In our previous article we examined the development and energy infrastructure in Nigeria. However, engineers have a unique role to play in order to achieve this objective when compared with other occupations in industrial organizations. They play a semi-independent role influenced by their national diversity. Engineers, therefore, are under increasing pressure to redefine their roles and re-equip themselves with necessary skills and knowledge to meet adequately the contemporary changes. We need to define who an Engineer is, so as to have a clear understanding of what roles they will play to make Nigeria have a future with sustainable energy.

Engineers have a unique role when compared with other occupations in industrial organizations, and therefore are most affected by organizational changes. In the introduction of new products, processes and methods and/or new equipment and technologies, engineers find themselves a target of change, and are required to adapt to the new work environment continuously. In another role, they themselves are originators of change in technologies, processes and products, and at times are responsible for the implementation of organizational changes. They are neither an extension of labour nor an arm of management. They play a semi-independent role influenced by their national diversity. Engineers, therefore, are under increasing pressure to redefine their roles and re-equip themselves with necessary skills and knowledge to meet adequately the contemporary changes. With the boundaries between technical roles and managerial roles becoming increasingly blurred in organizations today, the changing role of engineers has considerable influence on organizational performance.

When discussing the managerial role of an engineer, we need to focus on their decision making and governance and policy formulation. The decision making role of engineers are seen in almost every establishment or stakeholder organization in the energy sector where Engineers belong to the management and board members of such organizations making decisions that will affect the overall energy development of the country. By this role, Engineers are to use their ingenuity as originators and problem solvers to make decisions that will enhance the sustainable energy development of Nigeria. There is need for Engineers who are in positions of authority in the Government to use their offices to make good policies that will promote and sustain the energy development of Nigeria. This role may also involve policies and laws on how Engineers will be trained, in what areas they are to be trained, giving free hand to engineers to work in the energy sector, involving Engineers in technical works where they are most suited for and granting funds to Research and Development of Energy projects being carried out by Engineers.

The technical Role of an Engineer focuses more on energy planning, enlightenment (energy efficiency & conservation), sustainability, and professionalism in project execution. Through this, engineers can help us achieve the way forward by having good maintenance culture, public private partnership, implementation of national energy policy, adherence to the ethics of engineering profession, and sensitizing the public.