Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian engineering community, creating more opportunities for young engineers and promoting indigenous firms in the delivery of infrastructure projects across the state.
Hamzat gave the assurance on Tuesday during a fireside chat with members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Lagos State Branch, themed “The Business of Lagos Is Engineered: From Stability to Shared Prosperity,” held at the Oyebolu Engineering Resource Centre, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba.
The APC governorship candidate emphasised the need to integrate engineers into government projects right from inception, rather than calling them in only to review completed designs. He said early involvement would enhance planning, quality assurance, technical accountability and value for money.
“We need to be more involved as engineers, from the beginning to the end, and not just be called upon to review projects we were not part of from the outset. What we will do is ensure that, before implementation, engineers are involved in the process to help select the right people for our state’s developmental projects. For our young people, let us reserve a percentage of employment opportunities for them to ensure that what is built here is the right thing,” Hamzat stated.
He also said his administration would explore modalities to reserve a percentage of project-related employment for young engineers to enable them acquire practical experience, build skills and grow professional capacity.
On indigenous participation, Hamzat urged Nigerian engineering firms to strengthen technical capacity and uphold professional standards to position themselves for major infrastructure contracts.
Citing the Ikoyi Link Bridge, he disclosed that the Lagos State Government had invited indigenous companies to participate, expressing preference for competent local firms, but the plan did not materialise as envisaged. He stressed that building local capacity remains critical to sustaining the economy, retaining expertise and ensuring Nigerian companies lead infrastructure development.
“As Nigerian engineers, we must be professional in our dealings. If Lagos wants to build anything, it will be in our best interest if a Nigerian company handles the project,” he added.
He charged the NSE to deepen engagement with the private sector and strengthen professional standards so that indigenous firms can compete and deliver major projects.
Hamzat further reaffirmed commitment to tackling Lagos’ water and erosion challenges, describing them as critical to achieving a seamless, faster and more efficient multimodal transport system.
Earlier, NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, represented by immediate past President, Engr. Margaret Oguntala, FNSE, called for stronger collaboration between government and the engineering profession through a structured platform for engineers to contribute to policy formulation, project implementation and infrastructure monitoring.
He said Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial and financial hub, requires sustained investments in resilient infrastructure, sustainable urban development, efficient transportation, reliable energy, water resources and technological innovation.
In his opening remarks, NSE Lagos Branch Chairman, Engr. Babatunde James, described the engagement as an avenue for dialogue, knowledge sharing and harnessing engineering expertise for the state’s development agenda, noting that lasting progress demands sound planning, technical expertise, stability and effective resource management.
“As engineers, we have a critical role to play in developing practical solutions, strengthening infrastructure, promoting local technical capacity and supporting the state’s development priorities,” James stated.
