Federal Ministry of Works

Jul

2026

LATEST PRESS

PRESIDENT TINUBU REITERATES COMMITMENT TO QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY AT THE 34TH COREN ENGINEERING ASSEMBLY

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the Federal Government's unwavering commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, promoting quality infrastructure, and safeguarding public safety across Nigeria.

Represented by the Honourable Minister of Works, *Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE *, while declaring open the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, the President described the Assembly’s theme, *"Advancing Public Safety in Nigeria through Strategic Engineering Regulatory Enforcement and a Tiered Sanctioning Regime,"* as timely and relevant to the nation’s developmental aspirations.

The President stated that engineering remains the backbone of national development and that effective regulatory enforcement is essential for protecting lives, ensuring quality infrastructure, and restoring public confidence in the engineering profession.

He stressed that regulations are not intended to punish professionals but to protect public interest, noting that *” no road, bridge, or building is more valuable than human life.”*

President Tinubu assured participants that his administration remains fully committed to completing the four (4) Legacy Road Projects across the six geopolitical zones, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He described them as strategic investments that will transform the nation’s economy, improve connectivity, and stimulate sustainable development.

The Honourable Minister of Works commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for choosing an apt theme that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for quality infrastructure delivery and adherence to public safety.

He noted that engineering is a profession where mistakes can cost human lives, emphasising that, unlike many other professions, there is often no opportunity for appeal after a structural failure. He, therefore, called for stronger regulations, strict enforcement, and effective sanctions against unqualified practitioners and professionals, who compromise ethics and standards.

Engr. Umahi stressed that site engineers must discharge their responsibilities professionally and should never allow contractors to dictate engineering decisions. He urged Council to strengthen its disciplinary mechanisms, similar to other professional regulatory bodies, to ensure that only qualified engineers are allowed to practice.

The Minister highlighted the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration, especially the ongoing Legacy Road Projects spread across all the geopolitical zones, designed to improve economic integration, enhance national security, create employment opportunities, and stimulate investment.

He expressed confidence that with continued discipline, transparency, and adherence to engineering ethos, Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit would be significantly reduced within the coming years.

Presenting the *Keynote Address* on behalf of the Honourable Minister, the *Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan,* stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda places infrastructure development at the centre of Nigeria’s economic transformation. He explained that the Ministry is implementing four major Legacy Projects across the geopolitical zones to connect communities, promote commerce, improve national integration, and encourage investment.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that quality assurance, competence, professionalism, and independence amongst stakeholders remain fundamental requirements for sustainable infrastructure development. He urged engineers to uphold ethical standards, comply strictly with engineering regulations and best practices, and strengthen resilience through adherence to due process

The Chairman of the occasion, *Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON,* represented by *Prof. Hassan Umaru* described the Assembly as timely and significant, noting that engineering excellence remains the foundation of public trust, industrial competitiveness, and national development.

He observed that every infrastructure project must be executed according to approved standards and maintained throughout its lifespan. Drawing from the experience of the *Dangote Refinery* project, he explained that rigorous engineering design, quality control, technical discipline, and strict compliance with standards were critical to its successful delivery.

The Chairman called for sustained excellence within the engineering profession and urged COREN to continue strengthening regulatory frameworks, while enforcing disciplinary measures against erring practitioners, in order to safeguard lives and property.

In his *Welcome Address,* the *President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, FNSE,* outlined the Council’s statutory responsibility of regulating engineering education and practice in Nigeria, in line with international standards and recommended practices.

He explained that engineering graduates are expected to undergo mandatory industrial training before participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing practical exposure as critical to professional competence.

Prof. Abubakar further disclosed that COREN has successfully introduced digital verification and enforcement systems to improve transparency, eliminate fraudulent practices, and strengthen regulatory compliance.

He assured members that the Council would continue to uphold integrity, professionalism, and accountability, while addressing attempts by some practitioners to circumvent established standards. According to him, engineering regulation must remain transparent, sustainable, and effective in preventing infrastructure failures across the country.

In his introductory remarks, *Prof. O. A. U. Uche* emphasised the importance of sustaining quality infrastructure development through continuous improvement in engineering practice. He described infrastructure development as a collective responsibility requiring collaboration among government, professional bodies, academia, industry, and private sector stakeholders. In this vein, he, therefore, called for stronger synergy in advancing engineering excellence and national development.

The *Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Bosun Tijjani*, stated that science, technology, and engineering remain critical drivers of economic growth, innovation, and public safety. He pledged continued collaboration between the Ministry and engineering regulatory agencies.

Representing the Nigeria Governors' Forum, the *Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang,* opined that engineering is one of the most respected professions globally and emphasised the need to create an enabling environment for engineers to thrive, while sustaining public safety and economic development.

The *National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda*, commended COREN for its achievements in regulating engineering practice. He described engineers as the backbone of national development and praised the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi for the remarkable progress recorded on the four Legacy Road Projects and others across the six geopolitical zones.

He congratulated the Ministry for its commitment to quality infrastructure and affirmed that Nigerian engineers continue to distinguish themselves through professionalism and excellence both nationally and internationally.

The 34th Engineering Assembly reaffirms
COREN’s commitment to strengthening engineering regulations, enforcement, and a tiered sanctioning regime to ensure public safety and sustainable infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Nov

2017

FG’s Massive Investment In Construction, A Pinnacle To Economic Growth And Recovery The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, has stated that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari adopted one of the most effective strategies to drag the nation’s economy out of the woes of recession through massive spending and investment in the construction industry. Professor Osinbajo noted that the present government understands very clearly the critical role the construction sector plays in a nation’s industrial and economic development. He added that ‘’apart from providing houses for the citizens and roads to facilitate societal integration and movement of goods, the construction sector creates formation and wealth in the economy.’’ According to him, the multiplier effect and employment generated by the on-going construction of National Housing Programme, covering all the 36 states of the federation and FCT is as a result of massive spending on construction by government. Speaking at the 27th Biennial Conference and General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors in Abuja, the Vice President, represented by the Honourable Minister of State II for Power, Works and Housing, Surv. Suleiman Hassan Zarma, mnis, said the theme of the conference: ‘’Developing the Economy for Sustainable Growth- The Construction Industry as an Effective Stimulant’’ is a key component of the Change Agenda of Mr President. He commended the President and members of the Institute for demonstrating responsibilities to contemporary issues relating to government for the growth and development of Nigeria, adding that Government will sustain the collaborative efforts with key stakeholders like the professionals, contractors and manufacturers to bring about the much desired transformation in the industry. Earlier in her opening remarks, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), QS Mercy Iyortyer stated that the choice of this year’s theme is part of the Institute’s ongoing efforts in contributing to the change mantra of the present administration in the area of sustainable economic growth and national development. QS Iyortyer on behalf of the Institute commended the government of the day for taking the bull by the horn in getting the country out of recession thereby reducing dependency on oil revenues and diversifying the economy by harnessing other industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and solid mineral as well as tackling other macroeconomic factors. The president of NIQS appealed to the government to consider reformations in the sector by constituting a Construction Industry Board or Council comprising key players in the Industry who will advise, plan and execute reforms that will galvanize the Industry into the needed stimulant for sustainable economic development and growth. There were keynote addresses by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, past Presidents of NIQS and other major stakeholders in the sector that graced the occasion. The meeting is expected to issue a communiqué at the end conference which will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for necessary action. ...

Nov

2017

Federal Executive Council approves N27billion for reconstruction of Gombe – Biu road The Federal Executive Council today approved the sum of N27billion for reconstruction of Gombe – Biu road. The Council also approved N458million as consultancy fee for implementation of the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and the endorsement of the Nigeria National Building Code. These were the decisions taken by the Federal Executive Council today which held under Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo today. Briefing State State House correspondents after the meeting, Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, disclosed that the Gombe-Biu 117 kilometres road project which connects Gombe,Yobe, Adamawa and Borno states, will boost agricultural activities and power supply in the affected states. Mr Fashola however stated that the road project excluded the nine kilo metres already constructed by the Gombe state government. The Minister also disclosed that the Nigeria National Building Code, which was approved by the National Council on Housing, Land and Urban Development, was also endorsed by the council. Minister of Budget and National Planning Udoma Udo Udoma, who also briefed alongside Mr Fashola, told the correspondents that the Council approved the engagement of Malaysian based consultants to conduct a study that would aid the implementation of the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan at the cost of (N458Million) 1.5 million dollars. ...

Nov

2017

FG Recovers $64.6m Electricity Debt From International Customers The Federal Government on Monday announced that it had recovered 64.6 million dollars electricity debt from its international customers. Minster of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola announced this at the 21st monthly power sector meeting in Asaba. Fashola, in a text of his opening remark made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that the money recovered was from Benin and Niger Republics. He said that Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader (NBET) would work out modalities for distribution of the fund to the value chain operators. The minister also announced that Rural Electrification Agency (REA) had completed guidelines for the operation of the rural electrification fund. He said that the fund would help vulnerable groups and communities to gain access to funding to support their electricity development programme. “By way of explanation, the rural electrification fund was created by section 88 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005 to promote support and provide rural electrification access. “The fund will provide a partial single payment capital subsidy and or technical assistance to eligible private Rural Power Developers, NGOs or communities to invest in options such as hybrid mini grids or solar home systems to scale up rural access to electricity. “What they are likely to get are minimum amounts of N3.5m and maximum amounts of N106m or 75 per cent of project cost whichever is less,” he said. According to him, REA will publish details of the guidelines and eligibility. These, he said, were only headline items of developments that characterised the progress the government was making month after month, especially since March 2017. He said that progress was also being recorded at the distribution levels. He listed the recent achievements in the franchise areas of the Benin DisCo to include the newly completed Asaba main 2x15MVA injection substation commissioned on Monday. Fashola said the completion of the substation was expected to improve service by reduction of load shedding and increase power supply to Okwe, Akuebulu, Jarret, Ogbeofu, Osadebe way, Okwe housing estate and Oduke. “Minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week and month by month we have not only gained momentum, we are seeing progress that inspires us to continue, because the power problem can be successfully managed by Nigerians.” On further measures to improve power supply in the coverage areas of the Benin DisCos, Fashola said Asaba – Benin 330KV line was energized to service on Nov. 3. Asaba 330kv substation is now being fed from both Benin and Onitsha. “The line also raised the number of circuits from Onitsha to Benin to three. According to him, a 40mva 132/33kv mobile transformer is undergoing installation at Auchi with in-house capacity to be commissioned in two weeks time. Fashola also disclosed that a new 330/ 132kv substation would be constructed at Okpai with a 132kv line from the station to service a proposed 132/33kv substation at Kwale. He also hinted that installation of a new 60mva 132/33kv transformer would commence at Irrua transmission station any time from now. The minster thanked well-meaning Nigerians who acknowledged that their experience on the power supply had improved, adding that their honesty inspired government and the operators to continue the improvement. He, however, admitted that there were other challenges that must be collectively addressed. On estimated billing and metering, he also explained that government and sector operators were anxiously awaiting for the regulation from NERC to open up meter supply business. ...