Sanga: A new dawn for water engineering in Nigeria

Engineer Joshua Titus Sanga FNSE is a distinguished engineer and accomplished leader. He has been elected as the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers (NIWE), marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. This achievement showcases his expertise and dedication to the field of water engineering, earning him recognition among his peers and the engineering community. His leadership skills and vision for the institute have been evident throughout his career.

Sanga was elected national chairman of the NIWE alongside other executives. The other elected officials are Engineer Temitope Esther Aboyeji as National Vice Chairman, Engineer Dr. Usman Abdullahi Ibrahim as National Programmes Coordinator, Engineer Terhemba Agber as Assistant National Programmes Coordinator I (Membership Services), Engineer Ibrahim Usman Umar as Assistant National Programmes Coordinator II (ICT), and Engineer Edidiong Ndakare Udoidong as Assistant National Programmes Coordinator III (Water Education & Training).

Other executives include Engineer Ebere Peter Canicius Ononiwu as Treasurer, Engineer Opeoluwa Abayomi Ajayi as Financial Secretary, Engineer Bello Abubakar as Publicity Secretary, Engineer Dr. Dominic Akubu as Ex-Officio I, Amina Imam-Binuyo as Ex-Officio II, and Engineer Dr. Adeyinka Sobowale as Immediate-past National Chairman.

Born on December 25, 1971, in Sanga, Gumau, Toro local government area of Bauchi state, Engineer Sanga’s academic excellence is evident in his Higher National Diploma in Water Engineering, Post Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering, and Master of Civil Engineering from the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. His pursuit of knowledge has taken him to various training programmes locally and internationally, demonstrating his commitment to staying up-to-date with industry developments. His academic achievements have laid the foundation for his successful career.

His professional journey is marked by exceptional leadership and service. He served as Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers, Abuja branch, and later became the national secretary in 2018. His elevation to the position of National Chairman is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the advancement of water engineering in Nigeria. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strategic thinking, innovative problem-solving, and effective collaboration.

As a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers, and Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants, Engineer Sanga embodies excellence. His expertise in cost timing and risk management has earned him local and international recognition. He has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the engineering sector and its complexities, driving transformative projects and strategic policy formulations nationwide effectively and sustainably.

As Director General of Bauchi State Public Procurement Bureau, he plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and efficiency in the state’s procurement processes. His key responsibilities include monitoring and oversight of public procurement, harmonising existing government policies and practices, regulating and setting standards, and developing the legal framework and professional capacity for public procurement in Bauchi state. He also provides leadership and direction to the bureau, guiding its activities to achieve its mandate.

As the head of the bureau, the director general’s specific roles include implementing the Bauchi State Public Procurement Bureau Law, 2020, facilitating the conduct of public procurement activities, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. He also provides guidelines for procurement processes, including emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he promotes procurement capacity training for parastatals, institutions, commissions, and agencies of the state government. By performing these roles, the director general helps to promote transparency, accountability, and value for money in Bauchi state’s public procurement processes.

His experience in the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, where he voluntarily resigned to pursue private practice, has equipped him with invaluable insights into the nation’s infrastructure development. His private practice has solidified his reputation as a certified engineer of high repute. His expertise extends to project management, contract administration, and construction management, leveraging innovative technologies for efficient delivery and optimal resource utilisation strategies.

Throughout his career, he has presented technical papers at various conferences and attended seminars in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. His vast knowledge and expertise have made him a sought-after authority in water engineering. He has contributed significantly to the development of policies and guidelines for the water sector, enhancing national development and infrastructure growth continuously.

As National Chairman of NIWE, Sanga is poised to drive innovation and progress in the water engineering sector. His vision for sustainable water management and infrastructure development aligns with the institute’s objectives. He aims to promote collaboration among stakeholders, enhance capacity building, and advocate effective policies, ensuring a brighter future for Nigeria’s water sector.

His election is a celebration of his dedication to the advancement of water engineering in Nigeria. His leadership will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of engineers to strive for excellence. He has consistently demonstrated a passion for mentoring and developing young engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and progress, promoting collaborative research, and driving sustainable solutions for Nigeria’s water security and economic growth.

Under his stewardship, NIWE is expected to witness significant growth and development. His commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing will foster a culture of excellence among members. He will work tirelessly to promote the institute’s interests and advance the water engineering profession, addressing critical challenges and opportunities.

As he begins his tenure as national chairman, the Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers looks forward to a brighter future. His leadership will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the water engineering landscape in Nigeria. The institute is confident that his vision and expertise will propel NIWE to greater heights, achieving national recognition and acclaim, enhancing lives through innovative water solutions and sustainable development initiatives nationwide.

The Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers congratulates Engineer Joshua Titus Sanga on his well-deserved election and looks forward to his visionary leadership. The engineering community and beyond eagerly anticipate the positive impact of his presidency, expecting transformative changes and developments in Nigeria’s water sector, fostering improved access to clean water and sanitation nationwide effectively.

He expressed disappointment in his acceptance remarks regarding the alarming state of public water supply in Nigeria, where none of the state capitals, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have 50% daily running taps. This dire situation should be a pressing concern for Nigerian engineers, highlighting the need for urgent attention and innovative solutions to address the country’s water crisis.  With over 60 million Nigerians lacking access to basic drinking water and 80 million without improved sanitation facilities, the situation demands collective action from engineers, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure universal access to sustainable water supply and sanitation services by 2030.

Engineer Sanga is a renowned water engineer, project manager, and a Fellow of various professional institutions. He has served in various capacities, including Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers, Abuja branch, and National Secretary. He is currently the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Water Engineers, poised to make a lasting impact.

Mubarak writes from Nabordo, Toro local government area of Bauchi state.