The National Assembly says it will strengthen legislative frameworks and advocate for full implementation of Nigerian building codes, to address infrastructure failure across all states.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Barinada Mpigi, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja, at the 33rd Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
The theme for the 2025 Assembly is “Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria-Professional Compliance and Remuneration.”
Mpigi, represented by another lawmaker, Ashley Emenike said the persistent failure of infrastructure is a national alarm bell that requires urgent attention.
He assured that NASS would collaborate with COREN and relevant stakeholders to develop an engineering compliance and professional remuneration framework to address the menace.
“We must squarely confront the growing concern over engineering failures. We have witnessed collapsed buildings, failed bridges and road infrastructure that have crumbled and claimed lives , waste resources and tarnish the image of your profession.
“The persistent infrastructure failure reflects lapses in compliance, poor supervision and in some cases quackery which is a demonstration of a breakdown in a regulatory environment.
“It is unacceptable that in the 21st century buildings are still collapsing under rain and bridges are caving in under minimal pressure,” he said
Mpigi stressed that the Senate Committee on Works stands ready to partner with COREN and other allied professional bodies to confront these problems head-on.
On his part, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, said “Nigeria stands at a critical point in its development journey and engineers are the architects of the nation’s progress”,
Represented by Hon. Inuwa Garba, Chairman House Committee on Science and Engineering, Abass said the parliament is fully committed to supporting the engineering sector in Nigeria.
“We recognise your indispensable role in our nation’s development and we are determined to provide the legislative framework necessary for the continued success.
The President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations (WFEO), Balarabe Shehu, commended COREN’s effort in making Nigerian engineers visible at the global arena.
Shehu specifically hailed COREN’s effort towards getting the signatory status of the Washington Accord which will give Nigerian engineers the latitude to be recognised everywhere in the world.
Mrs Margaret Oguntala, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), said the theme of the 33rd COREN assembly
was apt and aligned perfectly with the strategic agenda of NSE.
Earlier, the COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, said the 33rd COREN Assembly focused on key issues of professionalism, compliance and remuneration while delivering quality engineering services and businesses.
Abubakar said the assembly served as a platform for both local and international professionals to discuss the evolving demands of the industry.
He said the Assembly is an annual event that brings all Cadres of Engineering Practitioners together to discuss issues of national and professional interest.
NAN
