For improved growth in the real estate sector, operators have called for reforms in the housing industry and road construction.
They also emphasised the adoption of technology and rigid road construction methods to expand the life span of such infrastructure.
They made the appeal at the 2023 yearly Lecture and Awards organised by Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN), themed: “Technology as the New Normal in Modern Infrastructure Delivery” in Lagos.
The Chief Executive Officer/founder, Eximia Realty, Hakeem Ogunniran, said there was need for critical stakeholders like the media to beam their searchlight on the Land Use Act and other regulations made by governors that stand as bottlenecks to housing development.
He also urged them to dwell on making state authorities to streamline planning permits and approval processes for housing development, land titling process and registration, as well as the need for improved mortgage sub-sector, housing finance, curbing activities of fraudsters, and adoption of technology to bridge deficits.
“There is a strong nexus between fostering real estate transparency and strengthening regulatory frameworks. A robust regulatory framework is essential for promoting transparency in the real estate sector.
“Governments and regulatory bodies should enforce strict guidelines and standards for real estate transactions, ensuring compliance with ethical practices and legal requirements. Transparent and enforceable regulations create a level playing field and foster trust among all stakeholders,” he said.
The Sub-Dean, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos, Dr. Olajide Faremi, said there was need for advocacy in the building industry to achieve safe construction, sustainable and economically viable buildings.
Faremi said operators need to promote disruptive technology such as additive manufacturing and robotics, which have positively impacted health, production and management domains.
He stressed the need to bridge housing gaps, curbing incessant collapse of buildings, acute shortage of skilled workforce and transformation of slums to decent housing.
Group Head, Corporate Communication, Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, called on Nigerians, especially professionals in the building industry, to support the use of rigid pavements for road construction.
To him, rigid pavement construction is more durable with a life span of over 40 years as against the 15 years or less for asphalt.
Earlier, the chairperson, Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN), Mrs. Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie, said the yearly lecture was recording huge successes, and proffering solutions to issues in the nation’s building sector.
“The PEWAN lecture and awards is an avenue to steer the direction of public discourse on construction matters and volatile environmental issues. It has the objective of inspiring ideas and robust intellectual conversations on issues affecting the built environment and the nation’s economy,” she said.
