Engineers Canvass Adoption Of Smart Tech For Nigeria’s Blue Economy

The Maitama Abuja branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called for the adoption of smart technologies to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s blue economy.

The call came at the second Engr. TSG Wudil symposium which brought together industry leaders, policymakers and engineering professionals in Abuja on Friday.

The symposium, organised in honour of a former president of the NSE, Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, focused on innovation, policy and engineering excellence as key drivers of national development.

In the keynote address, Dr. Kola Adesina highlighted the transformative potential of smart technologies in optimising Nigeria’s marine resources.

“The blue economy is Nigeria’s next frontier for diversification, job creation and climate resilience. From digital aquaculture to renewable ocean energy, we must leverage innovation to unlock its full potential,” Adesina stated.

The event themed; “Integrating Smart Technologies into the Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” spurred discussions on renewable energy, smart port systems, and coastal resilience technologies.
Chairman of the NSE at Maitama branch, Engr. Itodo Ocheme, in his welcome address, described the symposium as a platform to “inspire innovation and drive strategic discourse.”

On Wudil’s contributions, Ocheme said, “His leadership exemplifies professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to national development through engineering.”

He urged participants to turn ideas into action, declaring, “This symposium is more than a gathering; it is a call to innovate for Nigeria’s future.”

Panelists including Engr. Prof. S.Z. Abubakar (COREN president), Senator Binta Masi Garba and Mrs. Betty Ugona (CEO, Scalevation Services Ltd), addressed critical issues such as engineering regulation, policy implementation and entrepreneurship.

Engr. Uzo Nwaije of Finlab Group emphasised the role of manufacturing in industrial growth, calling for “collaboration between engineers and policymakers to bridge infrastructure gaps.”

A key highlight was the recognition of Engr. Wudil for his pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s power sector, including the development of the Grid Code and Smart Metering Regulation.

NSE president Engr. Margaret Oguntala commended his impact, stating, “Engr. Wudil’s work has shaped the backbone of Nigeria’s electricity sector.”

Engr. Wudil, a PhD candidate in Electrical Engineering and Senior Executive Course 46 graduate of NIPSS, is celebrated for his leadership in NSE, technical regulation, and energy innovation.

The event, attended by engineers, academics, students, and stakeholders, concluded with networking sessions aimed at fostering partnerships to advance Nigeria’s blue economy through engineering solutions.