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The Central Government has emphasized that solutions based on engineering are vital for ensuring food security in Nigeria, highlighting that mechanization, irrigation systems, storage facilities, and agro-processing technologies are necessary for increasing output and minimizing post-harvest losses throughout the nation.

It also highlighted the importance of engineering in promoting industrial development, pointing out that a solid mechanical and manufacturing foundation is essential for increasing value, generating employment, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s industrial sector in regional and global markets.

The role was reiterated by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, on Saturday during the launch of the 17th National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the newly appointed Executive Committee members in Abuja.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers includes the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers as a professional branch, created to promote the development, teaching, and oversight of mechanical engineering within Nigeria.

It functions as a focused platform within the NSE for mechanical engineers operating in major industries including manufacturing, energy, oil and gas, power, transportation, agriculture, and construction.

At the gathering, the minister stated that achieving food self-sufficiency and national stability in Nigeria would not be possible without the intentional use of engineering skills in agriculture, infrastructure, and security systems.

Kyari, who praised Babagana Modu Tela for being appointed National Chairman, emphasized that effective leadership among engineers is essential for determining Nigeria’s future.

“This event highlights the lasting significance of professional leadership in defining our country’s future. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the new National Chairman, Babagana Modu Tela, and the members of the executive committee on your installation,” Kyari stated.

He stated that food security should be considered a matter of national security, pointing out that instability affects agricultural output, processing, storage, transportation, and market access.

“Thus, engineering solutions continue to be essential for mechanizing agriculture, irrigation systems, agro-processing plants, logistics, storage infrastructure, and minimizing post-harvest losses. These measures not only enhance productivity and food supply but also generate employment, boost rural areas, and alleviate the socio-economic challenges that typically exist in such regions,” he stated.

As stated by the minister, these actions would not only enhance productivity and increase food supply but also generate employment opportunities, boost rural economies, and alleviate socio-economic strains that frequently contribute to instability.

Kyari stated that the Federal Government, as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizes food self-sufficiency, industrial growth, local production, and the advancement of human resources.

“Engineering capability continues to be essential in reaching these national goals, and professional groups like the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers have an important part to play. Esteemed engineers, this time demands renewed professional accountability and a strong plan. In addition to technical approaches, Nigerian engineers, who act as problem-solvers, must be rooted in local contexts and dedicated to working together with government, business, and educational institutions,” he emphasized.

Nigeria remains facing increasing food inflation, a weak industrial sector, and ongoing security problems, factors that have placed pressure on family incomes and economic development. Various governments have pointed out insufficient infrastructure, low levels of mechanization, and restricted local production as major obstacles to efficiency and competitiveness.

In the agricultural industry, limited availability of mechanical farming equipment, outdated irrigation methods, and inadequate storage and processing facilities have led to minimal output and significant losses after harvest. Likewise, Nigeria’s industrial sector continues to rely greatly on imports because of shortcomings in local production capabilities and technical knowledge.

In his comments, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, highlighted mechanical and energy engineering as essential for Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.

Rabiu mentioned that swift technological advancements have increased the importance of engineers in fields like manufacturing, construction, communications, and energy.

“The area of energy engineering is essential for the industrial and economic growth of our nation. It serves as the base for progress in manufacturing, construction, communications, and energy,” he stated.

He advocated for greater coordination between professional goals and Nigeria’s strategic plan focused on energy resilience, technological advancement, and infrastructure growth.

“We need to synchronize our goals with the country’s energy resilience plan. Our departments should move past formalities and concentrate more on research, career growth, guidelines, and skill enhancement,” Rabiu said.

The president of the NSE mentioned that the inauguration’s theme coincided with the emphasis of the 2026 International Engineering Conference and Annual General Meeting, which is titled “Engineering Solutions for Security, Energy Access, and Sustainable Development.”

He further stated, ‘This event needs to move beyond programs to the conversation about genuine solutions, solutions concerning security, energy availability, and sustainable growth.’

In his first speech, Babagana Modu Tela mentioned that becoming the 17th National Chairman marked a call to dedication and the start of a fresh chapter for the organization.

“To be chosen as the 17th National Chairman of this esteemed organization is more than just a privilege; it is a summons to serve, a call I embrace with all my heart,” he stated.

He expressed gratitude to previous leaders, especially his direct predecessor, Alhassan Mohammed, for establishing a solid base for the organization.

Highlighting the focus of his leadership, “Engineered for Progress: A New Era of Innovation and Inclusion,” Tela stated that mechanical engineers continue to be the driving force behind Nigeria’s industrial growth.

He identified 12 key areas of emphasis, such as policy impact, career advancement, increasing membership, nurturing young talent, guidelines and regulations, teamwork, well-being, and environmental responsibility.

Rephrasing the vision as the “TEAM Agenda,” he stated: “T stands for Technical Progress, E for Empowerment and Guidance, A for Promotion and Policy Impact, and M for Member Well-being. Gathering is the start, remaining united is development, and collaborating is achievement.”

Delivering the main speech, Major General Babatunde Alaya, Director General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria, discussed in detail the importance of local engineering and industrial capabilities in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.

He stated that successful national security relied on dependable weapons, ammunition, armored vehicles, monitoring systems, and secure communication methods, all of which needed solid engineering support.

Tracking DICON’s background, Alaya mentioned that the company, founded in 1964, had a significant part during Nigeria’s Civil War and has recently been restructured under the DICON Act 2023, which was signed by President Tinubu.

“The updated legislation enables DICON to form collaborations, draw in funding, and set up additional manufacturing facilities for defense and security gear,” he stated.

He revealed that DICON has entered into more than 40 Memoranda of Understanding and four Joint Venture Agreements with domestic and global defense companies, facilitating the local manufacturing of rifles, ammunition, armored vehicles, drones, and explosives.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).