NICE Urges Engineers To Embrace AI For Infrastructure Development

The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Abuja Chapter, has urged engineering professionals to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a catalyst for innovation and improved infrastructure delivery, while maintaining the professional judgment and ethical standards required in engineering practice.

Chairman of the Chapter, Engr. Adeleke Shola Ayanronke, made the call at the 2026 Annual Public Lecture and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, where experts and stakeholders examined the growing impact of AI on the construction and engineering sectors. The lecture was themed, “Redefining Building and Infrastructure in the Artificial Intelligence Age: Threat or Transformation?”

Delivering the keynote address, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Sanusi Muhammed, stressed the need for Nigeria to develop indigenous AI solutions capable of addressing local challenges and driving national development.

He noted that the future competitiveness of the country’s engineering and infrastructure sectors would depend largely on how effectively emerging technologies are harnessed.

Also speaking, project manager at Dantata Town Developers,  Vladan Guldovic, highlighted the growing integration of advanced technologies in construction, while panelists explored the opportunities and challenges AI presents for engineering professionals and the built environment.

At the AGM, members adopted the Chapter’s Financial and Technical Reports and elected a new executive committee. Participants agreed that although AI offers significant potential for improving efficiency and innovation, its effectiveness ultimately depends on quality data, human oversight and the responsible application of professional expertise.