The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has approved a nationwide audit of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to check compliance with the enhanced entry-point policy for engineers in the public service.

The council also plans to renew discussions with the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) on the implementation of the policy.

COREN reached the decisions during its 190th Ordinary Council Meeting in Abuja.

COREN Steps Up Regulatory Enforcement

COREN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Okorie Uche, announced the decisions on Thursday.

Uche said the council would strengthen compliance and enforcement across the engineering profession. The measures will focus on professional standards, technical skills, regulation and public safety.

He said COREN wants engineering professionals and firms to meet established regulatory requirements.

The council also approved the registration of 2,001 engineering practitioners.

The new registrants include 1,410 engineers, 227 engineering technologists and 15 engineering technicians. The list also contains 334 engineering craftsmen and 15 expatriate practitioners.

COREN also approved 33 engineering firms for registration across different areas of engineering practice.

Renewable Energy Certification Gets Attention

The council approved full accreditation for some firms under its Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) Certification Scheme.

COREN runs the scheme in partnership with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

The initiative aims to improve professional capacity and promote standards in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The council also reviewed certification examination results from seven training centres. A total of 478 candidates took the examinations, while 177 candidates passed.

COREN then directed Enerplaz Paygo Solutions in Port Harcourt to adopt the COREN/NESP-approved Solar Photovoltaic Installation Training Curriculum.

Stronger Response to Engineering Failures

The council also considered the problem of recurring engineering failures and building collapses.

COREN approved measures to strengthen its regulatory intervention and enforcement activities. The council said the measures would help it respond more effectively to breaches that could put lives and property at risk.

The new approach includes a competency development programme for Engineering Regulation Inspection Officers.

COREN also approved a wider regulatory strategy. The plan includes a nationwide public awareness campaign and an integrated digital compliance and verification platform.

Other measures include mandatory COREN compliance for engineering procurement and approvals. The council also plans to strengthen Engineering Compliance Inspectorate Units.

National Engineering Practice Database Planned

COREN plans to establish a National Engineering Practice Database.

The database will support the monitoring, verification and regulation of engineering activities across Nigeria.

The council also intends to work more closely with relevant government agencies. It will enforce stricter compliance with annual practising licence requirements.

The move could give regulators better information about engineering professionals and firms operating across the country.

COREN to Regulate Engineering Artisans

The council also approved the automation of registration for engineering artisans and Skills Training Centres through the COREN Portal.

It further approved measures to strengthen the recognition and regulation of engineering craftsmen.

COREN will collaborate with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to develop National Occupational Standards for several technical occupations.

These occupations include bicycle mechanics, GSM phone repairs, satellite installation, tractor operation and maintenance, motor body building and transmission repairs.

The move is aimed at improving technical skills and creating clearer standards for different engineering-related occupations.

New Framework for Engineering Education

COREN also approved the implementation of the National Engineering Admission Quota and Carrying Capacity Enforcement Framework.

The framework will support quality assurance in engineering education. It will also help ensure that engineering programmes at Nigerian universities remain within approved capacity and standards.

The council further approved revised Terms of Reference for its Codes and Standards Committee.

The committee will focus on developing, reviewing, promoting and monitoring engineering codes and standards.

COREN Approves Engineering Fee Scale

The council approved the adoption of the Engineering Sliding Scale of Fees in Nigeria (ESSOFIN).

COREN also plans to hold regional stakeholder engagement workshops before the end of 2026.

The workshops will allow practitioners, government institutions and other industry stakeholders to discuss the new measures. They are also expected to support consultation, consensus-building and wider acceptance of the initiatives.

The nationwide MDA audit and other regulatory measures come as COREN seeks to strengthen oversight of engineering practice in Nigeria. Effective enforcement of professional standards remains important to the safety and quality of buildings, infrastructure and other engineering projects across the country.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has attributed the growing cases of real estate fraud, substandard construction, and building collapses across the country to the activities of unregulated and unregistered property developers. The association called for stricter regulation and enforcement to protect homebuyers, improve construction standards, and restore confidence in Nigeria’s housing sector.

Speaking during an interview, REDAN President Prince Akintoye Adeoye said many of the challenges confronting the real estate industry stem from the absence of effective regulation and the activities of individuals operating outside recognised professional and legal frameworks. He stressed that many fraudulent operators lack the technical expertise and ethical standards required to deliver safe and quality housing projects.

Adeoye noted that patronising unregistered developers exposes buyers to risks such as land fraud, project abandonment, structural defects, and building collapse. He urged prospective homeowners and investors to verify the credentials of developers before making payments or committing to property transactions.

According to him, REDAN has continued to advocate for stronger collaboration with government agencies and regulatory institutions to sanitise the real estate sector. He said improved oversight, stricter compliance with planning regulations, and the enforcement of professional standards would significantly reduce fraudulent practices and improve the quality of housing delivery.

The REDAN president also emphasised the need for all developers to comply with building codes, obtain statutory approvals, and engage qualified professionals, including architects, engineers, builders, and quantity surveyors, throughout the construction process. He maintained that adherence to established standards is essential to preventing avoidable structural failures.

Industry stakeholders believe that strengthening regulation, improving consumer awareness, and enforcing professional standards will help reduce building collapses, discourage fraudulent property transactions, and create a safer, more transparent, and more sustainable real estate market capable of attracting greater investment.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for stronger regulation of Nigeria’s built environment to curb the rising incidence of building collapse and promote safer, more sustainable housing development. The association said effective regulation remains critical to protecting lives, improving urban planning, and strengthening investor confidence in the real estate sector.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ validation workshop on the National Housing Data Programme and the proposed National Housing and Built Environment Regulation Policy in Abuja, REDAN President Oba Akintoye Adeoye stressed that weak enforcement of building standards continues to contribute to structural failures, poor urban development, and other challenges affecting the housing sector.

Adeoye described regulation as the foundation of a safe and orderly built environment, noting that transparent and effective oversight would create a framework that protects lives and property while encouraging investment and sustainable urban growth. He maintained that stronger enforcement of existing standards is essential to improving the quality and safety of buildings across Nigeria.

The REDAN president also highlighted the importance of credible housing data, describing the National Housing Data Programme as a major step towards evidence-based policymaking and improved housing delivery. He noted that Nigeria’s housing sector has operated for years without comprehensive data, forcing policymakers and investors to rely on estimates rather than verified information.

According to Adeoye, reliable housing data will improve government planning, support investment decisions, enhance market transparency, and strengthen efforts to address the country’s housing deficit. He urged public institutions, developers, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to ensure the successful implementation of the new housing data and regulatory initiatives.

Stakeholders believe that combining stronger regulation with reliable housing data will improve building safety, reduce structural failures, encourage responsible real estate development, and create a more resilient housing market capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.

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Insurance industry stakeholders have called for comprehensive policy reforms to make insurance a central component of Nigeria’s housing development strategy, warning that billions of naira invested in residential and commercial real estate remain vulnerable to disasters without adequate insurance protection. They argue that stronger insurance policies are essential for safeguarding property investments and improving confidence in the housing sector.

Experts noted that recurring incidents of building collapse, flooding, fire outbreaks, and other natural disaster continue to expose homeowners, developers, financial institutions, and investors to significant financial losses. They stressed that expanding insurance coverage would improve resilience and support sustainable growth in the real estate industry.

According to industry leaders, Nigeria’s housing sector requires policy incentives that encourage developers and property owners to obtain comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the construction and occupancy phases. They also advocated stricter enforcement of compulsory building insurance provisions already contained in existing laws to improve compliance nationwide.

Stakeholders further recommended stronger collaboration between government agencies, insurance companies, mortgage institutions, and real estate developers to create innovative insurance products tailored to affordable housing projects. They believe such partnerships would reduce investment risks, improve access to housing finance, and strengthen confidence among local and foreign investors.

The experts maintained that insurance should be viewed as an essential pillar of housing development rather than an optional financial product. They argued that integrating insurance into national housing policies would help minimise economic losses, accelerate post-disaster recovery, and enhance the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s property market.

They also urged policymakers to review existing regulations and introduce incentives that promote wider insurance adoption, noting that a stronger risk management framework would support housing delivery, infrastructure development, and overall economic growth.

The post Insurers Call for Policy Reforms to Protect Nigeria’s Housing Investments appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Urban planning experts have warned that increasing violations of planning permit regulations are undermining orderly physical development across Nigeria, contributing to building collapses, flooding, environmental degradation, and significant economic losses. They say the growing trend of commencing construction without obtaining statutory approvals is weakening the country’s urban planning framework and exposing communities to avoidable risks.

According to industry stakeholders, many developers and property owners continue to adopt a “build first, regularise later” approach, largely due to lengthy approval processes, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and the high cost of obtaining planning permits. Experts argue that while these challenges exist, bypassing planning regulations compromises public safety and sustainable urban growth.

Professionals in the built environment noted that planning approvals are essential because they ensure developments comply with approved land use, structural standards, environmental requirements, and safety regulations before construction begins. They stressed that proper supervision by planning authorities throughout the construction process significantly reduces the risk of structural failures and other hazards.

Recent enforcement actions by several state governments, particularly in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory, have targeted illegal developments through building seals, demolitions, permit regularisation programmes, and digital approval systems. Authorities believe these measures will improve compliance while promoting safer and more organised urban development.

Experts have also recommended the adoption of fully digital planning permit systems, transparent approval charges, public awareness campaigns, and stronger enforcement to encourage voluntary compliance. They believe technology-driven approval processes can reduce delays, minimise corruption, and make regulatory compliance more accessible for developers and homeowners.

Stakeholders maintain that strengthening planning permit compliance is critical to protecting lives and property, improving infrastructure delivery, and supporting sustainable housing and real estate development across Nigeria’s rapidly growing cities.

The post Planning Permit Violations Fuel Unsafe Urban Development, Experts Warn appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Lagos State Government has identified weak regulatory compliance, disregard for safety standards, and unauthorized structural modifications as some of the major reasons behind the recurring cases of building collapse across the state. The disclosure comes amid renewed concerns over building safety following recent structural failures that claimed lives and caused extensive damage.

According to the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, many of the incidents could have been avoided if property owners, developers, and occupants had complied with established building regulations and acted promptly on official warnings regarding distressed structures.

The commissioner explained that several collapsed buildings had previously shown signs of structural weakness, including visible defects and deterioration that required immediate attention. In some instances, occupants allegedly ignored evacuation directives and continued using the affected buildings despite warnings from relevant authorities.

He further stressed that illegal alterations to existing structures, poor maintenance practices, and the use of substandard materials continue to increase the risk of structural failures. The government maintained that strict adherence to approved building plans and construction standards remains critical to safeguarding lives and property.

The commissioner noted that the state has intensified monitoring and enforcement activities through relevant agencies, including inspections of buildings considered distressed or structurally deficient. Authorities also reiterated their commitment to demolishing unsafe structures and sanctioning individuals who violate building regulations.

Experts have repeatedly warned that building collapses remain a significant urban challenge in Lagos due to poor enforcement of regulations, inadequate supervision of construction projects, and non-compliance with safety requirements. They argue that stronger oversight and greater accountability across the construction sector are necessary to prevent future tragedies.

The post Why Recurring Building Collapses Persist in Lagos, Says Commissioner appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Eight people have been confirmed dead, while 26 others were rescued following the collapse of a building in Lagos, as emergency agencies intensified search and recovery operations at the scene.

The incident occurred in the Ojodu-Berger area of the state, where rescue teams, security personnel, and emergency responders were immediately deployed after the structure gave way. The operation continued for several hours as responders searched through the debris for survivors and recovered victims.

Officials confirmed that 26 individuals were pulled alive from the rubble and taken to medical facilities for treatment. Authorities also reported that eight fatalities had been recorded during the rescue operation.

Emergency agencies said heavy equipment and specialized personnel were deployed to support the operation and ensure that no victims remained trapped beneath the collapsed structure. The site was secured to allow rescue workers to carry out their duties safely and efficiently.

The cause of the collapse had not been officially established at the time of reporting. However, investigations are expected to examine the structural condition of the building, compliance with approved construction standards, and possible regulatory violations.

Building collapses continue to pose significant concerns in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, with experts repeatedly advocating stricter enforcement of building regulations, improved project supervision, and greater adherence to safety standards.

State authorities extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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A three-storey building collapsed in Lagos on Thursday, leaving several people feared trapped beneath the rubble as emergency responders launched rescue operations at the scene.

The incident occurred in a densely populated area of the state, prompting an immediate response from emergency agencies and security personnel. Rescue teams were deployed to search for occupants and provide assistance to those affected by the collapse.

Officials said efforts were underway to determine the number of people inside the building when the structure gave way. Emergency workers continued clearing debris and searching for survivors as residents gathered around the scene.

Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the collapse, but investigations are expected to examine factors including the structural integrity of the building and compliance with construction regulations.

Building collapses remain a major concern in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, with experts repeatedly calling for stricter enforcement of building standards, improved monitoring of construction activities, and adherence to approved development plans.

The state government has consistently emphasized the importance of compliance with building regulations to reduce incidents that endanger lives and property. Emergency agencies also urged residents to avoid the area to allow rescue personnel to carry out their operations without obstruction.

Further details are expected to emerge as rescue efforts continue and officials assess the extent of casualties and damage caused by the incident.

The post BREAKING: Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos, Many Feared Trapped appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Fresh concerns have emerged over Nigeria’s recurring building collapse crisis, with industry experts warning that failures in design, construction, and supervision continue to put lives and investments at risk.

The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors has attributed the persistent problem to a mix of technical lapses and human decisions across different stages of construction.

Speaking in Lagos during a professional event, the institute’s president, Aminu Bashir, said building collapse cannot be traced to a single cause, stressing that responsibility often cuts across multiple actors involved in a project.

He explained that while some structures may begin with sound architectural and engineering designs, compromises during execution frequently undermine the integrity of such projects. According to him, professionals handling construction sometimes cut corners, a practice that significantly increases the risk of structural failure.

Bashir noted that in some cases, projects are initiated without proper input from qualified engineers, while others suffer from poor professional advice or weak adherence to approved plans. He warned that even a well-designed building could fail if standards are ignored during implementation.

The NIQS president also pointed to regulatory gaps, stating that oversight failures remain a critical part of the problem. He said authorities responsible for monitoring construction activities often fail to carry out proper inspections before approving progression from one stage of work to another.

According to him, the consequences of these lapses are evident in the growing number of building failures recorded across the country, many of which have resulted in casualties, financial losses, and public anxiety.

He emphasised that tackling the crisis requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including designers, contractors, regulators, and project supervisors. From planning and procurement to execution and monitoring, he said every stage must be handled with strict professionalism to ensure safety.

Bashir added that the institute is considering engagement with Bola Tinubu as part of broader efforts to align construction practices with national development priorities.

He noted that effective cost management and professional oversight would play a key role in delivering infrastructure projects under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Industry observers say the latest warning reinforces growing calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and greater accountability within Nigeria’s construction sector.

With urban development accelerating across major cities, experts maintain that failure to address systemic weaknesses could lead to more structural disasters, further eroding public confidence in the country’s regulatory framework.

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The (BCPG), Ojodu Cell, has urged building owners, regulators and property managers across Nigeria to adopt smart monitoring devices in high-risk buildings to help detect structural problems early and prevent potential collapse.

The group made the call following a recent school building collapse in the Ogba area of , which fortunately recorded no casualties after pupils and staff were evacuated in time.

The recommendation was contained in a joint statement signed by the BCPG Ojodu Cell Coordinator, , the General Secretary, , and the Public Relations Officer, .

School collapse sparks safety concerns

The group said the incident involved a building at located on Adu Street in Aguda, Ogba, within the of Lagos State.

According to BCPG, the collapse demonstrated the importance of early detection and evacuation systems in preventing loss of life.

The guild noted that modern smart monitoring systems can provide real-time alerts when structural elements of buildings begin to show signs of stress or potential failure.

How smart monitoring systems work

The group explained that modern building collapse detection systems rely on Internet of Things (IoT) sensors embedded within key structural components of buildings.

These sensors continuously monitor stress levels, structural movement and vibration within columns, beams and other parts of the building.

Once these sensors detect that a building has exceeded safe thresholds—such as bending beams, deflecting columns or unusual vibrations—automatic alarms are triggered to alert occupants and building managers to evacuate and take corrective action.

Warning signs often appear before collapse

According to the guild, buildings often display warning signs before structural failure occurs.

Common indicators include cracks in walls or columns, concrete spalling, bulging surfaces, unusual vibrations and deflection in floors or beams.

BCPG stressed that paying attention to such warning signs can provide a critical window for intervention before a collapse occurs.

The organisation advised that high-occupancy structures such as schools, hospitals and multi-storey residential buildings should be prioritised for the installation of early warning systems.

Lessons from previous tragedies

The guild also recalled the tragic collapse of a school building at Ita-Faaji on Lagos Island in 2019, which claimed the lives of about 20 pupils.

It said structural warning signs such as cracks and concrete damage were reportedly noticed before that incident, but the building collapsed before occupants could be evacuated.

BCPG said the recent escape of pupils and staff from the Yemco school collapse should serve as a wake-up call for authorities to prioritise building safety measures.

The group further urged the to urgently address concerns about distressed school buildings, including a three-storey structure at Mainland Senior High School in the Yaba area of the state.

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