Building - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Thu, 2025

NIOB seeks policies to check quackery in building sector

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By Olasunkanmi Onifade

Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has called for the strengthening of policies to eliminate quackery, enforce building standards and hold violators accountable in the building sector.

President of the institute, Alderton Ewa, said this in Abuja on Wednesday at a news briefing to commemorate the ‘2025 Builders Day’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day was set aside to celebrate the building profession, acknowledge the achievements and reflect on the challenges facing the industry.

NAN also reports that the theme of this year’s edition is: ‘Builders’ Role in Effective Building Control and Regulatory Compliance for Sustainable Construction’.

Ewa said that quackery in the profession remained one of the biggest threats to the building industry in Nigeria.

“Untrained and unlicensed individuals continue to infiltrate the profession, carrying out substandard work that leads to structural defects and, in worst cases, deadly collapses.

“These unqualified individuals operate without a proper understanding of engineering principles, safety measures or building codes, jeopardising the safety of countless individuals.

“As professional builders, we must stand firm against this menace. We must ensure that only qualified and certified professionals handle construction projects,” he said.

The NIOB president stressed the need for collaboration among regulatory authorities to enforce strict licensing measures and create public awareness on the dangers of engaging unqualified builders.

He said that the frequent cases of building collapse in the country were not only alarming but also a tragic reminder of the need for strict adherence to building regulations, professional ethics and standards.

Ewa stated that many innocent lives had been lost, property worth billions of naira destroyed and confidence in the industry eroded due to preventable structural failures.

“While various factors contribute to building collapse—such as substandard materials, poor structural designs and lack of proper supervision—the role of unqualified individuals and unethical practices cannot be overlooked.

“It is our collective duty to ensure that the highest standards of professionalism and integrity are upheld at all times,” he said.

The NIOB president highlighted the importance of adhering to building codes to include: ensuring the safety, durability and efficiency of structures.

He said that compliance with codes was not optional but mandatory requirements for any construction project.

“They provide essential guidelines on material selection, structural integrity, fire safety, environmental considerations, and accessibility.

“International Building Code (IBC) and National Building Code (NBC) offer standardised safety measures to prevent construction failures.

“Compliance with local and national building regulations ensures that structures withstand environmental and usage stresses,” he said.

Ewa said that builders should be up to date with code amendments and incorporate modern construction innovations and safety measures in their projects.

He said domestication of the building code at the state level would enhance compliance, thereby allowing state governments to establish robust physical planning permit regulations and enforce building control measures.

According to him, strict adherence to building codes can prevent structural failures and enhance public trust in the industry

Ewa said it was essential for builders to educate clients and stakeholders on the benefits of regulatory compliance and the risks associated with non-compliance. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Uche Anunne and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

Metro

FCTA begins post-development audit of buildings in FCT

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By Philip Yatai/Angela Atabo

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun a post-development audit of buildings in the FCT.

Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), made this known while inaugurating a Ministerial Committee on Post-Development Audit of Buildings in the FCT.

Obuah explained while inaugurating the committee in Abuja on Thursday that the Abuja Master Plan, developed in 1979 provides the roadmap for the orderly development of the nation’s capital city, Abuja.

According to him, the overarching goal is to build one of the most prestigious and modernist cities in the world.

He pointed out that over the years, the FCTA has been able to develop many phases of the city, districts and neighbourhoods.

“We have equally been able to develop critical infrastructures that provide circulatory road systems, metro lines and stations, sewer lines and drainages, among others.

“Today the city can boast of many iconic landmark developments such as the National Mosque, the National Christian Center, the National Assembly Complex, and the Supreme Court Complex.

“Others are the World Trade Centre, Abuja – the tallest building in the city with 22 floors, the CBN Complex, and many other iconic buildings of international repute and reference points for tourists.

“All these attests to the fact that our city has come to stay; our city has developed substantially from Phase 1 through Phase 3 while the other phases are equally being developed.

“Nonetheless, it becomes imperative too, that at this juncture of the city’s development, we take a cursory look at our journey in terms of what we have so far developed, the trend and chart a more robust course for the city’s development,” he said.

He said that it was on these grounds that the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike approved the constitution of the committee to audit the post- development of the city’s buildings.

He said that the committee, which would be chaired by Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, would be expected to provide accurate records of all development permits issued.

This, he said, would reduce the cases of unapproved development, illegal conversion of land use, and land grabbing.

He added that the committee would also provide data on the consumption of the city’s utilities and services such as water, electricity and connectivity to sewer lines.

This, according to him, will expose illegal connections to the facilities which is denying the government its due revenues.

“The committee will also provide data for accurate taxation and enhanced revenue generation by bringing all buildings and properties to the FCT Internal Revenue Tax Net.

“This will generate billions of Naira for the FCT Administration.

“Another task for the committee is the provision of data on research on city planning, development and management.

“Some of the buildings will be subjected to integrity tests to reduce cases of building collapse and hazards,” he said.

The coordinator said that members of the committee were drawn from all the departments in the FCTA and expected to conclude the tasks in six months.

He assured the committee members of the FCT Minister’s commitment to providing the necessary logistics to ensure the success of the exercise.

Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Galadima noted the need for the FCTA to document all activities, in terms of structures, services, and facilities.

He said that the committee would deliver on its mandate as expected. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza