Minister Umahi Pledges Government Collaboration with Nigerian Academy of Engineering for Road Development
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has assured the Nigerian Academy of Engineering (NAE) of the government’s commitment to collaborating on road construction and management to enhance the sector’s development in Nigeria. This assurance was given during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the academy led by its President, Prof. Azikiwe Onwualu, in Abuja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Yakubu Kofarmata, Minister Umahi expressed gratitude for the visit and commendation. He highlighted the ministry’s performance driven by President Bola Tinubu’s directive to construct good-quality roads across the country.
The minister expressed concern over malpractices in the construction industry, noting that roads constructed in Nigeria often have shorter lifespans compared to those in other parts of the world due to contractor malpractices and collusion with unpatriotic individuals.
Umahi reaffirmed the government’s determination to work with the academy and other stakeholders to eliminate these malpractices. He pledged to ensure that all roads are constructed to specifications and are safe, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He also assured the NAE that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) would be restored to government funding. He emphasized the importance of having accredited COREN-recognized practitioners in charge of engineering supervision.
In response, Prof. Onwualu commended Minister Umahi for prioritizing local content in road construction and advocating for the use of COREN-registered engineers for project supervision. He urged the government to restore funding to COREN, emphasizing its role as a regulatory body for engineering practice.
Onwualu sought the ministry’s partnership in capacity building, particularly in skill acquisition for young engineers. He also called for collaboration in policy development to upgrade civil engineering laboratories in universities and polytechnics, suggesting that a percentage of project costs could be allocated to equip these laboratories.
The NAE, established in 1997, aims to promote excellence in engineering training and practice as a non-profit and non-governmental institution.
Peoples Gazette
