NIQS seeks legislation backing for building modeling technology

Towards embracing global construction standards, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has called on government to spearhead the
development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology through funding and promulgation of appropriate legislation for the construction industry.

The technology is an intelligent 3D model-based process that equips architecture, engineering, and construction professionals with the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.

The institute noted that since BIM has become a norm in the international construction, its impact will definitely creep into the country’s building industry, hence the need for changes in projects delivery methods.

Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors further observed that the technology would be essential to facilitate information exchange among practitioners and enhance project delivery and value for money, for its clients.

The institute’s view was contained in a communiqué adopted at the end of a two-day national workshop on Building Information Modeling (BIM): Concept, Application and Benefits in Project development held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The communiqué jointly signed by Secretary Professional Development and Library of NIQS, Adebowale Oyinleye and the Secretary General, Abba Tor, the institute said it was pertinent for all stakeholders in the industry to key into the technology to avoid being left behind in the scheme of things.

According to NIQS, the concept engendered a paradigm shift from the traditional 2D and 3D CAD procurement systems to a more robust and versatile system that deploys BIM in project development.

It said: “The short comings of physical representation without parametric characteristics have been addressed by BIM, the interoperability of BIM made it receptive to all software based on its model. BIM is amenable; evolved significantly to make it applicable for all professionals in the built environment. Its adoption and use would not only enhance profit and productivity but also increase
efficiency and effectiveness.”

Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors wants all professional bodies in the built industry to come together and champion the sensitization and awareness campaign on the use of BIM for project development, collaborate with other stakeholders in the industry to develop a roadmap for adoption of BIM and specification on projects.

“All professional bodies in the built environment should assume the new roles defined by BIM and adopt it in their service delivery. The Bureau of Public Procurement should encourage and subsequently make use of BIM mandatory on projects of certain magnitude as a starting point, and the need to incorporate the concept of “GREEN” into implementation of BIM”.

The institute further urged professional bodies to collaborate with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), to incorporate BIM into the curricular of various built environment programmes of higher institutions and professional bodies in Nigeria.