COREN Launches New Task Force to Combat Quack Engineers and Fake Certificates
In a decisive move to address the persistent threats posed by unqualified practitioners and fraudulent certifications, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has initiated a series of aggressive regulatory measures. These strategic actions were formalized during the council’s 189th Ordinary Council Meeting, signaling a renewed commitment to preventing structural failures and ensuring strict professional compliance nationwide.
The core of this new directive is the creation of a “90-Day Engineering Regulation Monitoring and Enforcement Rapid Response Task Force.” According to a statement issued by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of COREN, Okorie Austine Uche, this emergency intervention mechanism is designed to intensify site monitoring and root out individuals masquerading as certified engineers.
”The objective is to ensure that practitioners remain accountable for their actions and that professional standards are upheld at all times,” the Council stated.
Recent industry data suggests that many engineering failures and building collapses can be traced back to project owners hiring individuals who lack the necessary qualifications, formal registration, and technical competence to handle complex engineering works. To mitigate these risks, COREN has also greenlit a comprehensive, nationwide public enlightenment campaign. This initiative is intended to educate the public, developers, contractors, and government agencies on the dangers of engaging unregistered personnel, while simultaneously promoting the importance of verifying professional credentials.
Beyond enforcement, the Council is focused on modernizing its own operations. Recognizing the need to remain relevant in a digital era, COREN approved the registration of 3,328 engineering practitioners and 107 engineering firms, while simultaneously directing a review of current registration guidelines to align with global technological trends and international best practices. Furthermore, the council has approved the gazetting of the Engineering and Technology Accreditation Bureau to improve quality assurance in academic programs.
In a collaborative effort to bolster safety, COREN also announced plans for a stakeholders’ engagement regarding the “Draft Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry.” This move aims to bring regulators, professional bodies, and construction firms together to develop a unified safety framework. As part of its broader digital transformation agenda, the council is also finalizing the deployment of an upgraded digital portal to streamline registration processes and improve operational efficiency.
