Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has stressed the need for the establishment of a Construction Material Testing Laboratory in the state.
Dr. Otti stated this during a courtesy visit by the National President, Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria COREN, Prof. Sadiq Zubair Abubakar and his team in his office.
The Governor represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and also a member of COREN, explained that the decision is in a bid to stop the use of sub-standard materials for construction work in the state, adding that the laboratories will be stationed in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia for the three geo-political zones of Abia South, Abia Central, and Abia North.
The State Chief Executive also charged the Standard Organization of Nigeria SON, to be accountable for the certification of manufactured materials used at construction sites to forestall loss of lives and property.
In his address, the President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, said that the Council which was established in 1970 is saddled with the regulation of engineering perspectives, engineering education in tertiary institutions as well as regulating trainings for professional engineers, technicians and artisans.
Prof. Abubakar also promised the establishment of inspectorate office in each sector of the state to regulate effectively the activities of engineers in collaboration with the state government and other enforcement teams.
The meeting was attended by the Deputy Chief of Staff, office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwo represented by the Director of Administration, Mr. Felix Ukwa among others.
