Zulum’s Assurance Secures Maiduguri 2026 NSE Conference Hosting Rights

Zulum’s Assurance Secures Maiduguri 2026 NSE Conference Hosting Rights

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has officially received the hosting rights for the 2026 Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM), which is scheduled to hold in December in Maiduguri.

On Tuesday, the NSE President, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, made the presentation. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu made the presentation during a dinner that Governor Zulum organised in honour of the visiting NSE leadership.

The high-profile conference, tagged “Maiduguri 2026,” is themed “Engineering Innovations for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development” and is expected to attract about 10,000 engineers, experts, and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking earlier during a courtesy visit by the NSE delegation, Governor Zulum assured the body that Maiduguri remains safe and fully prepared to host the international gathering, dismissing concerns over security in the state.

He noted that Borno State has successfully hosted several major national and international events in recent years without any incident, citing conferences and cultural gatherings as evidence of improved stability.

“In 2025, Maiduguri hosted several national and international events including the National Council on Power, National Council on Education, Kanem-Borno Cultural Summit, Qur’anic Recitation Competition, and the National Council on Health, among others,” the governor said.

According to him, the successful hosting of such events demonstrates that “Maiduguri is secure and ready,” while also highlighting the state’s reputation for hospitality.

Governor Zulum also expressed appreciation over the NSE’s decision to confer honorary fellowship on prominent businessman and philanthropist Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, describing the recognition as “well deserved” and long overdue in view of his contributions to education and infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Responding, NSE President Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu commended the Borno State Government for its sustained efforts in improving security and rebuilding confidence in the state.

He said the Society was impressed by the relative peace currently enjoyed in Maiduguri and across Borno, adding that the environment assured a successful conference.

Rabiu further disclosed that the NSE Council would hold a preparatory meeting in Maiduguri in July to assess security arrangements and confirm readiness ahead of the December event.

“We have consistently received positive reports about events held in Maiduguri without security incidents,” he said, expressing optimism that the 2026 conference would be peaceful and successful.

The courtesy visit was attended by the Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; top government officials; and members of the NSE delegation.

The 2026 NSE conference will further position Borno State as a growing hub for national dialogue, professional exchange, and post-conflict development in Nigeria.