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 growing adoption of smart home technology is reshaping residential living in Nigeria’s major cities, as homeowners and property developers increasingly embrace connected devices to improve security, energy efficiency, convenience, and overall quality of life. Industry experts say the trend is gradually transforming the country’s urban housing market, particularly in premium residential developments.

Smart homes integrate internet-connected devices such as automated lighting systems, smart locks, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, climate control systems, and voice-activated assistants. These technologies allow homeowners to remotely monitor and manage different aspects of their homes through smartphones or other connected devices, offering greater control over security and energy consumption.

In cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, developers are beginning to incorporate smart technologies into new residential projects to meet changing consumer preferences. Modern buyers are increasingly seeking homes equipped with digital security systems, energy-efficient appliances, automated access controls, and integrated home management solutions that enhance convenience and long-term property value.

Property professionals note that rising concerns over security, increasing electricity costs, and the demand for modern lifestyles are among the key factors driving smart home adoption. Features such as remote surveillance, automated lighting schedules, smart energy management, and intelligent access control systems help homeowners reduce operating costs while improving safety and comfort.

The growing interest in smart homes is also creating opportunities for technology companies, internet service providers, and building solution firms that specialise in home automation, digital infrastructure, and integrated security systems. As demand increases, developers are expected to collaborate more closely with technology providers to deliver digitally enabled residential communities.

Despite the growing interest, industry stakeholders acknowledge that widespread adoption still faces several challenges. High installation costs, inconsistent electricity supply, limited broadband coverage in some areas, and concerns about cybersecurity continue to slow the expansion of smart home technology beyond the luxury housing segment. They argue that greater investment in digital infrastructure and more affordable smart technologies will be essential to encouraging broader market adoption.

Experts also believe that smart homes will become increasingly important as Nigeria’s cities continue to expand. Integrating digital technologies into residential developments can improve energy efficiency, support sustainable urban planning, and enhance the overall living experience for residents. They add that combining smart home innovations with affordable housing initiatives could play a significant role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s real estate sector.

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The Ogun State Government has announced plans to demolish and reconstruct the state’s legislative and commissioners’ quarters, which were originally built in 1976.

According to Jamiu Omoniyi, the Commissioner for Housing, a recent technical evaluation revealed that the structures have become unsafe and uneconomical to maintain despite several repairs over the years.

Omoniyi said the decision complies with the National Building Code of Nigeria (2006), which mandates that public buildings meet minimum safety standards.

“The existing quarters were constructed nearly 50 years ago. Over time, maintenance efforts have proven inadequate, and the buildings are no longer fit for habitation,” he stated.

He added that the new quarters would feature modern, energy-efficient designs and upgraded utilities as part of the state’s broader urban renewal and housing development plan.

The commissioner described the initiative as a long-term investment in safety and administrative efficiency, emphasizing that the project would prioritize transparency and local job creation through the engagement of indigenous contractors.

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