The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), has urged the Nigerian government to reconsider the previous appointments for the Executive Management of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities, (RBDAs)
In a press statement, the president of the NSE, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala advised the government to appoint professionals who possess the relevant degree and professional accreditation for key leadership roles.
Recall that the Nigerian government had on December 18, 2024, issued a statement stating the reconstitution of the Executive Management of the twelve River Basin Development Authorities in Nigeria.
In reaction to the appointment, Mrs. Oguntala said appointing unqualified professionals to manage strategic technical positions on the Board of the RBDAs could have adverse effects on the management of the country’s water resources.
“Having carefully reviewed the composition of the various RBDA boards, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has noticed that many of the appointees assigned to manage the critical engineering positions, namely – Executive Director, Engineering and Executive Director, Planning and Design – lack the necessary qualifications and professional credentials. Our findings have also revealed that only four (4) of the appointments were allotted to engineers as Executive Directors, which are:
1. Engr. Julius Oloro (Executive Director Engineering, Ogun-Osun RBDA)
2. Engr. Mohammed Shettima (Executive Director, Engineering, Chad BDA)
3. Engr. Babajamu Adeniran, MNSE (Executive Director, Engineering Designate, Lower Niger RBDA)
4. Engr. Charles Osua Akpan (Executive Director, Engineering, Cross River BDA)
5. Engr. Alanamu Ayinla Abolere, MNSE (Executive Director, Planning & Design, Lower Niger RBDA)” she said.
The NSE President noted that appointing unqualified personnel to hold key positions in such institutions undermines the integrity of the institution and endangers the ability to fulfil their mandates effectively.
“The River Basin Development Authorities play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient administration and equitable distribution of our nation’s water resources, which are essential for agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. It is vital that these authorities are overseen by individuals who possess both the technical expertise and professional qualifications required to navigate the complex engineering challenges of the industry,” Oguntala said.
She called on citizens, stakeholders in engineering, environment development professionals as well as civil society to join in raising awareness on the need for government to appoint only competent and qualified professionals to manage the nation’s infrastructure.
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