27/02/2026
NEW NIMME LEADERSHIP PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO NBRRI DG, SEEKS STRONGER STRATEGIC COLLABORATION
The newly elected executives of the Nigerian Institute of Metallurgical, Mining and Material Engineers (NIMME) on Thursday, 26th February 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) at the Institute’s Headquarters, Abuja.
The seven-member delegation was led by the National Chairman, Engr. Micheal Ifeanyi Orekyel, who expressed profound appreciation for the long-standing, cordial, and mutually beneficial relationship between NIMME and NBRRI. He noted that both institutions have continued to collaborate productively in advancing engineering practice, materials research, and professional development in Nigeria.
During the visit, Engr. Orekyel reflected on the passing of Engr. Dr. Friday Ichifu Apeh, a former National Chairman of NIMME and past Director at NBRRI, describing him as a dedicated, focused, and visionary engineer whose contributions significantly impacted both institutions.
In honour of his legacy, he announced that a student essay competition has been renamed the Engr. Dr. Friday Ichifu Apeh Student Competition at the institution of Midwal Engineering, as a lasting tribute to his professional excellence and commitment to mentorship.
The National Chairman also referenced the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NIMME and NBRRI, particularly in the areas of public training and materials research initiatives. He expressed optimism that the partnership would soon begin to yield tangible results through enhanced service delivery and joint technical engagements.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal introduction of the newly elected executives to the DG/CEO and Management of NBRRI. Engr. Micheal Ifeanyi Orekyel was presented as the 13th National Chairman, alongside Engr. Chinasaokwu Okorie as Vice Chairman, and other executive members serving in various capacities.
The delegation used the opportunity to formally invite the Director-General/CEO of NBRRI to the inauguration ceremony of the 13th National Chairman and Executive members, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, at the Nigerian Society of Engineers Headquarters Main Auditorium, Abuja.
In furtherance of their strategic engagement, NIMME sought NBRRI’s support in several key areas, including:
Advert placement or sponsorship for the inauguration event.
Active participation in the upcoming NIMME 2026 International Conference and Exhibition scheduled to hold in Lafia.
Provide specialist paper presenters for the conference.
Nominate participants to attend the event.
Set up exhibition stands to showcase NBRRI’s products, research outputs, and services.
Additionally, the delegation presented NIMME’s 2026 Training Calendar and encouraged NBRRI to nominate staff for various professional development programmes aimed at deepening technical expertise. They also emphasized the need for continuous information exchange and collaborative idea-sharing to sustain and strengthen the relationship between both institutions.
In his response, the Director-General/CEO of NBRRI, Engr. Prof. Samson Duna, congratulated the newly elected Chairman and Executive members, urging them to give their best in their respective offices. He advised them to ensure that by the end of their tenure, they would leave the Institute stronger and more impactful than they met it. The DG encouraged the executives to remain proactive, innovative, and relevant in advancing the objectives of their professional body.
Prof. Duna also commended NIMME for honouring the late Engr. Dr. Friday Ichifu Apeh through the renaming of the student essay competition, describing the gesture as noble and worthy of emulation.
On the core issues raised during the visit, the DG assured the delegation of NBRRI’s continued support and active participation, both at the inauguration ceremony and at the forthcoming international conference and exhibition.
The courtesy visit reinforced the enduring partnership between NIMME and NBRRI and underscored a shared commitment to professional excellence, materials innovation, research advancement, and national development.
As both institutions move forward, stakeholders can expect deeper collaboration, strengthened technical capacity, and impactful contributions to Nigeria’s engineering and infrastructure sectors.