Governor Alex Otti of AbIa State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to enhance engineering standards and infrastructure development across the State.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a COREN delegation led by its Registrar, Engr. Prof Austin Uche, during a courtesy visit at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
The Governor commended the Council for its professionalism and pledged sustained partnership with the body, noting that adherence to engineering standards remained critical to the durability of infrastructure in the state.
He said the government would consider the council’s request for logistics support, including the provision of an operational vehicle for its State monitoring team, within available budgetary provisions.
“We will explore ways of supporting your request within the limits of our budget”, Governor Otti said.
He also directed the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority to inspect and assess the condition of the road leading to COREN’s state office for possible intervention.
Governor Otti added that the State’s direct labour agency, manned by competent engineers, possesses the capacity to handle the rehabilitation of the access road efficiently.
Earlier, Engr Prof Uche reaffirmed COREN’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Abia State Government to promote engineering standards and infrastructure development.
He commended the Governor’s support for the engineering profession, noting that COREN, established by law in 1970, remaines committed to regulating engineering training, education and practice nationwide.
Uche recalled the inauguration of the Abia State Technical Committee and Expatriate Monitoring Committee on February 27, 2025, describing them as key platforms for engineering regulation, monitoring and enforcement.
According to him, collaboration between COREN and State Governments is vital to ensuring sustainable infrastructure through proper maintenance and strict adherence to standards.
The registrar also praised the presence of qualified engineers in the Abia State Executive Council, including the Deputy Governor, who is a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, and urged the State Government to sustain the trend.
He noted that strong engineering representation in governance had contributed significantly to development in countries such as China.
Uche appealed to the Governor to provide an operational vehicle for the state monitoring team to enhance effective oversight of infrastructure projects.
He further drew attention to erosion challenges affecting the road leading to COREN’s state office in Umuahia and called for urgent intervention.
Uche commended the present administration’s strides in road construction, public facilities and institutional reforms, noting that they had boosted economic growth and improved residents’ quality of life.
He added that the Governor’s leadership has enhanced Abia’s image both locally and internationally, and expressing optimism for sustained progress in the State.
