Bldr.(Prof.) Yohana Izam, President of The Nigerian Institute of Building has said that quackery will be drastically minimized from the built environment.
This, Izam said is necessary to ensure professionalism and foster commitment in advancement of the built industry for human existence.

He made this known during a Fellows’ Dinner and Reception organised by the FCT Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building, on Thursday in Abuja.

The event was to recognize and decorate dedicated and trained fellows as Builders whose core practices have been in the maintenance of building standards in their years of professional experience. Awardees included Bldr. Amaechi Isaac Obiekwe (FNIOB), Engr. Shehu Hadi Admad (FNIOB), Bldr. Leonard Akaayor (FNIOB), Bldr. Mu’azu Jaji (FNIOB), including Arc. Sunny Echono, the Executive secretary TETFUND, who was conferred an honorary membership for his contributions in the built environment.

Speaking on the primary role of the builder’s profession, Prof. Yohana said “as builders we are a critical linkage to integrity in the building production because despite the quality of designs done by other professionals in the industry, an integrity test must be conducted in the construction process to wade off possibilities of building collapse. 

“Our biggest challenge is the activities of quacks. We hope that as we engage with the regulatory framework and governing structures, quackery will be drastically minimised and professionals allowed to do their jobs.

“We see light at the end of the tunnel concerning the building code, we are working assiduously to ensure that the enforcement of the national building code is considered for legislation before the end of the ninth assembly.” He said.

Addressing the place of government in supporting professionals in the built industry, Bldr. Omale Peter, Chairman Abuja chapter, stressed the need for a framework that will enhance governmental functions.

“We can’t work in isolation, and we need all necessary support even as professionals come together to work as a team that would ensure nation building.

“We want the government to support the activities of the professionals” He emphasised.

Responding to the honorary award, Arc. Sunny Echono, Executive secretary, Tetfund said “I was particularly glad that some of the modest efforts we made during my tenure as president of NIA to bring all professionals in the built environment, to speak with one voice and to further advance issues of national significance was recognized” I appreciate the gesture as I have given my pledge to continue to work for the advancement of the built environment” 

Tackling the issue of quackery, he noted that when quacks instead of professionals are used in construction it is being ‘pound foolish and penny wise’ as the consequence at the end of the day is double pay. 

“I played a key role in the formulation of the national building code more than 30 years ago as it has taken long. First thing to be done is to ensure the code gets the Approval that gives it a legal backing for enforcement and bring states together to domesticate the code and enforce their provision”. 

The national building code specifies standards of Building. It ensures that only professionals who have the qualifications and competency carry out building operations and supervisions. it imposes the burdens on builders to ensure the right quality of materials and components comply with international best standards.

“It is a question of us as a people doing away with impunity and accepting to do things properly” He opined.