The CORBON and COREN partnership marks a major step toward raising infrastructure and professional standards in Nigeria’s construction sector. On Thursday, both regulatory bodies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony in Abuja.
The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) agreed to work together to improve the quality of construction and engineering projects across the country.
Dr. Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of CORBON, described the agreement as a milestone for the industry.
“This marks a turning point in our efforts to promote professional excellence and optimize human resources in the built environment,” he said.
The MoU outlines areas of collaboration such as:
- Knowledge exchange
- Joint capacity building
- Regulatory enforcement
- Promotion of best practices
- Tackling Infrastructure Challenges in Nigeria
COREN President, Professor Sadiq Abubakar, emphasized the need for cooperation rather than rivalry. He warned that a lack of unity could harm the nation’s infrastructure and economy.
“If we see ourselves as competitors, Nigeria will lose. Our economy will suffer,” he stated.
The CORBON and COREN partnership will also focus on addressing the root causes of building collapses, a recurring issue in Nigeria. Professor Abubakar pointed out that most existing laws do not adequately address the actions of developers.
“Eighty percent of the issues are not captured by legislation. This MoU will help change that,” he said.
COREN has already begun the process of amending legislation to extend its regulatory authority. Abubakar confirmed that CORBON would be invited to contribute to the proposal before it is presented to the National Assembly.
“We want to fast-track the process. Our aim is to get this to the National Assembly by the end of the year,” he explained.
As part of the agreement, CORBON professionals will now participate in COREN’s Enforcement and Regulatory Monitoring (ERM) across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Both organizations stressed that the CORBON and COREN partnership will help eliminate unqualified practitioners and raise confidence in Nigeria’s construction sector.
“When we go out, we go as a solid group,” said Abubakar.
“This is about cooperation, not competition,” added Opaluwah. “It’s a joint commitment to build a better future for Nigeria.”
The event concluded with an exchange of gifts, symbolizing the shared mission of both councils to enhance standards and professionalism in Nigeria’s built environment.
