The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called for policy reforms that will ensure adequate funding and maintenance for government projects.

The NSE president, Margaret Oguntala, made the call at an event in Abuja to mark World Engineering Day.

Mr Oguntala said most projects became moribund because of lack of funding and maintenance culture.

“We find out that in Nigeria, when we embark on projects, we do not have plans on how to maintain them and that’s why they become moribund. There is therefore the need for a review of our policies in a way that will capture the maintenance of any project after its completion,” she said.

Ms Oguntala gave the example of the refineries, which had not been performing optimally for many years, leading to the importation of petroleum products.

She recalled that in the 1980s, engineers were engaged to manage and maintain many projects, but the culture had since changed, and many projects were now moribund.

Ms Oguntala stressed the need for policy reforms to involve engineers in all national projects for regular maintenance and sustainability. She specifically underscored the need to strengthen legal frameworks that would allow for the transformation of the power sector, among others, for economic development.

According to her, Nigeria needs to leverage the variety of engineers available in all sectors of the economy for sustainable development.

Ms Oguntala underscored the significant role of Engineers in proposing solutions to the current global economic, social, and humanitarian crises.

She said World Engineering Day offered a unique opportunity to give hope to younger persons, whether they are already in the profession or aspiring to become engineers.

(NAN)