2.0 His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua, GCFR, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony was ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Transportation, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke. The opening ceremony was chaired by the Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Segun Oni.

Represented at the opening ceremony were Honourable Ministers for Transportation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Governors of Lagos, Plateau and Benue States. Other distinguished dignitaries in attendance included Permanent Secretaries, Commandant National Defence College, Commissioners of some States and Chief Executives of Parastatals. Over 3000 Engineers, Technologists, Technicians and Craftsmen were in attendance.

3.0 The Assembly observes with concern, the spate of failure/collapse of Engineering Infrastructure / Buildings in the country and emphasizes the need to make it mandatory for any person or organisation involved in the construction of Engineering Infrastructure / Buildings to engage the services of Registered Engineering Personnel and other Recognised Professionals.

4.0 The Assembly re-emphasizes the role of COREN in upholding the professional integrity and competence of Registered Engineering Personnel and reminds all members of the sanctions for violations of professional ethics.

5.0 The Assembly welcomes the setting up of the Registered Engineering Personnel Tribunal as approved by the Chief Justice of the Federation and in accordance with the COREN Act for the trial and discipline of its erring members.

6.0 The Assembly identifies capacity building in engineering as a crucial factor for achieving the vision of transforming Nigeria into one of the twenty biggest economies by year 2020 and an essential requirement to cope with challenges of globalisation. However, the Assembly advises that this vision cannot be realised unless all tiers of government recognise and pursue the Engineering and Technology as the key element for the actualisation.

7.0 The Assembly notes with regret that the country does not have a consistent Engineering and Technology Development Policy. It therefore recommends that a strong policy be put in place for diligent implementation.

8.0 The Assembly notes with concern the non – compliance of some public and private establishments with the COREN regulations regarding the Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) programme. The Assembly therefore resolves that government should compel all her agencies and the private sector to comply with all provisions of the COREN Act.

9.0 To effectively introduce fresh engineering graduates into the profession, the Assembly urges the immediate resuscitation and sustenance of the Supervised Industrial Training Scheme in Engineering (SITSIE) programme. The Assembly therefore urges the Federal Government to set up a committee that will ensure full implementation of the White Paper on strategic plans for Engineering Development and control in Nigeria.

10.0 The Assembly advises the need to step up action in the Training and Re-training of Engineering Personnel and the Upgrading of Facilities in Engineering and Technological Institutions.

11.0 The Assembly requests that government should release the White Paper for the special salary structure for Engineering Personnel.

12.0 The Assembly expresses appreciation for the support which the Federal Government has given to COREN through the Federal Ministry of Transportation in carrying out its mandate.

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