Dangote made the remarks in Lagos during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, where he urged professionals in the field to take an active role in shaping how AI is integrated into engineering practice and education.
Highlighting the growing influence of AI across industries, Dangote noted that the technology is increasingly replicating tasks that once required human expertise and analytical thinking. He cautioned that engineering design long considered a core human-driven discipline may soon be significantly altered by automation.
“It is possible that AI will soon phase out engineering designs usually undertaken by human engineers,” he said, urging the profession to respond through innovation and adaptation.
Dangote stressed that engineers must not remain passive observers but instead guide the evolution of their discipline. He called for greater involvement in determining how AI is taught in institutions and applied in real-world engineering projects.
Despite the warning, he reaffirmed the central role of engine`ering in national development, describing it as the “language of progress” and a critical driver of industrialisation. Drawing from his experience, he maintained that no country can achieve sustainable economic growth without a strong engineering base.
He pointed to the achievements of his conglomerate as evidence of engineering’s impact, citing large-scale projects such as the Dangote Refinery as products of technical expertise and innovation.
According to him, thousands of engineers have been instrumental in delivering the group’s operations across its refinery, fertiliser and other industrial ventures.
Dangote also highlighted investments in capacity development, including the establishment of the Dangote Academy, where young engineers receive practical training and exposure to global best practices. He noted that many Nigerian engineers have also been trained abroad to strengthen their technical capabilities.
However, he warned that Nigeria must expand its engineering talent pool to remain competitive globally, referencing countries like China that have made substantial investments in engineering education.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, said Dangote’s induction recognises his contributions to engineering-driven industrialisation. He described projects such as the Dangote Refinery as landmark achievements that underscore the importance of engineering in economic growth.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Adekunle Olayinka, praised the refinery as one of the most complex engineering feats on the continent, highlighting its role in job creation and industrial expansion.
The event reinforced calls for engineers to take a leading role in navigating technological disruption, as AI continues to reshape industries worldwide.