The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has inaugurated its Engineering Regulation and Monitoring (ERM) sector in Abia State, marking a significant step toward strengthening oversight of engineering practices.

The event, held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, brought together regulators, academics, and engineering professionals to enhance collaboration and ensure compliance with established standards.

Speaking at the inauguration, Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, reaffirmed the state government’s support for the initiative. Represented by Nze Matthew Madu, he urged members of the inspection units to maintain integrity and professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He also encouraged them to serve as credible ambassadors of COREN, assuring that the government would provide necessary logistical support to facilitate effective operations.

Delivering a keynote on behalf of COREN President, Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, the Council’s South-East representative, Ejikeme Mgbemena, described the new sector as a transition from policy formulation to active enforcement.

He explained that the initiative was introduced to address recurring issues such as building collapses and infrastructure failures, often linked to unqualified practitioners, weak regulatory enforcement, and the use of substandard materials.

According to him, the ERM framework would ensure strict adherence to approved engineering designs, professional standards, and global best practices, while also strengthening collaboration between regulatory bodies and state authorities.

The Registrar and Chief Executive of COREN, Austin Uche, attributed the council’s enhanced regulatory powers to the Engineers Amendment Act signed in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that the law expanded COREN’s mandate, enabling it to regulate engineering practice more effectively, sanction violations, and promote public participation in monitoring projects.

Uche added that the Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement department plays a critical role in safeguarding infrastructure investments, explaining that the Abia State Technical Committee and related bodies are designed to ensure compliance rather than serve as investigative panels.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, described the initiative as timely and capable of restoring confidence in engineering practice.

During a courtesy visit, Uche commended the university’s contributions to engineering education and reiterated COREN’s commitment to supporting indigenous professionals.

In response, the Vice-Chancellor, Ursula Akanwa, pledged that all construction projects within the institution would involve certified professionals to prevent structural failures and uphold quality standards.

Other speakers at the event, including the Head of Engineering, Bethrand Nwankwojike, and Chairman of the Abia State Technical Committee, Victor Ejikeme Ihediwa, highlighted the importance of the monitoring units in regulating project execution and ensuring compliance across the state.