By Juliet Umeh 

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 during  the 41st Conference and Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the Nigeria Association of Technologists in Engineering, NATE, held at the Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos.

The conference, which was tagged CONFOTECH Lagos 2025 had the theme: “Enhancing Professionalism in Engineering Enforcement and Remuneration for Sustainable National Growth.”

Hamzat, who was represented by Dr Adekunle Olayinka, Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure said the synergy between government and professional bodies such as NATE remained vital to addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit and achieving sustainable economic growth.

He noted that such collaboration had shaped Lagos State’s development agenda and strengthened efforts toward addressing 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 that 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 strengthen 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 buoyancy and societal advancement in line with the ‘THEMES’  agenda of the Sanwo-Olu 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 Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor, Lagos State,  

Mr Olu Ogunduyile,Dr Ibraheem Abdul Rector YABATECH and HRM Sulaiman Bamigbade Olofin of  Isheri land.

Others are Mr Ibikunle Ogunbayo, Chairman, KOA Oil and Gas, and Mrs Adeyoye, Chairperson of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

Mr Iniobong Nnanso, Commissioner, Ministry of Power, Akwa Ibom State, got the Platinum award.

Mr Ekpedenme Ukpe and Mr Stanley Mbam, Commissioner for Works and Transport, Ebonyi State among others got the Diamond awards, while Engr Gideon Dingba, Mr Oluwatosin Agbaakin and Mr Arowolo Ebunoluwa got golden awards among others.