Nigerian engineers must be ready to resist expatriates’ domination —NSE chairman

CHAIRMAN, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibadan branch, Adedamola Falade-Fatila, has called on members of the society to brace up and be ready to make innovations that will ensure they claim back their profession, especially, the latest move by President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari had recently made proclamation and directive for the immediate implementation of Presidential Executive Order Five, for planning and execution of projects, promotion of Nigerian content in contracts in science, engineering and technology.

Falade-Fatila said this during a press conference for the commencement of the 2018 Annual Engineering Week.

He said that Chinese, Lebanese and other foreigners, often claim to be expatriates doing the job which many Nigerian engineers had the expertise and skills to do.

He, however, commended the Federal Government for the order but was quick to say that“For us, at the NSE, Ibadan branch, it is long overdue. But, it is, indeed, a laudable achievement for the Federal Government as the NSE has always been canvassing for the Nigerian content. It gives us an assurance that, indeed, the government is listening to engineers. It is our prayer that the government will back it up with the will and zeal that is needed to see it to fruition.

“There is no denying the fact that Nigerian engineers, as at today, have not been properly and fully taking their pride of place in nation building and infrastructure development of the country, and this is quite saddening.

“This is not where we should be. Foreigners, notably, Chinese, Lebanese,  among others,  have taken over virtually all these jobs, even the obstinate part of these projects. The NSE, Ibadan branch,   would take up this challenge and pursue it,” Fatila emphasised.

“The NSE, Ibadan branch, under my leadership, will pursue vigorously, everything it will take for Nigerian engineers to control the engineering profession in the country. We will engage government more meaningfully to possibly enact laws that will empower the engineers more and give back to Nigerian engineers what is due to them.

“And so, it is one of my visions, as chairman of this branch, to do everything we can to engage government at all levels to take our rights back.”