Don Pursues Enhanced Engineering Role in Energy Governance
The Importance of Unity in the Engineering Profession
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Professor of Law at the University of Lagos, Yemi Oke, has raised concerns about the potential risks of internal division within the engineering profession. His warning highlights the need for unity among engineers to maintain their statutory authority and influence in Nigeria’s energy and electricity governance.
Oke delivered this caution during a memorial lecture in honor of the late Venerable Michael Bamigboye Joda. The event was organized by the Abeokuta Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) as part of its 2026 Engineering Week. The NSE serves as the umbrella body for engineering professionals in Nigeria, having been founded on February 16, 1958, in the United Kingdom and formally inaugurated at the Nigerian House in London.
Engineering Standards and Statutory Authority
The theme of Oke’s lecture, “Engineering Standards under the Nigerian Energy and Electricity Laws: Imperatives for Engineering Professionals,” focused on the critical role of engineering standards in shaping the energy sector. He expressed concern over the growing agitation by some specialized engineering groups seeking separate statutory recognition outside the NSE.
Oke emphasized that the engineering profession should be unified, much like the legal profession, where different specializations do not break away from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He argued that the NBA remains one cohesive body, and the same principle should apply to the NSE.
He described the push for independent legislative recognition by certain engineering specializations as a "red flag." Oke pointed out that existing laws recognize the NSE as the primary professional body, not its sub-groups. Referring to discussions at the National Council on Power, he revealed that some groups had advocated for specific legislative mention independent of the NSE, which could weaken the profession’s collective bargaining strength.
The Role of Engineering in Energy Governance
Oke stressed that the energy and electricity sector is fundamentally driven by engineering expertise. He highlighted the importance of enforceable technical standards developed and safeguarded by professionals. It is imperative for the NSE and related bodies to sustain and enforce these standards in Nigerian energy and electricity law for the benefit of Nigerians.
Drawing parallels with the legal and medical professions, Oke urged engineers to adopt a more strategic approach to governance and public policy engagement. He noted that lawyers are strategically positioned in executive, legislative, and judicial roles, with the Ministry of Justice populated by lawyers and the judiciary entirely composed of legal professionals. He questioned why engineers had not asserted similar influence in policy-making circles, especially in technically intensive sectors such as oil, gas, and power.
Professional Marginalization and Legal Responsibilities
Oke lamented what he termed professional marginalization, observing that engineers often allow other professionals to dominate large-scale projects and regulatory structures in technically demanding sectors. He referenced provisions within electricity regulatory laws mandating that projects be handled by qualified and competent engineers, warning that certification alone does not shield practitioners from liability.
Even if an engineer is certified, the job must be done by a qualified engineer. The law recognizes the role of a “competent engineer.” Oke emphasized that engineers must ensure that such statutory protections are not diluted.
Linking Energy Crises to Governance Deficiencies
Oke linked Nigeria’s long-standing energy crisis to weak enforcement of technical standards and governance deficiencies. He argued that stronger engineering participation in regulatory and policy processes is essential to resolving the country’s electricity challenges. He stated that it is no coincidence that Nigeria’s energy and electricity challenges are tied to inadequate engineering provisions and governance gaps that have persisted for decades.
Expanding the Role of Engineers
In his remarks, the National President of the NSE, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, urged members of the profession to expand their role beyond technical execution to leadership and policy formulation. He emphasized the need for engineers to advocate for their role in building infrastructure and shaping policies that drive economic development. Capacity-building for young engineers remains a core priority of the society.
A Reflective and Strategic Memorial Lecture
Chairman of the NSE Abeokuta Branch, Olumayowa Idowu, described the memorial lecture as both reflective and strategic. He highlighted the late Engr. Joda’s exemplification of professionalism and public service. Idowu disclosed that the branch contributed professional expertise to the development of Ogun State’s electricity framework, leading to the passage of the Energy Law, Bill No. 017/OG/2024, signed by Governor Dapo Abiodun to strengthen electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and consumer protection within the state.
Idowu called for sustained collaboration between the NSE and the Ogun State Government to ensure effective implementation of the law, with strict adherence to engineering standards and ethics.
Honoring a Legacy
Dignitaries at the event, including former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Works, Engr. Ade Adesina, and the Special Adviser on Energy, praised the NSE for preserving the legacy of the late Engr. Joda. They described him as a disciplined and principled professional whose contributions to engineering and public service earned widespread respect.
In an emotional tribute, Morayo Jimoh, the daughter of the late Engr. Joda, expressed gratitude to the NSE for honoring her father’s memory. She stated, “My father believed in excellence, diligence, and leaving a positive mark on society. On behalf of my family, we are deeply grateful.”
The memorial lecture attracted engineers, policymakers, academics, and other stakeholders, reinforcing calls for unity within the profession, stronger regulatory standards, and greater leadership by engineers in shaping Nigeria’s evolving energy and electricity landscape.
