COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE COREN 30TH ENGINEERING ASSEMBLY HELD AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRE, ABUJA. MONDAY 8TH – WEDNESDAY 10TH AUGUST, 2022.
THEME: DOMESTICATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CODES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS AS A PANACEA FOR ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURES IN NIGERIA
PREAMBLE
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) held its 30th Engineering Assembly at the International Conference Centre, Abuja from Monday 8th to Wednesday 10th August, 2022. To situate the discourse within an appropriate body of knowledge and practice, the theme adopted for the Assembly, was “Domestication and Development of Codes, Standards and Regulations as A Panacea for Engineering Infrastructure Failures in Nigeria”.
The quality of the infrastructure in any nation is key to the quality of life of the citizenry that can guarantee economic prosperity, good educational system, and quality health as well as good social network that will impact positively.
Engineering Infrastructure is designed and constructed with the probability of ensuring that the structure fulfills the intended purpose within its intended life span. Reflecting on this societal judgement and its effect on infrastructural failures, Engineering practitioners, other professionals and regulatory bodies seek to find solutions to myriads of factors militating against efficient and durable Infrastructure development in Nigeria.
Papers presented that addressed the Sub-Themes were:
- A. Sustainable Codes and Standards for Engineering Practices in Nigeria by Mallam Farouk A. Salim, FPSN, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON).
- B. National Building Code: Challenges and Solutions for Modern Infrastructure by Arc. Umar Murnai Saulawa, FNIA, Registrar, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
- C. LifeLong Learning in Development of Codes, Standards and Proficiencies in Engineering Practice by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, DG/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
- D. Development of Materials Standards and Construction Methods in a Developing Economy by Engr. Prof. Samson Duna, Director- General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI).
- E. Regulatory Obligations, Education and Enforcement of Codes and Standards in a Developing Economy by Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, FNSE, President, The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
At the end of the 30th Engineering Assembly the following observations and recommendations were made:
- 1. The Assembly observed the existence and use of many international codes and standards in the Nigerian Engineering infrastructure development without national peculiarities in its developmental considerations. COREN with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies – MDAs (SON, NBRRI, etc.), professional Engineering associations (NSE, NATE, NISET, NAEC, ACEN, etc) and other stakeholders should collaborate to achieve the domestication and development of international and indigenous codes and standards, respectively.
- 2. Engineering infrastructure failures are usually attributed to use of substandard materials, poor supervision, non-adherence to standards and regulations, unqualified professionals, high level of corruption, amongst other factors.
COREN and other professional regulatory bodies in Engineering infrastructure development should ensure strict adherence to the engineering professional ethics and regulations as well as enforce compliance of the provisions of codes and standards. - 3. Efforts of relevant MDAs such as SON, NBRRI, COREN and other stakeholders in the development of materials standards and construction methods that take into consideration our local peculiarities, were acknowledged.
The Assembly recommends increase in funding to COREN and other relevant MDAs to advance collaborative efforts in the development of indigenous codes and standards. This will help to arrest the rate of Engineering infrastructure failures. - 4. In spite of huge innovative construction materials developed in Nigeria based on locally sourced materials to tackle the infrastructure challenges, lack of associated codes and standards for the effective use of these materials have hampered their adoption in the construction industry.
Government and Stakeholders are encouraged to establish relevant codes and standards for all established indigenous innovative construction materials for wide and cost-effective use. - 5. The Assembly noted the importance of lifelong learning for Engineering practitioners in a dynamic world and emphasized on the need for continuous refresher-training on codes and standards for all Engineering disciplines.
Lifelong learning (LLL) is critical for engineering practitioners in the modern knowledge economy. COREN should provide a guideline for the implementation of lifelong learning for engineer’s post-graduation training through collaboration with public and private organisations and continuous knowledge transfer from more experienced to young
engineers using relevant digital technologies in different engineering disciplines. - 6. The Assembly observed the approved Council’s harmonization of professional interviews and rationalization of the examiners selection process which includes their accreditation and training.
The leaderships of the Professional Associations are encouraged to activate and invoke appropriate buy-in strategies that will ensure a smooth transition from the old system to the harmonized system. - 7. The Assembly noted the neglect of professional ethics and inadequate enforcement of codes and standards as some of the causes of most engineering infrastructure failures.
COREN should develop a framework for regular re-evaluation of the existing ethics, codes and standards, and ways of enforcement based on international best practices and Nigeria’s socio-political environment. - 8. Codes and standards are not well-emphasized in some Engineering disciplines in some Nigerian tertiary institutions. COREN, in collaboration with NUC, NBTE to incorporate teaching and learning of ‘codes and standards’ in the benchmark minimum academic standard (BMAS) of University and Polytechnic engineering programmes.
- 9. There is inadequate domestication and development of codes and standard in Nigeria due to lack of synergy among various bodies responsible for the development and deployment of codes and standards for technology solutions. With the amended COREN Act of 2018 which saddled her with the responsibility of Codes and standards development, COREN should intensify its collaboration with SON, NBRRI and other stakeholders (academia, research institutes, engineering professional bodies, etc),
in the country to develop and domesticate relevant standards for engineering practitioners, products development and service delivery. - 10.National Building Code is essential in setting minimum requirements in the process of pre-design, design, construction and post-design stages of buildings to prevent failures, enhance public health and general safety of structures. The Code is also required for the purpose of quality control, cost effectiveness, construction, repairs, demolition and
efficient use of buildings among others. Awareness campaign on the use of the National Building Code and its importance to the built environment in Nigeria should be intensified by
the relevant professional bodies and stakeholders. - 11.The draft National Building Code which came into existence since 2006 is rarely known nor used by the relevant stakeholders due to weak publicity, lack of capacity-building among stakeholders and legislation for compliance and enforcement of the code.
Proactive measures in the areas of enlightenment and training of practitioners at all levels should be deepened by all stakeholders. Promulgation and enactment of a law backing the National Building Code should be pursued by all relevant stakeholders. - 12.Codes and standards are not readily accessible for training and application by engineering practitioners. COREN, SON and other relevant stakeholders charged with the development of codes and standards are encouraged to disseminate information on different platforms for ease of access to codes and standards.
- 13.There is insufficient awareness on standardization principles and processes among various cadre of engineering practitioners. NSE and its Divisions/Institutions, NATE, NAEC, NISET, in collaboration with COREN and SON are encouraged to sensitize their members on standards/standardization in various engineering disciplines for safety, reliability and efficient performance of products, processes and services.
The Host of the 30th Engineering Assembly was the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello represented by Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, FNSE, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration. The opening ceremony was chaired by Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, MON, The Group Executive Chairman/CEO of SIFAX Group of Companies.
The Keynote Address, was delivered by Barr. Babatunde Ayokunle Irukera, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Other Special Guests present at the Opening Ceremony were:
i. The Honourable Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ably represented by Engr. Hon. Mohammed Ali Wudil, FNSE, FAEng the Chairman of House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity.
ii. The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, FNSE, ably represented by Honourable Mohammed Idris Keffi, the State Commissioner for Works and Transport.
iii. The Royal Father of the Day, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I JSC Rtd., Emir of Lafia, Chairman of Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs and Retired Justice of the Supreme Court.
iv. HRH Aliyu Ahmadu Ogah, OON, the Andoma of Doma, Nasarawa State.
v. Mr. Samson Gamu Yare, the Chun Mada, Nasarawa State.
vi. President-Elect of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), Engr. Mustapha Balarabe Shehu, FNSE, FAEng.
vii. Engr. Ali Alimasuya Rabiu, FNSE, FASCE, FAEng – President and Chairman of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Co-host.
viii. Engr. Prof. Samson Duna, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI)
ix. Mallam Farouk A. Salim, FPSN, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)
x. Engr. Tasiu Sa’ad Gidari-Wudil, FNSE, President, The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
xi. Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, Deputy President, The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
xii. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, DG/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
xiii. Arc. Umar Murnai, Registrar, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON).
xiv. Past Presidents of COREN, Engr. Prof. M. A. Gulma, FNSE, MFR and Engr. Kashim Abdul Ali, FNSE, FAEng, NPOM, mni.
xv. Past Vice Presidents of COREN, Engr. Senator Femi Kila, FNSE; Engr. Prof. Emmanuel Ajav, FNSE and Engr. Dr. V. C. Igiri, FNSE.
xvi. Past Registrars of COREN, Engr. Prof. R. I. Salawu, MIEE, FNSE; FAEng, Engr. Felix Atume, FNSE, FAEng, mni; Engr. W. Kamila Maliki, FNSE, mni and Engr. Prof. Joseph Odigure, MNSE.
xvii. Past and Present Council Members of COREN.
xviii. Past Presidents of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE).
xix. Engr. David Omonibeke, FNSE – Vice President of COREN.
xx. President of APWEN, Engr. Dr. Elizabeth Eterigho.
xxi. Engr. Prof. Adisa, Ademola Bello – Registrar of COREN.
xxii. Hon. Tanko Gyang, Engn. Craftsman, FNAEC – Chairman, Main Organizing Committee.
Goodwill messages were delivered by:
i. The Royal Father of the Day, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I JSC Rtd., Emir of Lafia, Chairman of Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs and Retired Justice of the Supreme Court.
ii. The Honourable Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila ably represented by Hon. Engr. Mohammed Ali Wudil, FNSE, FAEng, the Chairman of House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity.
iii. The President of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Arc. (Sir) Dipo Ajayi, FNIA represented by the Registrar, Arc. Umar Murnai, FNIA.
iv. The President of Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria, QS Murtala Mohammed Aliyu represented by the Registrar, QS Alhaji Abdullahi Usman Alkali, FNIQS.
The 30th Engineering Assembly was well organized and held successfully. There were also syndicate meetings of Professional Associations and other Stakeholders, otherwise called the Engineering Family Forum. Issues relating to the harmonious working relationship within the family were emphasized.
Also, the 3rd national edition of the COMPODET Students Project Award was featured.
The Assembly was attended by 7,180 participants comprising of 6,345 Engineers, 607 Technologists, 111 Technicians, 77 Craftsmen and 40 Non-Engineering Personnel. Also, in attendance were (350) Spouses, other invited guests and stakeholders from all walks of life.
The annual Engineering Assembly is the biggest gathering of engineering professionals aimed atevaluating, discussing and proffering solutions to issues of interest to members of the engineering family and the nation at large.
COMMENDATION:
The 30th Engineering Assembly commends the laudable programmes and activities being promoted by the current leadership of COREN which include:
the approval of acquiring Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points as a prerequisite for the release of annual practicing license of registrants, joint Professional Interview by COREN and other Engineering professional associations.
The Assembly further commends COREN for the Inauguration of the State Technical and Expatriate monitoring committees of ERM with the mandate to ensure that Engineering is practised in Nigeria in accordance with the relevant codes of Engineering practice in order to enforce and maintain discipline and strict standards of ethics in the practice of Engineering profession in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the participants commend the efforts of COREN for organizing this thought-provoking Assembly on the theme: “DOMESTICATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF CODES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS AS A PANACEA FOR ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURES IN NIGERIA”.
Engr. Prof. Adisa, Ademola Bello, FNSE, FAEng
Registrar, COREN.