Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has received the official hosting rights for the 2026 Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold in December in Maiduguri.
The hosting rights, tagged: “Maiduguri 2026,” were presented by the president of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, during a dinner organised by the governor in honour of the visiting NSE leadership.
The conference is themed: “Engineering Innovations for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development,” and is expected to attract about 10,000 engineers and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit by the NSE delegation, Governor Zulum assured the engineers that Maiduguri is fully prepared and secure to host the high-profile national event.
He dismissed concerns about insecurity, noting that Borno State has successfully hosted several major conferences and national programmes in recent years without incident.
“I want to bring to your attention that in 2025, Maiduguri hosted a lot of national and international events such as the 6th National Council on Power, the 70th National Council on Education, the Kanem-Borno Cultural Summit, the 40th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition, and the 65th National Council on Health, among others,” Zulum said.
“I want to inform you that Maiduguri is secured to host the conference, and we are known for our hospitality,” he added.
The governor also welcomed the conferment of the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ honorary fellowship on elder statesman and philanthropist, Dr. Muhammadu Indimi, describing the recognition as well deserved.
“This award is long overdue. His contribution to the growth and development of the education sector in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. His contribution to infrastructure development in the country also needs no emphasis,” Zulum said.
“On behalf of the government and people of Borno State, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi and his family, I want to thank you for this award,” he added.
In his remarks, NSE president Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu commended Zulum for what he described as improved peace and stability in the state, expressing confidence in Maiduguri’s readiness to host the conference.
“We are particularly impressed by the relative peace and security being enjoyed in Maiduguri and other parts of the state,” he said.
Rabiu also disclosed that the NSE Council would hold a preparatory meeting in Maiduguri in July to assess logistics and security arrangements ahead of the December conference.
“As part of our preparations, the Council has resolved to hold its meeting in Maiduguri this July to assess firsthand the level of readiness for the conference and to evaluate the security environment,” he said.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the deputy governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani, and members of the NSE delegation.
