By Abubakar Yunusa
The Managing Director of Ecopearl Engineering Service Limited, Engr. Deborah Kemba Maidawa, has called for stronger regulatory frameworks and reduced political interference in engineering projects to uphold professionalism and ensure quality in Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Speaking at the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Abuja branch monthly general meeting on Wednesday, Maidawa presented a paper titled “Engineering Ethics and Professionalism in Nigeria: Challenges and Best Practices”.
She highlighted the numerous challenges engineers face, including conflicts of interest, political interference, weak regulatory oversight, and societal pressures.
“Engineers are central to nation-building,” Maidawa said, emphasising their role in critical sectors such as electricity, telecommunications, road infrastructure, water supply, and oil and gas.
“Without engineers, we would return to the dark ages.”
She stressed that political interference in engineering projects often compromises quality, as it prioritises personal interests over standards.
“When politicians interfere, project costs are slashed, and the standard of work inevitably drops,” she noted.
To align with global standards, Maidawa urged engineers to recognise their importance to national development and uphold ethical practices without external pressure.
She also called for stronger regulatory bodies, such as the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), to penalise erring engineers and firms without government interference.
“Advocacy must increase to get politicians to reduce their interference,” she said, appealing to the federal government to support COREN and ensure robust enforcement of regulations.
Maidawa also raised concerns about the welfare of engineers in government employment, particularly fresh graduates, who are often treated similarly to social science graduates despite their specialised skills.
“Improving their welfare will boost their confidence and performance,” she argued.
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