The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has urged construction professionals to take a more active role in shaping government policies on housing and building development.
The institute said stronger professional input could help Nigeria address its housing challenges while improving building quality and safety. It also called for closer cooperation between government and professionals across the built environment.
The NIOB President, Abimbola Daniel Kolade, made the call ahead of the institute’s 56th Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.
NIOB seeks stronger housing policies
Kolade said builders and other professionals should contribute more to national discussions on housing delivery. He identified affordable housing, building quality and the enforcement of construction standards as key areas requiring greater attention.
He also called for policies that support sustainable infrastructure and better training and certification for construction workers.
According to the NIOB president, government agencies, professionals, private companies and other stakeholders need to work together to improve housing delivery.
The institute said stronger collaboration could help address some of the problems affecting construction and housing development across the country.
Building standards remain a priority
Building regulation remains an important part of housing delivery because construction standards affect the safety, durability and quality of homes and other structures.
The NIOB’s position also places professional training and certification at the centre of efforts to improve construction standards. Better skills among workers can support improved building practices and help professionals meet required standards.
The institute said policy decisions should therefore reflect the practical experience of professionals who work directly within the construction sector.
Conference to examine industry challenges
The 3rd Vice President of NIOB and Chairman of its Marketing and Corporate Affairs Committee, Dr Adeshina Aladeloba, said preparations for the institute’s conference had been completed.
He said the Abuja event would bring together builders, policymakers, government officials, corporate organisations and other industry stakeholders.
The participants are expected to examine challenges affecting the construction industry and discuss possible solutions.
The conference will also provide an opportunity for professionals to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders on issues affecting housing and construction.
Built environment professionals urged to collaborate
NIOB National Publicity Secretary, Usenobong Emmanuel Atangaedi, said progress in the built environment would require cooperation among different professional groups.
He identified architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, estate surveyors and valuers, and town planners as part of the wider group that must contribute to solving industry challenges.
The call reflects the interconnected nature of housing development. A housing project depends not only on builders but also on planning, design, valuation, infrastructure, financing and effective regulation.
Implications for housing development
The institute’s position comes at a time when housing affordability and construction quality remain important issues for Nigeria’s built environment.
Housing policy affects how homes are planned, financed and delivered. Building standards also influence construction costs, project timelines and the long-term performance of buildings.
Greater professional participation in policymaking could help bridge the gap between government policy and conditions on construction sites. It could also support better coordination between public agencies, developers and professionals.
The NIOB’s call for stronger standards, improved training and wider professional participation therefore extends beyond the construction industry. It touches on the quality, safety and affordability of housing and the broader development of Nigeria’s urban areas.
