Engineers Urge Nigeria to Reduce Reliance on Imported Machinery

The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) has urged the Federal Government to prioritise indigenous technology and local manufacturing, warning that continued dependence on imported machinery could undermine industrial development, economic diversification and national security.

The institution’s National Chairman, Babagana Tela, made the call on Wednesday during its 39th International Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting, tagged Jewel 2026, in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Mechanical Engineers as Catalysts of Innovation for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development,” examined the role of engineering in addressing Nigeria’s economic and technological challenges.

Tela said mechanical engineering should be regarded as an instrument of national transformation rather than solely a technical profession. He identified insecurity, energy constraints, unemployment, climate change and limited economic diversification as challenges requiring innovative engineering solutions.

He noted that Nigeria possessed substantial human and material resources but needed to strengthen its capacity to convert them into productive industries and commercially viable technologies.

The NIMechE chairman called for closer collaboration among government agencies, universities, polytechnics, research institutions and private companies to translate research findings into practical products that could be manufactured and deployed locally.

He also challenged engineers to develop home-grown solutions that would reduce reliance on imported machinery and spare parts, while encouraging young professionals to establish businesses and contribute to industrial growth.

Tela said the profession had an important responsibility to develop technologies that could improve energy supply, strengthen manufacturing, support security operations and promote sustainable development.

He urged NIMechE to expand mentorship, professional training, research opportunities and entrepreneurship support for young engineers, stressing that they needed the skills and resources to develop competitive technologies.

He further identified automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and smart systems as priority areas requiring greater investment and professional attention.

Tela called on the institution to sustain its engagement in public policy on manufacturing, energy and infrastructure, while upholding professional ethics, competence, safety and accountability.

Earlier, the Chairman of the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, Rose Madaki, said the gathering provided an opportunity for engineers to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and strengthen professional partnerships.

She expressed hope that the technical discussions and exhibitions would produce practical solutions to Nigeria’s development challenges and support the growth of indigenous engineering capacity.