Engineers query appointment of non-professionals in river basin authorities

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has raised the alarm over the Federal Government’s appointment of non-engineers into positions that required the expertise of professional engineers.

The society lamented the appointments of unqualified personnel to engineering positions in the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) in the Federal Government’s recently reconstituted new Executive Management of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

NSE said many of the appointees assigned to manage the critical engineering positions, namely – Executive Director, Engineering and Executive Director, Planning and Design – lack the necessary qualifications and professional credentials.

The NSE said its findings have also revealed that only four of the appointments were allotted to engineers as Executive Directors, which are Executive Director Engineering, Ogun-Osun RBDA, Executive Director, Engineering, Chad BDA, Executive Director, Engineering Designate, Lower Niger RBDA and Executive Director, Engineering, Cross River BDA.

NSE President, Mrs Margret Oguntala, expressed deep concerns regarding the implications of these appointments for the future of Nigeria’s water resources management and sustainable development.

“The RBDA plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient administration and equitable distribution of our nation’s water resources, which are essential for agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability and economic growth.

“It is vital that these authorities are overseen by individuals who possess both the technical expertise and professional qualifications required to navigate the complex engineering challenges of the industry. The appointment of personnel without the requisite engineering qualifications undermines the integrity of the institutions and jeopardises the ability to fulfil their mandates effectively,” she said.

According to her, the development raises serious questions about the commitment of the Federal Government to uphold standards of professionalism in governance, particularly in sectors that directly impact the livelihood of millions of Nigerians.

The association noted that society must help the government make the right choices, ensuring that the nation’s infrastructure management is led by competent, qualified professionals who can navigate the complexities of resource management for sustainable development.

“We encourage stakeholders in engineering, environment and development sectors to raise awareness, share insights and collaborate on strategies that promote the appointment of qualified individuals in leadership positions across Nigeria’s public sector as established in the relevant laws of the land.

“NSE, the umbrella organisation for all registered and practising Nigerian Engineers in Nigeria and in the diaspora remains steadfast on its mandate of advocating for the advancement of the engineering profession in Nigeria as well as the wellbeing of all its members and the nation in general,” Oguntala said.

The society urged the Federal Government to reconsider these appointments and adhere to established guidelines that ensure the appointment of qualified professionals for key leadership roles. “We advocate for transparency and consultations in the appointment process and the necessity of qualified engineers those who possess the relevant degrees and professional accreditation to occupy, particularly, the positions of Executive Director, Engineering and Executive Director, Planning and Design in the management/boards to oversee the vital departments,” she added.