The Nigerian Institution of Building (NIOB) has warned that quacks pose a serious threat to building safety in Nigeria.

The NIOB President, Mr Daniel Kolade, spoke on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the institution’s 56th annual conference in Abuja.

The conference focused on “Repositioning the Building Profession, Advocacy and Policy Influence in Housing Delivery for a Sustainable Built Environment.”

NIOB Calls for Action Against Quacks

Kolade said the conference gave builders from across Nigeria a chance to discuss key challenges in the building sector.

He said the discussions also examined ways to improve housing delivery through better policies and stronger professional practice.

According to Kolade, government, professionals and the public must work together to tackle quackery in the construction industry.

He called on the Federal Government to give full legal backing to the National Building Code.

Some states have already adopted the code. However, Kolade said stronger federal action remains necessary.

He said better enforcement would help improve compliance with building standards and reduce the risk of building collapse.

NIOB Wants Prevention of Building Collapse

Kolade also raised concerns about the repeated cases of building collapse across Nigeria.

He questioned whether government action after a building collapse has stopped the problem from happening again.

The NIOB president said authorities should focus more on preventing building failures.

He also called for stricter enforcement of approved construction standards.

Building collapse remains a major concern for Nigeria’s housing sector. Such incidents can lead to deaths, property losses and higher costs for affected families and investors.

Public Urged to Hire Qualified Professionals

Kolade urged professionals in the built environment to perform their duties with care.

He also warned Nigerians against giving professional construction work to unqualified people.

He described a quack as a person who claims to handle almost every part of a building project without the required training or certification.

Such work may include preparing building designs, construction and maintenance.

Kolade advised property owners to check the qualifications of people they hire for building projects.

He said Nigerians should not sacrifice safety in an attempt to reduce construction costs.

The NIOB president encouraged property owners to engage qualified builders, architects, engineers and other relevant professionals.

Professional Standards Key to Safer Housing

Kolade said professional involvement at every stage of construction can help reduce construction risks.

Qualified professionals can help identify poor workmanship, design problems and failures to meet building regulations.

This issue is important as Nigeria works to increase housing supply.

The country needs more homes, but new housing must also meet safety and quality standards.

Poor construction practices can increase risks for homeowners, tenants, developers and investors.

NIOB Supports Renewed Hope Housing

Kolade said the NIOB remains ready to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

He specifically mentioned the Renewed Hope Housing projects across the country.

However, he called for policies that would increase the role of qualified professionals in government housing programmes.

He said professional input would help ensure that housing projects meet required standards.

Kolade also welcomed the position presented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

Akume chaired the opening ceremony of the NIOB conference.

Kolade said the NIOB would continue to work with the government and other stakeholders to improve the building industry.

He also said the institution would support efforts to promote sustainable housing delivery.

NIOB Says Quacks Have No Hiding Place

Kolade said the NIOB would intensify efforts to identify unqualified practitioners in the industry.

He urged professionals to challenge practices that put building safety at risk.

“My message for them is that they should just know that their time is over. There is no more hiding place for those quacks within the industry,” he said.

The statement reflects the institution’s growing focus on professional standards and accountability within the building sector.

Jos North Chairman Calls for Compliance

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Jos North Local Government, Plateau, Mr John Christopher, called for strict compliance with approved building standards.

Christopher said quality housing remains important to human life.

He urged young professionals to embrace new ideas while keeping safety and quality at the centre of their work.

He also called for stronger compliance with approved building designs and specifications.

According to him, the rising cases of building collapse make such action necessary.

Christopher further urged the Federal Government to give greater attention to housing development and affordable shelter.

Housing remains one of the basic needs of Nigerians.

The NIOB’s warning highlights a major challenge for Nigeria’s housing and construction sectors. Increasing the supply of homes must go hand in hand with strong regulation and professional practice.

Better enforcement of building standards can help protect lives, property and investment while supporting safer housing delivery across the country.

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The Federal Government has warned that poor workmanship, substandard building materials and the activities of unqualified practitioners could undermine efforts to expand access to safe and affordable housing across Nigeria.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the warning in Abuja while chairing the 56th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), themed “Repositioning the Building Profession, Advocacy and Policy Influence in Housing Delivery for a Sustainable Built Environment.”

Akume said Nigeria’s housing challenge required more than increasing the number of buildings constructed. He stressed that housing delivery must also focus on safety, affordability, durability and compliance with professional standards.

According to him, housing has implications beyond physical structures, as it affects household security, dignity, family stability, quality of life and the ability of Nigerians to build wealth.

The SGF identified several factors contributing to building failures in the country, including non-compliance with approved specifications, inadequate quality control, improper construction techniques, foundation problems and weak supervision on building sites.

He also warned certified builders against allowing their professional names or seals to be attached to projects they had not supervised. Such practices, he said, could weaken professional accountability and expose occupants to serious risks.

Akume called for greater public education on the consequences of poor construction, noting that defective buildings can result in substantial financial losses as well as loss of lives.

The government official also pointed to affordability as a major barrier to home ownership. Rising construction costs, he said, have made decent housing increasingly difficult for many Nigerian households to afford.

To address the cost challenge, Akume said the Federal Government was supporting the production of building materials across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The initiative is aimed at increasing domestic production and helping to reduce construction costs.

He urged building professionals to contribute their technical knowledge, research capacity and industry networks to government housing policies and programmes from the design and planning stages through implementation.

Akume also encouraged professionals to work through consortia, introduce auditable quality-management systems, improve the training and certification of artisans, and deepen collaboration with government and reputable private developers.

Representing the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, the Director of Public Buildings, Musa Abdullahi, said recurring building collapses remained a serious concern for the construction industry.

Darma stressed the responsibility of builders in ensuring that construction activities comply with established engineering standards. He highlighted quality control, proper testing of materials and effective site supervision as important safeguards against construction failures.

He urged participants at the conference to develop practical recommendations capable of improving housing delivery and addressing persistent weaknesses within the sector.

Earlier, NIOB President Daniel Kolade said the institute was using advocacy and policy engagement to strengthen the building profession, improve construction standards and increase public awareness of the importance of hiring qualified professionals.

Kolade also identified quackery as a major challenge in the construction sector and advised Nigerians to engage properly qualified professionals when undertaking building projects.

The concerns raised at the conference come as Nigeria continues to grapple with the twin challenges of housing affordability and construction quality. For the housing sector, improving access to homes will therefore depend not only on increasing supply but also on stronger professional oversight, better materials, effective regulation and construction practices that protect the long-term value and safety of buildings.

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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.

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The Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) has called for the introduction of an annual certification system for real estate developers as part of broader efforts to improve professionalism, strengthen regulatory compliance, and reduce fraud in Nigeria’s property sector. The association believes regular certification will help restore public confidence and promote higher standards across the industry.

Speaking on the proposal, REDAN President Prince Akintoye Adeoye said annual certification would enable regulators to monitor developers more effectively, ensure continued compliance with industry standards, and identify operators who fail to meet professional and ethical requirements. He noted that stronger oversight is necessary to protect investors and homebuyers from fraudulent practices.

Adeoye explained that the proposed certification framework would encourage developers to maintain high standards in project execution, financial accountability, and customer service. He added that it would also make it easier for the public to distinguish legitimate developers from unregistered operators responsible for many cases of property fraud, project abandonment, and substandard construction.

According to him, Nigeria’s real estate industry requires a more structured regulatory framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and professionalism. He urged the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to work closely with REDAN and other stakeholders to develop and implement a sustainable certification and monitoring system for developers nationwide.

The REDAN president also stressed the importance of enforcing existing building regulations, planning approvals, and professional standards to reduce building collapses and improve the quality of housing delivery. He said certification should complement broader reforms aimed at strengthening governance within the housing and construction sectors.

Industry experts believe that introducing annual certification for developers would improve consumer protection, increase investor confidence, discourage fraudulent activities, and contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s real estate market.

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A property firm, Makarios Luxury Properties Limited, has stressed the need for strict adherence to building standards to curb structural failures and tackle Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Chairman of the firm, Matthew Ashimolowo, made the call during the launch and groundbreaking ceremony of Makarios Champions Place and The Villagio Apartments in Lagos.

Ashimolowo said developers must prioritise quality construction, noting that Lagos is projected to become one of the world’s largest cities by 2050, with an estimated population of about 40 million.

He added that the city’s expanding economy presents significant opportunities for real estate investment, particularly for Nigerians in the diaspora seeking reliable housing options such as short-let and short-stay apartments.

According to him, Lagos accounts for a substantial share of Nigeria’s economic activity, contributing about 60 per cent of business operations and over 65 per cent of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

Makarios Champions Place, located along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, spans about 23 hectares and comprises between 450 and 470 plots, with about 70 already subscribed.

The development is designed to feature 11 high-rise towers of about 10 floors each, offering between 16 and 22 apartments per building, including two, three, four and five-bedroom units.

Planned infrastructure within the estate includes a water park, gardens, retail mall, restaurants, entertainment centres, central sewage system, steady water supply, waste management systems, recreational facilities, solar-powered electricity and an interconnected road network.

Ashimolowo emphasised that the company’s reputation is tied to delivering safe and durable buildings.

“We are committed to maintaining standards. We have a name to protect, and we will not build structures that could fail. Each building will be supported by deep piling systems to ensure structural integrity,” he said.

He explained that the estate is designed to promote community living, built around the concept of “family, friendship, fun and football,” while The Villagio Apartments will offer a more compact luxury option within the larger development.

Chief Operating Officer of the project, Oluwafemi Odunlami, described the groundbreaking as a major milestone, signalling the transition from planning to execution.

“We are not just unveiling projects; we are demonstrating our commitment to delivery. These developments represent opportunity, quality and forward-thinking investment,” he said.

Also speaking, Managing Director of the firm, Oluwafemi Adeniba, said the company is adopting global best practices to address Nigeria’s housing challenges.

He noted that the focus extends beyond construction to building integrated communities that combine security, functionality, serenity and long-term investment value.

Stakeholders say the development reflects growing efforts by private sector players to bridge Nigeria’s housing gap while improving standards and restoring confidence in the real estate sector.

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Former Senate President, Pius Anyim, has urged all Nigerian states to adopt national building laws to curb the frequent cases of building collapses.

Speaking at the 55th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) in Abakaliki, Anyim said the laws provide the foundation for safe and sustainable construction.

“The laws set minimum standards for design, construction, and maintenance. They also mandate professional certification while preventing quackery and unapproved projects,” he explained.

Anyim noted that some states have domesticated the laws, aligning with global best practices. However, many states are still behind, creating gaps in regulation.

“Where domestication is absent, enforcement is weak. This results in collapses, fire hazards, substandard projects, and urban disorder,” he warned.

He called for full adoption of the laws across all 36 states and the FCT, stressing that compliance would protect lives, attract investments, and build a resilient Nigeria.

Anyim commended the NIOB for advancing discussions on safety and thanked Governor Francis Nwifuru for hosting the conference. He also appealed to professional bodies, regulators, and governments to support stronger enforcement.

“Builders must not only comply but also advocate for institutionalisation. This is how we restore public trust and ensure safer cities,” he concluded.

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