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Gombe State to Implement COREN Recommendations Following Assembly Complex Collapse

The Gombe State Government commits to enforcing engineering standards after a recent collapse.

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Gombe State to Implement COREN Recommendations Following Assembly Complex Collapse
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The Gombe State Government has announced its commitment to fully implement the recommendations from the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) following the collapse of the entrance canopy at the State House of Assembly Complex. This pledge was made by Deputy Governor Manassah Jatau during the receipt of the COREN investigation report.

The incident occurred on July 24, 2026, while fresh concrete was being placed on the canopy. Jatau emphasized the importance of quality and safety in public infrastructure projects, stating that the government will not rush the completion of the assembly complex at the expense of these critical factors. "Government is not in a hurry. We want quality project execution, and we will carefully study the recommendations and implement them to their logical conclusion," he said.

The COREN report recommended that construction should continue but under enhanced professional supervision and strict adherence to approved engineering standards. The Deputy Governor assured that the contractor would be allowed to proceed with the project, provided they engage qualified and registered professionals to oversee the work.

COREN's National Registrar, Okorie Austin Uche, explained that the investigation involved extensive consultations with professionals and stakeholders connected to the project. The panel reviewed essential project documents, including structural designs and construction sequences, to identify the cause of the collapse. It was determined that while the consulting structural engineer was qualified, the contractor failed to engage registered professionals, which contributed to the incident.

Uche noted that the collapse was likely due to improper construction practices, particularly concerning the temporary formwork used during the concrete placement. Instead of placing the concrete in stages, the entire canopy was cast at once, which placed excessive demands on the temporary support system.

Despite the collapse, tests indicated that the remaining structure was technically sound, with adequate compressive strength and reinforcement consistent with specifications. Uche highlighted that the integrity tests conducted after the incident confirmed the standing structure's condition, allowing the state government to proceed with construction under stricter oversight.

The chairman of the investigative panel, Isyaka Lawan, remarked that the investigation took two months, primarily due to the need to clear the collapsed structure. He expressed hope that the findings would lead to improved professional standards in public project execution and prevent future occurrences.

Jatau concluded by stressing the government's commitment to enhancing quality control and compliance with engineering standards throughout Gombe State, ensuring the safety and welfare of its citizens remains a top priority.

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