The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has announced measures to elevate the standard of engineering practices in the country and align them with global best practices. This was disclosed by COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, during a capacity-building programme held in Abuja for Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement (ERM&E) teams and State Technical Committees.
- Strengthening Regulatory Oversight:
- Prof. Abubakar emphasized that the collapse of infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and bridges, often results from inadequate regulation and the underutilization of engineers.
- COREN has updated its Act and regulations to match global standards, ensuring the profession meets contemporary demands.
- Capacity Building:
- Regular training for COREN inspectors was highlighted as essential for maintaining high standards of engineering regulation.
- Kam-Selem Bukar, Chairman of the ERM&E Committee, noted that COREN is expanding its regulatory focus to 11 additional sectors to ensure compliance and mitigate infrastructure failures.
- Collaboration for Better Results:
- Prof. Abubakar called for stronger partnerships between government and private sectors to address systemic gaps in regulatory oversight.
- Efforts are underway to unify the work of state technical committees, regional steering committees, and national technical committees to improve enforcement.
- Reducing Dependence on Foreign Expertise:
- Keynote speaker Kasim Ali, represented by NSE Deputy President Ali Rabiu, stressed the need to prioritize local expertise to bolster Nigeria’s engineering industry and achieve sustainable development.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD):
- Margaret Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, praised the initiative and advocated for linking CPD programs to the renewal of practicing licenses, ensuring engineers remain updated on emerging technologies.
By enhancing compliance, focusing on training, and addressing gaps in regulation, COREN aims to prevent infrastructure failures and improve public safety. These measures are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s engineering sector and reduce reliance on foreign professionals, thereby fostering long-term development and self-reliance.
