Indigenous engineers have raised concerns over their consistent exclusion from Federal Government infrastructure projects, warning that this trend undermines President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the “Buy Nigeria First” policy.

Speaking at the investiture of Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu as the 35th President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the new leader emphasized that sustainable national development cannot occur without active engagement of Nigerian engineering professionals. He noted that many government projects, worth trillions of naira, still bypass local engineers, often resulting in inflated costs and substandard delivery.

Engr. Rabiu highlighted that laws such as the COREN Act and Executive Order 5 already mandate the involvement of local engineers, yet these regulations are often ignored, especially by ministries overseeing works, power, water resources, and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Engineering deserves the same institutional respect accorded to law and accounting in national decision-making,” Rabiu stressed, calling for mandatory engagement of Nigerian consultants in project design, supervision, and certification.

He also praised the previous NSE President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, for restoring professionalism and visibility, but urged a stronger alignment of engineering practice with national priorities and public policy. Plans under his leadership include:

• Strengthening professional capacity and vocational education
• Rebuilding NSE into a standards-driven, policy-influencing institution
• Supporting technical college upgrades and youth skills development
• Reducing dependence on foreign technical labor

Rabiu concluded with a call for unity within the profession, urging engineers to deliver Nigerian solutions, by Nigerian professionals, for Nigeria’s future.