Makinde Inaugurates Committees to Enforce Engineering Regulations and Monitoring in Oyo State

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially inaugurated the State Technical Committee (STC) and the State Expatriate Monitoring Committee (SEMC) for Engineering Regulations Monitoring and Enforcement (ERM&E). The move aims to ensure that all engineering practices within Oyo State adhere strictly to global standards.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, saw Governor Makinde represented by his Deputy, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal. Governor Makinde emphasized the critical role of these committees in monitoring and enforcing engineering regulations. He stressed that their work would ensure all infrastructure projects in the state meet the required standards, ultimately enhancing economic growth, improving infrastructure, and raising the quality of life for Oyo State residents.

Key Objectives and Expectations

Governor Makinde charged the newly inaugurated committees to work tirelessly, upholding the ethics and practices of the engineering profession. He urged them to ensure all projects within the state are executed with the highest level of professionalism and integrity. He also encouraged engineers to approach the government should they observe deviations from engineering standards in ongoing infrastructure projects, assuring them of swift rectification.

Collaboration and Oversight

The governor also called upon the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to broaden its scope, addressing other areas of engineering practices and eliminating quackery within the industry. He advocated for a strong collaboration between COREN and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to ensure rigorous certification of building materials, thus reducing infrastructure collapse.

Makinde addressed the issue of substandard materials, questioning the existing relationship between engineering practices and SON. He proposed a collaborative arrangement where materials are certified before reaching construction sites to ascertain their suitability.

Addressing the presence of expatriates, the Governor acknowledged the wide scope for engineering practice in Nigeria but also pointed out weaknesses in the system that allow unqualified individuals to operate. He tasked the committees with the responsibility of identifying and apprehending individuals falsely claiming to be engineers, architects, or surveyors, urging them to investigate the organizations employing such individuals.

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COREN’s Perspective

COREN President, Engr Prof Sadiq Abubakar, FNSE, FAEng, emphasized that engineering regulation forms the bedrock of development. He noted that COREN has expanded its regulatory activities to monitor all engineering practices and materials, both imported and locally manufactured. He appealed to all stakeholders for their support in establishing a new practicing and regulatory framework in Oyo State.

Committee Composition and Scope

The Registrar of COREN, Engr. Prof. Okorie Uche, FNSE, FNICE, clarified that the committees are designed to assist the government and the people of Oyo State by safeguarding lives and properties. They will achieve this through the monitoring of all engineering works in the state, ensuring adherence to engineering standards.

The committees comprise representatives from various bodies, including the Governor’s office, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, the Oyo State Ministry of Works and Transportation, the Nigeria Police, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the State Development Control Agency, the Local Government Service Commission, the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and COREN.

NSQF and Artisan Certification

Senator Iyiola Omisore, FNSE, FAEng, CON, former deputy governor of Osun State, discussed the Nigerian Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), emphasizing its role in certifying, licensing, and regulating artisans in Nigeria. He explained that the program would enable graduates from Nigerian institutions to work globally without needing conversion examinations for professional certification.

Notable Attendees

The event was attended by prominent figures, including a former deputy governor of Oyo State and PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice E.O Ajayi; Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Transportation, Hon. Kehinde Olatunde; PDP State Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke, and various commissioners, among other dignitaries.