Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has called for stronger collaboration between government and professional bodies to enhance infrastructure development across the country.
Hamzat made the call on Thursday at the 41st Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) held at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos.
The conference, tagged CONFOTECH Lagos 2025, had the theme: “Enhancing Professionalism in Engineering Enforcement and Remuneration for Sustainable National Growth.”
Hamzat, represented by Dr Adekunle Olayinka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, said synergy between government and professional bodies such as NATE was vital to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.
He noted that such collaboration had shaped Lagos State’s development agenda and strengthened efforts to tackle the challenges of infrastructure expansion and maintenance.
“The deficit in infrastructure can only be overcome through aggressive development jointly driven by the public and private sectors,” he said.
The deputy governor said providing basic infrastructure such as buildings, water supply, hospitals, and schools could only be achieved through modern technology and professional expertise.
He urged NATE to continue providing technical support that would help bridge gaps in government projects and foster innovation in construction and infrastructure delivery.
“Lagos State has always opened its doors for developmental support and collaboration from multilateral and bilateral organisations,” he said.
Hamzat added that such partnerships would drive economic growth and societal advancement in line with the THEMES agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
He said the administration remained focused on transforming key sectors such as transportation, environment, public infrastructure, and tourism to achieve a greater Lagos.
“I urge NATE to leverage the strategic position of Lagos as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and offer innovative solutions to development challenges,” he said.
Hamzat reiterated that the state government would continue to maintain existing infrastructure, initiate new projects, and create an enabling environment to accommodate Lagos’ growing population.
During the conference, several distinguished engineers were conferred with the Fellow of NATE award, the highest honour of the association.
Those honoured included Hamzat; traditional ruler, Sulaiman Bamigbade, the Olofin Adimula of Isheri; and Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, Chairperson of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
Others were Mr Ibikunle Ogunbayo; Dr Ibraheem Abdul, Rector of Yaba College of Technology; and other eminent technologists and stakeholders.
