Tinubu vows renewed clamp down on quack engineers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared that his administration will not tolerate compromises on engineering standards, prioritizing public safety above all else in infrastructure development. Represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, at the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly in Abuja, Tinubu stressed that "No road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life."

The assembly's theme, “Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,” resonated with the president's commitment. He clarified that regulations are not intended to target professionals but to safeguard Nigerians and rebuild trust in the engineering field. Tinubu also reaffirmed his government's dedication to completing the four Legacy Road Projects, a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which are expected to stimulate economic growth, enhance connectivity, and foster sustainable development.

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No road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.

Minister Umahi echoed the president's sentiments, highlighting the critical nature of engineering where errors can have fatal consequences. He urged site engineers to maintain professionalism and resist undue pressure from contractors, while calling on COREN to bolster its disciplinary measures to eliminate unqualified practitioners. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, represented by Prof. Hassan Umaru, also emphasized the importance of ethics, competence, and strict quality control in infrastructure projects, drawing parallels with the success of the Dangote Refinery. COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, noted the council's implementation of digital verification systems to combat fraud and ensure compliance, reinforcing the mandatory nature of industrial training for engineering graduates.

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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.