FG will ensure MDAs engage indigenous engineers, Buhari affirms

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured engineers in the nation that its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will engage indigenous professionals in the nation.

President Buhari, who was represented by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, gave this guarantee during a public meeting coordinated by the Nigerian Academy of Engineering on Monday, while talking about the topic, ‘How COVID-19 pandemic opened up immense talents of Nigerian scientists’.

Present at the virtual public meeting were President of Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Alex Ogedegbe; Executive Secretary of Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Titi Omo-Ettu; Guest Speaker, Prof Babatunde Ogunnaike and other high ranking officials.

He lauded Nigerian engineers for the heterogeneity of their experience and capability.

Buhari recollected his “Executive Order Nos 5 which directs all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to engage indigenous professionals in the planning, design, and execution of national security projects and maximize in-country capacity in all contracts and transactions with science, engineering and technology components.”

The President portrayed Nigerian scientists as commendable resources to be developed, stating that the COVID-19 pandemic uncovered the potentials, abilities, and inventiveness of the scientists.

He added that the pandemic had opened up the great talents and vision of Nigerian scientists and engineers and if the present drive was upheld, the next few years could be extremely exhilarating.

While lauding the academy and its membership, he stated, “We are proud of Nigerian Academy of Engineers; your membership is made up of accomplished Nigerian engineers across all disciplines industry sectors of engineering in Nigeria and in the diaspora.

“This provides it with the depth and diversity of experience and competence to provide advice on virtually all areas of engineering in the country.”