The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has inducted 436 new builders into the Nigerian construction industry, issuing a strong warning against unethical practices that could erode professional standards and endanger public safety.

Speaking at the 2025 induction ceremony, the Chairman of CORBON, Dr Samson Opaluwah, said the event marked the successful completion of years of rigorous academic training, professional development, and practical experience by the inductees, who have now met the requirements to practice as registered builders under the Builders (Registration) Act, Cap B13, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Opaluwah emphasised that the building profession carries a critical responsibility to safeguard lives and property, noting that every construction project must align with principles of safety, sustainability, and quality delivery.

According to him, the construction sector is currently facing significant challenges, particularly the persistent cases of building collapse across the country, which he described as largely preventable through strict adherence to professional ethics and regulatory standards.

“As you begin your careers, you are entering an industry that is under intense public scrutiny. The call for professionalism and ethical conduct in the built environment has never been louder,” he said.

He noted that CORBON remains committed to regulating and controlling the practice of building in Nigeria, adding that the council would not hesitate to sanction professionals found guilty of misconduct, negligence, or compromise of safety standards.

The CORBON chairman explained that the induction of new builders was not merely a ceremonial exercise but a formal affirmation of competence, accountability, and responsibility to the public.

“Your registration does not simply confer a title. It is a declaration of your readiness to uphold integrity, competence, and public safety. You are expected to function as guardians of the built environment and champions of excellence in project delivery,” Opaluwah stated.

He further urged the inductees to continuously update their professional knowledge, embrace innovation, and comply strictly with regulations guiding construction practices in Nigeria, particularly as the country seeks sustainable solutions to its growing housing deficit.

Opaluwah also highlighted the role of builders in national development, noting that the profession operates at the foundation of infrastructure growth, urban development, and economic stability.

He expressed confidence that the newly inducted builders would contribute positively to the industry and help restore public trust through responsible and ethical practice.

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Experts Call for End to Rivalry in Building Industr

Experts in Nigeria’s real estate and construction sector have called for more cooperation and unity among professionals to solve the many problems facing the industry.

They said rivalry and lack of teamwork among builders, architects, engineers, and other professionals are slowing down growth in the sector.

The call was made at the two-day Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos State chapter. The theme of the event was “Collaboration, Cooperation and Inclusiveness for Successful and Sustainable Building Delivery.”

Some of the problems discussed include substandard building materials, weak laws, building collapses, poor training of artisans, rising prices of materials, and the use of unqualified workers.

Vice President and Chairman, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), South West, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi, said professionals must work together to move the industry forward.

“We can’t continue working separately. The situation in the building sector is so bad that some construction quotations expire within a week due to price increases,” he said.

Adeyemi urged government to enforce the National Building Code in all states and encourage schools to teach students how to work together on real-life building projects.

Chairman of the event and Managing Director, Megamound Investment Limited, Mr. Olumide Osunsina, said successful projects require cooperation between government, communities, and the private sector.

“No single person or group can build a sustainable project alone,” he said, adding that government should make approval processes easier and promote partnerships that include sustainability goals.

Chairman of NIOB Lagos, Mr. Thomas Adeoye, said the theme was a reminder for everyone in the building sector to “think strategically, build responsibly, and collaborate deeply.”

Also, President of NIOB, Mr. Bimbo Kolade, represented by Third Vice President, Dr. Emmanuel Aladeloba, said building is a team effort that needs the input of many professionals.

Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), Dr. Samson Opaluwah, represented by the Registrar, Mr. Adetunji Adeniran, said the council is already partnering with other organizations to improve professional skills and promote inclusiveness in the industry.

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Over 150 Lives Lost in Mokwa Flood

Dr. Samson Opaluwah, chairman of CORBON, spoke after a tragic flood in Mokwa, Niger State, which killed more than 150 people. He offered his sympathy to the families affected and urged leaders at all levels to act fast. He stressed that yearly floods are not surprising they happen regularly and should be expected.

We Know the Problem Now Act

According to Dr. Opaluwah, Nigeria’s rainy and dry seasons are predictable. That’s why he believes local, state, and federal governments must have clear flood prevention plans each year. Instead of always reacting after damage has been done, he urged a shift toward preparing ahead of time.

He also called on the Ministry of Environment and climate agencies to stop delaying action. Nigeria has enough experts to handle the challenge what’s missing is urgency and proper coordination.

Niger and Benue Rivers: Wasted Opportunities

Dr. Opaluwah pointed out that Nigeria is blessed with two large rivers, the Niger and Benue. These should be valuable assets for trade, tourism, and transport. Instead, because they are not properly managed, they turn into threats during heavy rains. He believes this failure is a missed chance for both safety and economic growth.

Building in the Wrong Places

Another major cause of flooding, according to CORBON, is the ongoing construction of buildings on floodplains. When water bodies overflow, they need space to flow. But when homes and structures block that space, floods destroy everything in their way.

Opaluwah said planning authorities must stop allowing buildings in unsafe areas. They should also design cities with better drainage and safer layouts. If homes are already sitting in risky zones, they must either be properly protected or moved out.

The Way Forward

He urged state governments to make better use of the Ecological Fund, which is meant for problems like this. He also promised that CORBON is ready to support any government that wants real, long-term solutions not just quick fixes.

Flooding in Nigeria doesn’t have to keep happening. With smarter planning and the right actions, lives can be saved and communities protected

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Samson Opaluwah, Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, has called for urgent reforms to address the significant policy gaps and skill shortages in the country’s facility management sector.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony of Akpatre Ndaw as the 2nd National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Builders in Facilities Management, Opaluwah stressed the need for better recognition and support for facility management, a field he believes is crucial to national development but still widely misunderstood.

Opaluwah highlighted that, while the world is rapidly changing with new technologies and evolving workplace needs, Nigeria’s facility management industry remains stagnant, hindered by a lack of skilled professionals and inadequate policy support. He explained that many organizations still view facility managers as mere maintenance staff, ignoring their potential as strategic leaders who can drive business success.

To address these challenges, Opaluwah called for the creation of a national framework to standardize the practice of facility management, which he described as lacking universally recognized qualifications and certification systems. He also urged stakeholders to support the ongoing legislative reforms in the National Assembly that seek to regulate the profession and establish a regulatory framework to set industry standards.

Looking ahead, Opaluwah envisions a future where facility management is fully digital, with equipment automatically communicating its status and service needs, triggering supply chain processes and allowing managers to focus on remote monitoring and programming. Despite the potential of technology and AI, he emphasized the importance of education and mentorship in empowering the next generation of facility managers.

In his closing remarks, Opaluwah appealed to all stakeholders whether facility managers, investors, or policymakers to collaborate in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and professional future for facility management in Nigeria

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The Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling Nigeria’s persistent housing deficit, currently estimated between 17 to 20 million units.

Speaking during a press conference in Abuja to mark CORBON’s 35th anniversary, Chairman Dr. Samson Opaluwah underscored the critical role of the building and construction industry in driving economic development and addressing pressing societal needs.

Dr. Opaluwah highlighted that the construction sector serves as a barometer for economic growth worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. As the country grapples with a widening housing gap, CORBON has proposed several innovative strategies to accelerate housing delivery. Among these are a comprehensive national housing strategy, large-scale training programs for building professionals, and a plan to bolster the production of locally sourced building materials.

Central to CORBON’s vision is the establishment of a responsive social housing program aimed at addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. Dr. Opaluwah emphasized the importance of improving access to land and overhauling mortgage systems to empower Nigeria’s youth to achieve homeownership. “Access to mortgages must be liberalized with proper safeguards to make homeownership a reality for our younger generation,” he stated.

The council is also strengthening partnerships with other regulatory bodies like COREN to ensure uniform building standards and robust regulatory oversight. This collaboration aims to create a stronger framework for building control across Nigeria, safeguarding both quality and safety in construction projects.

Reflecting on its 35 years of existence, CORBON has achieved significant milestones, including the accreditation of over 50 tertiary institutions and the registration of approximately 4,000 licensed builders. The council has also been instrumental in workforce development, training around 50,000 individuals in various construction trades across 250 centers.

A notable achievement is the establishment of the Project Evaluation and Monitoring Unit, which oversees construction projects and ensures strict adherence to quality standards. Dr. Opaluwah described this initiative as a vital step in enhancing the capacity of sub-national government agencies in project monitoring and control.

Looking ahead, CORBON has ambitious plans to commemorate its anniversary in 2025 with several high-profile events. These include a National Seminar, the foundation stone laying for its National Headquarters in Abuja, and the inaugural International Building Congress, scheduled for November 2025. This biennial event aims to unite stakeholders from Nigeria and the diaspora to discuss advancements in the construction industry.

Dr. Opaluwah also called for urgent policy reforms, including the review of CORBON’s enabling Act and the enforcement of the Nigerian National Building Code. These reforms, he said, are essential for repositioning the council and fostering stronger collaborations within the built environment.

As he paid tribute to the founding fathers of Nigeria’s building profession, Dr. Opaluwah acknowledged their tireless efforts in laying the foundation for the industry’s progress. “We honor the vision and determination of those who paved the way, and their legacy continues to inspire us,” he remarked.

With its comprehensive roadmap and ongoing dedication to innovation, CORBON remains steadfast in its mission to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit and transform the construction sector into a cornerstone of national development.

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