The Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has urged architects to set aside their differences and pursue a development agenda that will support the present administration.
ARCON President, Sir Dipo Ajayi, who stated this at the induction of 614 architects, 54 architectural technologists and 86 firms in Abuja, said the council was set up to grant licences and instruments to architects, architectural technologists and architectural firms to practice their trade unfettered.
“Despite the strategic importance of architecture to nation building, the profession has grappled with its own challenges resulting in the ministerial directives last year to ARCON to be an arbiter to the two warring groups – Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and Association of Nigerian Chartered Architects (ANCA),” he said.
According to him, the primary purpose of setting up the council more than 50 years ago by the Federal Government is to promote the development and growth of the architectural profession.
“The government also recognised that the built environment is an economic vehicle for development and wealth creation and therefore, needs to be regulated,” he said.
He charged the newly qualified architects, registered architectural technologists and architectural firms, to adhere to the code of ethics and standard. “Be honest and act with integrity; promote your services honestly and responsibly.
“Consider the wider impact of your work; carry out your work faithfully and conscientiously; be trustworthy and to look after your clients’ money properly; co-operate with regulatory requirements and investigations; deal with disputes or complaints appropriately.”
ARCON Registrar, Umar Murnai, who spoke on ARCON Project Registration Number (APRN), urged the new inductees to support the initiative and ensure it works in all states of the federation.
He said APRN became necessary to protect architecture, the building industry, and the public.
Murnai explained that the initiative, which has been adopted at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, should be adopted by all Ministries Departments and agencies.
The Registrar, who lamented that the profession has not reached 10 per cent of its potential and mandate, however, assured architects of unlimited opportunities in the country.
He said with the initiative, it has been difficult for unregistered architects to submit architectural drawings in Abuja.
Former Chairman, NIA, Lagos Chapter, Ladipo Lewis, who spoke on architectural ethics, urged the inductees not to toil with professional integrity, shun any form of corruption and bribery.
“You can’t apply your seal on jobs you’re not responsible for; ensure that all your dealings under professional competency are above board, execute your job with the best of practices, prepare a condition of engagement with your client and always be truthful in your dealings,” he added.
