Leaders of Nigeria Institute of Building in Bauchi
By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Worried by frequent building collapse across the country which has claimed a number of lives, the Federal Government has been urged to as a matter of urgency initiate policies aimed at addressing problems of professional practice in the construction industry particularly building structures.
The call was made by the National President of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Builder Kunle Awobodu during a press conference as part of activities to mark the second edition of Builders Day and remembrance of children who perished in a collapsed building at ItaFaaji, Lagos Island and victims of other building collapse in Nigeria.
The President’s speech was read by the Bauchi Branch Chairman at the NUJ Press Center Bauchi on Saturday calling on the respective states of the federation should prioritize the safety of lives, during and after construction by having laws and regulations that meet the basic minimum requirements of the Nigeria National Building Code.
He said that, “The need for the Nigerian government to get rid of quacks on all building sites in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. The use of experts in their various areas of competency in the entire building project delivery chain, that is from design to construction and the even post construction, should be upheld.Builders are the experts in the technology of building construction and maintenance”
The NIOB added that, “Again, lack of accountability and failure to bring culprits to book are among factors contributing to series of building collapse.The most worrisome aspect is that many of those that participated in the construction of collapsed building hardly get prosecuted”.
He said that the problem with building construction in Nigeria is that some of those who are engaging in it as a business to make quick and cheap money, only see the gains and not the risks, adding that some of those who are investing in building development have the mindset of profiteering at the expense of quality output which cannot stand the test of time.
Kunle Awobodu maintained that the institute will embark on training and re-training of engineers to meet with the trends in the sector will help in harnessing human resources in the country, especially in the construction industry.
The National President then said that other activities to mark the day will include visits to various building sites across the country and provide clients, developers and their workers technical advice and construction techniques that will uplift and sustain the serviceability of their buildings, adding that there will be call-in Programmes on TVs and radio to enable professional builders provide solutions to the challenges, members of the public could be having in their homes and offices.
