Nigeria must reduce reliance on imported machinery — Engineers

The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) has urged greater investment in local technology and manufacturing to reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported machinery. NIMechE National Chairman, Babagana Tela, made this call at the institution's 39th International Conference, Exhibitions and Annual General Meeting, held in Abuja.

Tela emphasized that mechanical engineering should be seen as an instrument of national transformation, capable of addressing security, unemployment, and economic challenges. He urged government, universities, research institutions, and private companies to collaborate and transform research findings into practical technologies.

Tela also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure engineering expertise is used to solve practical problems. He challenged mechanical engineers to develop technologies that strengthen national resilience, support peaceful and sustainable development, and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial needs.