Infrastructure must improve lives, Hamzat tells engineers

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has declared that infrastructure only has true value when it improves the quality of life of the people it is meant to serve, stressing that engineering must go beyond the construction of physical structures.

Hamzat, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Infrastructure to the Lagos State Government, Olufemi Daramola, spoke on Thursday at the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ third quarterly dinner and fellowship conferment ceremony, where 102 engineers were admitted into the fellowship cadre.

“Perhaps one question we should continue to ask ourselves as engineers is: what is engineering ultimately for? Engineering goes beyond the construction of physical infrastructure. It is about solving problems.

It must make movements easier, make commuters safer, improve productivity, support economic activity, and ultimately improve the quality of life of our people,” he said.

He explained that a road, bridge or drainage system derives its importance from the impact it has on communities.

“A road is important because it connects people to community, to opportunities. A bridge has value because it improves connectivity between communities. A drainage system matters because it protects lives, homes, and businesses. Energy infrastructure matters because businesses must produce and families must live. The true value of infrastructure lies in its impact on people, communities, and the wider society,” Hamzat stated.

The deputy governor, who is the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 election, noted that Lagos’ rapid population growth and urbanisation placed huge demands on infrastructure, requiring deliberate planning beyond today’s needs.

“Our responsibility, therefore, extends beyond responding to the needs of today; we must also anticipate the demands of tomorrow. This requires deliberate planning; it requires innovation; it requires continuity, and it requires infrastructure that is resilient, sustainable, and responsive to the realities of the people it is intended to serve,” he said.

Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he added, the state continues to pursue infrastructure that supports economic activity, improves connectivity and enhances quality of life across transportation, roads, bridges, drainage, energy, water and other critical sectors.

Hamzat emphasised that infrastructure must be treated as an interconnected system rather than isolated projects.

“For a rapidly growing city such as Lagos, we must therefore think about infrastructure as an interconnected system rather than simply as a collection of individual projects. This is where the responsibility of the engineering profession becomes even greater. Our responsibility extends beyond design and construction. Engineers must also contribute to planning and policy. We must think about sustainability and maintenance,” he said.

He called for greater innovation, better use of technology, stronger local capacity and solutions that are technically sound, practical, affordable and sustainable, while stressing the importance of collaboration between government and the engineering profession.

To the newly conferred fellows, he charged them to carry the honour with responsibility.

“You are now ambassadors of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and I encourage you to represent the society well through the quality of your professional practice, your conduct, your integrity, and your service to society. Your experience should strengthen the profession, your knowledge should contribute to solving the challenges confronting our nation, and your professional standing should inspire and create opportunities for those coming behind you,” he said.

The NSE President, Ali Rabiu, urged political stakeholders to engage one another with civility and respect ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that mutual respect and a shared commitment to the common good are essential for democratic governance.

The NSE president said: “As we encourage greater participation by engineers and other professionals in public affairs, I wish to respectfully acknowledge the important role that our political leaders, elected representatives, public officials and other stakeholders play in the development of our country.

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“Democratic governance thrives when there is mutual respect, constructive engagement and a shared commitment to the common good.”

He added that the NSE, as a professional body committed to national development, believes public discourse should promote understanding, inclusiveness and a focus on issues that directly affect the lives and well-being of Nigerians.

“I, therefore, encourage all stakeholders in our political and democratic processes to continue to engage one another with civility, respect and a spirit of patriotism, even where legitimate differences of opinion exist.

“Our diversity of views is an important feature of democracy. What should unite us, however, is our shared commitment to the peace, stability and development of Nigeria,” Rabiu stated.

The NSE president also charged institutions involved in the electoral process, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, to uphold the rules and procedures entrusted to them.

“I also wish to encourage all relevant institutions and stakeholders in our electoral processes, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, to continue to uphold the rules, procedures and institutional responsibilities entrusted to them.

“The credibility and strength of our democratic institutions depend on the confidence of the Nigerian people and on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to due process, transparency and respect for the rule of law,” he said.

Rabiu noted that as engineers, the society understands that sustainable progress is achieved when systems are strengthened, institutions are respected and all stakeholders work together towards a common objective.

He reaffirmed the NSE’s commitment to contributing constructively to national conversations and supporting initiatives that promote good governance, sustainable development and institutional strengthening.

“Ultimately, irrespective of our different perspectives, political affiliations or professional backgrounds, we are all stakeholders in the Nigerian project. Let us therefore continue to work together in our respective capacities towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

The high point of the evening was the induction of 102 engineers into the prestigious fellowship cadre.

Rabiu charged the new fellows to remain steadfast in adhering to professional codes, standards and ethical principles, warning that the society reserves the right to withdraw or revoke fellowship where a member is found to have committed breaches warranting such action.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of NSE’s Board of Fellows, Manila Maliki, said the occasion went beyond fellowship and celebration.

“Tonight, we gather for far more than an evening of fellowship and celebration. We are here to honour excellence, recognise professional distinction and celebrate individuals whose remarkable contributions have advanced the engineering profession and enriched our nation.

“This honour represents one of the highest distinctions attainable within our society and stands as a significant milestone in the professional journey of each recipient. It is a recognition not only of what they have achieved but also of the leadership, expertise, integrity and service they have demonstrated throughout their career,” he added.