The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria says it is taking proactive steps to enhance the capacity of its members.

The body also says it is taking similar steps to ensure that engineering practices in the country meet global standards.

COREN president Sadiq Abubakar stated this on Wednesday during a capacity building and training session in Abuja.

Mr Abubakar noted that the council had the mandate to regulate the practice of engineering in the country. According to him, the council oversees the engineering profession to guarantee that engineers adhere to standards that protect public welfare.

“We have updated the COREN Act, our regulations and our new innovations are in line with the best global practices. So it is often necessary for us to update our inspectors,” Mr Abubakar said.

He stated that regulating engineering practices was crucial in preventing the collapse of critical infrastructure, including buildings and bridges, which could result in loss of lives and economic losses.

The COREN president attributed the collapse of national infrastructure to the lack of engagement of engineers in regulations, citing examples such as building collapses and the failure of roads and bridges.

“To address these issues, COREN is working to foster synergy with other regulators in various sectors to ensure better regulation,” he said.

The keynote speaker, Kasim Ali, represented by NSE’s deputy president, Ali Rabiu, highlighted the impact of engineering on society.

Mr Ali said the importance of regulation in safeguarding public welfare and trust could not be overemphasised. According to him, engineering impacts society, and regulation helps safeguard public welfare and trust.

Mr Ali noted that monitoring and enforcement across various sectors of the economy could drastically improve standards, reduce inefficiencies, and prevent failures that could endanger lives and property.

Also, Margaret Oguntala, the Nigerian Society of Engineers president, described the training as apt.

Ms Oguntala said the training was a testament to the commitment of engineers to continuous learning and professional growth. She, however, urged the council to tie Continuing Professional Development to the renewal of practising licences.

(NAN)