BAUCHI – The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), has urged the Federal Government to initiate policies aimed at addressing problems in professional practice in the construction industry.
The National President of the institute, Kunle Awobodu, made the call during a press conference as part of activities to mark the second edition of builders day and remember children that perished in a collapsed building at At-Faaji Lagos Island and victims of other building collapses in Nigeria, held at the NUJ Press Centre, Bauchi.
According to the National President, the respective states of the federation should prioritise the safety of lives, during and after construction by having laws and regulations that meet the basic minimum requirements of the Nigeria National Building Code.
“The need for the Nigerian government to get rid of quacks on all building sites in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. The use of experts in their various areas of competency in the entire building project delivery chain, that is from design to construction and even post-construction should be upheld. Builders are experts in the technology of building construction and maintenance.
“Again, lack of accountability and failure to bring culprits to book are among factors contributing to a series of building collapse. The most worrisome aspect is that many of those that participated in the construction of collapsed building hardly get prosecuted,” Awobodu said.
