By Grace Alegba
Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) has inducted Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as an Honorary Fellow in recognition of his contributions to engineering-driven industrialisation in Nigeria and across the continent
The academy said the honour recognises Dangote’s contributions to large-scale engineering, infrastructure and manufacturing, which significantly impacted Nigeria’s economic development.
NAE President, Prof. Rahamon Bello, at ceremony on Friday in Lagos, said the induction reflects Dangote’s immense contributions to industrial and economic growth.
Bello said the honour is the Academy’s highest recognition, reserved for individuals with outstanding impact on engineering practice and development.
He described the academy as an apex body committed to advancing excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation for national development.
Bello said the academy, founded in 1997, serves as a think-tank providing policy advice to government and private organisations on technological matters.
He said the academy comprises eminent Nigerian and foreign engineering professionals who provide leadership on national engineering and technological issues.
According to him, it offers a platform for experts to pool insights and advise government and private organisations on policy, especially in technology.
Bello said NAE membership is limited, with fellows elected based on outstanding contributions to research and engineering practice across sectors.
He added that the academy runs innovation competitions and fellowship grants to support young academics and promote engineering excellence.
He said only five Honorary Fellows had been inducted in 29 years, making Dangote the sixth recipient of the rare recognition.
He said the honour celebrates vision, resilience and commitment to advancing industrialisation.
Bello said Dangote’s investments span cement manufacturing, sugar refining, salt processing, vehicle assembly and petroleum refining.
He described the Dangote Refinery as Africa’s largest oil refinery and a symbol of engineering excellence and innovation.
Bello said the refinery reflects belief in Africa’s capacity to design, build and sustain world-class infrastructure.
He added that such investments reduced import dependence, strengthened local capacity and created thousands of jobs.
Bello said the academy found Dangote qualified for the honorary fellowship in line with its by-laws.
He said Dangote’s achievements continue to inspire a new generation of engineers and entrepreneurs across Africa.
Guest Speaker, Dr Mutiu Sunmonu, highlighted resilience, ethical leadership and navigating complexity as critical for modern industrialists.
Sunmonu said emerging economies must align energy infrastructure, investment flows and industrial policies to drive growth.
He stressed the need for foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships to scale energy systems and industrial capacity.
The Group Managing Director of ARCO Group Plc, Mr Alfred Okoigun, said engineering must remain central to Nigeria’s development agenda, noting that Dangote’s recognition underscores the need for deliberate investment in engineering capacity.
He said countries like China have shown the gains of aligning ambition with technical expertise, adding that prioritising engineering in policy, education and industry, alongside strong institutions, is key to global competitiveness.
Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Benedict Oramah, commended Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s industrial landscape and job creation.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos represented by his Special Adviser on Works, Dr Adekunle Olayinka said Dangote’s efforts shows African innovation can compete globally.
Dangote, in his acceptance remarks, described engineering as a driver of national development and global competitiveness.
“Engineering is more than a profession; it is the language of progress.
“Every bridge that connects communities, every megawatt that lights homes and every drop of fuel that powers our economy begins as an engineering idea,” he said.
He noted that his business journey across Africa had reinforced his belief that engineers were central to economic transformation, describing them as “the silent architects of national development.”
He pledged support for mentorship, research, innovation and capacity building through expanded graduate programmes and partnerships with the academy. (NAN)