President and CEO of Dangote Industries, Aliko Dangote, has cautioned that the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence could significantly disrupt traditional engineering practices, potentially replacing roles long performed by human engineers.
He made this known during his induction as an Honorary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in Lagos, where he urged professionals to take a proactive role in shaping how AI is integrated into the field.
Dangote noted that AI is increasingly influencing multiple sectors and may soon take over core engineering design functions. He stressed the need for engineers to adapt, innovate, and actively contribute to discussions on how the technology should be applied in education and real-world practice.
Reaffirming the importance of engineering, he described it as central to national development and industrialisation, adding that no country can achieve sustainable growth without strong engineering capacity. He highlighted that the Dangote Group’s success across industries—including refining and fertiliser production—has been driven by engineering expertise and innovation.
Dangote also emphasised the company’s investment in developing local talent through training initiatives and international exposure, while calling for Nigeria to expand its engineering workforce to remain globally competitive.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, Rahamon Bello, said the honour recognises Dangote’s contributions to engineering-led industrialisation and economic growth across Nigeria and Africa.
