By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has directed a nationwide compliance audit of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to evaluate the implementation of its enhanced entry-point policy for engineers in the public service.
The directive is part of a series of enforcement measures approved by the Council to tighten engineering regulations, enhance professional compliance, and address recurring structural and engineering failures that threaten public safety.
According to a statement signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of COREN, Engr. Prof. O.A.U. Uche, the decisions were reached during COREN’s 190th Ordinary Council Meeting held on July 9, 2026, at its headquarters in Abuja.
Prof. Uche noted that the Council has renewed engagements with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation regarding the enhanced entry-point policy.
He added that the nationwide audit will provide COREN with a clear assessment of institutional compliance and highlight areas requiring regulatory intervention.
To reinforce enforcement across the sector, the Council approved a comprehensive regulatory strategy.
The framework includes a nationwide public awareness campaign, an integrated digital compliance and verification platform, mandatory COREN authorization for engineering procurements, fortified Engineering Compliance Inspectorate Units, and enhanced collaboration with sister regulatory agencies.
Furthermore, the Council resolved to strictly enforce annual practicing license requirements and establish a National Engineering Practice Database.
To support these monitoring efforts, COREN approved a structured competency development program for Engineering Regulation Inspection Officers.
He added that during the meeting, the Council approved the registration of 2,001 engineering practitioners, comprising 1,410 Engineers, 227 Engineering Technologists, 15 Engineering Technicians, 334 Engineering Craftsmen, and 15 Expatriates alongside 33 engineering firms.
Regarding tertiary education, COREN approved the implementation of the National Engineering Admission Quota and Carrying Capacity Enforcement Framework to maintain quality assurance in Nigerian universities.
It also revised the Terms of Reference for its Codes and Standards Committee to enhance the development and monitoring of industry standards.
The Council moved to expand regulatory oversight to engineering artisans and Skills Training Centres by automating registration processes via the COREN Portal. It directed a joint initiative with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to formulate National Occupational Standards for technical trades, including bicycle mechanics, GSM repairs, satellite installation, tractor maintenance, motor body building, and transmission repairs.
In the renewable energy domain, COREN granted full accreditation to Sato Engineering Services Limited (Ibadan), EtinPower Limited (Benin), and CeeSolar Energy Limited (Abuja) under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Certification Scheme, run in partnership with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
The Council also reviewed certification exam results from seven training centers, where 177 out of 478 candidates passed, and mandated the adoption of the COREN/NESP-approved Solar Photovoltaic Installation Training Curriculum at Enerplaz Paygo Solutions in Port Harcourt.
Furthermore, COREN approved the adoption of the Engineering Sliding Scale of Fees in Nigeria (ESSOFIN) and directed the hosting of regional stakeholder engagement workshops before the end of 2026 to foster consensus and nationwide ownership of the fee structure.
The Council reassured practitioners, government bodies, and the public of its commitment to implementing these resolutions to uphold professional competence, strict compliance, and public safety.
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