The role of skilled artisans and craftsmen in the economy cannot be over-emphasised. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had in November 2014, licensed the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) as an awarding body for training of artisans and craftsmen in the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).To this end, the NIOB in 2015, developed the first National Occupational Standard (NOS) for the construction sector and was validated by industry stakeholders as the standard benchmark for construction works in Nigeria. Thus, NIOB plays a cardinal role in the determination of competency and certification of artisans and craftsmen in the built environment.[ad] Generally, the gap in the demand and supply of artisans in the construction industry may be attributable to materialistic tendency of the society and the attitudinal patterns of Nigerians towards blue-collar jobs.

Alderton Ewa is the president of Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB). He spoke with VICTOR GBONEGUN on concerns generated by incursion of foreign artisans, domestication of the national building code, strategies to boost and increase housing delivery in the country.

Nigeria’s building industry spends over $4.5 billion on foreign labour from neighbouring countries. How can the government reverse the trend and make the sector more attractive to indigenous artisans?
The role of skilled artisans and craftsmen in the economy cannot be over-emphasised. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had in November 2014, licensed the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) as an awarding body for training of artisans and craftsmen in the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
To this end, the NIOB in 2015, developed the first National Occupational Standard (NOS) for the construction sector and was validated by industry stakeholders as the standard benchmark for construction works in Nigeria. Thus, NIOB plays a cardinal role in the determination of competency and certification of artisans and craftsmen in the built environment.

Generally, the gap in the demand and supply of artisans in the construction industry may be attributable to materialistic tendency of the society and the attitudinal patterns of Nigerians towards blue-collar jobs.
The get-rich-quick syndrome and ostentatious lifestyle have permeated the social fabric, added with poor remuneration of artisans. Predicated upon these, most young Nigerians prefer to engage in transportation business, such as tricycle operation, taxi and bus driving, and others that bring quick money.
In terms of attitude, Nigerians are still suffering, bearing the burden of colonial hang-over as we still have apathy for blue collar jobs. Also, poor patronage as Nigerians give preference to foreign things and property developers tend to engage foreign artisans to do the job that local artisans would have competently done just to boast that their property was developed by foreign people, who are more skillful and competent than our own artisans. They would have condemned our artisans as lacking competence and indulging in sharp practices.
Addition to all these, is the issue of attrition due to aging and retirement without corresponding replacement. To reverse this trend, all hands must be on deck, we should discard paying lip service. The government at all levels should be more proactive in this direction by training and patronising local artisan so that we can keep Nigerian jobs for Nigerians and save the needed foreign exchange, especially in the trying phase of our national economy.
There should be an aggressive education and awareness campaign to change the attitude of Nigerians toward skills acquisition and development of artisans, as well as craftsmen.
The counseling campaign should start from the primary level through tertiary levels of our education system. They should be socialised and inculcated positive attitudinal patterns to change the belief about blue collar jobs, and to believe in dignity in labour. Nigerians should be made to see artisanal skills/jobs as a means of earning dignified legitimate income and avenue to eke out decent lucrative livelihood.
More artisan skill acquisition training centres should be established by the Federal Government in partnership with states and 774 local councils and graduates should be certified by the National Skill Council, a body regulated by Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB).
Each professional body in the built environment should deemed it necessary to establish Artisans and Craftsmanship Skill Acquisition Training Centres in each of the state of the federation to complement the efforts of the governments, while the government and stakeholders in the construction sector should encourage, create enabling environments for individuals and private sector to participate in the establishment of entrepreneurship/artisan skills acquisition centres.
To attract young Nigerians to this sector, local artisans and craftsmen should be properly and adequately remunerated by taking cognisance of their qualifications/grading and cognate experiences in their avowed trade.
On our artisanal manpower base, we have to promote vocational education, invest in vocational training programmes in and out of schools to equip local artisans with the necessary skills and techniques. This will enhance their capabilities and make them more competitive in the market.

The Federal Government should provide financial incentives to graduates of artisan and craftsmanship centres. The nation needs to introduce financial support schemes such as grants, loans and subsidies, specifically targeted at local artisans. This can help overcome financial barriers and access the resources they need to thrive.
Government needs to enhance infrastructure in the artisan sector by providing well-equipped workspaces, access to quality tools and equipment. This will enable local artisans to deliver high-quality products and services more efficiently.
We should foster a culture of entrepreneurship among local artisans by providing training on business management’s skills, marketing techniques and access to networks, as well as a market to empower them to start their own business and become self-sufficient.

Stakeholders have attributed recurring building collapses across the country to corruption. What is the institute doing to eliminate this challenge and ensure sustainable building industry?
It’s a truism that corruption in the form of patronage of quacks, sharp practices such as not utilising standard materials in building construction and failure to employ professionals in the construction of buildings by real estate developers/individuals in the believe that it will save cost are some attributable causes of building collapse in the country.
To mitigate the challenge of building collapse, the institute have continually advocated for governments to objectively implement the National Building Code (NBC), Urban and Regional Planning Laws, to establish building technology departments in their ministries to enforce laws and regulations pertaining to building production, as well as getting builders involved in policy formulation and implementation in the building sector.
We should emphasise conducting regular inspections, ensuring compliance with building laws and regulations and taking appropriate action against violators. Additionally, NIOB promotes the use of high-quality materials, encourages sustainable building practices and adoption of new technologies that enhance safety and durability.
To reduce the incidents of building collapse and foster sustainable housing industry, our public awareness and education unit have through awareness campaigns, public seminars and partnerships with relevant stakeholders have been educating the public about building safety and the importance of engaging qualified professionals for construction projects.
In another vein, NIOB offers professional development programmes, training and certifications for builders and other professionals in the construction industry. This we hope will ensure that individuals involved in building projects have the requisite knowledge and skills to carry out their work safely and effectively.

The National Building Code has been in the cooler for over years, with minimal implementation and enforcement by states. Why is it difficult for states to implement the policy?
Indeed, implementing the NBC had been a challenging one for some reasons. Nigeria is a vast country with diverse geographical, climatic and socio-cultural backgrounds, making it difficult to create a one-size-fits-all building code that addresses the specific needs of each region. Thus, the NBC should be domesticated to suit the peculiarities to each state.
Also, there may be resistance from various stakeholders, such as developers and even government officials who may find it difficult to adapt to new regulations and standards. Insufficient funding and resources dedicated to enforcing the code may also hinder its implementation.
The lack of adequate awareness and education among the general population about the importance of adhering to building codes can pose a significant challenge.

Many Nigerians lack access to affordable housing, what strategies can the government adopt to break the barrier and increase housing supply across the country?
There are few strategies the government can adopt to solve the challenge of inadequate housing supply. It calls for a review and total implementation of national housing policy. As it were, the aim of housing policy is to solve housing problems of low-income earners, who constitute the majority of Nigerians.
This category of Nigerians cannot afford housing being produced under the policy. The policy should be reviewed to suit the unique diversity of Nigeria’s cultural inhabitant and financial strength. Government should invest in research for alternative building construction techniques.
Incentives, loans, and building land should be readily made available and accessible to private sector real estate developers to aid in addressing housing shortages. Government should create an enabling environment through a viable mortgage system where rent payment will lead to owning a house. This system will afford the low-income earners the opportunity of owning an apartment after many years of paying rent to the mortgage institution.
Research should be encouraged and conducted into cheap and affordable locally manufactured building materials as well as massive production of the same. This will make the building materials affordable to the poor.

Despite the important role new innovation and technology plays in housing development, Nigeria has not seen much of its impact in the building sector. What’s the challenge?
The lack of widespread adoption of new innovation and technology in housing development can be attributed to several factors. Limited access to resources and funding for research and development in the housing sector as against what is obtainable in advance.
There is a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits and potentials of new technologies in housing production among policy makers, developers and consumers in Nigeria. Education and awareness campaigns that highlight the advantages of incorporating new technologies could help derive the adoption.
Also, infrastructure challenges, such as limited access to reliable electricity and internet connectivity, create barriers to the implementation of advanced technologies in housing construction in Nigeria.
Thus, it is essential to encourage dialogue and collaboration between government agencies, private sector organisations, academic institutions, and communities to foster the adoption of new innovations and technology in housing development in Nigeria.
It is worthy to note that the process of adopting new innovations and technology in any sector takes time and requires a collaborative effort by various stakeholders.