The Federal Government has completed or significantly advanced more than 420 road, bridge, and infrastructure projects across the country since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago, the Senate Committee on Works has revealed.
Chairman of the committee, Senator Barinada Mpigi, disclosed this on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 33rd Engineering Assembly organised by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in Abuja. His remarks were delivered by a representative, Ashley Emenike.
Themed “Advancing Quality Engineering Services and Businesses in Nigeria: Professionalism, Compliance and Remunerations”, the annual event brought together engineering professionals nationwide to address critical issues affecting infrastructure standards, regulatory compliance, and the role of engineers in national development.
Mpigi praised Nigerian engineers as strategic partners in nation-building and key drivers of economic growth. “Engineering remains a cornerstone of national development,” he said. “Based on implementation reports and oversight missions by my committee, we estimate that over 420 federal roads, bridges, and projects have either been completed or significantly advanced under this administration.”
The senator commended President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a transformative vision that is reshaping the nation’s infrastructure landscape from flagship projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway to major investments in housing, energy, and transportation networks.
However, Mpigi raised serious concerns over the growing number of engineering-related failures, including collapsed buildings and deteriorating infrastructure, which he attributed to non-compliance with professional standards, poor supervision, and unregulated practice.
“This persistent failure of infrastructure is a national alarm bell,” he warned. “It reflects lapses in compliance, poor supervision, and, in some cases, outright quackery. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, buildings are still collapsing under rain and bridges are caving in under minimal pressure.”
He pledged the Senate Committee on Works’ support for COREN in enforcing regulatory compliance, strengthening legislation, and promoting the full implementation of the Nigerian Building Code. He also endorsed COREN’s policy of tying licence renewals to participation in the Engineering Assembly, describing it as a vital step toward professional accountability and public safety.
In his remarks, former Minister of Power and Chairman of Geometric Power Group, Prof. Barth Nnaji, called on the government to establish innovation funds and technology parks to drive indigenous engineering solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific challenges.
“The future of Nigeria depends on the synergy between engineering expertise and enlightened public policy,” Nnaji said. “From solar energy and smart irrigation to climate-resilient housing, Nigerian engineers are already well-positioned to provide transformative solutions.”
He cited China as an example, noting that its economic rise was no coincidence but the result of engineers taking leading roles in public office. “The last three leaders of China were engineers. That was deliberate, and the results speak for themselves,” he said.
COREN Registrar, Prof. Okorie Uche, in his opening address, urged renewed focus on professionalism and systemic reform, stressing COREN’s commitment to fighting quackery, improving compliance, and advocating for better remuneration for engineers.
Also speaking, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Oguntala, called for reforms in engineering education and pay structures, assuring COREN of NSE’s continued collaboration in upholding standards and promoting integrity within the profession.
Participants at the assembly unanimously called on government at all levels to integrate engineers more deliberately into national planning, arguing that long-term development depends on engineering-led policy and innovation.