The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Dr. Samson Opaluwah, has called on state governors to enact and enforce planning laws to combat the alarming frequency of building collapses across Nigeria.
Speaking during the 24th Induction Ceremony for new builders in Abuja on Thursday, where 329 inductees were formally registered, Opaluwah stressed the urgent need for action to address structural failures that have led to tragic loss of life and property damage.
“In recent times, we have witnessed a disturbing trend of building collapses, often resulting in tragic loss of life and property damage. This highlights the need for urgent action by all,” Opaluwah stated.
Tackling Structural Failures
Opaluwah revealed that CORBON is engaging with state governors to ensure the implementation of planning laws that mandate adherence to building codes and standards. He emphasized that collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to preventing further tragedies.
“As a Council, we are taking a bold step to engage with state governors to enact and enforce state planning laws that will ensure adherence to building codes and standards, which we believe will drastically address this issue,” he said.
“We must work together to prevent such tragedies and ensure that our buildings are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.”
Builders as Change Agents
The CORBON chairman highlighted the essential role of registered builders in delivering quality projects that meet societal safety standards due to their rigorous training and expertise.
“Registered Builders, by their training, are uniquely positioned to contribute to the delivery of quality projects that meet the needs and minimum required standards of our society,” Opaluwah added.
He also introduced new opportunities for builders, including CORBON’s collaboration with the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme to integrate gas reticulation systems into buildings, promoting sustainability.
“This is an exciting development that offers new possibilities for builders to innovate and deliver sustainable solutions,” he remarked.
Professionalism and Ethical Standards
Opaluwah underscored the importance of ethics and professionalism in the building industry. He praised the establishment of the Registered Builders Disciplinary Tribunal by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development to address unethical practices among builders.
Addressing the inductees, he urged them to uphold professional values and strive for excellence.
“Remember that your actions and decisions will have a lasting impact on our nation and its people,” he said.
Expert Insights
The event also featured remarks from industry leaders, including Prof. Muhammed Mainoma, first vice president of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, and Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Prof. Mainoma reminded the inductees of the responsibilities tied to professionalism, noting, “The R in professional is about responsibility. That you should take responsibility for whatever happens.”
Dr. Olumide stressed the impact of human error on building collapses, urging builders to maintain integrity in design and construction. “We talk of design failure. Design doesn’t come from heaven; they are taught by professionals,” he remarked.
The ceremony underscored the critical need for collaboration, professionalism, and enforcement of standards to ensure safety and sustainability in Nigeria’s building industry.