The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, has partnered with key regulatory bodies and Tectonics Engineering Consults to overhaul Nigeria’s construction sector and address longstanding challenges such as structural failures, skills gaps, and regulatory inefficiencies.
In a statement, it was noted that in a decisive move to safeguard Nigeria’s built environment and drive innovation-led growth, the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, in partnership with top regulatory agencies, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists, the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, and private sector partner Tectonics Engineering Consults, signed a Memorandum of Understanding recently in Abuja.
It stated, “This multi-agency alliance addresses critical challenges in Nigeria’s construction sector, including structural failures, regulatory fragmentation, skills deficits, and the rise of quackery. It marks a shared commitment to integrate emerging technologies, strengthen professional capacity, and ensure compliance with global standards.”
The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, stated, “Today’s collaboration reflects our ministry’s commitment to using science, technology, and innovation as tools for national development. By coordinating regulatory efforts and embracing innovation, we aim to strengthen public trust and enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s infrastructure.”
It stated, “The Memorandum of Understanding sets out a comprehensive collaborative framework aimed at transforming Nigeria’s construction sector. A key focus is National Compliance Monitoring, which will involve joint inspections by regulatory bodies to ensure strict adherence to construction standards and prevent structural failures. The partnership also prioritises the adoption of emerging technologies, including the use of digital engineering tools, smart materials, and advanced geotechnical innovations. This is expected to improve construction efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the industry.
“Another critical component is the joint accreditation of testing facilities, which will help guarantee the quality of materials and processes used in construction nationwide. By standardising testing protocols, the sector can better maintain consistency and reliability. To showcase the practical benefits of innovation, the alliance will implement pilot demonstration projects, applying new technologies to real-world construction scenarios. These projects will serve as benchmarks for wider adoption within the industry.
“Additionally, the MoU highlights the importance of professional development, introducing structured training programmes focused on compliance, sustainability practices, and digital transformation to equip engineers and builders with relevant, future-ready skills. The Memorandum of Understanding sets out a comprehensive collaborative framework aimed at transforming Nigeria’s construction sector. A key focus is National Compliance Monitoring, which will involve joint inspections by regulatory bodies to ensure strict adherence to construction standards and prevent structural failures.
“The partnership also prioritises the adoption of emerging technologies, including the use of digital engineering tools, smart materials, and advanced geotechnical innovations. This is expected to improve construction efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the industry. Another critical component is the joint accreditation of testing facilities, which will help guarantee the quality of materials and processes used in construction nationwide. By standardising testing protocols, the sector can better maintain consistency and reliability. To showcase the practical benefits of innovation, the alliance will implement pilot demonstration projects, applying new technologies to real-world construction scenarios. These projects will serve as benchmarks for wider adoption within the industry.
“Additionally, the MoU highlights the importance of professional development, introducing structured training programmes focused on compliance, sustainability practices, and digital transformation to equip engineers and builders with relevant, future-ready skills. Finally, the initiative supports data-driven policy reform by promoting the transparent sharing of inspection findings and project results. This evidence-based approach will guide updates to national standards and contribute to more responsive and effective regulatory policies.”
The President of COREN, Sadiq Abubakar, said with the partnership, the frontline of engineering regulation, which is a proactive response to structural collapse incidents and professional malpractice, was being straightened.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Tectonics Engineering Consults, Aisha Gombe, added, “This alliance will help close critical gaps in skills, monitoring, and innovation adoption. Our youth deserve access to industry-relevant skills, and Nigeria deserves infrastructure built to last.”
