Experts harp on building materials’ standardisation, best practices

Built environment professionals have been charged to make use of quality materials and embrace best practice in the discharge of their duties. 

The experts, who spoke at the international real estate conference and exhibition entitled, ‘Promoting Economics of Nations through Real Estate Investment and Development,’ in Ibadan, Oyo State, emphasised that estate developers must patronise quality materials and look out for certified products. 

The forum organised by Ruston Group attracted the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Farouk Salim; President, Ruston Group, Dr. Michael Oladiji; Chief Executive Officer of UPDC Plc, Mr. Odunayo Ojo and others. 

Leading the charge, Salim, who was represented by the Director, South-West operation of the agency, Mrs. Yeside Akinlabi, said: “Quality is key. The world is a global market now. Product has to be competitive to be able to thrive in the market. At SON, we produce standards for different products and ensure compliance to the standards. We go round to check manufacturers. We also have an offshore activity, where we monitor products coming into the country. For the people in real estate, we want them to buy quality products like iron rod, cement and others.”

Salim said building collapse occurs when there are substandard products, people use unskilled workforce, there is design deficiency and clients try to cut corners during projects.

On his part, Ojo corroborated Salim that stakeholders must make use of the right kind of materials that meet the right specification. 

He said: “Estate developers must pay a good attention to quality. Not just in terms of quality of the products they use but also in terms of quality in the processes and activities. From design to procurement to construction, quality should permeate all aspects of real estate development and practice. Quality ensures that there is performance and whatever they have invested in will last, retain its value and continue to perform as designed.

Also speaking, Oladiji said: “Developers must ensure that they embrace green technology, sustainable building, cut down cost of building development and ensure reduction in the volume of emissions to have a sustainable environment.

“The government and policy makers should continue to drive policies that would help in achieving the growth of that sector.

“The real estate is one of the sectors that has great potential to drive the growth of the economy. All government agencies and regulators need to embrace a platform like this so that we discuss and find solutions and ensure that there is growth in the sector.”

He further said the forum was designed to bring relevant stakeholders together and deliberate on standards in the area of building materials.

The Partner and Chief Economist, PwC Nigeria, Andrew Nevin, said due to increasing population in Nigeria, there are lots of opportunities in estate development. He charged Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities.