Engr. Margareth Oguntala, President of Nigerian Society of Engineers
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on engineers to embrace sustainable engineering practices in infrastructure development, to address the challenges posed by climate change and rapid population growth.
NSE President, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, made this appeal in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja. She emphasized the critical role engineers play in advancing technological innovation and sustainable development.
Delivering the keynote address at the 7th Annual Conference of the Engineering Society of Liberia (ESOL), Oguntala highlighted Liberia’s commitment to sustainability as a unique opportunity for engineers to implement innovative solutions.
Oguntala urged engineers to adopt eco-friendly materials, green construction techniques, and digital technologies to develop resilient infrastructure. This includes roads, bridges, water systems, and smart cities. She underscored the importance of building infrastructure that can withstand climate challenges while accommodating increasing population demands.
She also advocated for modular construction to accelerate project timelines and reduce costs, alongside the use of recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact.
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In response to rapid urbanization and technological advancements, Oguntala stressed that sustainable engineering is not just an economic necessity but also a fundamental pillar of environmental stewardship and long-term resilience. She reaffirmed that development must meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive.
Encouraging engineers to explore innovative technologies, she called for optimized resource management and minimal environmental footprints. She also emphasized the significance of off-grid renewable energy solutions to expand energy access in rural communities.
Oguntala advocated for strengthened public-private partnerships to fund renewable energy projects and enhance power distribution efficiency. Additionally, she called for interdisciplinary collaboration with agronomists to promote sustainable agriculture, improve crop resilience, and develop technology-driven solutions for smallholder farmers.
She further highlighted the role of smart transportation and mobility solutions in driving sustainable urban development.
As climate change continues to pose significant challenges, the NSE reaffirmed its commitment to championing engineering solutions that prioritize sustainability, innovation, and resilience.
