The Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to bridge the gap between research and professional practice in the building industry.

The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by members of the CORBON Council, led by its Chairman, Dr Samson Opaluwah, to the NBRRI headquarters. Other members of the delegation included Adetunji Adeniran, Ukponinefe Aimiuwu and Hirse Michael.

Addressing the Director-General of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna, and the institute’s management team, Opaluwah called for closer collaboration between both institutions to ensure that research findings are translated into practical solutions for builders and other professionals in the housing sector.

He said CORBON is committed to linking research outputs with practitioners and manufacturers of building materials to enhance awareness and adoption of innovative construction technologies.

According to him, the increasing use of substandard construction materials and the disconnect between research findings and their application on construction sites remain major challenges confronting infrastructure development in the country.

Opaluwah noted that stronger collaboration between NBRRI and CORBON would support the development of effective regulations, encourage the adoption of research-based innovations and strengthen the capacity of building professionals.

He also urged NBRRI researchers to engage more actively with industry stakeholders by disseminating their findings to facilitate commercialisation and wider application of research outcomes.

Responding, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Duna, described the partnership as a significant step towards advancing professionalism and innovation in the building industry.

Duna reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting CORBON’s initiatives, stressing the need to create a viable market for research outputs.

He observed that commercialisation remains one of the biggest challenges facing research institutions in Nigeria and called for routine testing of construction materials before use, regular inspection of construction sites and improved research facilities in universities.

The NBRRI boss disclosed that the institute has provided research equipment to 18 universities nationwide to strengthen their research capacity.

Speaking on behalf of the institute’s Building Research Department, Avre Kazzi commended CORBON for extending the partnership to NBRRI, saying the collaboration would strengthen the link between research and professional practice and ultimately improve the performance of Nigeria’s construction industry.