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By Daniel Adaji
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called for greater accountability and precision in engineering projects across Nigeria, emphasising the critical role engineers play in nation-building.
Represented by Hon. Inuwa Garba, Chairman of the House Committee on Engineering, at the 33rd Engineering Assembly, held on Tuesday in Abuja, the Speaker praised the organizers for choosing a strategic for hosting the event.
The programme was themed: “Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria – Professional Compliance and Renumeration”.
“I commend the organizers for hosting such a strategic and forward-looking event—an important milestone in shaping the future of engineering in our beloved country,” he said.
Abbas stated that Nigeria’s development journey demands “efficiency, precision, and accountability in every project—from the smallest community bridge to the most ambitious national infrastructure.”
He noted that persistent delays and failures in project delivery highlight the need for a stronger culture of follow-through and engineering excellence.
He assured participants of the National Assembly’s support, saying, “The 10th National Assembly stands as your partner in progress. We are committed to creating an enabling environment where engineering excellence is not only encouraged but rewarded.”
Expressing optimism about the future of the profession, the Speaker added, “This 33rd Engineering Assembly will be a landmark event—one that renews our collective commitment, inspires innovative solutions, and strengthens partnerships.”
Speaking at the event, the President of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, announced adjustments to the programme following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, an Honourary Fellow of the engineering society.
“As engineers, as Nigerians, we acknowledge that the late President Muhammadu Buhari was an Honourary Fellow of our engineering society. In consultation with the government, the organizers have decided to continue with the event—but in a low-key,” he said.
He explained that the festive aspects of the programme were canceled in respect for the national mourning, and that only core technical sessions would continue.
“We have received approval to proceed—quietly, respectfully, and without celebration or ceremonial speeches—while focusing on our core mandate of engineering and technical discourse,” Abubakar said.
President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, Mustafa Balarabe Shehu, commended COREN’s efforts in elevating Nigerian engineers globally, particularly in pursuing full signatory status in the Washington Accord.
“Very soon we are going to achieve the full signatory status that will give the Nigerian engineer the latitude to be recognised everywhere he goes in the world,” he said.
Chairman of the Opening Ceremony, Prof. Barthelomew Nnaji echoed the call for innovation and collaboration.
“Engineers are nation builders. When given the opportunity, we create solutions essential for inclusive development,” he said.
He highlighted local innovation as key to Nigeria’s progress, citing the example of a life-saving device for newborns developed by a Nigerian professor that now rivals expensive imported alternatives. “That’s the power of local innovation,” Nnaji said.
He urged the government to support research, update curricula, and foster public-private partnerships.
“To our partners in government, I urge you to recognize that engineers are not merely service providers — we are strategic allies in nation building.”
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Aina Oguntala, reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to promoting quality engineering education and fair remuneration for Nigerian engineers, stating that the future of quality service delivery begins in the classroom.
Speaking at the event, Oguntala said the theme of the year’s gathering “aligns perfectly with the strategic agenda of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.”
She emphasised that the NSE is expanding its outreach to various levels of education to groom future engineers from an early age.
“To ensure that Nigerian engineers are able to deliver quality services, we’re taking our campaigns to the tertiary institutions and we do have a division that takes it to the primary school. We recognize the fact that quality services begin with quality engineering education,” she said.
She also highlighted the Society’s advocacy efforts to ensure engineers receive appropriate compensation. “As for remuneration, the NSE have continued to take the lead for adequate and commensurate remuneration for engineers,” Oguntala stated.
She congratulated the regulatory body for its work and pledged continued collaboration. “Today, I’d like to congratulate COREN and assure the Council that as a member, I will continue to support COREN and its laudable initiatives.”
In his address, the Registrar of COREN, Prof. Okorie Uche, described the theme of the assembly as “not only timely but urgent.” He said it reflects the critical need for improved professional standards and accountability in engineering practice nationwide.
“It speaks clearly to the call of what we must continue to pursue for engineering services that meet both global and local standards,” Prof. Uche said.
Describing the assembly as more than a routine meeting, Okorie remarked: “The assembly is not just a meeting, this is a platform for reflection, connection and forward thinking. It brings together a distinguished cross section of Nigeria’s engineering community across sectors.”
“Your presence here today is a clear demonstration of your commitment and integrity, sustainability of engineering profession in Nigeria,” he added.
He emphasised professionalism rooted in ethics and competence. “Professionalism that reflects ethical conduct, professional excellence and accountability. Compliance and enhanced competence and ensure order in practice and more importantly adequate remuneration that takes into account the quality of services by engineers.”
Uche assured participants of COREN’s commitment to raising the bar in engineering standards. “COREN remains committed to strengthening enforcement and enhancing professional development and opportunities for quality of engineering across all sectors,” he said.