Nigeria Risks Missing Blue Economy Gains Without Innovation in Transport Sector – Engineers Warn

By Uangbaoje Alex, Zaria

Speakers at the 15th National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Automotive and Locomotive Engineers’ Institute (AutoEI) have raised strong concerns that Nigeria could squander the opportunities of the emerging blue economy if urgent steps are not taken to modernize its automotive and locomotive sectors.

At the opening ceremony held on Wednesday at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the Registrar of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, warned that the nation’s transport and industrial aspirations would collapse without a solid pipeline of skilled technicians and craftsmen. 

He lamented that while Nigeria is striving to build a sustainable blue economy, the technical education system still lags in producing the manpower required to meet industry demands. 

He pressed for tighter collaboration between industry and institutions like AutoEI to close this gap.

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, represented by Engr. Arege Samson Bawa, also echoed these concerns, stressing that innovation must be matched with environmental responsibility and policy support. 

She cautioned that Nigeria risks falling behind if engineers fail to develop homegrown solutions to harness its oceanic and aquatic resources sustainably.

AutoEI National Chairman, Engr. Sylvester Aye, lamented the harsh economic climate that continues to stifle businesses and industries in the country. 

He warned that without deliberate efforts to strengthen automotive and locomotive systems, Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification and industrial growth could stall.

The most direct warning came from NADDC Director-General, Mr. Oluwemimo Joseph Osanipin, who declared that “the promise of the blue economy will remain unrealized if our vehicles and locomotives remain inefficient, polluting and outdated.” 

He cautioned that unless Nigeria embraces cleaner, smarter and more efficient transport technologies, it will not be able to compete globally or safeguard its environment.

Across the board, the speakers called for urgent investment in skills development, renewable-energy-driven transport, local manufacturing, and stronger policy implementation. 

They agreed that unless Nigeria acts swiftly, its blue economy ambitions may remain on paper while other nations move ahead.