Two regulatory bodies in the building and construction industry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster collaboration in joint monitoring and inspection of building projects, joint accreditation and certification of laboratories.

The MoU between the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) which is the first between regulatory bodies in the built environment would promote excellence, professionalism, and innovation.

Essentially, some of the key areas of collaboration include joint capacity-building training for registrants of both Councils to improve professional expertise, data sharing and reporting of relevant data, reports and findings to enhance decision-making and regulatory oversight and enforcement and Regulatory compliance with standards.

CORBON Chairman, Dr Samson Opaluwah, who spoke at the signing of the agreement in Abuja, explained that the MOU marked a new chapter of cooperation and collaboration towards mutual growth, rather than competition and confrontation.

COREN President, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, expressed optimism that the “partnership will enable us to leverage our collective expertise and resources to drive innovation and excellence in the industry.”
He further called for deepening collaboration of this nature in the building industry amongst all regulatory bodies.

To him, by prioritising mutual growth and innovation over competition, the Councils will pave the way for a more unified and progressive built environment.

The forum attracted CORBON Council members, Prof. Shehu Ahmadu Bustani, Ukponirefe Aimiuwu and Dr. Sunday Imong, CORBON Registrar, Adetunji Adeniran, COREN Registrar, Prof. OAU Uche, Acting Executive Secretary Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) Patricia Ehi, and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Tectonics Group, Aisha Kawu Gombe.