Nigerian civil engineers have been called upon to take advantage of artificial intelligence and Big Data to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructure that responds to the needs of growing populations.
The Engineers have also been advised not to just be consumers of technology but to contribute to it.
The African Continental Representative of World Council of Civil Engineers, WCCE, Dr Aishatu Aliyu Umar, made the call at the 20th General Assembly of the WCCE holding in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Speaking on the theme of the Assembly “Artificial Intelligence, Data and Design: Reimagining Civil Engineering for a Connected World,” she pointed out the different ways artificial intelligence is reshaping the engineering landscape.
“Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is here, shaping how we model bridges, monitor structural integrity, manage urban traffic, predict environmental hazards, and even optimise construction costs in real-time. Combined with big data analytics and cutting-edge design tools, we now have the potential to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable infrastructures.”
She advocated for engineers to contribute to data and technology that would advance the profession by mainstreaming data-driven policy in our public works, ensuring the curricula in universities reflect the new digital reality, pushing for collaboration across borders, sharing knowledge and resources so no region is left behind.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume, said the challenges of climate change, rapid urbanisation and population expansion have raised the need for engineers to be innovative in building resilient infrastructure that would push development.
“This year’s theme is both timely and inspiring. It underscores the urgent need to harness emerging technologies to transform infrastructural planning, improve construction processes and optimise resources.
“The integration of artificial intelligence and data-driven design will open new frontiers for productivity, sustainability and connectivity across the nation”, Akume said.
The SGF, who was represented by his senior technical adviser, Prof. Babatunde Bernard, said the General Assembly is timely as it is taking place at a time when the Nigerian President has prioritised infrastructure in his development agenda and is carrying out this agenda through several flagship infrastructural projects.
The President of the WCCE, Mr Oscar Alberto Sánchez Zúñiga, pointed out that climate change, natural disasters and lack of sustainable infrastructure underscore the role of engineers even in providing solutions.
He emphasised the importance of Engineers viewing their profession as a service to humanity.
“Let us renew our commitment to excellence, responsibility, sustainability and ethics. Let us never forget that we are builders of trust, leaving a piece of ourselves in every project and planting seeds for a better tomorrow,” Zuniga said.
