Fellows of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Tuesday, gathered in Abuja to brainstorm on ways to reposition the manufacturing sector for competitiveness and enhanced economic growth.
Addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the 2023 National Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting, the 33rd President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, FNSE, said that Nigerian engineers are concerned about the gradual erosion of the little record Nigeria had on her non-oil export performance in the 1960s and 1970s.
He said: “The annual flagship event of our great Society is a platform for discourses that not only enhance the professional competence of the Engineers but also contribute to the economic growth and development of our nation, Nigeria and, by implication, the advancement of technology worldwide.
“The theme of this year’s conference is “Re-engineering the Manufacturing Sector for Competitiveness and Enhanced Economic Growth”. The theme of the conference was informed by the continuing decline of activities in the manufacturing space of Nigeria’s economy.
“Nigerian Engineers are concerned about the gradual erosion of the little record Nigeria had on her non-oil export performance in the 1960s and 1970s.
There were once days of export of textile, coal, tyres, hides and skin, and many other products from Nigeria. The rubber plantations in the South have disappeared, the coal mines in the East are no more, the textile hubs in Kaduna and Kano are moribund, and so is the tannery industry across the North.
“Many international conglomerates that bolstered the manufacturing sector of Nigeria’s economy at some points have wound up their businesses and left. Therefore, the manufacturing sector, which has traditionally played an important role in driving economic growth, has been faced with increasing challenges of shortage of skilled labour, regulatory burdens and lack of investment in technology and infrastructure.
The conference was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), with the support of BUA Group and other corporate organisations.
Source: blueprint
