By Kelvin Obambon
In a decisive move to curb the recurring menace of structural failures in Cross River and across the country, the Calabar Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) has held an advocacy road walk to sensitize the public on the dangers of quackery and the necessity of engaging certified professionals.
The walk which saw engineers and stakeholders marched through the Murtala Muhammed Highway and terminated at Efio-Ette Roundabout, served as a platform to demand zero tolerance for substandard construction practices and the use of unqualified personnel on building sites.
Speaking during the event in Calabar on Saturday, the Chairman of the Calabar Chapter of NICE, Engr. Obeten Otu, emphasized that the campaign was a proactive measure to safeguard the future.
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“This walk is all about sensitizing the public on the need to patronize qualified professionals to avoid the menace of building and infrastructural collapse,” Otu stated. “It is a campaign to enlighten all of us that it is better to save the future today than tomorrow when the deed has been done.”
He further highlighted that structural integrity goes beyond just the initial design, noting that poor supervision, management, and maintenance are key contributors to the “bone of contention” regarding building collapses. He also revealed that the institution is partnering with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to address the issue of substandard materials.
“If your design is nicely done, what about your supervision?
If your supervision is perfectly achieved, what about the maintenance and management? There are so many criteria, so many areas you need to use to safeguard your structures,” the Chairman added, calling for strategic government policies to ensure checks and balances for every developer.
Also speaking during the walk, Hon. Engr. Andem Ekpo Bassey who was a past National Chairman of NICE described building and infrastructure collapse as a national emergency that demands collective responsibility and strict adherence to professional standards.
“Building collapse is not an accident; it is a consequence of negligence, quackery, and failure to follow established engineering standards,” Hon. Engr. Bassey said. “When qualified professionals are ignored and shortcuts are taken, lives are inevitably put at risk. This advocacy by NICE is timely and necessary, and it sends a strong message that professionalism must not be compromised.”
He commended the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers for taking the campaign directly to the streets and urged government authorities, developers, and private individuals to work closely with registered engineers to ensure safety and sustainability in infrastructural development.
Similarly, Engr. Dr. Jerome Egbe, former Chairman of NICE Calabar chapter, and currently the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Utilities, declared that the state government is fully collaborating with the institution to ensure standard compliance.
Dr. Egbe took a hard line against individuals who impersonate engineers without the requisite training and licensing. “The message today for those who are clinging to the title of engineer is to clearly define that they are just quacks. When you do not go through the professional provision where you will be licensed, then you are not an engineer,” he said.
The SA detailed the rigorous path to becoming a certified engineer, which includes five years of university education, National Youth Service, and three years of professional practice followed by the Nigerian Society of Engineers exams and registration with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
“We see many of them who are bricklayers; they go to the sites and they assume the status of engineer. In actuality, they are not engineers. We are here today on behalf of the government of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who is in total support of the leadership of NICE to ensure that the services of professional engineers are engaged,” Egbe added.
On his part, Eyong Ubongha, Head of Technical at the Cross River State Infrastructure Development Agency, warned that the law would eventually catch up with those endangering lives through unprofessional construction practices.
“This campaign is to stop quackery. It is a pointer to the public that it is no more business as usual for persons who might call themselves engineers and put the lives of users at risk,” Ubongha said. “The law will definitely catch up with them who try to mess up with the life of projects and, of course, humans.”
The road walk concluded with a call to the general public to verify the credentials of anyone they hire for construction projects, reiterating that NICE remains ready to assist the public in identifying qualified professionals to ensure a safer building environment.
In attendance were the Vice Chairman of NICE, Engr. Patrick Inyang; the Secretary, Engr. Joseph Liwhuliwhe, among others.
