Gombe, Abuja Building Collapses: Two Engineers Face COREN Tribunal
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has referred two engineers to its Engineering Tribunal over separate building collapse incidents in Gombe State and Abuja, following investigations that established prima facie cases against them.
The cases involve the collapse of a reinforced concrete entrance canopy at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex in July 2026 and a three-storey building under construction in Gaduwa District, Abuja, in May 2026. The referrals could lead to disciplinary sanctions if the tribunal finds the engineers liable following its proceedings.
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COREN approved the investigation reports at its 191st Ordinary Council Meeting, held in Abuja on 15 October 2026. The council subsequently forwarded the reports to its Engineering Tribunal for further action.
Two Building Collapse Incidents Under Investigation
The first case concerns the collapse of a reinforced concrete cantilever entrance canopy at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex on 10 July 2026, at approximately 3:25 p.m.
Following an investigation into the project's design, supervision and construction, COREN's investigative panel established a prima facie case against Engineer Rahman Adegboyega Shittu of Ramad Consultant Limited.
The second case involves a three-storey building under construction at Plot 481, Cadastral Zone B13, Gaduwa District, Abuja. The structure collapsed on 16 May 2026.
COREN initiated its investigation after receiving a petition and referral from the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The investigative panel established a prima facie case against Engineer Mustapha Maikaba, the project's consultant engineer.
The council clarified that a prima facie case does not amount to a final determination of guilt or professional liability. Both engineers will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations under the applicable laws and procedures, while the tribunal is expected to summon them for further proceedings.
COREN Moves to Strengthen Construction Safety Standards
Beyond the disciplinary referrals, COREN approved the final draft of the Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian construction industry.
The council approved the document for gazetting and distribution to relevant stakeholders, paving the way for wider implementation and enforcement across the sector.
The guidelines are intended to strengthen construction safety practices and provide a more coordinated framework for preventing building failures. Their implementation will depend on effective enforcement and compliance by engineering professionals, developers, contractors and other stakeholders.
COREN also endorsed collaboration with federal and state ministries of works and other relevant government agencies to ensure that engineering contracts go only to firms registered with the council.
The proposed partnership will also strengthen joint inspections and investigations, giving regulatory authorities a more coordinated approach to monitoring engineering projects.
In another regulatory measure, the council endorsed collaboration with the Sector Skills Council for Engineering and relevant agencies to screen and regulate artisans entering Nigeria to undertake engineering-related work.
These measures form part of COREN's broader effort to strengthen professional standards and improve oversight across engineering practice.
Council Approves Registration of 3,726 Engineering Practitioners
At the meeting, COREN approved the registration of 3,726 engineering practitioners across different professional categories.
The approved registrations comprise 2,510 engineers, 532 engineering technologists, nine engineering technicians and 675 engineering craftsmen.
The council also approved the registration of 153 engineering firms, including 37 consulting firms and 116 other engineering companies operating across various engineering disciplines.
The registration approvals expand the pool of recognised practitioners and firms eligible to undertake engineering-related work within the regulatory framework.
COREN has continued to emphasise the importance of engaging qualified professionals and ensuring that engineering projects meet approved standards throughout their design, construction and supervision stages.
Stronger Enforcement Remains Critical to Building Safety
The referral of the two engineers to the tribunal represents another step in COREN's response to building collapse incidents and concerns about professional accountability in Nigeria's construction industry.
However, the effectiveness of the measures will depend on the tribunal's proceedings, the enforcement of professional standards and stronger coordination among regulators, planning authorities and government agencies.
For developers, contractors and property investors, the cases reinforce the importance of appointing registered engineering professionals and maintaining proper supervision throughout construction projects.
As COREN advances its proposed safety guidelines and regulatory partnerships, consistent enforcement will remain essential to improving construction quality, protecting property investments and reducing the risk of preventable building failures.
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