The Executive Governor of Borno State, Engr. Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, FNSE, CON, mni, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to hosting a world-class event as the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) prepares for its 2026 International Engineering Conference and Annual General Meeting in Maiduguri.
The Governor gave this assurance on Saturday during a courtesy visit by the President of the NSE, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, and his delegation at the Government House. The visit was aimed at briefing the Governor on the Society’s state of preparedness following a comprehensive last-minute inspection of the facilities at the Maiduguri International Conference Centre (MICC).
Speaking during the visit, the NSE President expressed satisfaction with the level of readiness of the infrastructure available in the state capital, noting particularly that the Maiduguri International Conference Centre, the main venue of the event, is almost ready to host the thousands of engineers expected to attend the conference from across the country and the globe.
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The NSE President recalled that the idea of hosting the 2026 conference in Maiduguri was mooted before the Governor in December 2024 and he jumped at it wholeheartedly. He noted that barely 14 months after the NSE Council’s approval of the hosting rights to Maiduguri, the MICC edifice was at 95% completion level, a feat that confirms the Governor’s transformative and forward-thinking leadership model. He further commended the Governor for his love for and deep commitment to engineering affairs.
Engr. Rabiu concluded his address by requesting more support from the State government in the areas of transportation, accommodation, security and other logistics to make the conference a resounding success.
In his response, Governor Zulum welcomed the NSE President and his entourage, stating that Borno State is honored to host a prestigious gathering.as the NSE conference again after many years. He emphasised that his government would “leave no stone unturned” to ensure a hitch-free and secure conference.
”The theme of the conference is particularly interesting and relevant. It speaks to the security challenges that Borno State has faced in the last two decades. We are ready to showcase the resilience and hospitality of Borno State with this hosting,” the Governor said.
”I wish to assure the Nigerian Society of Engineers that we will provide the necessary financial and logistics support required to ensure this event is not only successful but memorable. It will be one of the best engineering conferences ever held in Nigeria,” he declared further.
Prof. Zulum seized the auspicious occasion to announce to the NSE President and his entourage that his administration has approved for implementation the Enhanced Salary Entry Point of Grade Level 09 for engineers in the civil service, with a progression to Grade Level 10 after two years.
The conference, themed “Engineering Innovation for Enhanced Security and Sustainable Development,” is scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 4, 2026. It is expected to serve as a strategic platform for addressing Nigeria’s critical security infrastructure and developmental challenges.
The Governor’s pledge to meet the NSE’s requests for logistics and funding underscores the state’s efforts to position Maiduguri as a hub for major national and international events, signaling a return to normalcy and economic growth in the region.
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