…Senate, Reps pledge strict enforcement of building codes, sanctioning of quack engineers
The National Assembly has committed to bolstering legislative frameworks and enforcing compliance with Nigeria’s building codes in response to the country’s ongoing infrastructure failures.
Speaking at the 33rd Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, described the frequent cases of structural collapse as a national crisis demanding urgent attention.
Mpigi, represented by Senator Ashley Emenike, stated: “We have seen buildings crumble, bridges fail and roads deteriorate, leading to loss of lives, wasted public funds, and serious reputational damage to the engineering profession. This is unacceptable in this modern era.”
He attributed the failures to weak regulatory oversight, inadequate supervision, and rampant use of unqualified personnel, assuring that the Senate would partner with COREN and other stakeholders to establish robust systems for professional standards and fair remuneration.
Also addressing the gathering, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, described engineers as “the architects of Nigeria’s development.”
Abbas, represented by Hon. Inuwa Garba, Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Engineering, reaffirmed the legislature’s resolve to back the sector with comprehensive legal support.
“We understand the critical contribution engineers make to our national growth and are committed to putting in place the policies and legislation required for the profession to flourish,” Abbas said.
President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), Dr Balarabe Shehu, applauded COREN’s work in promoting international recognition for Nigerian engineers. He pointed in particular to efforts towards securing Nigeria’s inclusion as a signatory to the Washington Accord, which would allow local engineers to practise globally.
President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mrs Margaret Oguntala, described the Assembly’s theme as timely, saying it complements NSE’s ongoing strategic focus on raising professional standards across the sector.
Earlier, COREN President, Professor Sadiq Abubakar, noted that the Assembly offers an important platform for Nigerian and international experts to engage on current challenges in engineering delivery, regulatory compliance, and compensation reform.
