Worried by Nigeria’s inflationary trends, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has advocated the use of alternative construction materials and methods as against the conventional approach in developing housing for low- and middle-income earners in the country.
The institute called on the government and the citizens to patronise the services of certified professional builders at every stage of construction to curb housing development challenges, especially building collapse.
NIOB President, Alderton Ewa, made the call at the opening of its 54th builders’ conference and yearly general meeting in Akwa. He said the conference, themed, “Building Profession Practices and Sustainable National Development,” underscored commitment to addressing the critical challenges facing the nation’s built environment.
Ewa said despite persisting challenges in the sector, especially economic constraints and inadequate infrastructure, there are opportunities for growth and innovation by leveraging technologies, and advancing collaboration among critical stakeholders to create a more prosperous building sector.
He noted that building production practices are instrumental in achieving sustainable national development, adding that there was a need to focus on sustainable materials, affordable housing, regular review of building codes to reflect advancement in construction technology, adherence to rules by practitioners to halt structural failures and robust regulations.
He said the forum presents a unique opportunity for knowledge sharing, networking, and professional development. “Our goal is to foster a robust dialogue on how we can enhance building practices to contribute meaningfully to sustainable national development,” the institute said.
Ewa charged leaders to consider the expertise of professional builders in projects as they are the ultimate panacea to challenges of sustainable housing development with regards to building of any form, building rightly and the technical know-how to deliver purpose-driven buildings that are affordable and sustainable.
NIOB lauded Ebonyi State government for approving three laws that will govern the systematic growth of the built environment. The laws are the Ebonyi State Physical Planning Permit Regulations Law, 2024, Ebonyi State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2024 and Ebonyi State Building Control Regulation Law, 2024.
The institute urged other state governments to pass such legislation and establish building control agencies staffed by the appropriate professionals to mitigate challenges and foster growth in the building sector.
