The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has expressed concerns over the Federal Government’s recent appointments of non-engineers to critical positions that require professional engineering expertise.
The society specifically pointed out the appointments made within the newly reconstituted Executive Management of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
According to the NSE, many of the individuals appointed to senior engineering roles, such as Executive Director, Engineering, and Executive Director, Planning and Design, lack the necessary qualifications and professional credentials. The society’s findings revealed that only four of the appointments were allocated to qualified engineers.
NSE President, Mrs. Margret Oguntala, voiced her concerns over the implications of these appointments for Nigeria’s water resources management and the long-term sustainability of the sector. She emphasized that the River Basin Development Authorities play a crucial role in managing the country’s water resources, which are vital for agriculture, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Oguntala stressed that the leadership of such institutions must be composed of individuals with the technical expertise and professional qualifications needed to tackle the challenges faced in the sector. She warned that appointing individuals without the requisite engineering qualifications undermines the integrity of the institutions and hampers their ability to fulfill their mandates effectively.
The NSE also raised questions about the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining professional standards in governance, especially in sectors that have a direct impact on the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
The society called for broader public awareness and collaboration to promote the appointment of qualified professionals in leadership roles across Nigeria’s public sector, in line with established laws. NSE remains dedicated to advocating for the advancement of the engineering profession and the well-being of its members and the nation.
The NSE urged the Federal Government to reconsider the appointments and ensure that the leadership positions in the River Basin Development Authorities are filled by qualified engineers, advocating for transparency and consultations in the appointment process.
