In a strategic move to confront deep-rooted challenges plaguing Nigeria’s construction industry, the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (FMSTI) has formalised a multi-stakeholder agreement with key regulatory bodies and private sector partners to overhaul standards and improve structural integrity nationwide.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), and Tectonics Engineering Consults, sets the stage for unified enforcement and innovation-led reforms across the building environment.
At the heart of the agreement is a joint framework aimed at addressing persistent issues such as structural failures, regulatory overlap, professional malpractice, and the proliferation of unqualified personnel within the sector. The partners pledged to integrate emerging technologies, enhance professional capacity, and align Nigeria’s practices with global construction standards.
“This collaboration reflects our resolve to deploy science, technology, and innovation in strengthening public infrastructure and restoring trust,” said Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, at the signing ceremony in Abuja.
“We are not just signing papers; we are launching a new era of proactive regulation and national development.”
The agreement includes the establishment of joint inspection teams, monitoring for compliance across project sites, digital transformation of engineering processes, promotion of smart materials, and accreditation of testing facilities to validate construction inputs.
Beyond regulation, the pact will support pilot demonstration projects, structured training programs, and policy reforms guided by real-time data. Officials emphasized that the initiative will also open opportunities for young Nigerians to access industry-relevant skills, tackle unemployment, and ensure infrastructure durability.
Speaking on behalf of the engineering profession, COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, described the MoU as “a necessary response to recurring collapse incidents,” saying the alliance signals a strong commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Also present, Aisha Kawu Gombe, CEO of Tectonics Engineering Consults, noted the importance of bridging the skills gap:
“Innovation without capacity is a missed opportunity. This partnership gives us a chance to invest in people, raise standards, and build infrastructure that lasts.”
The ministry disclosed that a National Steering Committee will coordinate implementation, ensure synergy among partners, and align project outcomes with Nigeria’s broader development goals.
Data from the FMSTI revealed that Nigeria has recorded 640 building collapse incidents resulting in 1,595 fatalities between 1974 and 2025. The new framework is expected to reverse this trend and elevate the integrity of the nation’s built environment.
