By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
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.
The cases followed investigations into the collapse of a reinforced concrete cantilever entrance canopy at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex and a three-storey building under construction in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of COREN, Engr. Prof. Okorie Austine Uche.
The Council approved the reports of two investigative panels at its 191st Ordinary Council Meeting held on October 15, 2026, in Abuja.
The reports have been submitted to the COREN Engineering Tribunal, which is expected to summon the affected practitioners for further proceedings.
The first incident occurred on July 10, 2026, at about 3:25 p.m., at the construction site of the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex.
Following investigations into the design, supervision and construction of the project, the panel established a prima facie case against Engr. Rahman Adegboyega Shittu (R.38234) of Ramad Consultant Ltd.
The second incident involved a three-storey building under construction at Plot No. 481, Cadastral Zone B13, Gaduwa District, Abuja, which collapsed on May 16, 2026.
Following a petition and referral from the Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the panel established a prima facie case against the project’s consultant engineer, Engr. Mustapha Maikaba (R.68.844).
COREN clarified that establishing a prima facie case provides sufficient grounds for further regulatory proceedings but does not amount to a final determination of guilt or liability.
It added that the affected practitioners would have the opportunity to respond in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
In another decision, the Council approved the final draft of the Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry for gazetting and distribution to relevant stakeholders for implementation and enforcement.
The Council also endorsed collaboration with federal and state ministries of works and other relevant agencies to ensure that engineering contracts are awarded only to COREN-registered firms.
It further endorsed collaboration with the Sector Skills Council for Engineering (SSC4E) and relevant agencies to vet and regulate artisans entering Nigeria to undertake engineering-related work.
To strengthen regulatory activities, the Council constituted a committee to develop a sustainable funding framework for Engineering Regulations Monitoring and Enforcement (ERM&E) and State Technical Committee (STC) activities.
The framework will cover annual budgetary provisions, operational logistics, field allowances and emergency regulatory interventions, subject to financial controls.
Meanwhile, the Council approved the registration of 3,726 engineering practitioners across various professional categories.
The registrations comprise 2,510 engineers, 532 engineering technologists, nine engineering technicians and 675 engineering craftsmen.
It also approved the registration of 153 engineering firms, comprising 37 consulting firms and 116 other engineering firms.
COREN reiterated its commitment to impartial investigations, professional accountability and effective enforcement of engineering standards.
The Council urged engineers, developers, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure that engineering projects are properly designed, supervised and executed in line with approved safety standards.
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