Operators in the construction sector have expressed concern about the lack of adherence to global best practices.
They stated this during the Big 5 Construct Nigeria 2023 conference, held in Lagos recently.
Speaking at the conference, which was organised by DMG Events, a Chief Architect at the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, Patrick Ogunleye, said the construction industry in Nigeria was going through a lot of challenges because of non-compliance to global standards.
“We do not seem to be following through with standards. We do not seem to be preemptive and innovative enough to meet and match up with global trends. Where the developed countries are now, we are struggling to even get to where they were 50 years ago, because we are not thinking the thoughts that would bring about the necessary advancement we need.
“Speaking at this event gave me the opportunity to address people who are in the building sector to bring about the needed change and transition. In addition, the industry has dwindled over time because people are more profit-driven than people-driven.”
According to the President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyor, Olayemi Shonubi, a sector is a reflection of Nigerian society.
He said, “The use of substandard material contributes to the non-compliance with global standards, hence birthing incessant collapse. In addition, government officials give approvals without adequate supervision, although there is another dimension where real estate developers, out of the desire to cut costs, would rather engage inexperienced artisans to supervise or have been involved in constructing high-rise buildings, or complex intricate designs.”
Meanwhile, the Senior Vice President of DMG Events, Ben Greenish, said the future of the construction sector in Nigeria was bright but could be improved.
He said, “He said the construction sector is very non-political, and the need for housing, among others, is very essential. The construction sector is a massive employer of labour and the construction sector is booming, and the need would be present for a long time because of the vast population.
“The pain point that should be worked towards to enhance the sector is the economy. Logistics can be very difficult and expensive if products are not being manufactured locally. I would advocate companies coming into Nigeria to collaborate in building factories to make the system easier. In addition, the adequate infrastructure to support construction, like good roads, would be good to go.”
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