By Gloria Irabor
Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Geoffrey Nnaji, has renewed his call for professional compliance and fair remuneration as essential strategies to unlock the full potential of engineering in Nigeria’s development.
Addressing participants at the 33rd Engineering Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), held in Abuja, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to professionalism, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure. He stressed the critical role engineering plays in national growth and called on government and industry stakeholders to restore funding to COREN and support its ongoing reform initiatives.
Chief Nnaji advocated for an amendment to the Engineers’ Registration Act to expand COREN’s statutory powers, particularly in licensing, infrastructure insurance, and accountability for engineering failures. He underlined the importance of strengthening regulatory oversight to ensure quality engineering services and safeguard public infrastructure.
Commending the Engineering Residency Programme (ERP), the minister described the initiative as a vital platform equipping young engineers with hands-on experience aimed at preventing failures and promoting sustainable development. He also threw his weight behind COREN’s plan to organise a national workshop on remuneration and fee structures, aimed at establishing fair compensation systems that reflect the value, risk, and impact of engineering work on public safety.
Backing COREN’s decentralisation strategy, Chief Nnaji welcomed the inauguration of regional offices and stakeholder committees to enhance monitoring and compliance efforts across the country. He also highlighted strategic partnerships with the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), aimed at aligning engineering education in Nigeria with global standards.
In a bid to strengthen accountability and tackle infrastructure failures, the minister announced the introduction of specialised training programmes for Engineering Infrastructure Failure and Forensic Investigators, developed in collaboration with key institutions.
He commended COREN President, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Zubair, and his dedicated team for their leadership and strategic innovation. According to the minister, their unwavering commitment is paving the way for a future defined by professionalism, progress, and national pride.
