‘Energy insecurity, digital divide remain major challenges’

The new President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Dr. Felix Adegboye, has said Nigeria is still confronted with numerous challenges, including digital divides, infrastructural gaps, among others, saying these all test the nation’s resilience. He, however, said the challenges are not roadblocks, but invitations for engineers to rise, to innovate, […]

The new President of the Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), Dr. Felix Adegboye, has said Nigeria is still confronted with numerous challenges, including digital divides, infrastructural gaps, among others, saying these all test the nation’s resilience.

He, however, said the challenges are not roadblocks, but invitations for engineers to rise, to innovate, and to lead.

Adegboye spoke in Lagos while delivering his inaugural speech at his investiture as the 22nd President of NIEEE.

He said the theme of the event, ‘Resilient and Intelligent Digital Solutions: A Sure Way to Economic Growth of Nigeria’, speaks to the calling of electrical and electronic engineers.

He maintained that no nation can industrialise, digitise, or secure its future without reliable power, intelligent systems, robust communication networks, automation, and emerging technologies.

“Our gathering today takes place at a defining moment in Nigeria’s history. Our nation is confronted with challenges that test our resilience: energy insecurity, digital divides, infrastructural gaps, unemployment, and security concerns. Yet, history teaches us that every great leap forward is born in moments like this. These challenges are not roadblocks; they are invitations for engineers to rise, to innovate, and to lead,” he said.

Adegboye pointed out that NIEEE occupies a strategic position in this national journey.

“With a membership of about 10,000 professionals across power and clean energy, information and communication technology, automation, avionics, computing, embedded systems, and emerging technologies, NIEEE is uniquely positioned to serve as Nigeria’s foremost technical think tank in electrical and electronic engineering matters. We are custodians of standards, ethics, competence, and innovation,” he stated.

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, pledged support to NIEEE.

“You can count on the Energy Commission of Nigeria. We will support the institute in addressing challenges and achieving its objectives,” he said.

Delivering the lecture, the Managing Director of Xerox Nigeria Limited, Dr Oluremi Okunade, highlighted urgent gaps in skills, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure across West Africa.

He stressed the need for home-grown solutions, noting shortages of network engineers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and embedded systems engineers.

Okunade warned that many talented professionals were migrating abroad for better opportunities, weakening the region’s capacity.

“Building a resilient digital economy requires secure systems and strong institutions,” he said.