CIFCFIN, COREN in pact to stem building collapse

Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) has entered into a partnership with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to deploy a forensics investigation towards ending building collapse in Nigeria.

President and Chairman-in-Council of CIFCFIN, Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki, disclosed this at the 6th Direct Training and Award of Fellowship by the institute in Abuja.

Giving highlights of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) CIFCFIN signed recently with COREN, Gashinbaki said it would ensure forensic review from the basis of design to the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC).

“We want to make sure that all those processes are vetted properly, and then, malpractices that easily happen in those areas are curtailed or stopped in their entirety,” he said.

He also said the institute would work closely with COREN in the area of fighting product specification fraud running into billions of naira, originating from countries that manufacture fake products usually shipped to Third World countries.

“Working with COREN, and powering that effort with our Forensics Engineering Laboratory, we intend to make sure that product specification fraud is eliminated in the building and engineering construction process,” Gashinbaki emphasised.

The CIFCFIN president also revealed other strategic partnerships the institute was building with some relevant public and private sector organisations in the deployment of forensic tools to root out corruption and other forms of fraud in the country. They include the Nigeria Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Counseling the new members and fellows of the institute, Gashinbaki charged them to consider the greater purpose of their profession.

He said: “From today, you are change agents and change-makers, who are duly enlisted in the anti-corruption army that will transform Nigeria into greatness. As certified professionals and fellows, you have been equipped with the knowledge, tools, skills and ethical foundation necessary to make a positive impact on your communities and the nation at large.

“Beyond your success, you are now bestowed with the duty to assist the government in combating corruption, recovering stolen assets, preventing financial crimes, supporting economic development, strengthening the legal system and, most importantly, offering a comprehensive approach to poverty alleviation in Nigeria and Africa.”

Forty-seven members were awarded fellowships and 110 graduated as certified members of the institute at its 6th direct membership training and awards of Fellowships held at EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja.