ACEN HOST A SUCCESSFUL EGM IN PORT HARCOURT

Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) hosted its Extra Ordinary General Meeting in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The meeting centred around “The Role of Nigerian Consulting Engineers in Future Infrastructural Development“. Since 1972, ACEN continues to focus its effort towards ensuring that the highest level of technical competence and business ethics are brought to bear in the practice of the profession in Nigeria.

During the Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM), numerous engineers from across the built environment were in attendance. It is worth mentioning that, this is the first time ACEN EGM is holding in Port Harcourt.

The gathering of consulting engineers is important to share best industry practise for the design and construction of national infrastructure. Hence, within these gatherings, interesting discussions like smart infrastructures, urban transportation and others are always on the agenda.

Watch the opening address by Engr. Charles Yele Akindayomi FNSE (President of ACEN)

Welcome speech by Engr. G.C. Okoroma FNSE JP (Vice President of ACEN)

DISCUSSIONS AT THE ACEN EGM

In line with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, ACEN understands that Nigeria cannot achieve diversification without solving the issue of electricity. Hence, the EGM was an opportunity to discuss the possibility of improving available power in Nigeria from 7,500MW to 40,000MW.

In anchoring this discussion, Engr. Peter Ewesor FNSE, Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) highlights the mandate of NEMSA. Today, all electrical installations in the electricity industry must be duly inspected, tested and certified by NEMSA. These efforts are geared towards ensuring a sustainable development as Nigeria expands its capacity.

Another topical issue during the EGM is the prevalent failure of roads before their expected life span. Managing Director and CEO of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Nuruddeen A. Rafindadi FNSE FAEng spoke on preventing road failures in Nigeria. Before now, the lack of engagement between FERMA and the public contributed to a rise in road abuse by the public.

However, the implementation of a media strategy to establish social media platforms is having a positive impact. Using these mediums, FERMA is educating road users on the effects of vandalism of road infrastructure such as burning of tyres on the roads, overloading, bridge derailing and much more. The presentation also featured some important technical road design requirements.

The final presentation by Engr. Mayne David-West FNSE reminded professionals on the need to be abreast with the latest trends and software tools. In essence, consulting engineers need to prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.  Technology is currently disrupting various industries across the globe, and it is only a matter of time before our industry is next. Engineers need to learn new skills and be open to learning new ways of doing things.

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