The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has announced plans by the National Assembly to amend the Public Procurement Act to ensure that only licensed architects are eligible to work on publicly funded construction projects.
This announcement was made in a statement released by Abbas’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Thursday.
According to the Speaker, the move is in response to growing concerns from the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) regarding the increasing number of unregistered individuals involved in architectural projects, the dominance of foreign firms sidestepping local regulatory frameworks, and the limited involvement of certified professionals in key policy-making processes.
“These concerns not only compromise the structural integrity and safety of our infrastructure but also dilute the cultural identity embedded in our architecture,” Abbas stated.
He emphasized that the legislature is committed to fostering a professional environment where standards are upheld and qualified practitioners are prioritized. He noted that strengthening procurement regulations is a necessary step to improve project outcomes and ensure accountability in the construction sector.
Abbas also affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to creating policies that empower professionals across sectors, adding that reforms in procurement will help restore public trust and raise the quality of government projects across the country.
