Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the State Technical Committee and the State Expatriate Monitoring Committee on Engineering Regulations Monitoring and Enforcement, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to ensuring global standards in engineering practices across the state.

Represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, at the inauguration held at the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, Makinde emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality infrastructure projects and called on engineers to report any deviations from professional standards.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor noted that the committees are tasked with monitoring and enforcing engineering regulations to ensure all projects adhere to required standards.

He underscored the role of engineering in economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life for the people of Oyo State.

“We are talking about poor quality of materials. We have a body called the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. What are you doing about the relationship between engineering practice and SON?

“There must be a collaborative arrangement in a way that even before items get to the construction site, you would have certified them and determined whether they are proper for the purpose,” he said.

Highlighting concerns about expatriate engineers operating without proper certification, he added, “On expatriate quota, you see them all around, and you will continue to see them because Nigeria is so big and the space for engineering practice is very wide. The system is weak, and people will continue to take advantage of it.

“The President alluded to the fact that we have some nationals even in the bushes of Nigeria and everywhere, claiming to be engineers, architects, and surveyors. I think it is your responsibility to really apprehend them. Ask for their certificates.

“None of those people work alone; they work for some organizations in Nigeria, and you can relate to their organizations. So, the space is wide, but the system is weak. You need to take crucial steps towards ensuring that engineering practice is of global standard.”

Makinde urged committee members to be diligent in upholding the ethics and practices of the engineering profession, ensuring that all projects in the state meet the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

He also commended the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria for its role in promoting excellence in engineering practices and ensuring public safety.



https://punchng.com/makinde-inaugurates-committees-to-strengthen-engineering-regulations/