The minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has challenged mechanical engineers to develop innovations and partnerships that will help harness opportunities in the maritime sector and advance national growth.

Mr Oyetola made the call at the 38th International Conference, Exhibition and annual general meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) held in Lagos.

The minister was represented by Hussaini Shettima,
director, Marine conservation, Innovation and Technology.

He said the conference theme, “Promoting Sustainable Blue Economy Through Technological Advancement: The Mechanical Engineering Perspectives”, was both timely and appropriate.

According to him, Nigeria stands at the threshold of a critical transformation and must harness its vast, untapped ocean and waterway resources for inclusive and sustainable development.

Mr Oyetola highlighted the numerous potentials within the sector, noting that turning these opportunities into tangible outcomes would require innovation and creativity from mechanical engineers.

He outlined several areas where mechanical engineers had contributed to the marine and blue economy value chain, as well as emerging gaps requiring their intervention.

“These innovations not only enhance efficiency and lower costs but also position Nigeria to compete confidently in the global blue economy,” he said.

The minister commended NIMechE for consistently upholding professional excellence, noting that mechanical engineers possess the tools, talent, and tenacity to help Nigeria lead the evolving global marine economy.

“I urge you to deepen partnerships with government, academia, and industry; invest in research; promote skills development; and advocate for a blue economy that delivers prosperity, environmental stewardship, and technological excellence.

“The sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine resources depends on innovative engineering solutions and resilient infrastructure,” he said.

Declaring the conference open, Margaret Oguntala, president/chairman-in-Council of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), described the theme as apt and forward-thinking.

Ms Oguntala said it aligns with both national aspirations and global efforts toward sustainable development, particularly in the responsible and innovative use of ocean and aquatic resources.

She added that the theme also complements that of the society’s forthcoming 2025 NSE International Conference in December, tagged “Engineering Innovation for a Sustainable Blue Economy”.

Ms Oguntala, represented by Felicia Agubata, vice president, NSE Corporate Services, highlighted the vital roles of mechanical engineers and urged them to continue driving innovation for economic growth.

She encouraged participants to engage, learn, network, and explore opportunities to collaborate and innovate for the advancement of the profession and the nation.

NIMechE national chairman, Alhassan Mohammed, said the choice of the conference theme was aimed at supporting the government through the deployment of engineering expertise to develop the sector.

He noted that the NSE, as the umbrella body, often sets strategic directions that its divisions, including NIMechE, collectively promote to advance national growth.

According to Mr Mohammed, NIMechE is well-positioned to assist the government in both technological innovation and infrastructure development.

The guest speaker, Farouk Ahmed, chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), described engineers as architects of Nigeria’s future.

Ahmed, represented by Ayo Cardoso, director and regional coordinator, South-West, spoke on the topic “Capacity Building in Attaining a Sustainable Blue Economy”.

(NAN)