By Ngozi Ngene

In a decisive move to enhance quality, safety, and professionalism in infrastructure development, the Enugu State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure has announced new measures to enforce strict compliance with industry standards on all ongoing and future projects.

With over 80 percent of development activities in the state falling under its supervision, the Ministry is intensifying efforts to ensure that only relevant registered professionals in the built environment with valid practising licences manage projects in the state. This covers roads, buildings, and other critical infrastructure.

Speaking at a high-level meeting with professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Institute of Architects, Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, the State Technical Committee of COREN, and other key stakeholders, the Honourable Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ben Osy Okoh, underscored the urgent need for strengthened collaboration between government agencies and professional institutions.

“This meeting is a continuation of our commitment to prioritise quality assurance and professionalism across all projects,” the Commissioner stated. He stressed that all projects must be handled by relevant registered professionals in the built environment with valid practising licences. In addition, such professionals will sign undertakings taking full responsibility for projects for which their licences are submitted. If at any time they are disengaged or no longer involved in a project, the Ministry must be notified immediately.

He further revealed that the Ministry plans to upgrade laboratory facilities to rigorously test construction materials and the quality of work being carried out across the state to ensure adherence to design and safety standards. The Ministry will partner with professional bodies to facilitate training programmes and hold quarterly review meetings to assess progress and address challenges.

Citizens and professionals are encouraged to report unethical practices or poor-quality work via dedicated phone lines.

The Commissioner praised the strong political will and visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure and entrenching transparency is driving this reform. He noted that the Governor’s vision of a modern and smart Enugu demands strict adherence to professional standards, adding that the Ministry’s resolve is fully aligned with this transformative agenda.

To strengthen technical oversight, the State has engaged the services of the renowned civil engineering consulting firm, Ette-Aro and Partners, a company with over 50 years of experience in delivering landmark projects in Nigeria and beyond. The firm will provide high-level technical support, quality assurance guidance, and expert supervision on key projects, ensuring that every deliverable meets the highest global benchmarks.

“We are committed not only to stopping poor workmanship but also to rooting out substandard construction materials,” the Commissioner warned. “We will not tolerate the proliferation of inferior products in the market. We will work closely with relevant stakeholders, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, and construction materials dealers, to achieve this goal.” He called on all professionals and stakeholders to actively support these reforms, emphasising that Enugu’s development drive cannot and will not compromise on quality.

“This is a defining moment. We invite everyone to be part of this journey and to commit to building a stronger and safer Enugu in line with the Governor’s vision,” he concluded.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Technical Committee of COREN, Engr. B. Ndidi Edeh, expressed his profound joy and optimism, stating that for years the Committee had been advocating for government to take ownership of this quality enforcement drive. “For the first time, government is in the driver’s seat,” he declared. He thanked the Governor for appointing Engr. Ben Osy Okoh as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, describing him as a man of outstanding quality, legacy, and attention to detail. He said Enugu is fortunate to have him at this time, especially in a season of infrastructure revolution, and expressed confidence that he would make a remarkable difference. He pledged the Committee’s full cooperation, adding, “We are ready to follow your lead. You have the answers, and you have earned our trust.”

The Regional Head of COREN for the South East, Engr. Peter Awunde, called on the State Government to re-profile contractors to ensure that only qualified firms with certified professionals handle public projects. He urged improvements in the procurement process and encouraged contractors to hire skilled engineers. The professionals endorsed the “Flag It Out” initiative to report substandard work, noting that the goal is not to assign blame but to collaborate with government in raising infrastructure quality through proactive oversight.

Dr. Charles C. Ngene, representing the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, urged the State Government to ensure that developments are in line with the existing Enugu Master Plan to guarantee sustainable growth. He commended the government’s commitment to involving experts in infrastructure delivery and pledged his institute’s full support, stressing that proper planning at the onset prevents resource misallocation and ensures long-term project performance.

In response, the Commissioner welcomed the recommendations, noting that the Ministry is already reviewing contractor profiles and procurement procedures to ensure that only competent, certified, and well-equipped firms are awarded public contracts. He assured that the Ministry will work closely with COREN and other professional bodies to strengthen capacity building and promote the engagement of skilled engineers in all projects.

On urban planning, he emphasised that the Ministry will collaborate closely with the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners to align developments with the existing Enugu Master Plan, ensuring that projects are sustainable, future-focused, and meet the needs of the population. He added that the expertise of town planners will also be crucial in the ongoing development of the New Enugu Smart City, which is set to be a game changer in both national and global city development standards.

At the end of the meeting, prayers were offered for the Commissioner, asking God to protect him and grant him the grace to accomplish his laudable vision for the State.