The Nation Newspaper

Tag: COREN

  • COREN praises Abdulrazaq for supporting local contractors

    COREN praises Abdulrazaq for supporting local contractors

    Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was applauded on Tuesday by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), which acknowledged his “consistent support for local content development in the construction and engineering sectors”.

    COREN Chairman in Kwara State Engineer Bashiru Lawal said in a letter to the Governor in October 2025 that AbdulRazaq’s “deliberate policy of patronising local professionals and contractors aligns perfectly with COREN’s longstanding advocacy for the recognition, utilisation, and promotion or indigenous companies in project execution”.

    “On behalf of the COREN, Kwara State Office and the entire engineering community in Kwara State, we wish to express our profound appreciation to Your Excellency for your exemplary commitment to empowering indigenous contractors through the recent award of contracts, particularly the engagement of Messrs CPN for the construction of Ojoku-Ilemona Road, flagged off recently by Your Excellency,” the letter stated.

    It added: “This forward-thinking approach not only strengthens local capacity but also enhances job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development within the state. Your Excellency’s consistent support for local content development in the construction and engineering sectors stands as a testament to your dedication to inclusive growth and the overall economic advancement of Kwara State.

    “We commend your vision and leadership in setting a standard worthy of emulation by other states and public institutions across the country. COREN remains committed to supporting your administration’s developmental agenda and ensuring that the highest professional and ethical standards are maintained in all engineering-related projects in the state.”

    At a press briefing recently, Commissioner for Works AbdulQuawy Olododo told reporters that more than 70% of the construction works in the state are handled by local contractors who are indigenous to Kwara State.

    He said this creates jobs and boosts the local economy at various layers.

  • Onyia presents engineering education report to COREN Registrar

    Onyia presents engineering education report to COREN Registrar

    In a move set to continuously strengthen engineering education in Nigeria, Dr. Uzor Onyia, Principal of SCID EngineeringXpress presented a comprehensive engineering education report to Engr. Prof. Okorie A. Uche, the Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). 

    The presentation took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the COREN Head Office in Abuja.

    During the meeting, Onyia congratulated Uche on his emergence as the COREN Registrar in March 2025 and lauded the remarkable innovations his leadership has brought to the council since his assumption of office. 

    He highlighted Uche’s well-known passion for and contributions to engineering education.

     Onyia detailed that SCID EngineeringXpress  is a collaborative research coalition involving key stakeholders such as COREN, the Association of Professional Women Engineers in Nigeria (APWEN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). 

    The initiative, sponsored by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Royal Academy of Engineering, and Onyia Construction, also partners with the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students Association (NUESA), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and ACESPED, UNN.

    The coalition’s main goal is to improve engineering education and practice in Nigeria through research studies and the development of essential engineering skills. 

    This work has led to the creation of a UNN Faculty of Engineering-approved complementary engineering curriculum, guidelines, and frameworks for engineering education, along with the EngineeringXpress platform to streamline stakeholder engagement.

    Onyia informed Uche that similar reports have been well-received and accepted by the grant sponsors, underscoring the project’s success and impact. He expressed gratitude to COREN for its unwavering support, acknowledging the contributions of previous Registrars, Engr. Prof. Bello Adisa and Engr. Prof. Joseph Odigure.

    Read Also: NEMSA makes COREN registration requirement for certification

    Uche commended Onyia for his dedication and extensive contributions to engineering education through numerous research projects and training programs for students and early-career engineers. 

    He praised Onyia’s numerous research projects and training programs for students and early-career engineers, emphasizing his dual role in both academia and entrepreneurship through his company, Onyia Construction, as a worthy model for young engineers to emulate.

    He also extended his appreciation to Engr. Sadiq Omeiza, MD of Onyia Construction, and Engr. Precious Onuoha, Head of the Department of Trainings and Certifications at COREN, for their valuable contributions and support to SCID EngineeringXpress and all other participants and contributors. Prof. Uche concluded by pledging the continuous support of his office to the coalition’s vital work.

  • NEMSA makes COREN registration requirement for certification

    NEMSA makes COREN registration requirement for certification

    The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, Aliyu Tukur Tahir said the agency has reinforced the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for all individuals and firms apply for certification.

    Aliyu made this assertion during the official signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NEMSA and COREN, held at COREN Headquarters in Abuja.

    Head, Communications & Protocol at NEMSA, Mrs. Ama Umorem, who made this disclosure in a press statement quoted him as saying: “By reinforcing COREN registration requirements for all individuals and firms applying for NEMSA certification, we are creating a framework that prioritizes regulatory compliance and quality service delivery.”

    He reiterated the agency’s commitment to a strategic partnership with the Council for the COREN aimed at strengthening and advancing the Nigerian power sector for the benefit of all citizens.

    He described the MoU as a significant step toward fostering a robust and mutually beneficial relationship between both institutions, emphasizing that the collaboration will enhance the effective delivery of their respective mandates, particularly in ensuring the safety of lives and property within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

    “This partnership will enable us to consolidate efforts in promoting professionalism, accountability, and competence in the power sector,” Engr. Aliyu stated.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu orders speedy execution of approved projects

    He further noted that the agreement will facilitate efficient information sharing between both agencies, particularly on disciplinary actions and sanctions involving NEMSA-certified personnel and firms also registered with COREN.

     This will help improve transparency, enforcement, and adherence to industry standards.

    On renewable energy, Engr. Aliyu highlighted that the collaboration will promote skilled manpower development, address sector-specific engineering challenges, and uphold quality standards in certification and practices. He also disclosed that COREN will be actively represented in NEMSA’s Competency Certification Panels, reinforcing fairness and shared responsibility in the certification process.

    In his welcome address, the Registrar of COREN, Engr. Okorie Austine Uche, FNSE, FNICE, assured stakeholders that the MoU will ensure engineering regulations within the power sector are aligned with COREN’s statutory framework. He noted that the partnership represents a step forward in harmonizing regulatory efforts to achieve a more structured and effective engineering ecosystem in Nigeria.

    Also speaking at the event, the President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, FNSE, FAEng, FNIAE, described the MoU as a milestone in COREN’s strategic realignment. “COREN recognizes the enormity of its mandate and views collaboration as a critical strategy in addressing regulatory and operational gaps,” he said.

    Engr. Abubakar further revealed that COREN is already set to commence the implementation of this partnership and has invited NEMSA to participate in several of its key committees. These include the Codes and Standards Committee, Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) Committee, the Engineering Investigative Panel, and the Disciplinary Tribunal—which addresses cases involving practitioners in the power sector. He emphasized that NEMSA is expected to take a lead role in this tribunal.

    The NEMSA-COREN partnership is poised to enhance service delivery and ensure the realization of NEMSA’s mandate of providing stable, safe, reliable, and efficient electricity networks and power systems across Nigeria.

  • CORBON, COREN partner to raise infrastructure

    CORBON, COREN partner to raise infrastructure

    The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) agreed to work together to improve the quality of construction and engineering projects across the country.

    Chairman of CORBON,   Dr. Samson Opaluwah,   described the agreement as a milestone for the industry.

    ‘This marks a turning point in our efforts to promote professional excellence and optimize human resources in the built environment,’ he said.

    Commenting, COREN President, Professor Sadiq Abubakar, emphasized the need for cooperation rather than rivalry. He warned that a lack of unity could harm the nation’s infrastructure and economy.

    “If we see ourselves as competitors, Nigeria will lose. Our economy will suffer,” he stated.

    The CORBON and COREN partnership will also focus on addressing the root causes of building collapses, a recurring issue in Nigeria. Professor Abubakar pointed out that most existing laws do not adequately address the actions of developers.

    “Eighty per cent of the issues are not captured by legislation. This MoU will help change that,” he said.

    COREN has already begun the process of amending legislation to extend its regulatory authority. Abubakar confirmed that CORBON would be invited to contribute to the proposal before it is presented to the National Assembly.

    Read Also: FERMA chief gives Tinubu kudos on road infrastructure

    “We want to fast-track the process. Our aim is to get this to the National Assembly by the end of the year,” he explained.

    As part of the agreement, CORBON professionals will now participate in COREN’s Enforcement and Regulatory Monitoring (ERM) across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.

    Both organizations stressed that the CORBON and COREN partnership will help eliminate unqualified practitioners and raise confidence in Nigeria’s construction sector.

    “When we go out, we go as a solid group. This is about cooperation, not competition. It’s a joint commitment to build a better future for Nigeria,”Opaluwah.

    The event concluded with an exchange of gifts, symbolizing the shared mission of both councils to enhance standards and professionalism in Nigeria’s built environment.

  • COREN calls for pre-NYSC residency for engineering graduates

    COREN calls for pre-NYSC residency for engineering graduates

    THE Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has called for the resuscitation of compulsory residency for engineering graduates before going for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    Its President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, stated this at the 32nd COREN Engineering Assembly.

    Abubakar said the move for the compulsory residency was aimed at strengthening engineering practices in Nigeria as well as making graduates employable.

    He said COREN was established as a statutory body with the mandate to regulate and control engineering education, training and practice in all ramifications.

    According to him, COREN carries out its mandate by ensuring quality assurance of training institutions offering engineering through accreditation of engineering programmes in tertiary institutions.

    “The National Universities Commission (NUC) and COREN have agreed to commence joint accreditation of engineering programmes in universities.

    “This is similar the existing practice between ational Board for Technical Education,(NBTE) and COREN for the Polytechnics and Mono-technics.

     “In line with the aspiration of COREN to meet the global standards of Sydney Accord (SA) and Dublin Accord (DA) under the IEA, NBTE and COREN have agreed to commence accreditation of technical colleges in Nigeria this coming academic session.

    “In response to the goals of the current administration, the Council approved the resuscitation of Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE) under a new name of Engineering Residency Programme (EREP).’’

    Abubakar said  the plan is to engage the National Assembly to seek legislative backing for its funding by the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in line with the existing law.

    “This is a one-year post-graduation training programme for all engineering graduates of an accredited university or polytechnic.

    “It is designed to meet practical experience requirements for the purpose of registration with COREN as professional engineer or an engineering technologist similar to the practices of Medical and other professions.’’

    Abubakar said that relevant organisations like NUC, NBTE, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), among others were contacted and all expressed their readiness to participate and support the laudable initiative.

    He said that COREN equally ensures that all qualified engineering practitioners including technologists, technicians and craftsmen were certified through the registration process of the Council before they are licenced to practice in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Protests: Police blast Amnesty over inaccurate casualty figures

    He explained that this was necessary because only such registered engineering practitioners would be allowed to head engineering departments and units, and to supervise engineering projects.

    He added that aligning with the current administration’s renewed hope agenda; the Council approved the creation of a new register for the cadre of engineering artisans in line with its mandate.

    The president said the new National Skills Qualifications (NSQ) levels one to six under the NSQ framework included in the scheme of services of Nigeria has given the required recognition and backing to the holders of the NSQ levels to progress in their cadre without any hitch.

    Abubakar said that in the same vein, COREN being a member of National Skill Council (NSC), was charged to drive the Sector Skill Council for Engineering (SSC4E).

    He said, “Arrangement has reached an advanced stage with NBTE and other relevant organisations for the inauguration of the SSC4E.

    “This heralded the commencement of the processes of training, certification and licensing of Artisans in Engineering Sector in Nigeria.

    “COREN is the awarding body, NBTE is the Regulatory body while Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) will chair the Council (SSC4E) composed of nominees representing diverse interest groups in Engineering.

    “These includes: employers of labour, professional bodies, academia, private sector, etc in line with NSQF manual.’’

  • COREN, Coleman sign MoU on local content

    COREN, Coleman sign MoU on local content

    The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Coleman Technical Industries Limited (Coleman) to explore opportunities in engineering skills, local content development, and the power sector.

    The partnership aims to strengthen the relationship between COREN and Coleman, as well as promote the advancement of local content in the country.

    Coleman Managing Director George Onafowokan hailed the partnership as the right one for his company, applauding COREN’s efforts in partnering with Africa’s top cable company.

     Onafowokan emphasized that Coleman has been dedicated to promoting local content in the marine and gas sectors.

    He also highlighted Coleman’s commitment to diversifying its operations through investments in technology.

    Read Also: NATEP,  UTEL sign MOU on halting illegal migration in the country 

     He added that Coleman has been training individuals, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and engineers, which has positively impacted the company.

     “We have trained people in automation engineering, among other fields, and this partnership is setting a legacy for those who will come after your tenure,” Onafowokan said.

     During the signing ceremony which took place at the Coleman factory in Arepo, Ogun State, President of COREN, Engr. Abubakah Sadiq Zubair, expressed his gratitude to Coleman for granting access to their facilities and showcased the brand’s capabilities in the power sector.

     He commended Coleman for being a prime competitor in advancing local content and emphasised the importance of industrial development in the nation.

     Zubair explained that under the partnership between COREN and Coleman, COREN plans to reactivate the Engineering Residency Programme, which requires engineering graduates to undergo a one-year residency before proceeding to the NYSC.

     He said Coleman, as a critical player in the power sector, will play a crucial role in this initiative.

     “The Federal Government has set up a national scheme council, with 18 sectors included. COREN has selected Coleman to represent the power sector in the council.

     “The council’s main objective is to streamline the informal sector, providing training, certification, accreditation, registration, and licensing opportunities for artisans, technicians, and engineers, the COREN boss said.

  • COREN act empowers body to prosecute offenders

    President Muhammadu’s Buhari’s assent to the engineering registration Amendment Act 2018 into law has broadened the powers of the Council to prosecute members who commit any form of infraction.

    The President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, Ali Rabiu dropped this hint last Thursday during a press briefing to herald the COREN Engineering Assembly scheduled to commence on the 19th August 2019 in Abuja, with the theme, ‘Strategic Alliance Amongst Engineering Professionals for Enhanced Opportunities.’

    According to him, apart from powers to prosecution of infraction, it also has the powers to ensure capacity building and monitor local content in the Nigerian engineering sector.

    Specifically, Rabiu said the amendment of the Act 2018 into law enhanced prosecutorial powers, expanding the quality and scope of its regulations, increasing the number of council members and also improving the sources of funds.

    He added that it will strengthen its administration, strengthening the practice and professional development of engineering profession, as well as help enforce professional discipline. Establishing and engineering regulation and monitoring department within the council and strengthening the definition and concept of the practice of engineering.

    “It has become a tradition of the council for the regulation of engineering in Nigeria to hold the annual engineering assembly to update the knowledge of members of the engineering family and share ideas on emerging issues on the practice of the engineering profession.

    “With the theme of the event, strategic alliance is generally cooperation and coordination of designated responsibility amongst engineering and even allied professional guided by codes, ethics and standards and supported by laws to deliver quality and cost effective services, products, processes etc to the satisfaction of the clients.”

    Among the expected guests is President Muhammadu Buhari as the special guest of honour at the opening ceremony with the governor of Katsina state, Aminu Bello Masari as chairman while the keynote address will be delivered by the immediate past President of COREN Engr. Kashim Ali.

  • COREN gets new president

    Mr Ali Rabiu, a former Vice President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has emerged as the new President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

    A statement by Mrs Ojonugwa Haruna, the COREN Head of Public Relations, said Rabiu was elected at an Extra Ordinary Council Meeting of COREN.

    She said Rabiu took over from Mr Kashim Ali who had served two terms as President of the council between 2013 and 2019.

    Haruna said Rabiu, who was born on April 24, 1963 in Lafia, Nassarawa State, attended Bayero University, Kano State for a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Civil Engineering.

    According to her, a COREN registered engineer, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Rabiu is also a members of various engineering associations.

    “The new COREN President has served as member, Presidential Monitoring Team on DFRRI, Rural Water and Sanitation Programme as well as House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on the investigation of flooding of the Goronyo Dam.

    “He has also served as member, Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi and Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Kano branch,” she said.

    Haruna said the new president had over 30 years professional career in engineering and had served at various administrative and managerial levels in the public and private sectors.

    She said Rabiu was involved in the design and supervision of several bridges, roads, concrete structures, water supply schemes, small dams as well as flood and erosion control works.

     

     

     

  • Buhari signs Engineers Amendment Act into law

    President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Engineers (Registration etc) Amendment Act, 2019.

    The principal Act establishes the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria – COREN’ with power vested.

    According to the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang, the new amendment has broadened the powers of COREN with far-reaching powers of prosecution of infractions, regulating industrial training of Engineers, capacity building of local content in Nigeria engineering industry.

    Specifically, he said, the new law grants COREN powers of: “prosecuting any person or firm that contravenes the provisions of this Act in a court of competent jurisdiction; .regulating industrial training schemes in engineering practitioners and students;

    (I)..ensuring capacity building and monitoring local content development in the Nigerian engineering industry through – mandatory attachment of Nigerians to expatriate engineers on major projects to understudy them from inception

    “(ii) ensuring that all foreign engineering firms establish their design offices in Nigeria. (iii) granting of compulsory attestation to all expatriate quota for engineering practitioners, including turnkey project, that there are no qualified and competent Nigerians for the job in question at the time of application and that granting of the expatriate quota shall be contingent on training of such number of persons as may be required for the execution of the job, and;

    “(iv) ensuring that, before being allowed to practice in Nigeria, such foreign engineering practitioners granted work permit, register with the council and obtain such licenses as may be required from time to time; (h) investigating engineering failures.’’

    He said that the new Act further admits into the Council (COREN) the following: “Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering
    Nigerian Society of Engineering Technicians, and
    Nigerian Association of Engineering Craftsmen, and
    One person each appointed to represent the –
    Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria,
    Federation of Construction Industry in Nigeria
    Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and
    Armed Forces in rotation.’’

    The Council, he said, is now entitled to maintain a fund into which shall be paid money appropriated by the National Assembly, subventions, fees, charges for services rendered or publications made, donations, engineering development levy, among others.

    “On NYSC, the Amendment states:
    (14) (i)‘’The Directorate of the National Youth Service Corps shall ensure posting of graduate engineers and technologists to places of relevant professional engineering experience.
    (ii) Pursuant to the provision of subsection (i), the Directorate of National Youth Service Corps shall communicate the location of graduate engineers and engineering technologists to the Council.’’

    The Act broaden engineering ‘’practitioners to include a registered Engineer, Engineering technologist, Engineering technician and Engineering craftsman. It emphasis more on engineering practitioners as against ‘engineer.’

    “The Act has been remitted in accordance with standard legal procedures.” Enang stated

  • N100bn Sukuk fund: FG urged to monitor contractors

    N100bn Sukuk fund: FG urged to monitor contractors

    The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has called on the Federal Government (FG) to monitor the utilisation of the N100 billion Sukuk fund released to contractors for road projects.

    Mr Kashim Ali, the President of COREN made the call on Tuesday in Abuja in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    Ali said the call became imperative because contractors were being owed for a very long time and that might impact negatively on the fund.

    “Now that the contractors have money, the next thing for them to do is to mobilise.

    “But because they are just coming from a long holiday of some sort, there is the need for vigilance on the part of the supervisory team.

    “A contractor who has been owed for a long time is like a wounded lion, he could come in with some negative tendencies wanting maybe to take as much money as possible.

    “So there is a need; at times like this, for everybody to be vigilant, not even only those in the Ministry of Works, but those of us who are also outside could be helpful.”

    He commended the Federal Government (FG) for embracing the Sukuk fund, adding that it is a viable alternative for funding infrastructure in many countries.

    He decried the rate of abandoned road projects in the country and called for proper management of resources on the part of the Federal Government.

    “If you were going to commit N5 on a section of the road that you commenced and abandoned, by the time you come back, the cost of the road would be double.

    “Government should manage its resources well such that it only awards what it can pay for.

    “That way, you take one, complete it and move to the next one instead of having so many constructions at the same time and there are no funds to manage them,” Ali said.