By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has officially received the hosting rights for the 2026 International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), scheduled to take place in Maiduguri in December 2026.
The hosting rights were formally presented to the governor on Tuesday by the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, during a dinner hosted by Governor Zulum in honour of the Society’s leadership delegation visiting the state.
The conference, branded “Maiduguri 2026”, will be held under the theme, “Engineering Innovations for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development.” Organisers expect the event to attract approximately 10,000 engineers, industry professionals, policymakers and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking earlier during a courtesy visit by the NSE leadership, Governor Zulum reaffirmed the state’s readiness to host the prestigious gathering, assuring the delegation that Maiduguri remains safe and adequately prepared for the event.
The governor emphasized that Borno State has successfully hosted several high-profile national and international programmes in recent years without security challenges.
According to him, the state welcomed major events in 2025, including the 6th National Council on Power, the 70th National Council on Education, the Kanem-Borno Cultural Summit, the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, and the 65th National Council on Health.
“Maiduguri is fully secure and prepared to host the conference. We are also known for our hospitality and commitment to ensuring the success of major events,” Zulum stated.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Society of Engineers for conferring its Honorary Fellowship on renowned businessman, philanthropist and elder statesman, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi.
Describing the recognition as timely and deserved, Zulum commended Indimi’s contributions to education, infrastructure development and national growth.
“This honour is well deserved. Dr. Indimi has made remarkable contributions to educational advancement and infrastructure development across Nigeria. On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, I thank the Nigerian Society of Engineers for recognising his impact,” the governor said.
In his remarks, NSE President Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu praised Governor Zulum’s leadership, particularly his efforts in strengthening security and driving development across the state.
Rabiu noted that the Society was encouraged by the prevailing peace and stability in Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State, expressing confidence in the state’s ability to host a successful conference.
“We are impressed by the level of peace and security currently being enjoyed in Maiduguri and other parts of the state. This has reinforced our confidence in Borno’s capacity to host the conference successfully,” he said.
The NSE president further disclosed that the Society’s governing council would convene a meeting in Maiduguri in July as part of preparations for the conference.
He explained that the visit would provide council members with an opportunity to assess the state’s readiness and evaluate arrangements for the event.
Rabiu added that previous engagements organised by the Society in Maiduguri had been conducted successfully without any security incidents, further strengthening confidence in the state’s preparedness to host the international gathering.
The courtesy visit was attended by the Deputy Governor of Borno State, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; members of the State Executive Council; senior government officials; and members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers delegation.
