NIOB advocates compliance with builders document
By Grace Alegba
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) on Tuesday called for adoption of Builders Document by built environment professionals, toward upholding standards.
NIOB made the call in Lagos at the Pa Osikoya Memorial Lecture, an event held in memory of late Otunba Fatai Isola Osikoy, the first President of the institute from 1970 to 1972.
Osikoya was also the first Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON).
The theme for the event was: The Imperative of Builders’ Document in the Implementation of Urban and Physical Planning Laws Towards Achieving Sustainable Building Construction”.
The Guest Speaker, Mr Oladipo Okpeseyi, said built environment professionals must collaborate on using the Builders’ Document.
He said it was important in implementing urban and physical planning laws for sustainable construction.

Okpeseyi said the Builders’ Document brings together architects, engineers, and planners under the same blueprint, fostering a synergy that transforms urban planning laws from abstract concepts into tangible structures.
“In our journey towards sustainable building construction, these documents are the compass that ensures we stay true to the course.
“They guide us beyond the immediate project, encouraging a forward-thinking mindset that contemplates the long-term impact on our urban landscapes,” he said.
He said the Builders Document, whether written, graphical or digital, captures all the requirements of a construction project in details.
The guest speaker said the document was important for quality construction, future maintenance and to avert building collapse.
“In essence, builders’ documents are not just paperwork; they are indispensable tools that empower professionals in urban development to navigate the complexities of their field, ensuring that their projects are legally sound, well-coordinated, and aligned with the principles of sustainable and thoughtful urban planning.
“The imperative of Builders’ Documents in implementing urban and physical planning laws is akin to the conductor leading a symphony.
“They harmonize legal requirements, environmental stewardship, and collaborative efforts, conducting us towards the crescendo of sustainable building construction’” he said.
He added that the Builder’s Document was a check list for the implementation of Urban and Physical Planning Laws towards achieving Sustainable Building Construction.
Okpeseyi extolled the virtues of Pa Osikoya, saying the lecture series helped members to brainstorm on ways to continue to stick to standards towards achieving sustainable building construction.
NIOB President, Sir Alderton Ewa, said late Osikoya was a stickler for professionalism and standards and made significant contributions to the building profession in Nigeria.
Ewa said the third annual lecture was organised to honor and commemorate the life, achievements, and legacy of Osikoya..
He said available records showed that between 1952 and 1957, Osikoya earned some international degrees that made him the first African and Nigerian to work as a professional builder.
Lagos Chapter chairman, Adeoye Thomas, said, “I will not be here practising as a builder if Pa Osikoya did not put his feet down to ensure compliance to standards”.
He advised built environment professionals to stop hijacking roles of other experts where they do not have competencies to uphold quality assurance.
He said the way out to solve problems of ‘professional quacks hijacking roles was to keep engaging with their built environment colleagues in the construction value chain. (NAN)
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle
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