Engineers Blame Nigeria’s Retarded Economic Growth On Infrastructure Deficit

The 21st president of the Association for Consulting Engineers of Nigeria (ACEN), Engr. Kunle Adebajo, has said Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit remains a formidable barrier to economic growth and global competitiveness.

Adebajo, who spoke at his investiture as the 21st ACEN president in Lagos, said the association’s priority is to position consultations as a cost-effective partner in Nigeria’s development.

According to him, this means moving beyond just the role of technical search providers to becoming trusted advisors, policy advisors, and champions of sustainable development.

Adebajo said infrastructure, healthcare, energy, or technology provision requires the deliberate application of engineering principles to transform ideas into practical solutions.

“Roads, power systems, water supply, digital networks, and industrial processes are engineered outcomes that improve productivity, connectivity, and quality of life. Conversely, engineering is development because it enables economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable progress. Where engineering is thoughtful, ethical, and people-centred, development is not accidental; it is designed, built, and sustained,” Adebajo said.

He lamented that the nation is at a crossroads despite recent progress, as millions still lack access to reliable electricity, safe water, efficient transportation, and resilient public works, adding that the scale of the challenge demands not just investment but innovation, integrity, and collaboration.

He called for a consistent focus on thinking beyond immediate challenges, advocating for infrastructure and policies that serve future generations.

The ACEN president advised policymakers on the need to partner with Consulting Engineers, as their expertise, he said, is at the heart of the current transformation and indispensable for bridging the infrastructure gap while ensuring that projects meet global standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Adebajo regretted that, despite abundant talent, Nigeria continues to rely heavily on foreign expertise for complex projects.  He called for strengthening local content, fostering indigenous innovation, and building capacity for local manufacturing, as these remain critical for economic self-reliance and sustainable growth.

He maintained that ACEN will continue to play a major role in shaping public policy, influencing regulation, and advocating for the profession’s and society’s interests.

Also, he laid strong emphasis on nurturing the next generation and ensuring that young professionals stay focused and are empowered to lead and shape the future.

Also speaking, Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Special Guest, observed that the consulting engineering profession sits at a critical intersection in our national development.

According to her, it’s not merely about drawings and designs but about shaping the physical backbone of our economy.

“Consulting engineers increase career-based balance, project governance, cost-to-discipline, safety compliance, and long-term asset performance. The advice they give determines whether infrastructure stands the test of time or becomes a burden on future generations. The profession must continue to insist on competence over due process and a life-cycle value over short-term savings”.

The guest speaker, Mr  Bambo Adebowale, said engineering does not operate in isolation but at the intersection of enterprise, policy, capital and national development.