Nasarawa Gov Decries Weak Enforcement Of Engineering Regulation

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has raised the alarm over lapses in the enforcement of professional development and licensing regulations in Nigeria’s engineering sector.

He warned that such deficiencies threaten public safety, infrastructure integrity, and the country’s socio-economic growth.

Speaking at the 33rd Engineering Assembly of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), held in Abuja, Sule decried the current gaps in enforcement and institutional synergy.

He noted that many foundational practices, such as student indexing, structured internships, and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), are either partially enforced or completely neglected.

Represented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nasarawa State Urban Development Agency (NUDA), Engr. Wada Yahaya Mohammed, Sule said the time for deliberate and decisive action was now.

He called for urgent and sustained enforcement of CPD and licensing regulations as critical steps toward building a competent, ethical, and globally recognised engineering workforce.

“The effective and sustained implementation of CPD and licensing frameworks will serve as a cornerstone for building a competent, ethical, and globally respected engineering workforce in Nigeria.

“It will also help secure the country’s infrastructure investments, advance technological progress, and position engineering as a pivotal force for national transformation,” the governor said.

He warned that without a digitally accessible, transparent, and mandatory CPD system, Nigeria risks producing underqualified engineers ill-equipped to face emerging global challenges.

To address these shortcomings, the governor advocated a comprehensive strategy involving legislative reforms, digital transformation of regulatory mechanisms, and improved collaboration among professional bodies.

He challenged COREN to evolve from a traditional regulator to an enabler and innovator, stressing that compliance should be driven not only by sanctions but also through strategic engagement, incentives, and institutional support.

Sule also urged public institutions and engineering-based organisations to set the standard by making CPD and professional licensing mandatory for employment, promotion, and project approvals.

He called on professional associations, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE), to step up their efforts in enforcing CPD compliance among members.

The governor added that renewed energy and purpose were required to restore integrity and global relevance to the profession.