By Angela Atabo
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has advised building professionals to keep up with government policies and new tax changes so they can stay relevant in the changing construction industry.
Its Chairman, FCT Chapter, Mr John Zaki, made the call during the institute’s Annual General Meeting and Conference on Tuesday in Abuja.
Zaki said the theme of the conference entitled “Fiscal Policy and the Built Environment: Decoding the Tax Reform Act for Sustainable Construction and Housing Delivery” was chosen to adequately inform builders about ongoing reforms.
“As professionals in the built environment, some of us are new to the tax reforms and we feel that it is necessary for us as builders to keep abreast of issues affecting our professional practice and investments in the building industry.
“This necessary because as builders, if we are not informed in the policies of government, we may end up being left behind to an extent.
“So, that is why we chose this theme for this event and to ensure that we as professionals key in and place ourselves in the rightful position so that the policies and the tax reforms of the government will not catch us unawares. ”
The NIOB chairman said that the challenges in the construction and building sector ranging from regulatory compliance, tax reforms, sustainable practices, to technological advancement.
He noted that in spite of incidents of building collapse, accountability remained largely absent.
“In the FCT, it is difficult to identify a collapsed structure where those responsible have been held accountable and punished,” he said.
He attributed the situation partly to a culture of non-compliance, where both individuals and enforcement authorities failed to uphold building standards and regulations.
According to him, strengthening regulatory enforcement and ensuring accountability will help reduce malpractice in the sector.
“When things go wrong on construction sites, those responsible must be identified and sanctioned. It will serve as a deterrent and reinforce the rule of law,” Zaki stated.
Reflecting on the chapter’s activities over the previous years, he said the institute made progress in mentorship, advocacy, and partnerships with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and educational institutions.
He encouraged senior professionals to mentor younger builders, adding that “knowledge transfer is essential for sustaining standards and professionalism in the industry.”
The NIOB chairman, who expressed optimism about the future of the profession, urging members to embrace continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration.
He reaffirmed that the strength of the institute lied in unity, professionalism, and a shared commitment to advancing building practices in Nigeria.
The Special Guest of Honour, Atika Mamman, Executive Director of Projects, North-Central Development Commission (NCDC), commended the builder’s efforts in developing the country and solving housing needs.
Mamman urged the builders to remain focused in making Nigeria a better place for all.
Also speaking, Queen Philips, the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, FCT chapter, said multiple taxation on building material, permits, and land transactions had increased construction costs.
Philips said that streamlining these processes could significantly ease the burden on developers and prospective homeowners.
She outlined several policy pathways, including tax incentives for affordable housing, support for public-private partnerships, strengthened property taxation systems, and better alignment between fiscal tools and planning regulations.
Philips called for incentives for green building practices, climate-resilient infrastructure, and smart urban development.
She also called for synergy among government, professional bodies, and private sector stakeholders to ensure reforms deliver inclusive and sustainable outcomes.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
