By Olasunkanmi Onifade
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has urged all states to adopt and consistently enforce building regulatory laws tailored to their jurisdictions, to enhance public safety and uphold professional accountability nationwide.
NIOB President, Mr Alderton Ewa, made the call at a media briefing in Abuja ahead of the institute’s 55th Annual Builders’ Conference.
It is scheduled for Aug. 19 to 22 in Ebonyi.
The conference theme is “Advancing Builders’ Knowledge and Skills for Effective Enforcement of Building Regulatory Laws for Sustainable Development”.
It reflects the institute’s commitment to strengthening professional competence, enforcing building regulations, and promoting sustainable practices in Nigeria’s built environment.
According to Ewa, the safety and durability of buildings depend not only on the existence of regulatory laws but also on their effective enforcement.
“Builders are one of the seven statutorily recognised professionals in the built environment, and construction plays a central role in ensuring that every stage of building complies with approved designs, quality standards, and legal requirements.
“Unfortunately, incidents of building collapse and substandard construction remain a major concern, often due to weak enforcement or lack of professional oversight,” he said.
Ewa said the conference would address these gaps through capacity building, policy engagement, and professional collaboration.
He noted that while some states were already enforcing building regulatory laws, others were still in the process of domesticating them.
He stressed the need for uniform adoption of these laws nationwide, adding that the NIOB was also concerned about the quality of construction materials.
“That’s why we started the construction of a skill laboratory project in Lugbe, to enable stakeholders test materials during construction work,” he said.
The NIOB president further urged greater involvement of professionals in structural and town planning processes.
He lamented that the Nigerian Building Code (NBC), which sets standards for design, construction, and maintenance of buildings, had yet to be passed by the Senate since it was proposed in 2006.
Ewa explained that the NBC addresses key aspects such as structural integrity, fire safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
“While we continue sensitisation, the delay in passing some of these laws gives room for quacks to thrive. This is why some states have introduced their own laws to curb building collapse.
“When proper laws are in place, with material testing and professional oversight, and discipline is maintained in the industry, all will be well,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
