The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has launched a 90-day Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement (ERM&E) Rapid Response Task Force to combat quackery in the engineering profession.
According to COREN, the task force is also mandated to tackle the recurring incidents of building collapse across the country.
The decision was among several key resolutions reached at COREN’s 189th Ordinary Council Meeting, where the Council reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening engineering regulation, enhancing public safety, and promoting professionalism in the sector.
The resolutions were contained in a statement signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of COREN, Engr. O.A.U. Uche.
According to the Council, the task force will intensify monitoring and enforcement activities nationwide, ensure compliance with engineering standards, and support measures aimed at preventing engineering failures, particularly building collapse.
COREN also approved a nationwide public awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on the risks associated with engaging unregistered engineering practitioners and the importance of adhering to established engineering regulations.
It also approved the activation of the Engineering Disciplinary Tribunal, which will handle cases of professional misconduct and enforce ethical standards among engineering practitioners.
To deepen regulation and improve service delivery, COREN approved the registration of 3,328 engineering practitioners across various categories and 107 engineering firms.
The Council further directed a review of existing registration guidelines to align them with emerging industry realities and global best practices.
The Council also reiterated its resolve to protect the integrity of the profession by directing that nine cases involving the submission of fraudulent academic certificates for registration be reported to relevant anti-corruption agencies for investigation and possible prosecution.
COREN also approved the gazetting of the Engineering and Technology Accreditation Bureau (ETAB) and reaffirmed its statutory responsibility for accrediting engineering programmes in Nigeria.
The Council further approved a national stakeholders’ engagement on the Draft Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry.
The engagement, according to the Council, is expected to bring together government agencies, industry operators and other stakeholders to develop a stronger framework for promoting safe construction practices nationwide.
COREN has also directed the completion and deployment of its upgraded digital portal to improve operational efficiency and service delivery to practitioners and stakeholders.
The Council emphasised the need for closer collaboration among government institutions, professional bodies and industry stakeholders to ensure that engineering projects across the country are executed only by qualified and duly registered practitioners.
