The Nigerian Academy of Engineering, on Friday in Lagos, said the President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has championed large-scale industrialisation in Nigeria and across Africa, investing in sectors that are foundational to engineering practice.
The President of NAE, Prof. Rahamon Bello, disclosed this during the induction of Dangote as the 6th Honorary Fellow of the academy.
Speaking during the event, Bello explained that the event was a special occasion where the academy honours individuals whose efforts have significantly shaped the industrial and economic landscape of the country.
Bello emphasised that the academy has limited membership, and fellows are peer-elected based on their outstanding contributions to research and the practice of engineering in academia, as well as in both public and private sectors.
According to Bello, through smart planning and bold investments by the Dangote Group, “Alhaji Aliko Dangote has led large-scale industrial growth in Nigeria and Africa, putting money into key areas like cement manufacturing, sugar refining, salt processing, vehicle assembly, and building the largest oil refinery in Africa, which processes 650,000 barrels of crude oil every day.”
He stressed that these contributions align closely with the very essence of engineering and reflect the very principles that the academy upholds, adding that the application of science and engineering is to solve real-world problems and to drive sustainable development.
Bello highlighted that these achievements have significantly reduced Nigeria’s dependence on imports, strengthened local capacity, and created thousands of jobs.
“This is a demonstration of how engineering-driven enterprises can serve as a catalyst for economic sovereignty and sustainable development. By fostering industries that depend on engineering talent, his efforts have indirectly strengthened our profession and created opportunities for countless Nigerian engineers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Bello stated.
He maintained that the Dangote Refinery is more than a feat of capital investment; it is a testament to engineering excellence, innovation, and the belief that Africans can design, build, and sustain world-class infrastructure.
“We look forward to your continued engagement with the academy as we collectively work towards advancing engineering solutions for Nigeria’s development. May your achievements continue to inspire progress, empower industries, and uplift generations to come,” he stated.
Earlier, Dangote said, “I am truly humbled to be honoured with the fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, a highly respected institution dedicated to the advancement of science, engineering, and technology as critical drivers of national development and global competitiveness.”
He added that the Dangote Group has been built on the foundation of engineering excellence and technological innovation across all its business units.
“To tell you how important engineering is, it is the same engineering that we use to build 50 per cent more capacity than any refinery that has been built in this world,” Dangote stated.
While highlighting that DIL is not only a participant in industrialisation, Dangote stressed that the company is actively shaping it.
“Across Nigeria and the African continent, we are engaged in the construction, operations, and maintenance of some of the largest industrial facilities ever undertaken. Our vision has always been clear,” he stated.
Founded in 1997, the Nigerian Academy of Engineering is the apex and elite corps of the engineering profession in Nigeria, with the foremost objective of advancing and pursuing excellence in science, engineering, technology, and innovation to drive national development and international competitiveness. It is a “think tank” comprising eminent Nigerian and foreign engineering professionals who provide leadership on national engineering and technological matters. The academy also offers a national platform for experts to pool their experience and insights to proffer advice to the Federal Government of Nigeria and private organisations on policy-making, particularly on technology matters.
