ABUJA – The World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO) has urged the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to infrastructure development and intensify partnership with private investors to address infrastructure deficit.
The President of WFEO, Mr Marwan Abdelhamid, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Abdelhamid said an upward review of the budgetary allocation for infrastructure development would encourage increased private sector participation in the sector.
He added that “the private sector is crucially important to this country.
“Federal Government should first allocate money for the development of infrastructure, then partner with the private sector.
“But if money was not allocated to infrastructure development from the budget, the private sector would not be interested in partnering with government to get projects done.’’
He, however, commended the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) for its contribution to the growth of professional engineering practice in Africa and at the global level.
The WFEO boss, who described Nigerian engineers as skillful and dynamic, said government should engage them in the drive for development of sustainable infrastructure.
He said “Nigerian engineers have the know-how to develop the infrastructure in the country.
“We have had some engineers from Nigeria as vice-presidents of WFEO for a long time. They are very dynamic and cooperated with other nations to expand global practices.
“The Federal Government should help and support the efforts of Nigerian Society of Engineers to make African engineers play active role in the world of professional engineering.’’
He reiterated the world engineering body’s commitment to help Nigeria and Africa to deliver sustainable infrastructure. (NAN)
