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Collapsed buildings: Akpabio calls for the intervention of Nigerian Society of Engineers
Nigeria President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, to adhere to the codes and standard guiding the profession.
He made the call in Enugu during the 60th anniversary of NSE Enugu State chapter, with a theme; “the enforcement of Engineering materials standard and codes for sustainable development” the role of the state government and its agencies.
Akpabio represented by Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede confidently raised hope on Engineering codes and standard, saying, “our physical space in the country, our infrastructural investment and investment will be in a better state and frame with the observant of Engineering codes and standard.
He lamented the unfortunate failure of roads, dams and collapses of buildings across the country blaming it on substandard of building materials and inadequate knowledge of the person utilising the materials.
“Codes and standard are to the work practice direction, procedures and roles to lawyers in dispensation of duties to their clients. You know that at all times a lawyer is a minister in the temple of Justice and it’s to justice that first gives life even before the specific need of his client.
“A lawyer cannot be involved in dishonesty practices or unethical means to assist his client. To do so is to risk disbarment. With this background and to my understanding of the role of Engineers to the society. I can confidently come to conclusions that our physical space in the country, our infrastructural investment and investment will be in a better state and frame with the observant of Engineering codes and standard.
“In a developing country like Nigeria, the importance of Engineering codes cannot be overstated. Codes serve as a foundation upon which our infrastructure is built, providing guidelines for design, construction and maintenance.
“They’re the safe guard to protect our citizens, economy and environment. Our country will suffer few outages, our dam will not burst, roads will not fail and our houses will not collapse if codes and standard are properly observed. We are all witness to the unfortunate failure and collapses in the country, Onitsha, Abuja, Awka Lagos, Enugu and even in Jos. It’s a pity.
“Many of these failure and collapses are equitable to the substandard of building materials but also equitable to the inadequate knowledge of the person utilising the materials. The failure of road pavement may not be as vivid and dramatic as that of houses and there is no feterlity that can be immediately and directly attributed to such failure; but they are no less catastrophic to the economy, the lives of the people and of the nation,” he said.
He enjoined the state government to enforce the engineering code and standard, urging them to use professionals in the field to carry out the duty.
“Upon this the state governments have great responsibility on this regard for the enforcement of these codes and standard but like a legal profession which enforces discipline at adherence of his own practice directives through the disciplinary committee of Nigeria bar association.
“Enforcement of Engineering codes and standard in the building and engineering sector must also be related to and carried out to professionals in that profession. So while the various state agencies perform their duty in ensuring that the standard of materials attain the specific standard,” he said.
Earlier, the Enugu state chairman of NSE, Engr. Chigbo Chukwuemeka Obealor disclosed that NSE is a professional body committed towards collaborating with, influencing and providing quality advice to the various arms of government, industry, commerce, academia and the society for the purpose of uplifting the country technologically through research and innovations.
Obealor, appealed to the Enugu State government to consider the provision of an Advanced Engineering in the state, noting that engineers are trained as professionals to solve various engineering challenges in time and space.
He acknowledged the labours of their pioneer leaders who laid the sold foundation of NSE Enugu branch and all those who continued from it with the uncommon zeal and relentless pursuit of excellence in the engineering profession.
He however made a passionate appeal for assistance to their leaders for a Land to develop Branch Engineering Centre, provision of 14 seat Commuter Bus, provision of Drones for enhanced security project and One off scholarship programme for indigent students as part of their corporate social responsibilities.
“We want to seize this opportunity to call on the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigerian Communication Commission on the abandoned Enugu Centre Digital Bridge Institute, which was completed about 10 years ago, and was never put into use by the government.
“The multibillion facilibes at the digital bridge institute are wasting along Enugu Nike Ugwogo road. We hereby convey our interest to effectively manage the Digital Bridge Institute for the training and manpower development. This request is in good faith and to bring to realistic end, the vision of the institute,” he appealed.
The National President of NSE, Engr. Aina Margaret Oguntala commended the Enugu State branch for their contribution to the National body, adding that the successive leadership of Enugu branch has done well and today’s event is building on the already achievement of previous leaders.
Oguntala represented by Engr. Edith Ishidi charged NSE, Enugu branch to continue to build Dr ⁴² on a standard and sustainability development to ensure a thriving innovation in Nigeria, appealing with the Legislature to make law that would create enabling environment for engineers to continue building the nation that would never fail.
Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Peter Mbah represented by the state Commissioner for works. Engr. Gerald Otiji, called on the NSE to checkmate and ensure members embark on standard work to tackle failure of roads and building collapses.
He disclosed that Enugu State government is not leaving any stone unturned to make sure that no substandard work is being done in the state.
In a Goodwill message, the assistant Technical secretary of the branch and the planning committee chairman of the 60th anniversary, Engr. Chijioke Onyike called for a renewed commitment to Excellency, innovation and collaboration for a better future.
“As we reflect on the past 60 years to achievements and look ahead to the future, let us renew our commitment to excellency innovation and collaboration.
“Together we can continue to make significant contributions to the Nigerian Society of Engineers and also inspire the engineers of tomorrow Once again thank you all for being a part of this joyous occasions. Your presence has made this celebration truly unforgettable,” he said.
The highlight of the event was presentation of Diamond award of excellence to some dignitaries.
Reactions have trailed to trail the disclosure by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of N100,000 following recent welfare reforms by the Federal Government.
Veterans and serving personnel have described the amount as grossly inadequate in the face of Nigeria’s rising cost of living, while some accused the Federal Government of failing to implement a more substantial salary review promised months ago.
The criticism comes amid renewed concerns over troop welfare, military funding, and the effectiveness of efforts to boost morale among personnel battling insecurity across the country.
A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, argued that the current salary falls far short of what is needed to meet basic living expenses.
“It is not enough at all. What is N100,000 in the current situation of the country? It cannot go far. They should do better. If soldiers are paid more, they will be more motivated and committed to their duties,” he said.
Another retired military officer, Sergeant Zaki Williams, questioned the accuracy of the figure disclosed by the minister and described the amount as inadequate for personnel who risk their lives in service to the nation.
“I doubt if they are even paying up to that amount now. Even if they are, it is too little. Any government paying a soldier N100,000 in today’s economy is not serious enough about the welfare of its troops,” he said.
Williams noted that soldiers face enormous challenges and deserve better remuneration and working conditions.
Also reacting, the Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, said the salary does not reflect the sacrifices made by military personnel.
“How can that be sufficient for someone putting his life on the line for the country? Consider the cost of food, housing, transportation, and children’s education. N100,000 is far from adequate for those responsible for protecting the nation’s peace and security,” he stated.
The reactions followed comments by the Minister of Defence during an interview with News Central, where he disclosed that the minimum monthly salary of soldiers had increased from N49,000 to N100,000 under the current administration.
According to the minister, the Federal Government has made deliberate efforts to improve troop welfare despite funding challenges facing the military.
“When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly. We tried so hard, now he’s collecting N100,000,” he said.
Musa, however, acknowledged that the defence sector remains underfunded and requires greater financial support to effectively address the country’s security challenges.
The minister also advocated stricter penalties for kidnapping, including the possibility of introducing the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that stronger deterrents are necessary to curb the growing wave of abductions across the country.
The debate over soldiers’ welfare comes at a time when the military continues to confront multiple security threats, with stakeholders insisting that improved remuneration, better equipment, and enhanced welfare packages are critical to boosting morale and operational effectiveness.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced that travellers in the United States seeking Nigerian visas must now submit their applications directly at Nigerian diplomatic missions following the termination of its contract with a third-party visa processing company.
The new directive, which takes immediate effect, ends the role previously played by Online Integrated Solutions (OIS Services), which had been responsible for receiving and processing Nigerian visa applications through its centres across the United States.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, said visa applicants are now required to submit their documents directly at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., or at the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta until further notice.
The immigration service did not state the reason for ending its partnership with OIS Services.
However, Akinlabi assured applicants that adequate measures have been put in place at the embassy and consulates to ensure a smooth transition. He added that visa submission, processing and approval would continue without disruption.
He also urged prospective travellers to monitor the official communication channels of the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigerian diplomatic missions in the United States for updates on visa application procedures.
A Professor of Economics and Governance, Prof. Chiwuike Uba, has called on South African Government to take active responsibility of protecting foreigner and desist from ‘compromising inaction’.
Uba, Chairman of the ACUF Initiative for Policy and Governance, made the call on Thursday in Enugu in a statement he titled: “South Africa Is Playing with Fire, and Its Elites Are Holding the Match”.
He said that the lack of intentional action against the individuals and groups perpetrate the xenophobic attacks, who are non-state actors, raises serious questions under international law.
The don noted that “protection of non-nationals is a clear obligation, not a discretionary act.”
According to him, persistent failure to uphold this responsibility undermines both legal commitments and diplomatic credibility.
Uba said that the implications of the development extend far beyond South Africa, adding that it would have economically, politically and diplomatically consequences both to the country and Africa in general.
He noted that economically, the country is not just another market.
“It is a continental anchor. Its financial systems, industrial base, and regional linkages make it central to African growth.
“Prolonged instability would ripple outward, constraining trade, deterring investment, and weakening regional integration,” he said.
On the Political aspect, he said that South Africa had long been seen as a model of democratic transition and constitutionalism.
“If that model begins to fracture, it sends a powerful signal across the continent.
“It emboldens those who argue that institutional democracy cannot deliver, and it weakens reformist voices elsewhere,” he said.
Uba said that diplomatically, xenophobic violence is not a domestic issue when it targets foreign nationals.
He said, “It is an international concern that tests regional solidarity and diplomatic patience.
“Each episode forces other African governments to respond, balancing domestic outrage with the need to preserve bilateral relations.”
The don noted that over time, the balance in the country would becomes harder to maintain as non-state actors would be emboldened to perpetrate other unlawful acts as they view the government as weak or inactive.
The Apex sociocultural youth organization of the Igbo race worldwide, Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), has described the current arrest made by the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offence (ICPC) against former Minister of Science and Technology and the 2027 People Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Enugu State, Hon. Uche Nnaji, regarding his certificate, as a deliberate political witch-hunt orchestrated by the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Gov. Peter Mbah.
In a press address in Enugu on Wednesday, 8th July 2026, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, National President of Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), called on Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to maintain the commission’s ethical standards, threatening to seek his removal if evidence confirms the alleged bias of ICPC in favor of Governor Peter Mbah against Hon. Uche Nnaji regarding the 2027 Guber election.
*The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) revealed that the fight against Hon. Uche Nnaji is a battle for the Enugu Governorship and the “Lions Building Seat” in 2027, and dismissed the certificate forgery allegations against Uche Nnaji as a political distraction and blackmail.*
The surreptitious entry into the court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to obtain a court order detaining Hon Uche Nnaji is a teleguided executive overreach attributed to Gov Peter Mbah apparently aimed at silencing Hon Uche Nnaji, which is highly censurable.
The Council stated that “A court of competent jurisdiction is presently handling the unsubstantiated certificate forgery case, and the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Hon Uche Nnaji have opted for an out-of-court settlement, following recent findings of misinformation.
Therefore, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), should maintain a neutral stance regarding the Enugu State Governorship battle to preserve his reputation built through his legal career and public service, and avoid being perceived as succumbing to Governor Peter Mbah’s alleged attempts to utilize executive power to blackmail and witch-hunt Hon. Uche Nnaji.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council(OYC) warned Governor Peter Mbah to concentrate on fulfilling his unfulfilled campaign promises to Enugu State rather than chasing Hon Uche Nnaji through the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
Families displaced by the recent fire outbreak in the Asata area of Enugu have received immediate relief from the Enugu State Government following the intervention of Governor Peter Mbah, who directed that palliative support be provided to ease their suffering.
Chairman of the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (ESEMA), Chinasa Mbah, disclosed that the agency promptly delivered the relief materials in compliance with the governor’s directive.
“We have given them some palliative as directed by His Excellency. Our report has equally gone in, and we await further instructions,” Mbah said.
She explained that ESEMA has completed its assessment of the incident and submitted its recommendations to the state government, adding that additional assistance for the affected families will depend on the governor’s approval of the agency’s report.
The swift response underscores Governor Mbah’s commitment to standing with citizens in times of distress. The victims, whose homes and belongings were destroyed in the fire that gutted two flats in a two-storey building on Church Road, Asata, are expected to receive further support as the government considers ESEMA’s recommendations.
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