Lawmakers pledge to tackle infrastructure failures

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

Chairman, House Committee on Science and Engineering, Tajudeen Abass, has condemned the rate of building collapses in Nigeria, saying that the National Assembly would support the engineering industry to ensure that the rate is drastically reduced.

Abass, who was represented by Inuwa Garba, noted that infrastructure failure and project delays often point to a lapse in quality.

He said this at the 33rd Engineering Assembly organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN). He said that the nation must acknowledge the challenges in the sector, which is infrastructure failure.

“However, we must candidly acknowledge the challenges that hinder our potential. Incidents of building collapse, infrastructure failure, and project delays often point to a lapse in quality.

“This is where the pillars of professional compliance become indispensable. As a parliament, we are fully committed to supporting the engineering sector in Nigeria. We recognise your indispensable role in our nation’s development, and we are determined to provide the legislative framework necessary for continued success.

“The 10th National Assembly is your partner in progress. We are dedicated to creating an enabling environment where engineering excellence can flourish, where compliance is known, and where your invaluable contributions are duly recognised and rewarded. I am optimistic that the 33rd Engineering Assembly will be a landmark event that sparks renewed commitment, innovative solutions, and strengthens partnership.

“Together, we can build a Nigeria we all envisage — a nation built on a solid engineering foundation, driven by professional integrity and propelled by the ingenuity of its engineers.

The future we want for Nigeria is one where our roads are safe, our infrastructure is resilient, and our industries are innovative.

That future will be built, quite literally, by engineers,” he said.

Also, Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, who was represented by Ashley Emenike, was equally concerned about the persistent failure of infrastructure, saying that it’s a national alarm bell.

According to him, the occurrences reflect lapses in compliance; lapses in poor supervision, and, in some cases, quackery — a demonstration of a breakdown in the regulatory environment.

“It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, buildings are still collapsing under rain and bridges are caving in under minimal pressure.

“I commit today that the Senate Committee on Works stands ready to partner with COREN and other allied professional bodies to confront these problems head-on.

We will assist in strengthening legislative frameworks that will enforce mandatory compliance with engineering standards, advocate for full implementation of Nigerian building codes across all states, and support public enlightenment.

In that spirit, the committee also promises to collaborate with COREN and relevant stakeholders to develop an engineering compliance and professional remuneration framework,” he noted.

The Registrar of COREN, Professor Okorie Uche, said that the council will continue to pursue quality engineering services.

“The theme of this year’s assembly, Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria in Terms of Professionalism, Compliance, and Innovation, is not only timely, it is urgent. It speaks directly to the core of what we must continue to pursue — quality engineering services that meet both local and global standards; professionalism that reflects ethical conduct, technical excellence, and accountability.

“At COREN, we recognise that ensuring quality and professionalism in engineering practice cannot be separated from the business realities our professionals face.

“It is our collective duty to confront these challenges, including those of under-reputation, non-compliance, quackery, and forced service delivery, and develop a practical and affordable solution,” he promised.