE, Trans Amadi Branch in Lagos, President of the NSE, Margaret Oguntala, noted that without engineering, Africa would go nowhere, hence the need for Nigerian engineers to find homegrown solutions to the country’s challenges.

The Engineering Week was held with the theme, ‘Engineering the Future: Innovation, Infrastructure and Sustainability in Nigeria.’

While commending the branch, which was established last year for “hitting the ground flying,” Oguntala said: “This branch has chosen the entire week to talk about engineering the future. And really you all will agree with me that there is no future without engineering. So, without engineering, Africa is going nowhere. So, let us continue to innovate; let us continue to build sustainable infrastructure that will exist long after we have left.”

She urged members of the Society to continue to mentor younger people who would take over when they leave the stage.

“So, ask yourself before you leave here: What am I doing to ensure that there is a sustainable future and that the future of engineering in Nigeria is certain?”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the NSE, Trans Amadi Branch, Jonathan Francis, described  the theme of the event  as both timely and compelling, noting that “it challenges us to reflect on our roles as engineers in shaping a nation that is not only technologically advanced but also resilient and environmentally conscious.”

Francis added: “As a country, the infrastructure gap is widening in comparison to what is obtainable in nations about our age or in some we are older than. Roads, housing, transport, power, and water systems are either inadequate, overstretched, or collapsing. We cannot build a future without a strategic engineering response.

“The country is facing climate and sustainability threats. Flooding, desertification, waste and energy insecurity require urgent engineer-led, sustainable solutions. Innovation must be homegrown and context driven. First, considering our challenges are unique and our data needs to be protected.

“So, our engineering innovations must reflect our local environments, materials, and people’s needs; and be locked within to protect our demography.”