Engr. Joshua Imiavan
Hiring a building engineer in Nigeria comes with unique challenges and considerations shaped by the local context. Here’s a concise breakdown of key factors to watch for, grounded in Nigeria’s construction landscape:
1. Qualifications and Licensing
- Verify COREN Registration: Ensure the engineer is registered with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), which certifies professional engineers. A valid COREN license is mandatory for legal practice and ensures adherence to standards.
- NIOB Membership: For building-specific expertise, check for membership in the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), which validates skills in construction and maintenance.
- Academic Credentials: Look for a B.Eng., B.Sc., or B.Tech in civil or structural engineering from a COREN-accredited institution. For those with HNDs, a COREN-accredited PGD or additional degree is often required.
2. Practical Experience Over Theory
- Hands-On Skills: Nigeria’s engineering education often emphasizes theory over practice, producing graduates who may struggle with real-world applications. Prioritize engineers with proven experience in projects similar to yours (e.g., residential, commercial, or infrastructure).
- Internship Exposure: Limited internship opportunities (6–12 months) mean many engineers lack practical exposure. Seek candidates with internships or on-the-job training at reputable firms.
3. Navigating Local Challenges
- Building Code Compliance: The Nigerian National Building Code (NNBC) sets standards for safety and sustainability, but enforcement is inconsistent. Ensure the engineer is familiar with NNBC requirements and local regulations to avoid penalties or project delays.
- Building Collapse Risks: Nigeria has seen a 77% rise in building collapses over the past decade due to poor design, substandard materials, or non-compliance. Verify the engineer’s track record in delivering structurally sound projects.
- Material and Labor Issues: Shortages of skilled labor and quality materials are common. A good engineer should have strategies to source reliable materials and manage labor effectively.
4. Technical and Soft Skills
- BIM and Modern Tools: Knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and software like AutoCAD, Revit, or ETABS is a plus to reduce errors and improve efficiency.
- Project Management: Look for skills in budgeting, timeline management, and risk assessment, as these are critical in Nigeria’s resource-constrained environment.
- Communication and Collaboration: Engineers must coordinate with architects, contractors, and regulators. Poor communication can lead to costly misunderstandings, so prioritize clear communicators.
5. Red Flags
- Unverified Credentials: Be cautious of engineers without COREN registration or clear proof of qualifications, as this is a legal requirement.
- Lack of Local Knowledge: Engineers unfamiliar with Nigeria’s unique challenges (e.g., soil conditions, power shortages, or regulatory hurdles) may underperform.
- Overpromising: Promises of unrealistically low costs or fast timelines often signal inexperience or corner-cutting, risking quality and safety.
6. Practical Steps
- Check References: Contact past clients to confirm project success and reliability.
- Site-Specific Expertise: Ensure the engineer has assessed your site for local conditions (e.g., soil type, flooding risks).
- Contract Clarity: A detailed contract outlining scope, costs, and timelines is essential to avoid disputes in Nigeria’s often-litigious construction sector.
- Leverage Professional Networks: Use platforms like LinkedIn or NIOB’s directory to find vetted professionals.
Nigeria-Specific Context
- Infrastructure Deficits: With a housing deficit of 28 million units and inadequate infrastructure, engineers face high demand but limited resources. Choose someone with a track record of creative problem-solving.
- Corruption and Regulatory Hurdles: Bureaucracy and unethical practices can delay projects. Engineers with experience navigating these issues are valuable.
- Skilled Labor Shortage: The lack of skilled labor often forces engineers to oversee more tasks. Ensure they have strong team management skills.