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 have been forwarded to the Engineering Tribunal for further disciplinary proceedings following investigations approved at COREN’s 191st Ordinary Council Meeting held on October 15, 2026, in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Monday by COREN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Okorie Uche, the first incident involved the collapse of a reinforced concrete cantilever entrance canopy at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex on July 10, 2026.
Following investigations into the project’s design, supervision and construction, the panel established a prima facie case against Engr. Rahman Adegboyega Shittu 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.
The investigation was initiated following a petition and referral from the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
COREN said its investigative panel also established a prima facie case against Engr. Mustapha Maikaba, the consultant engineer on the project.
However, the council clarified that establishing a prima facie case does not constitute a final determination of guilt or liability. It added that the affected engineers would have the opportunity to respond in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
Meanwhile, COREN approved the final draft of the Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian Construction Industry for gazetting and distribution to relevant stakeholders.
The council also endorsed collaboration with federal and state ministries of works and other relevant agencies to ensure engineering contracts are awarded only to COREN-registered firms.
The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen project inspections and investigations.
Additionally, COREN endorsed partnerships with the Sector Skills Council for Engineering and other relevant agencies to vet and regulate artisans entering Nigeria to undertake engineering-related work.
On professional registration, the council approved 3,726 engineering practitioners across different categories. These include 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 firms operating in various engineering fields.
COREN reiterated its commitment to professional accountability, impartial investigations and the enforcement of engineering standards.
It urged engineers, developers, contractors and government agencies to ensure that construction projects are properly designed, supervised and executed in line with approved safety standards.
