BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Federal Government is pushing for stronger regulations of engineering projects across the country, adding that regulations are not intended to punish professionals but to protect public interest, as no road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi stated this at the ongoing 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, with the theme, "Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime.”
Describing the Assembly as timely and relevant to the nation’s developmental aspirations, he reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to promoting quality infrastructure, and safeguarding public safety across Nigeria.
He noted that engineering remains the backbone of national development and that effective regulatory enforcement is essential for protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in the engineering profession.
The Minister assured the participants that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to completing the four Legacy Road Projects across the six geopolitical zones, under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi described them as strategic investments that will transform the nation’s economy, improve connectivity, and stimulate sustainable development.
He commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, for choosing an apt theme that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for quality infrastructure delivery and adherence to public safety.
The Minister disclosed that engineering is a profession where mistakes can cost human lives, emphasising that, unlike many other professions, there is often no opportunity for appeal after a structural failure.
To this end, he called for stronger regulations, strict enforcement, and effective sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals, who compromise ethics and standards.
Umahi informed that site engineers must discharge their responsibilities professionally and should never allow contractors to dictate engineering decisions, urging the Council to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms, similar to other professional regulatory bodies, to ensure that only qualified engineers are allowed to practice.
The Minister highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, especially the ongoing Legacy Road Projects spread across all the geopolitical zones, designed to improve economic integration, enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate investment.
He was confident that with continued discipline, transparency, and adherence to engineering ethos, Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit would be significantly reduced within the coming years.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He explained that the Ministry is implementing four major Legacy Projects across the geopolitical zones to connect communities, promote commerce, improve national integration, and encourage investment.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that quality assurance, competence, professionalism, and independence amongst stakeholders remain fundamental requirements for sustainable infrastructure development.
He urged engineers to uphold ethical standards, comply strictly with engineering regulations and best practices, and strengthen resilience through adherence to due process.
President of COREN, Engr. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar outlined the Council’s statutory responsibility of regulating engineering education and practice in Nigeria, in line with international standards and recommended practices.
He stated that engineering graduates are expected to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, describing practical exposure as critical to professional competence.
Abubakar disclosed that COREN has successfully introduced digital verification and enforcement systems to improve transparency, eliminate fraudulent practices, and strengthen regulatory compliance.
He assured members that the Council would continue to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while addressing attempts by some practitioners to circumvent established standards. According to him, engineering regulation must remain transparent, sustainable, and effective in preventing infrastructure failures across the country.
The 34th Engineering Assembly reaffirms COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime to ensure public safety and sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.
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