By Osaretin Osadebamwen
The Honourable Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., has called on Nigerian engineers, innovators, diaspora professionals, and international partners to deploy their expertise in accelerating Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Speaking at the 2026 UK Engineering Conference in Glasgow, themed “Engineering Innovation for National Impact”, Goronyo underscored the centrality of engineering to Nigeria’s economic growth and prosperity.
He described engineering as more than technical expertise, insisting it is the foundation of national development. “Roads lead to prosperity. They are not just pathways of asphalt and concrete; they are the arteries of commerce, agriculture and industry, carrying the lifeblood of our economy,” he said.
Goronyo emphasized that quality road infrastructure reduces transportation costs, facilitates trade, creates jobs, and strengthens connectivity across Nigeria. He noted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government has demonstrated unprecedented commitment to road construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance.
Highlighting flagship projects, he listed the 750‑kilometre Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the 1,068‑kilometre Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, the Trans‑Sahara Trade Route (Calabar–Abuja), and the 1,100‑kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Maiduguri Superhighway. He explained these are not mere roads but strategic lifelines designed to integrate communities and stimulate economic activity.
The Minister stressed the importance of professional standards and accountability.
He said the Ministry of Works, under Engr. David Umahi, is intensifying audits and oversight to ensure only qualified, registered professionals handle critical projects.
Goronyo endorsed COREN’s regulatory philosophy, including stronger sanctions for misconduct and enhanced professional development through the Engineering Residency Programme.
He urged Nigerian engineers to see themselves as guardians of public safety and national development. He extended his invitation to diaspora engineers and international partners to bring innovations and investments to Nigeria.
In his words: “Nigeria is open for business. Bring your talents, innovations and investments. Join us through Public‑Private Partnerships, tax credit schemes and engineering collaborations. Together, we can build roads and bridges that do more than connect cities; they can connect dreams, aspirations, opportunities and prosperity.”
Goronyo expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Glasgow Branch, for providing a platform for knowledge exchange. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting President Tinubu’s vision of seamless movement, efficient logistics, sustainable infrastructure, and shared prosperity.
The Minister concluded by stressing that engineering innovation is the backbone of Nigeria’s transformation. He said every bridge and highway is more than a structure—it is a promise of opportunity and prosperity for future generations.
