The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has commended Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what it described as his consistent support for local content development in the state's construction and engineering sectors.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Thursday, the Kwara State Chairman of COREN, Bashiru Lawal, stated in a letter that the governor's "deliberate policy of patronising local professionals and contractors aligns perfectly with COREN's longstanding advocacy" for the recognition, utilization, and promotion of indigenous companies in project execution.

The letter specifically cited an example: "On behalf of the COREN, Kwara State Office and the entire engineering community in Kwara State, we wish to express our profound appreciation to Your Excellency for your exemplary commitment to empowering indigenous contractors through the recent award of contracts, particularly the engagement of Messrs CPN for the construction of Ojoku-Ilemona Road, flagged off recently by Your Excellency."

According to Lawal, the governor's "forward-thinking approach not only strengthens local capacity but also enhances job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable development within the state."

He added that AbdulRazaq's "consistent support for local content development in the construction and engineering sectors stands as a testament to your dedication to inclusive growth and the overall economic advancement of Kwara State."

"We commend your vision and leadership in setting a standard worthy of emulation by other states and public institutions across the country.

"COREN remains committed to supporting your administration's developmental agenda and ensuring that the highest professional and ethical standards are maintained in all engineering-related projects in the state," he said.

According to the statement, the Commissioner for Works, AbdulQuawy Olododo, disclosed in a press briefing that over 70 per cent of the construction projects in Kwara were being handled by local contractors.

"At a press briefing recently, Commissioner for Works, AbdulQuawy Olododo told reporters that more than 70% of the construction works in the state are handled by local contractors who are indigenous to Kwara State. He said this creates jobs and boosts the local economy at various layers," he said.

Established by Decree No. 55 of 1970, now codified as CAP E11 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) is the statutory body charged with regulating and controlling the practice of engineering nationwide.

The council registers engineers, technologists, technicians, and craftsmen, and ensures that engineering works in the country meet professional and ethical standards.

AbdulRazaq's administration has, in recent years, made local content development a key part of its policy direction in Kwara State.

The governor has repeatedly urged contractors handling government projects to patronise qualified local artisans, suppliers, and firms to promote inclusiveness and job creation.

The state government has also introduced measures to make it easier for indigenous contractors to participate in public procurement, including removing financial barriers such as high insurance bond requirements and launching support programmes for local artisans.