Why Nigerian Society Of Engineers Wants Review Of River Basin Development Authorities Appointments

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on the Federal Government to urgently review recent appointments to the leadership of the River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs), citing concerns about the lack of qualified professionals in pivotal engineering roles.

In a press release issued on December 18, 2024, the NSE criticized the reconstitution of executive management teams for the 12 RBDAs under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. The organization expressed alarm over the appointment of individuals lacking the requisite engineering qualifications to critical positions, such as Executive Director of Engineering and Executive Director of Planning and Design.

“The appointment of personnel without the requisite engineering qualifications undermines the integrity of these institutions and jeopardizes their ability to fulfill their mandates effectively,” the NSE stated.

The NSE noted that only five of the appointees across all 12 RBDAs held relevant engineering credentials. Among those named were Engr. Julius Oloro (Ogun-Osun RBDA), Engr. Mohammed Shettima (Chad BDA), Engr. Babajamu Adeniran, MNSE (Lower Niger RBDA), Engr. Charles Osua Akpan (Cross River BDA) and Engr Ayinla Yunus Abolore Alanamu (Executive Director, planning and Design(Kwara). The NSE commended these appointments but warned that the overall trend raised “serious questions about the commitment of the Federal Government to uphold standards of professionalism in governance.”

The NSE emphasized the significance of RBDAs in managing Nigeria’s water resources, a vital component of the nation’s agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.

The society cautioned that the lack of qualified professionals in these critical roles could jeopardize water management systems and hinder sustainable development efforts.

The NSE called for the government to prioritize transparency and consultation in future appointments, urging stakeholders to advocate for the prioritization of technical expertise in Nigeria’s public sector. “It is imperative that we help our government in making the right choices,” the society emphasized.