Lagos NIOB conference holds

PIQUED by the alleged preference of foreign professionals and artisans over their Nigerian counterparts, the Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB), Lagos Chapter, is set to address the anomaly at their annual conference/annual general meeting (AGM).

Addressing Journalists last week, the Chairman 2015 Conference/AGM, Mrs. Said Adenike, ointed out that the institute would use the event to make case for the utilization of more Nigerian professionals and artisans.

She noted that two-day conference, starting on Wednesday at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, on the theme: “Foreign Professionals and Artisans/Craftsmen in Construction Industry: its implication on the Nation’s Economy”, is meant to articulately address the influx of foreign professionals and contractors in Nigeria.
“Absence of collaboration between the local construction operators and their foreign counterparts needs to be addressed because most them are ignorant of building/construction laws and codes, that regulate their operations in the country”, she said.

Adenike stressed that the implication is that no foreign practitioners should come into the country to operate wholly on its own terms.

The chpater’s Chairman, Mr. Asimiyu Bashir, stated that Nigeria has capable hands in the built environment, which are even better than the so-called foreign experts.

He said: “Local operators in the built environment do not have manpower and the resources to purchase a construction machine or equipment that may cost millions of Naira, but if government can assist with provision of credit facilities and creates an enabling environment, or even make the plants and equipment available across all the geo-political zones, either for lease or to acquire at a considerable cost”.

The event would hold under the Chairmanship of Managing Director, UANC Property Company Plc, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, while panel discussants include President, Federation of Construction Industry, Solomon Ogunbusola, a builder; Mr. Femi Falana, Principal Partner, Falana& Falana Chambers; Messrs Siraj Bokini and Segun Oguntade.

There is also going to be a “Night of Honour”, where merit award would be giving under the auspices of First Lady of Lagos, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode.