Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Quality Infrastructure, Stronger Engineering Regulation

By Pan Afric Reporters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure across Nigeria, declaring that engineering regulation, professional ethics and strict compliance with standards remain critical to safeguarding lives, enhancing public safety and driving sustainable national development.

The assurance was given at the opening of the 34th Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Engineering Assembly in Abuja, where the President stressed that no infrastructure project should come at the expense of human lives.

According to a press statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Works and signed by Mohamed A. Ahmed, Director of Information and Public Relations, President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, reaffirmed his administration’s determination to strengthen engineering regulations while accelerating the delivery of strategic infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Declaring the Assembly open, the President described the theme, “Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,” as timely and aligned with the nation’s development aspirations.

He emphasized that engineering remains the backbone of national development and that robust regulatory enforcement is essential to protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure and restoring public confidence in the engineering profession.

“No road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life,” the President stated, stressing that regulations are designed to protect the public interest rather than punish professionals.

President Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing the four Legacy Road Projects spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, describing them as transformational investments that would boost connectivity, stimulate economic growth and deepen national integration.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi commended COREN for selecting a theme that supports the Federal Government’s vision of quality infrastructure delivery anchored on public safety.

Umahi noted that engineering is a profession where mistakes can have fatal consequences, warning that unlike many other professions, structural failures leave little room for correction after the fact.

“Engineering is one profession where mistakes can cost human lives. Site engineers must never allow contractors to dictate engineering decisions,” he said.

The Minister called for stricter regulations, stronger enforcement mechanisms and tougher sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals who compromise engineering standards and ethics.

He further urged COREN to strengthen its disciplinary framework in line with global best practices, ensuring that only qualified professionals are licensed to practice.

Umahi highlighted the progress recorded under President Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda, particularly the ongoing Legacy Road Projects, describing them as critical to improving economic integration, enhancing national security, creating jobs and attracting investments.

He expressed confidence that sustained professionalism, transparency and adherence to engineering standards would significantly reduce Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit in the coming years.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, said the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He explained that the Ministry’s flagship Legacy Projects are designed to connect communities, promote commerce, strengthen national integration and stimulate investment across the country.

Adeladan stressed that competence, professionalism, quality assurance and institutional independence remain indispensable to sustainable infrastructure development, urging engineers to uphold ethical standards and comply strictly with engineering regulations.

Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by Prof. Hassan Umaru, described engineering excellence as the foundation of public trust, industrial competitiveness and national development.

Drawing from the experience of the Dangote Refinery project, he said rigorous engineering design, quality control and strict adherence to standards were responsible for the successful delivery of the project.

He called on COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks while enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners to safeguard lives and property.

In his welcome address, COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, highlighted the Council’s statutory responsibility to regulate engineering education and practice in line with international 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, engineering graduates are also expected to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps to enhance professional competence.

Other speakers at the Assembly also emphasized the importance of engineering to national development.

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, pledged continued collaboration with engineering regulatory agencies, describing science, technology and engineering as indispensable drivers of economic growth and public safety.

Representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang stressed the need to create an enabling environment for engineers to thrive while promoting public safety and economic development.

Similarly, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised COREN’s efforts in regulating engineering practice and commended the Federal Ministry of Works under Umahi’s leadership for the progress recorded on the Legacy Road Projects across the country.

He described Nigerian engineers as the backbone of national development and noted that they continue to distinguish themselves through professionalism and excellence both within and outside the country.

The 34th COREN Engineering Assembly concluded with renewed calls for stricter engineering regulation, enhanced professional accountability and sustained collaboration among government, regulators, academia and industry to ensure safer infrastructure and accelerate Nigeria’s development.