The President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar, FNSE, FAEng, has announced that the 33rd COREN Engineering Assembly will hold from Monday 14th to Wednesday 16th July 2025, at The Velodrome, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. He described the Assembly as a strategic event to reaffirm COREN’s commitment to engineering regulation, infrastructure safety, and professional development.
According to Prof. Abubakar, “This annual gathering provides an opportunity for engineering stakeholders across Nigeria to critically examine the state of engineering practice, propose regulatory improvements, and strengthen standards for public safety and national development.”
He noted that the Assembly’s theme, “Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria: Professionalism, Compliance and Remunerations,” underscores the Council’s focus on compliance and the safety of engineering infrastructure through effective regulation. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, will deliver the keynote address, supported by seasoned experts from multiple sectors.
Prof. Abubakar highlighted the inauguration of the Engineering Residency Programme (ERP) as a key part of COREN’s reform agenda to ensure young engineers acquire hands-on training necessary to prevent engineering failures and support safe infrastructure development across Nigeria.
He further revealed that the Council will host a national workshop on remuneration and fee structures for engineering services. “This workshop will engage stakeholders in building consensus on fair pay practices that reflect the quality and safety impact of engineering work,” he stated.
To align Nigeria’s engineering education and practice with international standards, Prof. Abubakar affirmed COREN’s continued partnership with NUC, NBTE, and JAMB, including the registration and certification of engineering artisans to ensure competent practice at all levels.
In addressing regional disparities and promoting grassroots regulation, he disclosed that seven regional COREN offices are now functional, with three Regional Stakeholders Committees already inaugurated. “These efforts are part of our decentralization strategy to monitor compliance and ensure infrastructure integrity nationwide,” he said.
He also revealed the commencement of specialized training and licensing for Engineering Infrastructure Failure and Forensic Investigators, in partnership with NBRRI and CIFCFIN, as part of COREN’s plan to combat structural failures and enforce accountability in engineering projects.
According to him, COREN is working to amend the existing Engineers Registration Act to strengthen regulatory enforcement and expand the Council’s authority on issues like infrastructure insurance, practitioner licensing, and compensation for engineering failures.
He called on government and industry stakeholders to support COREN’s initiatives. “The ERP and our wider reforms are essential to nurturing skilled professionals capable of delivering safe and sustainable infrastructure. We urge the Federal Government to restore COREN to the funding regime for enhanced performance,” he added.
Prof. Abubakar noted that dignitaries expected at the event include President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji as Chairman of the Occasion, and Engr. David Umahi, CON, as Chief Host. The Assembly will conclude with a dinner featuring cultural entertainment and professional networking.
Signed
Haruna Ojonugwa (Mrs)
Head, Corporate Advancement and Public Relations
July 7, 2025
