President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, promoting quality infrastructure, and safeguarding public safety across Nigeria.
The President, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, made this known while declaring open the 34th Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Engineering Assembly.
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Themed “Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,” the Assembly was described by President Tinubu as timely and critical to Nigeria’s developmental aspirations.
Engineering Key to National Development
President Tinubu noted that engineering remains the backbone of national development and emphasized that effective regulatory enforcement is essential for protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in the profession.
According to him, regulations are not designed to punish professionals but to safeguard public interest. “No road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life,” the President stated.
He further assured stakeholders that his administration remains committed to completing the four Legacy Road Projectsspread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing them as strategic investments capable of transforming the nation’s economy, improving connectivity, and driving sustainable development.
Umahi Calls for Stronger Engineering Regulations
Speaking at the event, Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, commended COREN for selecting a theme that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for quality infrastructure and public safety.
Umahi stressed that engineering is a profession where errors can have fatal consequences, noting that structural failures often leave no room for correction.
He called for stricter regulations, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and appropriate sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals who compromise engineering ethics and standards.
The Minister also urged site engineers to maintain professional independence and avoid allowing contractors to dictate engineering decisions.
He further highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration, particularly the ongoing Legacy Road Projects, which he said are designed to improve economic integration, enhance national security, create jobs, and stimulate investments across the country.
Renewed Hope Agenda Prioritises Infrastructure
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, stated that infrastructure development remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the Ministry is implementing major projects aimed at connecting communities, promoting commerce, improving national integration, and encouraging investments.
Adeladan emphasized that quality assurance, professionalism, competence, and adherence to due process remain fundamental requirements for sustainable infrastructure development.
Dangote Highlights Importance of Engineering Standards
Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by Prof. Hassan Umaru, described the Assembly as significant and timely.
Drawing from the experience of the Dangote Refinery, he noted that rigorous engineering design, quality control, technical discipline, and strict compliance with standards were instrumental to the project’s successful delivery.
He urged COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks and disciplinary measures to safeguard lives and property.
COREN Introduces Digital Verification Systems
In his welcome address, COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, highlighted the Council’s statutory responsibility of regulating engineering education and practice in Nigeria in line with global standards.
He disclosed that COREN has introduced digital verification and enforcement systems aimed at improving transparency, eliminating fraudulent practices, and strengthening regulatory compliance.
According to him, practical industrial training remains critical to developing competent engineers and preventing infrastructure failures.
Stakeholders Advocate Collaboration for Engineering Excellence
Other dignitaries at the event, including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, emphasized the importance of engineering in driving economic growth, innovation, and national development.
They commended the Federal Ministry of Works under Engr. David Umahi for the progress recorded on the Legacy Road Projects and reaffirmed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, academia, professional bodies, and private sector stakeholders.
The 34th COREN Engineering Assembly concluded with renewed commitments to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcing professional standards, and promoting sustainable infrastructure development and public safety across Nigeria.
Source: Federal Ministry of Works
Signed: Mohamed A. Ahmed, Director, Information and Public Relations
Date: July 14, 2026.
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