By Isqil Najim
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has restated its commitment to working more closely with the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and other regulatory bodies in the built environment, saying the move is necessary to protect lives and property and support the country’s development.
The President of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, said this on Thursday when he received the Chairman of CORBON, Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah, and his delegation at the COREN headquarters in Abuja.
Abubakar said the growing complexity of construction and engineering work in Nigeria makes cooperation between regulatory bodies necessary.
“The safety of our built environment is a shared responsibility. Strong collaboration among professional regulatory bodies is indispensable if we are to achieve sustainable infrastructure development, uphold professional standards, and protect lives and property,” he said.
He said COREN would continue to implement existing agreements with CORBON and other stakeholders, adding that such partnerships help improve regulation and support government infrastructure plans.
Speaking earlier, Opaluwah congratulated Abubakar on the successful hosting of the 34th COREN Engineering Assembly, describing it as proof of COREN’s leadership in engineering regulation and public safety.
He said the relationship between the two councils has been strengthened by a Memorandum of Understanding, which has led to joint initiatives over the years.
“Our collaboration with COREN has demonstrated that when regulators in the built environment work together rather than in competition, the nation benefits. We are committed to building on this partnership as the Eighth Council assumes office,” Opaluwah said.
The CORBON chairman told the COREN president that the tenure of the Seventh Council had come to an end and that arrangements were in place for the inauguration of the Eighth Council. He said he was confident the incoming council would build on the achievements of its predecessor and deepen cooperation with COREN and other stakeholders.
He also spoke about the outgoing council’s efforts to bring builders, building technologists, building technicians and artisans under one regulatory framework to promote competence and professionalism in the sector.
Both councils said they would continue to work together to improve regulation, safety and outcomes in Nigeria’s built environment.