CORNEN moves to sanction engineers over building collapses
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has finished investigations into two building collapse incidents and will sanction the engineers found culpable. The council approved the investigation reports at its 191st Ordinary Council Meeting on 15 October 2026 in Abuja.
The first collapse occurred on 10 July 2026 at about 3:25 p.m. on the construction site of the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex. COREN’s Investigative Panel established a prima facie case against Engineer Rahman Adegboyega Shittu (R.38234) of Ramad Consultant Limited, citing issues with the design, supervision and construction of the reinforced concrete cantilever entrance canopy.
The second incident took place on 16 May 2026 at Plot No. 481, Cadastral Zone B13, Gaduwa District, Abuja. Following a petition and referral from the Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the panel found prima facie evidence against Engineer Mustapha Maikaba (R.68.844), the consultant engineer on the three‑storey building under construction.
Both investigation reports have been submitted to the COREN Engineering Tribunal in accordance with the law. The tribunal is expected to summon the affected practitioners for further proceedings, giving them the opportunity to respond under applicable procedures.
In addition to the sanction decision, the council approved the final draft of the Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry and endorsed collaboration with federal and state ministries of works, the Sector Skills Council for Engineering (SSC4E) and other agencies to ensure that engineering contracts are awarded only to COREN‑registered firms and to improve inspection and investigation cooperation.
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, covering annual budgetary provisions, operational logistics, field allowances and emergency regulatory interventions.
- Registered practitioners: 2,510 engineers, 532 engineering technologists, 9 engineering technicians, 675 engineering craftsmen
- Registered firms: 153 engineering firms, including 37 consulting firms and 116 engineering firms
COREN reiterated its commitment to impartial investigations, professional accountability and effective enforcement of engineering standards, urging engineers, developers, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure that engineering projects are properly designed, supervised and executed in line with approved safety standards to protect lives, property and public confidence in the industry.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
