Nigeria’s leading technical regulatory bodies have signed the first ever Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the three bodies to enhance infrastructure development and professional excellence.
In a landmark step toward deeper inter-agency collaboration and national development, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) signed a landmark tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Tectonics Engineering Group headquarters in Abuja.
The signing of the MoU is the first formalized tripartite collaboration between key professional regulatory bodies in Nigeria’s built environment.
The strategic alliance is expected to promote synergy, innovation, and professionalism across engineering, geosciences, and building disciplines, and pave the way for a unified and impactful practice ecosystem.
The comprehensive MoU establishes five strategic pillars designed to revolutionise how Nigeria approaches technical professions and infrastructure development.
Upon implementation, it aims to ensure Unified Project Oversight, which includes joint monitoring, inspection, and compliance enforcement on construction and mining projects, while also ensuring unprecedented quality control and safety standards.
The MoU further aims to guarantee Shared Excellence Standards which refers to collaborative accreditation and certification of laboratories and institutions, creating consistent benchmarks across all three professional domains.
It aims to establish Integrated Capacity Building, which refers to coordinated professional training and development programs that break down silos and foster cross-disciplinary expertise.
Furthermore, the MoU targets Strategic Information Exchange: This refers to Cross-sectoral data sharing and policy support mechanisms to inform evidence-based decision-making.
It aims to ensure Harmonised Regulatory Framework, a strategy by which the regulatory bodies seek to achieve enhanced oversight through unified standards that eliminate contradictions and streamline compliance processes.
According to Bldr. Samson Ameh Opaluwah, Chairman of CORBON, “This MoU is not merely a document, it is a testament to our joint commitment to build a future of cooperation over competition, and mutual growth over rivalry. Together, we can raise the standards and values in our professions.”
Speaking on behalf of COREN, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar, President of the Council, stated: “This partnership allows us to leverage collective expertise to address today’s challenges and embrace tomorrow’s opportunities. We are stronger together.”
Prof. Zacheus O. Opafunso, Chairperson of COMEG, remarked: “This agreement marks a pivotal turning point. Geoscientists and mining engineers are eager to engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration that enhances both national resource management and infrastructure integrity.”
The tripartite MoU reflects the shared vision of the councils to create a more integrated and forward-looking regulatory environment. It affirms their readiness to champion sustainable practices, capacity development, and innovation-led growth across Nigeria’s technical professions.
The ceremony attracted an impressive array of stakeholders from across Nigeria’s built environment ecosystem, underscoring the national significance of this partnership.
The event was witnessed by CORBON Council Members — Bldr. Prof. Shehu Ahmadu Bustani, Bldr. Ukponirefe Aimiuwu, Bldr. Dr. Sunday Imong — CORBON Registrar, Bldr. Adetunji Adeniran, mni, COREN Registrar, Engr. Prof. OAU Uche, Acting Executive Secretary of NIOB, Bldr. Patricia Ehi, and other senior professionals from the councils.
Also, in attendance was Engr. Aisha Kawu Gombe (PhD), Group Managing Director of Tectonics Engineering Group, alongside staff witnesses Engr. Caleb Akubo, Ms. Faith, and Engr. Halima
The MoU signing ceremony took place at the head office of Tectonics Engineering Group in Abuja, which currently houses the operational office of COMEG. The choice of venue further emphasized the spirit of professional unity and provided a neutral ground for fostering regulatory cohesion.
About the Councils:
COREN – The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria is the statutory regulatory body that ensures excellence, ethics, and safety in engineering practice in Nigeria.
COMEG – The Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists is charged with regulating and controlling the practices of mining engineering and geosciences in Nigeria.
CORBON – The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria oversees the practice and standards of building construction professionals in Nigeria, ensuring safety, quality, and professionalism in the built environment.
