NIHTE Deputy Nat’l Chairman calls for reduction in environmental hazards, mitigate climate change

By Tina Amos

The Deputy National Chairman of the Nigeria Institution of Highway and Transportation Engineers (NIHTE), Bola Mudasiru has called for the smart city adoption to improve better quality of human life, reduce environmental hazards and mitigate climate change.

Speaking during his Keynote address at the inaugural International Conference on Innovations in Civil Engineering 2025 hosted by the Department of Civil Engineering, Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) recently. 

Based on his presentation on the Theme: “Innovative Smart City Solutions for Sustainable Urban Development: Achieving the SDGs through Integrated Infrastructure and Technology” he said that sustainable engineering was once seen as optional—but now a fundamental imperative for urban transformation.

According to the United Nations (UN) projection on urbanization, 68 percent of the global population is expected to live in cities by 2050 therefore, smart city strategies are vital to addressing CO₂ emissions, mobility, energy use, and inclusive development.

Mudasiru who is a member of International Relations Committee, and Presidential Merit Award recipient of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) during his presentation laid emphasis on the imperativeness for sustainable engineering and innovations which slows down resource depletion, support environmental stewardship, climate resilience, social equity and inclusivity, economic prosperity. 

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He opined that the targeted objectives of smart city are to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and a decent quality of life through the application of smart solutions.

According to him this underscored the critical role of integrated infrastructure and technology in achieving sustainable urban development and the SDGs.

“By embracing innovative smart city solutions, cities can enhance the well-being of both people and the planet, ensuring a smart, resilient, and prosperous future.

The expert noted engineering plays a critical role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

He explained that the benefits of smart City solutions can enhance livability, environmental performance, and climate resilience, ensuring a smart, resilient, and prosperous future.

On challenges affecting the realization of smart cities he outlined them as mobility issues regarding poor transportation system, insufficient resources management, environmental degradation, social inequality and bad governance. 

He revealed that factors that make smart cities are intelligent infrastructure, sustainability focus, operational integration, citizens engagement among others.

Meanwhile, Bola  was recognized with the prestigious Professional Excellence Service Award by ESUT and recognized for his dedication to delivering exceptional service and expertise in the field. 

He expressed appreciation to ESUT management for the award and to fellow engineers who are working tirelessly in driving Nigeria’s sustainable future for safety of lives and the universe.