By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
The Nigerian Institute of Highway and Transportation Engineers, a specialised division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, has formally inaugurated the 4th Chairman and Executive Committee of its Awka Chapter during a well-attended ceremony that brought together senior engineers, policymakers, academics, and industry stakeholders committed to advancing transportation engineering in Anambra State.
The ceremony, held in Awka, marked another milestone for the chapter, which has steadily grown into one of the most active professional hubs within the institute. The pioneer chairman, Engr Obiudu Chidi FNITHE, who was present to witness the transition, described the inauguration as a continuation of the chapter’s founding commitment to excellence. He said each tenure carries the responsibility of sustaining professional discipline, strengthening institutional presence across the state, and ensuring that every activity aligns with the broader objectives of NIHTE nationwide.
Engr Chidi recalled the early days of the chapter, noting that its establishment was driven by the need to create a knowledge-driven platform where engineers could deepen expertise in highway and transportation systems, influence public policy, and contribute to Nigeria’s evolving infrastructure landscape. He urged the new executives to remain steadfast in upholding these values, stressing that the transportation sector continues to face dynamic challenges that require continuous innovation, research, and professional collaboration.
The newly inaugurated chairman expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and outlined a multi-level agenda focused on strengthening the chapter’s internal structures, enhancing technical training, and promoting stronger engagement with ministries, agencies, and project offices responsible for roads and transport development across Anambra State. He said the committee will place emphasis on knowledge exchange, mentorship for younger engineers, and active participation in state and federal dialogue on highway standards and mobility solutions.
Industry guests and senior members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers delivered goodwill messages underscoring the importance of NIHTE’s role in shaping modern transportation engineering. They noted that with increasing urban expansion and rising demand for safer, more efficient mobility systems, engineers in the transportation sector must take leading roles in designing sustainable solutions rooted in science, technical rigour, and community needs.
The event also featured reflections on the state of infrastructure nationwide, with speakers calling for consistent maintenance culture, improved funding mechanisms, and deeper collaboration between professional bodies and government institutions to ensure that engineering standards are upheld across project lifecycles.
The Nigerian Institute of Highway and Transportation Engineers serves as the specialised arm of the Nigerian Society of Engineers responsible for advancing research, professional development, and best practices in road construction, transport planning, traffic management, and mobility engineering across the country. Its Awka Chapter continues to play a strategic role in supporting infrastructure development and strengthening engineering capacity in Anambra State.
