Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has formally received the hosting rights for the 2026 Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) International Engineering Conference, Exhibition and Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held in December in Maiduguri.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu presented the hosting rights on Tuesday during a dinner organised by Governor Zulum in honour of the visiting leadership of the Society.
The conference, tagged “Maiduguri 2026” and themed “Engineering Innovations for Enhanced Security and Sustainable National Development,” is expected to attract about 10,000 delegates from various engineering disciplines across Nigeria and beyond.
Earlier, during a courtesy visit by the NSE leadership, Governor Zulum assured the delegation that Maiduguri is secure and fully prepared to host the prestigious gathering.
The Governor allayed concerns about security in the state, noting that Borno State has successfully hosted several major national and international events 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 stated.
“I want to inform you that Maiduguri is secured to host the conference, and we are known for our hospitality,” he added.
Governor Zulum also expressed delight over the conferment of the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ Honorary Fellowship on one of Borno State’s foremost elder statesmen and philanthropists, 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,” the Governor added.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu commended Governor Zulum for his commitment to security and development, noting that the Society was impressed by the peace and stability currently prevailing in Maiduguri and other parts of the state.
“We are particularly impressed by the relative peace and security being enjoyed in Maiduguri and other parts of the state,” Rabiu stated.
He reaffirmed the Society’s confidence in Borno State’s capacity to host a successful conference. He disclosed that the NSE Council would hold its meeting in Maiduguri in July as part of preparations for the event.
“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,” Rabiu said.
“I have consistently informed the Council that the events and engagements we have held in Maiduguri have been conducted successfully without any security incidents. This has strengthened our confidence that, by the grace of God, we will convene a successful and peaceful conference in December,” he stressed.
The courtesy visit was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Bukar Tijani; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; Special Advisers; senior government officials; and members of the NSE delegation.
