President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unequivocally reaffirmed the Federal
Government’s steadfast dedication to ensuring quality infrastructure and paramount public safety across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, President Tinubu, represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, emphasized that robust engineering regulations are not punitive but vital for protecting lives and restoring public trust in the engineering profession.
The President underscored the critical role of engineering as the bedrock of national development, asserting that effective regulatory enforcement is indispensable for safeguarding lives, guaranteeing infrastructure quality, and rebuilding public confidence.
He stressed that regulations serve to protect public interest, famously stating, “no road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.”
President Tinubu further assured attendees of his administration’s unwavering commitment to completing the four Legacy Road Projects spanning the six geopolitical zones, a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
These projects are envisioned as
strategic investments poised to revolutionize the nation’s economy, enhance connectivity, and foster sustainable development.
Umahi, echoing the President’s sentiments, lauded the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for selecting a theme that perfectly aligns with the Federal Govt’s vision for superior infrastructure delivery and adherence to public safety.
He highlighted the profound responsibility inherent in the engineering profession, noting that unlike many other fields, structural failures leave no room for rectification.
Consequently, he advocated for more stringent regulations, rigorous enforcement, and decisive sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals who compromise
ethical standards.
The Minister urged site engineers to uphold their professional duties with integrity, resisting any attempts by contractors to dictate engineering decisions.
He called upon COREN to fortify its disciplinary mechanisms, drawing parallels with other professional regulatory bodies, to ensure that only competent engineers are authorized to practice.
Umahi also showcased the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, particularly the ongoing Legacy Road Projects, which designed to bolster economic integration, enhance national security, generate employment, and attract investment.
Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, presenting the Keynote Address on behalf of the Honourable Minister, reiterated that the Renewed Hope
Agenda prioritizes infrastructure development as central to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He detailed the Ministry’s implementation of four major Legacy Projects across the geopolitical zones, aimed at connecting communities, promoting commerce, improving national integration, and encouraging investment.
He emphasized that quality assurance, competence, professionalism, and independence among stakeholders are
fundamental to sustain infrastructure development, urging engineers to uphold ethical standards and adhere strictly to regulations and best practices.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by Prof. Hassan Umaru, underscored the timeliness and significance of the Assembly, affirming that engineering excellence forms the bedrock of public trust, industrial competitiveness, and national development.
Drawing from the success of the Dangote Refinery project, he highlighted the critical role of rigorous engineering design, quality control, technical discipline, and strict compliance with
standards.
He called for sustained excellence within the engineering profession and urged COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners to safeguard lives and property.
COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, outlined the Council’s statutory mandate to regulate engineering education and practice in Nigeria, aligning with international standards.
He mentioned the mandatory industrial training for engineering graduates and the successful introduction of digital verification and enforcement systems
to enhance transparency and regulatory compliance.
Prof. Abubakar assured members of
the Council’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and accountability, vowing to prevent infrastructure failures through transparent and effective regulation.
Other notable speakers, including the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, and the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, also emphasized the crucial role of engineering in economic growth, innovation, and public safety, pledging continued collaboration and support for the profession.
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), commended COREN
and the Federal Ministry of Works for their achievements, affirming the professionalism and excellence of Nigerian engineers.
The 34th Engineering Assembly concluded with a strong reaffirmation of COREN’s commitment to fortifying engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime, all aimed at ensuring public safety and fostering sustainable infrastructure
development across Nigeria.
