Local Content: 90% of projects should be handled by indigenous engineers – Shettima
By Matthew Denis
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has called for the need for effective implementation of local content to achieve a sustainable socio-economic transformation in the country.
He made the disclosure at the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) 31st Engineering Assembly with the theme: “Entrenching and strengthening engineering practitioner’s code of conduct for resilient engineering practice in Nigeria” held in Abuja.
The Vice President who was represented by the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum while tasking Nigerian engineers to operate within the framework of COREN policies stressed that at least 90 percent of local projects in Nigeria should be handled by them in the country.
He said: “In Borno State, my engineers handle over 90% of projects. I think this is something that we need to do. We have many senators in the National Assembly, governors, and their deputies and I think if we can put our heads together, we can work on the issues of the national content. We have very brilliant Nigerian engineers but the opportunities are limited and that’s the truth.
“Engineering practitioners are the problem solvers who turn challenges into opportunities, from the construction of vital infrastructure and the development of technology. In recent times, we have faced unprecedented challenges, and opportunities in the role of engineering practitioners have become even more critical. It is in this context that the discussion of strengthening the engineering practitioners’ code of conduct assumes paramount importance,” he said.
The President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar said that the Council as a regulatory body has had set up a task force to review COREN operations, budgets, and finances, to develop strategies to be more prudent and, transparent,
He appealed to the Federal Government to exempt the council from its decision to stop funding professional bodies and councils in the country.
“I am sure most of you are aware of the new policy of FGN on non-funding of professional and regulatory bodies in Nigeria effective January 2024. While the Council is presently studying the government directive, I want to use this opportunity to emphasize the fact that COREN is not a professional association but a regulatory body.
“In response to the new reality, the Council has set up a task force to review COREN operations, budgets, finances, etc, and to develop strategies to be more prudent, transparent, accountable, minimize leakages, identify new sources of and increase of IGR, review fees chargeable, develop new modes of engagement, service delivery and discharge of its mandate.
According to him “the Council is confident that with proper and better planning, operations, including deployment of technologies, outsourcing, collaboration, etc the new policy of FGN would further strengthen COREN to facilitate the discharge of core mandate ”
On his part, the Managing Director of Wema Bank PLC, Mr. Moruf Oseni emphasized that the Country is in need of world-class engineering firms and resources that will drive its sacred mandate, adding that COREN as a regulatory body plays a pivotal role in the nation’s socio-economic agenda.
The MD who was represented by Wole Akinleye stressed on effectiveness, noting that COREN’s role must be guided by a robust Code of Conduct that serves as a moral compass to guide every decision.
The highlights was paper presentations, brainstorming by Engineer Professionals that cut across the African Continent.
