Why Nigeria must embrace environmental engineering – Experts

Experts have emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to integrate environment engineering innovations to remain relevant in the league of nations.

They warned that failure to do so could leave the country behind in the global race for sustainability and technological advancement.

A Professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Prof Tobeechukwu Ogwuuelekka, while delivering a lecture on “Advancing Environmental Engineering Innovations for National Development at the inauguration of Engr. Uche Patrick-Obikile”, as the 8th Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE) Abuja Chapter,

He highlighted that environmental and digital engineering have become the most relevant fields in today’s world, particularly as industries move away from fossil fuel dependency.

Prof Ogwuuelekka, who was represented by Engr Dr. Balogun Samson, pointed out that the world is developing, but unfortunately, Nigeria and other Subsahara African countries have refused to move, saying if the region must move, the drivers would be environmental engineers.

He explained that environmental engineering plays a vital role in critical areas such as waste and water management, air pollution control, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure.

The expert stressed that Nigeria must embrace environmental generic solutions to tackle economic challenges, infrastructural development, water and waste management, and air pollution, saying advancing national development requires the implementation of cut-edge innovations in environmental engineering, and technology.

He maintained that as the United Nations and the global community push towards sustainability exemplified by the Circular Economy model and the UN 2030 sustainable agenda, it is important that Nigeria keep pace with this global transition to ensure sustainable growth and development.

The don emphasized that “Environmental engineering is no longer an option but a necessity for economic growth, public health, and environmental sustainability,” stakeholders stressed. They urged Nigerian policymakers to prioritize wastewater recycling and renewable energy solutions, shifting away from fossil fuels to create a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous nation.

The National Chairman of NIEE Engr Adegboyega Ogunyemi maintained that environmental engineering innovation is not just about technology advancement but for policy frameworks inter disciplinary collaboration and community engagement.

He tasked professionals in the field to continuously seek ways to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, circular economy principles, and eco-friendly industrial practices into the National development agenda.

The newly inaugurated chairman, Engr. Uche Patrick-Obikile pledged to advance environmental engineering initiatives and strengthen collaborations between professionals, researchers, and policymakers to drive national development.

The event concluded with a call for a collective commitment from government agencies, private sectors, and professionals to champion sustainability and technological advancements in environmental engineering.