Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to large-scale infrastructure renewal anchored on durability, sustainability, economic diversification, climate resilience and inclusive growth.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi who was ably represented by the former Director, Federal Ministry of Works, Chief Engr. Marcus Ugwuanyi, stated this at the 2026 International (Hybrid) Conference of the Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, themed “Sustainable Engineering for a Resilient Future.”
Umahi said the Ministry of Works is vigorously implementing transformative infrastructure projects nationwide, guided by the principles of sustainability, durability and value for money.
He also urged South-East states and the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to adopt nanotechnology solutions in highway construction to protect massive investments in road infrastructure and curb premature road failures currently being experienced.
According to him, the conference theme aligns with the vision of the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Engineering, in all its branches, remains central to achieving our national objectives. Sustainable engineering is no longer optional; it is the pathway to resilience, competitiveness, social inclusiveness and long-term prosperity,” Umahi said.
He noted that the Federal Government is rehabilitating and constructing critical road and bridge networks to improve connectivity, foster regional integration and stimulate economic activities.
“Most major arterial roads are now being upgraded to rigid pavements as a more resilient alternative to flexible pavements, which have become unsustainable due to poor designs, poor construction practices, inadequate drainage, highway abuse, poor maintenance and insufficient funding,” he explained.
Umahi added that emphasis is being placed on stable subgrade layers with well-graded rock materials and effective subsoil drainage systems, noting that underground water challenges often contribute to frequent pavement failures.
He said reinforced concrete side drains are being deployed to ensure proper lateral discharge of water, rather than limiting stabilization to the carriageway width.
Also speaking, the lawmaker representing Aguata Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Engr. Dom Okafor, charged engineering scholars to evolve from being mere builders of structures to architects of sustainability.
He challenged engineers to focus on designs that prioritise longevity, adaptability and ecological harmony, while lamenting the global consequences of unsustainable development, including rising sea levels, collapsing infrastructure, energy crises and widening inequality.
“Resilience is not just the ability to withstand shocks; it is the capacity to transform adversity into opportunity. Nigeria’s challenges—energy instability, infrastructural deficits and environmental degradation—also present opportunities for innovation,” Okafor said.
He stressed the need for green technologies, smart infrastructure, renewable energy and inclusive engineering solutions, while calling for stronger collaboration between research institutions and policymakers.
The lawmaker pledged to support policies that promote innovation, research funding and intellectual property protection, urging young engineers to see the profession as a calling to serve humanity and protect the planet.
Declaring the conference open, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ugochukwu Ayaehie, commended the Faculty of Engineering for its impressive research output and urged scholars to patent their innovations to enable commercialization and broader societal impact.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hilda Osisioma, Ayaehie assured continued support for academic excellence, innovation and town-gown collaboration.
“Engineering plays a critical role in shaping a sustainable future. From renewable energy to green technologies and innovative materials, your work can make a lasting impact,” he said.
Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Engr. Prof. Ugochukwu Okonkwo, described the conference theme as timely amid global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, rapid urbanisation and environmental degradation.
He emphasised the importance of the 3Rs—rethinking, redesigning and rebuilding existing systems—to drive global sustainability.
Lead papers at the conference were presented by Prof. Michael Ngadi of McGill University, Canada, and Dr. Eni Oko of Newcastle University, England.
