Tinubu Backs Enhanced Sanctions Against Quack Engineers in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his support for plans by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering of Nigeria (COREN) to implement stricter sanctions against fraudulent engineers and professionals found guilty of misconduct. He emphasized that robust regulation, combined with fair enforcement, is crucial for safeguarding both lives and vital infrastructure.
During the opening ceremony of the 34th COREN Engineering General Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, highlighted that Nigeria’s rapid infrastructure development requires an effective regulatory framework that maintains the integrity of the engineering profession and holds practitioners accountable.
Tinubu articulated that engineering devoid of regulation poses significant risks, while regulation lacking enforcement is ineffective. He noted, “What Nigeria needs is a balanced system of strong regulation, fair enforcement, and proportionate sanctions.” His comments were made in the context of the assembly’s theme, which focused on advancing public safety through strategic engineering regulation.
The assembly brought together engineers, regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss initiatives aimed at enhancing governance in engineering and bolstering public safety. The President pointed out that engineering failures can result in tragic consequences, including avoidable deaths and loss of public trust. He underscored the necessity for safety to be a primary concern in engineering practices.
Tinubu characterized COREN not just as a professional registration body but as a statutory entity responsible for protecting the public by effectively regulating technical practices. He advocated for a shift from reactive to proactive regulation, emphasizing the importance of a data-driven and transparent approach to prevent failures before they occur.
“Regulation is not a punishment but a safeguard,” he remarked. He stressed that sound regulation is essential for protecting the public from subpar engineering standards and ensuring that both engineers and investors are shielded from the consequences of infrastructure failures, thereby preserving lives.
He called for a commitment to competency and integrity at every stage of infrastructure development, from planning to maintenance, and revealed the administration’s dedication to building durable infrastructure. Tinubu mentioned that ongoing federal highway projects are designed for longevity, with lifespans projected between 50 and 100 years, in stark contrast to conventional practices where roads often last just five years.
During the assembly, COREN Chairman Professor Sadiq Abubakar echoed the importance of effective regulations in preventing engineering failures and their associated repercussions. He detailed several reforms COREN has undertaken, such as improving engineering education and enhancing regulatory oversight. Abubakar also pointed out that COREN has obtained approval to enforce admission quotas for university engineering programs, as part of efforts to uplift the quality of engineering education.
Moreover, he announced initiatives like a mandatory training program for engineering graduates before their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) induction, as well as robust monitoring mechanisms for engineering projects nationwide. Abubakar cited ongoing challenges such as quackery and weak enforcement of standards, which he believes hinder the profession’s progress. He urged a shift towards a regulatory environment that fosters ethical practices and greater collaboration among stakeholders.
Professor Uche Okorie, COREN Registrar, emphasized that public safety is the ultimate measure of engineering success, asserting that engineering design must prioritize the protection of life and property. He elaborated on the various reforms instituted by COREN to enhance regulatory compliance and improve the quality of the engineering landscape.
The assembly highlighted the crucial role of engineers in Nigeria’s economic transformation. APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yurwatoda noted that sustainable infrastructure development is vital for national growth. Dr. Hassan Mahmood of the Dangote Group proclaimed that engineering excellence should be viewed as a strategic economic priority. He suggested that effective regulatory frameworks would mitigate investment risks while improving infrastructure reliability.
Mahmood further advocated for a nuanced sanctions framework that distinguishes between different levels of professional shortcomings, urging COREN to maintain rigorous standards for repeat offenders. He cautioned that many engineering failures stem from systemic issues such as weak procurement processes and insufficient adherence to expert advisories. Mahmood emphasized that meaningful reforms must address these challenges while ensuring that errant practitioners are held accountable.
The 34th COREN Engineering General Assembly aims to produce recommendations focused on fortifying engineering regulations and enhancing enforcement mechanisms, ultimately restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s infrastructure as the country pursues ambitious developmental objectives.
