The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize appointing individuals with technical expertise and professional qualifications to lead the nation’s River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs).
Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja on Thursday, NSE President Margaret Oguntola emphasized the critical role of technical leadership in addressing the complex challenges facing the sector.
“The River Basin Development Authorities are pivotal to the effective management and equitable distribution of Nigeria’s water resources, which are essential for agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” she said.
Oguntola stressed that only individuals with the requisite technical and professional qualifications can ensure the RBDAs fulfil their mandates efficiently.
“The appointment of technically qualified professionals will enhance the integrity of these institutions and their ability to deliver on their objectives effectively,” Oguntola noted.
The federal government recently reconstituted the executive management of the 12 RBDAs. In response, the NSE president urged transparency and broad consultations in the appointment process, advocating for positions such as Executive Director of Engineering and Executive Director of Planning and Design to be filled with qualified professionals.
“This will uphold the standard of professionalism in governance, particularly in sectors that directly impact millions of Nigerians,” Oguntola added.
The NSE also called on civil society groups and stakeholders in the engineering and environmental sectors to join efforts in raising awareness and promoting qualified appointments.
“We encourage stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that ensure leadership in public sector institutions adheres to relevant laws and prioritizes expertise,” she concluded.
The NSE’s position aligns with its broader vision of fostering professionalism and technical excellence in Nigeria’s governance structures.
