Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called for stronger partnerships with indigenous oil and gas companies to advance engineering development, innovation and technical capacity in Nigeria.

NSE president, Ali Rabiu, made the call during separate courtesy visits by his delegation to Aradel Holdings Plc, Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Ltd. and DeltaAfrik Engineering Ltd. in Lagos on Friday.

Mr Rabiu said stronger collaboration between professional engineering institutions and the private sector was essential to Nigeria’s industrial transformation and sustainable development.

He said there was a need to harness local engineering expertise, strengthen technical capacity and promote innovation through effective partnerships with indigenous companies.

At DeltaAfrik Engineering Ltd., Mr Rabiu commended the company for its contributions to the oil and gas industry, particularly in supporting energy security and technological advancement.

He sought the company’s support for NSE’s 2026 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting.

The conference is scheduled to hold from November 30 to December 4 at the International Conference Centre, Maiduguri, with the theme, “Engineering Innovation for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development”.

Mr Rabiu said the event would attract more than 8,000 delegates, including government officials, policymakers, security stakeholders, academics and industry leaders.

He said the conference would examine how engineering innovation could address security challenges, support economic recovery and strengthen national development.

The NSE president formally invited DeltaAfrik’s managing director, Akin Odumakinde, and other executives to attend the conference.

He also requested sponsorship for the company’s engineers to participate in the event and support for the Young Engineers Forum of Nigeria segment.

Mr Rabiu further urged DeltaAfrik to consider bulk payment of annual membership dues for its engineers registered with the NSE.

Beyond the conference, he proposed collaboration in professional training, indigenous technology research, industry-academia partnerships and critical infrastructure protection.

He said both organisations could also work together to promote mentorship and industry exposure for young Nigerian engineers.

Mr Rabiu said the NSE was ready to deploy its technical expertise and professional networks to support the proposed partnerships.

He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration with the companies would strengthen engineering practice, promote local technical capacity and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial development.

At Aradel Holdings, the chief executive officer, Adegbite Falade, said the company was committed to supporting engineering development and Nigeria’s economic growth through strategic partnerships with professional bodies.

Mr Falade described engineering as central to his professional career.

“As an indigenous company, we pride ourselves on contributing to Nigeria’s progress and look forward to partnerships and collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers,” he said.

Mr Falade expressed the company’s readiness to support NSE’s activities and explore opportunities for sustained engagement beyond its forthcoming conference.

He said engineering remained fundamental to the company’s operations, from drilling wells and producing oil to supporting the technical processes required for efficient energy delivery.

At Midwestern Oil and Gas, the managing director, Elozino Olaniyan, expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to host Rabiu and members of his delegation.

Ms Olaniyan said engineering excellence had underpinned the company’s operations and contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry over the decades.

She said the company remained committed to developing the next generation of engineers through practical training and industry exposure.

Ms Olaniyan said Midwestern engaged about 25 students during the recent academic session through its six-month internship programme.

She explained that the students gained hands-on experience by participating in the company’s engineering operations.

Ms Olaniyan welcomed opportunities for collaboration with NSE and expressed the company’s readiness to support the society’s programmes and initiatives.

She also said Midwestern would consider the society’s request for industrial visits to its facilities to expose young engineers to practical industry operations.

The managing director requested a formal letter outlining the proposals to facilitate further engagement. 

(NAN)