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From Isaac Anumihe and Adline Elechi, Abuja
Following the rampant collapse of buildings in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has called for strong sanctions against perpetrators of failed infrastructure.
He also called for a stronger regulatory framework to safeguard lives, improve infrastructure quality and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s engineering sector.
Tinubu, who spoke at the 34th Engineering Assembly organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja, reiterated that his road projects represent a complete departure from previous practices, where many completed roads did not last up to five years. He added that the roads would last between 50 and 100 years.
The President, who spoke through the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, explained that engineering is the backbone of national development.
According to him, engineering without regulation is risky, while regulation without enforcement is weak.
However, enforcement without sanctions is ineffective, and sanctions without fairness are unjust. Therefore, he said, what Nigeria needs is a balanced system comprising strong regulation, fair enforcement and proportionate sanctions.
“The Federal Minister of Works remains committed to delivering durable road infrastructure across the country. We are determined to build roads and bridges that serve Nigerians for generations. We are determined to ensure that the projects of this administration stand as evidence of vision, competence and national renewal,” he said.
Addressing the President of COREN, Professor Sadiq Abubakar, he said the 34th Engineering Assembly should be remembered as the moment when the engineering profession renewed its covenant with the Nigerian public, adding that no bridge, road, building or infrastructure project is more important than the lives it is meant to serve.
In his welcome address, Abubakar listed the achievements of the council, saying it has recorded notable milestones in advancing engineering education, professional development, regulation of practice and public protection in Nigeria.
According to him, the council has obtained National Universities Commission (NUC) endorsement and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) approval to enforce admission quotas for all engineering programmes in Nigerian universities, similar to medicine, law and pharmacy, to improve standards, quality and the practical competencies of engineering graduates for enhanced employability.
“COREN also works closely with NBTE for similar result in the polytechnic system. The council reintroduced oath taking and indexing of graduates. COREN further collaborates with the various industry-based academics to ensure engineering graduates secure places for the one year mandatory residency and for NYSC primary posting for enhanced hands-on experience.
“COREN intensified nationwide engineering monitoring and compliance inspections across major infrastructure projects, industrial facilities, construction sites, and engineering establishments covering key sectors. These efforts have enhanced compliance with engineering standards and reduced the incidence of unqualified engineering practices,” he noted.
Meanwhile, founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, stated that every road, bridge, hospital, refinery, power station, factory, water system and telecommunication network depends fundamentally on the quality of engineering.
According to him, when engineering fails, the consequences are measured not only in financial losses but also in lost livelihoods, diminished investor confidence and, tragically, the loss of human lives.
