Nigerian briefing: how engineers can help secure a sustainable economy

Abstract

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has declining natural resources resulting in an unsustainable loss of personal inclusive wealth driven by exporting gas and crude oil for fuel, a landscape desiccated from the legacy of too many large dams, relentless population growth and culturally determined short-termism. Improving outcomes requires well-focused resources management and physical planning. These tasks require well-directed efforts from engineers informed by analysis of evidence of natural resources, human resources and manufacturing. This analysis, practised by economists developing Dasgupta's Inclusive Wealth Index concept, provides direction for achieving sustainability. Providing this direction is the nexus where the planning and management of Nigerian issues with energy (electricity), water (large dams) and land (agriculture) meet. These tasks require engineering inputs. Measures considered include adding value to mineral oil wealth by investment in petrochemicals production rather than exporting crude oil; management of natural water resources to realise the agricultural value of floodplains rather than wasteful water storage for failed irrigation projects; and success with generating and distributing electricity sufficient for economic activity in urban centres where half the people live. Engineers can provide better outcomes for Nigerian people, but there are some important culturally determined constraints to be addressed.