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…Says 6,000 Delegates Expected in Maiduguri as Borno Unveils Support for Engineering Professionals
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) of a memorable and befitting 2026 National Conference in Maiduguri, promising comprehensive support from the state government ahead of the event scheduled to commence on December 1.
The governor also announced a major career incentive for engineering professionals, approving Grade Level 9 as the entry point for engineers joining the Borno State public service, with progression to Grade Level 10 after two years in line with the approved framework.
Zulum gave the assurances when he received the NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, and members of his delegation at the Council Chamber of Government House, Maiduguri.
The governor said his administration had constructed the Maiduguri International Conference Centre in preparation for the gathering, assuring the engineering body that the facility would be completed and ready to accommodate the conference.
He expressed confidence that the event would stand out among engineering conferences previously hosted in the country.
“The conference will, inshallah, be one of the best held in Nigeria,” Zulum assured.
Speaking on the theme, “Engineering Innovation for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development,” the governor described it as particularly significant to Borno State, which has endured nearly two decades of security challenges.
He expressed optimism that bringing together thousands of engineering professionals, researchers and stakeholders would provide an opportunity to develop practical, technology-driven solutions to insecurity and other development challenges confronting Nigeria.
Zulum further directed his Chief of Staff to engage with the chairman and members of the Local Organising Committee to identify their logistical and financial requirements ahead of the conference.
He promised that the state government would provide buses and financial assistance to facilitate a successful hosting of the event.
The governor also assured the NSE Spouses’ Forum of support, recalling the commitment earlier made by his wife.
In a significant policy announcement, Zulum said his administration had adopted the enhanced entry-level structure for engineers approved by the National Council on Establishments at its March 2018 meeting in Owerri, Imo State.
” Henceforth, the entry point for engineers into public service in Borno State will be Grade Level 9,” the governor declared, adding that eligible engineers would advance to Grade Level 10 after two years under the approved arrangement.
The decision is expected to strengthen the attraction and retention of engineering professionals in the state civil service while providing improved career prospects for qualified personnel.
Zulum also highlighted his administration’s commitment to engaging indigenous professionals in the execution of major infrastructure projects, saying local engineers had played significant roles in delivering key projects across Borno.
He specifically commended indigenous engineering teams involved in the construction of the Maiduguri International Conference Centre, the Borno State Teaching Hospital recently inaugurated by the Vice President, major road projects and other public infrastructure.
According to him, the state government has continued to invest in road construction and maintenance equipment to improve infrastructure delivery and reduce dependence on external contractors.
He disclosed that his administration had acquired 100 trucks and established a state-owned quarry plant with a production capacity of 120 tonnes per hour.
The governor further revealed that Borno State currently has four asphalt plants, noting that local engineers have been actively involved in executing several road construction projects across the state.
He said the investments were aimed at strengthening the state’s capacity to maintain existing roads, execute new projects and build sustainable infrastructure through local expertise.
Earlier, NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, commended the Zulum administration for its investments in infrastructure, institutional development and socio-economic advancement despite the security and developmental challenges facing the North-East region.
Rabiu informed the governor that more than 6,000 delegates, comprising engineers, government representatives, industry stakeholders and other professionals from across Nigeria, were expected to participate in the 2026 national conference.
He added that international participants from sister engineering organisations across Africa would also attend, giving the gathering a wider continental dimension.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for engineering professionals to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and explore how engineering expertise can contribute to national security, infrastructure development and sustainable economic growth.
With the December 1 commencement date approaching, the Borno State Government’s assurances and the new career incentive for engineers have added significance to preparations for the national gathering in Maiduguri.
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