By Modupe Bankole
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed focus on the blue economy, describing the policy as a strategic shift capable of accelerating Nigeria’s economic diversification and long-term sustainability.
NSE President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, stated this, on Monday in Ibadan during the pre-conference media briefing ahead of the 2025 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting.
The event, which formally opened on Monday and runs until Friday, December 5, is holding at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
According to Oguntala, no fewer than 6,500 engineers and their spouses have already registered online for the conference, with additional participants and international delegates expected to complete their registration on-site.
She described the theme of this year’s conference, “Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy,” as timely, noting that the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by the Tinubu administration reflects a deliberate move away from Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on crude oil revenues.
“The blue economy represents vast opportunities in food security, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, maritime transport, and tourism,” Oguntala said. “Our goal is to support the government by producing a practical and impactful roadmap that ensures the sustainable use of ocean and water-based resources for prosperity.”
This year’s conference has attracted a high-profile lineup of dignitaries.
President Tinubu is expected as Distinguished Guest of Honour, while Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, serves as Chief Host. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, himself a Fellow of the NSE, will attend as Special Guest of Honour, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, will deliver the keynote address.
Traditional rulers attending include His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (ARSA I), and , Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, both accomplished engineers and respected Fellows of the Society.
The event will feature plenary and technical sessions, exhibitions, cultural activities, group dynamics sessions, a Young Engineers’ programme, and a special schedule for spouses.
The Society will also confer its prestigious Fellowship on 481 engineers, while five eminent personalities will receive honorary fellowship awards for their contributions to engineering development.
Oguntala lauded the media for its support and pledged the Society’s commitment to promoting policies and innovations that strengthen national development.
The conference opened with the Engr. Alade Ajibola Golf Tournament and the National Engineering Games, which concluded on Sunday. Activities continue today with the Fellowship Conferment Ceremony at 2:00 p.m.
She expressed confidence that the outcomes of the week-long discussions would provide government and stakeholders with strong technical insights for advancing Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
