The Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria (ACEN) has decried the frequent cases of collapse building across the country, vowing to arrest and prosecute quacks or any of its members involved in future occurrence.
ACEN specifically advised quacks who parade themselves as qualified engineers to desist from the act, saying that anyone arrested for their role in the approval of a collapsed house would be prosecuted along with its owners.
President of ACEN, Engr. Kam-Salem Bukar, gave this warning at the Association’s two-day annual conference and general meeting which started on Wednesday in Lagos.
The conference is with the theme: “Sustainable Development: Building Resilient Cities”.
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Bukar noted that the rise in the case of building collapse in Nigeria has become worrisome to ACEN, hence calls for urgent attention.
He stated that the body of professional engineers now have relevant laws which it will use to prosecute member found to have violated the laws governing the engineering profession.
He highlighted the need for a resilient cities, noting that urbanization and environmental challenges demand innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainability.
“Our discussions over the next few days will focus on how we can leverage our expertise to create urban environments that are not only resilient to the impacts of climate change but also inclusive and equitable for all citizens” he stated.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by his Special Assistant, Adekunle Olayinka, pointed out some of the key roles that consulting engineers play in shaping infrastructure and driving the economy of the state.
According to him, the expertise and dedication of consulting engineers are invaluable to the sustainable development of Lagos and the country as a whole.
“The theme of this year’s conference resonates deeply with the vision for Lagos State, where resilience and sustainability are not just ideals, but imperatives we must embrace to secure the livelihoods of our citizens abd integrity of our environment,” he said.
The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSEC), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, said the role engineers as facilitators of sustainable development is both crucial and demanding when financial constraints impact all sectors.
“To achieve resilient cities, we must align our efforts to support frameworks that promote innovative design, responsible resource management, and inclusive urban planning.
“This involves creating a solid partnership among all stakeholders, government, private sector, and engineering institutions to bring initiatives that can attract development and bolster resilience across our cities and communities,” she added.
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