…pledges full support for COREN, insists on quality for legacy projects
By John Alechenu
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration will not compromise on engineering standards, stressing that public safety must guide every infrastructure project in the country.
The President who was represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, said this during the opening of the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, in Abuja, on Tuesday.
The Assembly had as its theme: “Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime.”
Tinubu described the theme as apt, saying engineering remains critical to national development.
The president said, “No road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.”
He added that regulations are not designed to witch-hunt professionals but to protect Nigerians and restore confidence in the profession.
Tinubu reassured that his administration is determined to complete the four Legacy Road Projects across the six geopolitical zones under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He said the projects will boost the economy, improve connectivity and drive sustainable growth.
In his address, Engr. Umahi commended COREN for the theme, noting that engineering is one profession where errors can be fatal.
He said, “Unlike other professions, when a building collapses or a bridge fails, there is no appeal. That is why we must enforce standards strictly and sanction those who cut corners.”
The Minister charged site engineers to remain professional and resist pressure from contractors. He urged COREN to strengthen its disciplinary processes to weed out unqualified practitioners.
Umahi also highlighted the progress on the Legacy Projects, saying they are meant to improve integration, security, job creation and investment across the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, who presented the keynote, said infrastructure is central to the Renewed Hope Agenda. He called on engineers to uphold ethics, competence and due process.
Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by Prof. Hassan Umaru, said quality control and strict compliance were key to the success of the Dangote Refinery. He urged COREN to sustain regulatory enforcement.
COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, said the Council has deployed digital verification systems to check fraud and improve compliance. He added that industrial training before NYSC will remain mandatory for engineering graduates.
Also present were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani; Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang; and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, who all commended COREN and the Ministry of Works for their efforts.
The Assembly ended with a commitment to strengthen regulation, enforcement and sanctions to ensure safer and more durable infrastructure in Nigeria.
