Tinubu Backs Tougher Engineering Regulations, Vows Completion of Legacy Road Projects

Senator David Umahi CON 
Minister of Works

"Engineering regulation was critical to safeguarding lives, improving infrastructure standards and restoring public confidence in the profession." Tinubu

.... Says "No infrastructure project should come at the expense of human lives. No road, bridge or building is more valuable than human life." 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to enforcing stricter engineering regulations and delivering quality infrastructure nationwide, declaring that public safety will remain central to the Federal Government's development agenda.

Speaking through the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, at the 34th Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Engineering Assembly in Abuja, the President said engineering regulation was critical to safeguarding lives, improving infrastructure standards and restoring public confidence in the profession.

Addressing the gathering on the theme, "Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime," Tinubu stressed that no infrastructure project should come at the expense of human lives.

"No road, bridge or building is more valuable than human life," he declared, describing engineering as the backbone of national development and urging strict compliance with professional standards.

The President reiterated his administration's resolve to complete the four Legacy Road Projects spread across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, saying the projects would boost economic integration, strengthen national security, create jobs and stimulate investment under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Umahi called for stronger regulatory enforcement and tougher sanctions against quacks and unethical practitioners, warning that engineering errors often result in irreversible consequences.

He urged site engineers to uphold professional independence and resist pressure from contractors, while calling on COREN to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms to ensure only qualified professionals are licensed to practise.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan, said infrastructure development remains at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that competence, professionalism and strict adherence to engineering standards are essential for sustainable development.

Chairman of the occasion, Aliko Dangote, represented by Prof. Hassan Umaru, underscored the importance of quality control and strict compliance with engineering standards, citing the successful delivery of the Dangote Refinery as evidence of the value of technical discipline and sound engineering practice.

COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, said the Council had introduced digital verification and enforcement systems to improve transparency, curb fraudulent practices and strengthen regulatory compliance. He also disclosed that engineering graduates are required to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to enhance professional competence.

Also speaking, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijani, pledged stronger collaboration with engineering regulatory bodies to drive innovation, economic growth and public safety, while Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang called for policies that would enable engineers to contribute more effectively to national development.

The Assembly concluded with renewed commitments by stakeholders to strengthen engineering regulation, enforce ethical standards and promote sustainable infrastructure development across Nigeria.