Abuja: The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has approved a nationwide compliance audit of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to assess the implementation of the enhanced entry-point policy for engineers in the Public Service. The council also sanctioned renewed engagement with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to ensure the policy’s implementation. These decisions were finalized at COREN’s 190th Ordinary Council Meeting in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of COREN, Prof. Okorie Uche, announced on Thursday that the council is committed to fortifying engineering regulation as part of its statutory duties. The council has endorsed stronger compliance and enforcement measures to elevate engineering regulation, professional standards, technical skills, and public safety. These measures aim to guarantee that engineering practitioners and firms adhere to established regulatory requirements.
Prof. Uche highlighted that as part of efforts to enhance regulation and service delivery, COREN approved the registration of 2,001 engineering practitioners. This group includes 1,410 engineers, 227 engineering technologists, 15 engineering technicians, 334 engineering craftsmen, and 15 expatriate practitioners. Additionally, the council approved the registration of 33 engineering firms across various engineering disciplines.
The council has also granted full accreditation to certain firms under the Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) Certification Scheme, which is being executed in partnership with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP). This initiative aims to bolster professional capacity and uphold standards in renewable energy and energy efficiency practices.
Further, the council reviewed certification examination results from seven training centers, involving 478 candidates, with 177 successfully passing. It has directed the adoption of the COREN/NESP-approved Solar Photovoltaic Installation Training Curriculum at Enerplaz Paygo Solutions in Port Harcourt. In response to recurring engineering failures and building collapses, COREN has approved strategies to enhance its regulatory intervention and enforcement activities, enabling a more effective response to breaches of engineering standards that could jeopardize lives and property.
Prof. Uche also disclosed that COREN has approved a structured competency development program for Engineering Regulation Inspection Officers and a comprehensive regulatory strategy, which includes a nationwide public awareness campaign and an integrated digital compliance and verification platform. Other measures encompass mandatory COREN compliance for engineering procurement and approvals, as well as fortified Engineering Compliance Inspectorate Units.
The council plans to enhance collaboration with relevant government agencies and enforce stricter adherence to annual practicing license requirements. COREN has also decided to establish a National Engineering Practice Database to strengthen the monitoring, verification, and regulation of engineering activities nationwide. To advance technical skills and regulation, the council approved the automation of registration processes for engineering artisans and Skills Training Centres on the COREN Portal.
Furthermore, COREN has endorsed measures to enhance the recognition and regulation of engineering craftsmen across the country. The council will collaborate with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to develop National Occupational Standards for various technical occupations, including bicycle mechanics, GSM phone repairs, satellite installation, tractor operation and maintenance, motor body building, and transmission repairs.
In the realm of engineering education, COREN approved the implementation of the National Engineering Admission Quota and Carrying Capacity Enforcement Framework, which aims to promote quality assurance and ensure that engineering programs in Nigerian universities operate within approved standards and capacities. Additionally, the council revised the Terms of Reference for the Codes and Standards Committee to strengthen the development, review, promotion, and monitoring of engineering codes and standards.
Prof. Uche stated that COREN has adopted the Engineering Sliding Scale of Fees in Nigeria (ESSOFIN) and approved the organization of regional stakeholders’ engagement workshops before the end of 2026 to facilitate broad-based consultation, consensus-building, and nationwide ownership of the initiative. He assured practitioners, government institutions, industry stakeholders, and the public of COREN’s dedication to implementing the resolutions in line with its statutory mandate.