The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has established prima facie cases against two engineers over separate building collapse incidents in Gombe State and Abuja, paving the way for disciplinary proceedings before its Engineering Tribunal.
The Council disclosed that the investigations into the incidents were approved at its 191st Ordinary Council Meeting held on October 15, 2026, in Abuja, before the reports were forwarded to the Engineering Tribunal for further action.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Okorie Uche, COREN identified the first incident as the collapse of a reinforced concrete cantilever entrance canopy at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex on July 10, 2026.
Following investigations into the design, supervision and construction of the project, the investigative panel established a prima facie case against Engr. Rahman Adegboyega Shittu (R.38234) of Ramad Consultant Ltd.
The second case involved the collapse of a three-storey building under construction at Plot No. 481, Cadastral Zone B13, Gaduwa District, Abuja, on May 16, 2026.
COREN said the investigation was initiated following a petition and referral from the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The investigative panel subsequently established a prima facie case against Engr. Mustapha Maikaba (R.68.844), who served as the consultant engineer on the project.
However, the Council stressed that establishing a prima facie case does not amount to a final determination of guilt or liability.
It explained that the affected engineers would be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations in line with applicable laws and established procedures.
Beyond the investigations, COREN disclosed that it had approved the final draft of the Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry.
The guidelines have been approved for gazetting and distribution to relevant stakeholders to support their implementation and enforcement across the construction sector.
The Council also endorsed plans to collaborate with federal and state ministries of works, alongside other relevant agencies, to ensure that engineering contracts are awarded exclusively to firms registered with COREN.
According to the Council, the partnership is also expected to strengthen cooperation in project inspections and investigations.
Furthermore, COREN approved collaboration with the Sector Skills Council for Engineering (SSC4E) and other relevant agencies to vet and regulate artisans entering Nigeria to undertake engineering-related activities.
The Council also constituted a committee to develop a sustainable funding framework for Engineering Regulations Monitoring and Enforcement (ERM&E) and State Technical Committee (STC) activities.
On professional registration, COREN approved the registration of 3,726 engineering practitioners across different professional categories.
The newly approved practitioners comprise 2,510 engineers, 532 engineering technologists, nine engineering technicians and 675 engineering craftsmen.
The Council also approved the registration of 153 engineering firms, including 37 consulting firms and 116 other companies involved in various areas of engineering practice.
COREN reiterated its commitment to impartial investigations, professional accountability and the effective enforcement of engineering standards in Nigeria.
It urged engineers, property developers, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure that construction projects are properly designed, supervised and executed in accordance with approved safety standards.
The Council maintained that strict compliance with engineering regulations remains essential to preventing building collapses, protecting lives and safeguarding public infrastructure.
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