FG urges architects to assist in infrastructural development

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has solicited the help of the country’s architects and other professionals in the Federal Government’s bid to enhance the infrastructure developmental path of the nation.

Fashola, who stated this when receiving Architect Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in Abuja, said they have a big role to play in contributing to government’s drive to develop the built environment .

In response to the Council’s plea for inauguration, he told them that there were court cases by members of the profession, pointing out that the delay in the constitution of the Council was not the fault of the ministry.

“Many months ago President Muhammadu Buhari approved that the Council be inaugurated but members are petitioning, cross- petitioning, litigating, cross- litigating. So, we are waiting until all these cases are resolved, the Minister said.

He added, “when the cases are resolved, we will constitute the Council because we can say we are not aware that there is a case in court and take an action that can undermine the Council.”

On the financial request, ARCON President, Dipo Ajayi made in respect to rehabilitation and funding of offices in Lagos and Abuja, Fashola expressed delight at the progress made by the council and advised them to submit a proposal specifying areas they need help, as well as funding.

Earlier, Ajayi told the minister that they were in the ministry to invite him for the forthcoming Architect Colloquium scheduled to hold this month.

Ajayi stated that there is a need to collaborate with the ministry to use Kuje Training Centre to train artisans.

“Council will consider putting the centre to use for the training of the required manpower to raise the standards of architectural technicians in Nigeria and as a way to stimulate growth of the economy in the retention of funds expended in this sector.”

He disclosed that the reconciliation meeting between the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) and the Association of Nigerian Chartered Architects (ANCA) agreed on a single Professional Competency Evaluation Programme.

While appealing to the minister to inaugurate the council, Ajayi said it would enable them to tackle the daunting mandate of a regulator of the profession of architecture in Nigeria.