The recent approval by the government of a new engineering innovation fund is aimed at supporting advanced research, technological progress, and inventive solutions within the engineering sector. The fund aims to position the nation as a global leader in engineering innovation. The announcement was made at a significant conference themed “Sustainable Engineering Solutions to Food Security and Climate Change.” Engineers were emphasized as problem solvers and innovators who need opportunities for professional growth and innovation. The newly established National Engineering and Innovation Fund will provide grants and resources to engineers and technologists working on solutions for the country’s unique challenges. The focus is on supporting local innovations, encouraging entrepreneurship, and ensuring Nigeria’s leading role in engineering advancement in Africa. The commitment to maintaining high standards in engineering projects was also highlighted.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security urged engineers to develop sustainable solutions for climate-smart agriculture to address challenges affecting food security, especially due to climate change. He emphasized the need for affordable and adaptable machinery, sustainable storage facilities, infrastructure resilient to extreme weather, renewable energy systems, sustainable irrigation, soil management tools, and precision agriculture technologies.
Governor Zulum of Borno State emphasized the importance of engineering solutions in addressing irrigation challenges, food cultivation, water harvesting, mechanization, and environmental degradation to enhance food production. Additionally, investing in alternative energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was highlighted.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers stressed the urgency for engineers to tackle food insecurity worsened by climate change and called for innovative solutions to these pressing challenges. The conference serves as a platform to inspire engineers to rise as problem solvers and innovators in addressing critical issues facing the nation.