…promises logistics, financial support as Maiduguri prepares to host over 6,000 delegates
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has assured the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) of his administration’s commitment to hosting a world-class 2026 National Conference of the professional body, scheduled to commence on December 1 in Maiduguri.
The governor also announced the adoption of an enhanced entry-level grade for engineers entering the Borno State public service, approving Grade Level 9 as their starting point, with progression to Grade Level 10 after two years in accordance with the established 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 the Government House, Maiduguri.
He disclosed that his administration had constructed the Maiduguri International Conference Centre in anticipation of the gathering, expressing confidence that the facility would be completed and fully prepared to accommodate the event.
“The conference will, insha Allah, be one of the best held in Nigeria,” the governor assured.
Speaking on the conference theme, *“Engineering Innovation for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development,”* Zulum described it as particularly significant to Borno State, which has endured nearly two decades of security challenges.
He expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would produce innovative and practical engineering interventions capable of addressing security concerns and supporting sustainable development in Borno and other parts of the country.
To ensure adequate preparations, the governor directed his Chief of Staff to engage the Chairman and members of the Local Organising Committee to identify their logistical and financial requirements.
He pledged that the state government would provide buses and financial assistance to facilitate a successful conference, while assuring that the Spouses’ Forum would also receive the support earlier promised by his wife.
On the welfare of engineering professionals, Zulum said his administration had embraced the enhanced entry-level structure for engineers approved by the National Council on Establishments at its March 2018 meeting in Owerri.
He declared that engineers recruited into the Borno State public service would henceforth commence at Grade Level 9 and progress to Grade Level 10 after two years, in line with the approved arrangement.
The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting indigenous engineering capacity, noting that local professionals had been given priority in the execution of major infrastructure projects across the state.
He specifically commended indigenous engineers for their contributions to the construction of the Maiduguri International Conference Centre, the state teaching hospital recently inaugurated by the Vice President, road networks and other critical infrastructure.
Zulum also highlighted his administration’s investment in road construction and maintenance, disclosing that the state had acquired 100 trucks and established a government-owned quarry plant with a production capacity of 120 tonnes per hour.
According to him, Borno also operates four asphalt plants, while indigenous engineers have continued to play leading roles in the implementation of several road infrastructure projects.
Earlier, the NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, commended the Zulum administration for its sustained investment in infrastructure, institutional development and socio-economic advancement despite the security and developmental challenges confronting the North-East.
Rabiu disclosed that more than 6,000 participants, comprising engineers, industry stakeholders and other delegates from across Nigeria, were expected at the conference.
He added that representatives of sister engineering organisations from different African countries would also participate, making the gathering an important platform for professional exchange, innovation and collaboration.
