Chemical engineering key to Nigeria’s industrial growth – Expert

A Nigerian-born, Canada-based chemical engineer, Olukayode Adeolu Adetimehin, has highlighted the critical role of chemical engineering in driving Nigeria’s industrial development and economic growth.

Adetimehin, an expert in oil and gas management, business innovation, and development, emphasized the potential of chemical engineering in transforming various sectors beyond petroleum, including manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.

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Adetimehin in an analysis of Nigeria’s industrial landscape, noted that while the country’s economy has been historically dominated by the oil and gas industry, the strategic application of chemical engineering could lead to economic diversification, job creation, and long-term sustainability.

Despite being a major crude oil producer, Nigeria has struggled with refining capacity, leading to heavy reliance on imported petroleum products.

According to him, strengthening local refining operations using advanced chemical engineering techniques would reduce import dependency, lower production costs, create jobs, and improve energy security.

The expert also pointed out that developing a strong petrochemical sector could provide raw materials for plastics, fertilizers, and other essential industrial products, thus fostering a more diversified economy.

Adetimehin stressed that Nigeria’s manufacturing sector could benefit greatly from chemical engineering innovations.

The development of locally manufactured chemicals for textiles, paints, construction materials, and pharmaceuticals would not only reduce reliance on imports but also stimulate local businesses and encourage technological innovation.

Similarly, he highlighted agro-processing as a major area where chemical engineering could enhance food security and economic sustainability.

Nigeria’s vast agricultural resources remain underutilised due to inadequate processing infrastructure and post-harvest losses. Improved food preservation techniques, packaging solutions, and bio-based innovations developed by chemical engineers could help the country add value to agricultural products, increase exports, and reduce food waste.

Nigeria imports a significant percentage of its pharmaceutical products, despite having the capacity to manufacture essential drugs locally.

Adetimehin emphasized that by advancing pharmaceutical research and investing in local drug manufacturing plants, the country could reduce healthcare costs, improve access to medicine, and position itself as a hub for pharmaceutical production in Africa.

Chemical engineers play a crucial role in drug formulation, quality control, and production optimization, making their expertise essential to the sector’s growth.

With the global shift toward green technologies, Adetimehin urged Nigerian industries to adopt sustainable practices.

Chemical engineering, he noted, can help reduce carbon emissions, optimize energy use, and develop renewable energy solutions such as biofuels and hydrogen energy.

By prioritizing environmental sustainability, Nigeria could attract foreign investment and strengthen its position in the global market.

For Nigeria to fully harness the benefits of chemical engineering, Adetimehin called for increased investments in education, research, and industry-academic collaboration.

He emphasized the need for universities and technical institutions to align their curricula with industry demands, ensuring that graduates are equipped with relevant skills.

He also urged policymakers to provide incentives for local manufacturers, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and invest in industrial parks and research centers.

“Government policies must recognize the critical role of chemical engineering in national development and create an enabling environment for scientists, engineers, and industrialists to thrive,” he said.

Adetimehin added that Nigeria stands at a crucial point where industrial diversification is not just an option but a necessity for sustainable economic growth.

By leveraging chemical engineering across various sectors, the expert said Nigeria can accelerate its journey toward economic self-reliance, innovation, and long-term prosperity.

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