By Ebunoluwa Sessou

As part of its commitment to restructure reform and set a standard for its operational framework, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN yesterday launched the Lagos Regional Steering Committee, LRSC, aim at serving as a key organ for compliance and enforcement at the regional level.

The mandate of the committee includes engineering regulations monitoring and enforcement, technical and administrative oversight as well as stakeholders’ engagement and advocacy.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ summit on restructuring, reforms and inauguration of the Lagos Regional Steering Committee, the President of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, FNSE, FASABE reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to engineering excellence regulatory efficiency and national development driven by the strategic roadmap for the transformation of the engineering profession in Nigeria.

According to him, “COREN’s roadmap for engineering transformation is to establish a world class engineering regulatory body that fosters professionalism, innovation, and compliance. In pursuit of this, COREN has embarked on a comprehensive restructuring process guided by the Engineers (Registration Act as amended) 2018 for enhanced engineering, training and ethical practice enforcement.

Abubakar further explained that some of the initiatives under COREN’s reform include institutional restructuring, decentralization of operations, strengthening engineering education, expansion of engineering regulations monitoring and enforcement, advancing professional development, mandatory engineering residency programme, enforcement and compliance strengthening and financial sustainability.

Abubakar however urged fellow engineers to see the future of engineering in Nigeria saying that it takes collective efforts to reshape engineering education, training and practice as well as advance compliance and enforcement, ensuring a more resilient infrastructure managed by innovation and globally competitive profession. Chairman, Lagos Regional Steering Committee, LRSC, Engr. Ibikunle Ogunbayo FNSE, FNIEEE promised to uphold the tenet of the organization.

“Our duty is follow a new direction of COREN and follow the recent passage of the Law which expanded the scope of activities of the Council, aimed at enhancing the role of COREN in the regulation of engineering in the development of the nation.

“The structure and operations of the new regional steering committee is intended to bring COREN’s regulatory activities closer to the component parts of the nation, will be explained and it is hope that this will lay the framework for closer relationship between COREN and all engineering personnel and all those who utilize the services of these engineering personnel”, he said.

In her goodwill message, the President/Chairman in Council of Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr Margaret Oguntala, FNSE said, engineering regulation is the bedrock of our profession, ensuring that our work meets global best practices and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Adding that efforts of the Lagos Regional Steering Committee will be pivotal in safeguarding the integrity of the profession, promoting adherence to established standards, and fostering a culture of excellence.

“Capacity building is fundamental to sustaining our collective mission. It equips us with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate emerging challenges and embrace innovation.

“The establishment of the Lagos Regional Steering Committee has therefore emerged to strengthen our commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, ensuring that engineering regulation remains robust, responsive, and aligned with evolving global trends.

She however commended the Lagos State government through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) for being at the forefront in brings together stakeholders for sensitization and engagement on the criticality of professionalism in the built environment.

Oguntala also commended COREN for initiating stakeholders’ engagement which has been found to be a veritable tool for reshaping perceptions, initiating reforms, strengthening relationships and promoting sustainable development.

Also, the Chief Executive Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku congratulated COREN on the significant step in restructuring, reforming, and inaugurating the Lagos Regional Steering Committee (LRSC), which will further strengthen the regulatory framework of engineering practice in the region.“The aviation sector, and indeed FAAN, is deeply rooted in engineering. Our airports are the lifeblood of national and international connectivity, and the quality of our infrastructure determines the efficiency, safety, and reliability of our operations. As an engineering-driven organization, FAAN recognizes the critical role COREN plays in upholding engineering standards and ensuring that only qualified professionals handle the nation’s infrastructure projects.

“In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, FAAN remains committed to adopting best engineering practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and working closely with COREN to guarantee that our projects meet global benchmarks.

“The importance of proper engineering regulation in airport infrastructure cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts safety, passenger experience, and operational efficiency.

“COREN’s self-funded model is commendable, and its dedication to regulating 11 key sectors, including aviation, is a testament to its commitment to national development. FAAN stands in full support of COREN’s ideals, particularly in ensuring sustainable infrastructure development, adherence to ethical engineering standards, and the promotion of local engineering capacity in line with government policies.

Also, Executive Director of Coleman Technical Industries Limited, Engr. Michael Onafowokan who represented the Managing Director, Coleman Wires and Cables, Mr. George Onofowokan said, “We commend COREN’s strategic foresight in strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing professional standards, and reintroducing the enforcement of ethical engineering practices. These efforts are not only safeguarding public interest but is also positioning Nigeria’s engineering sector as a beacon of global excellence.

“Engineering plays a pivotal role in driving the infrastructure development and economic growth of any city, state or nation, and Nigeria as a country is no exception. As the country continues to evolve, engineers are at the forefront of creating sustainable, innovative solutions that address the challenges of infrastructure, from transportation to energy and telecommunications and so on. “The work of engineers directly impacts Nigeria’s ability to enhance its economic resilience, create job opportunities, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.

“By designing and implementing efficient systems and structures, engineers lay the foundation for a thriving, diversified economy. The inauguration of the Lagos Regional Steering Committee is a critical step towards localized governance and improved professional oversight.

“It reflects a progressive shift in ensuring that regulations and policies are not only robust but also effectively implemented at the grassroots level. This initiative will drive increased collaboration, accountability, and innovation; elements that are essential for the sustainable growth of our profession. “We are committed to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s infrastructure. We pride ourselves on producing high-quality, durable, and reliable cables that are critical in enabling the successful implementation of engineering projects.

“From power generation and distribution to communication networks and construction, our products serve as the lifeblood of infrastructure across Nigeria and our unwavering commitment to excellence in manufacturing has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in driving infrastructural development.

“Through our innovation, adherence to international standards, and focus on quality control, we ensure that every product we deliver is at par with national and international standard as we support the effective and sustainable development of Nigeria’s infrastructure’, he said.