President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to strengthen regulatory oversight of the engineering profession and enforce stricter sanctions against erring practitioners in a bid to reduce infrastructure failures across the country.
The President gave the directive as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the quality, safety, and durability of public infrastructure, stressing that professional accountability is essential to national development.
Tinubu said recurring incidents of building collapses, failed road projects, and other infrastructure defects pose significant risks to public safety and undermine confidence in the country’s engineering standards.
He therefore charged COREN to intensify its regulatory functions by ensuring that only qualified professionals undertake engineering projects and that those who violate established standards are held accountable.
According to the President, stronger enforcement of engineering regulations will help improve the quality of infrastructure, protect lives and property, and promote professionalism within the sector.
He urged the regulatory body to work closely with relevant government agencies, professional associations, and private-sector stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with engineering codes and standards.
Tinubu also called for the implementation of appropriate disciplinary measures against individuals and organisations found guilty of negligence, professional misconduct, or substandard engineering practices.
The President noted that effective regulation is critical to preventing avoidable structural failures and ensuring that public resources invested in infrastructure deliver long-term value.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing modern, resilient infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
Tinubu said achieving that objective requires adherence to global best practices, continuous professional development, and a culture of accountability within the engineering profession.
The President further encouraged COREN to strengthen collaboration with educational institutions and industry stakeholders to enhance engineering education, certification, and professional competence.
He stressed the need for innovation and the adoption of modern technologies that would improve project delivery and infrastructure resilience across the country.
The directive comes amid growing public concern over incidents of building collapses and other infrastructure failures in parts of Nigeria, which have often resulted in fatalities, injuries, and significant economic losses.
Industry experts have consistently attributed many of these incidents to factors such as poor project supervision, the use of substandard materials, inadequate compliance with engineering standards, and the engagement of unqualified practitioners.
Stakeholders have welcomed renewed efforts to strengthen regulation, arguing that stricter oversight and effective sanctions would help improve public confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector while promoting higher professional standards.
The Federal Government has reiterated that ensuring the safety, integrity, and sustainability of infrastructure remains a key component of its broader development agenda, with regulatory institutions expected to play a central role in achieving that objective.
