Builders council urges govs to enact, enforce planning laws

The Chairman of the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, Dr. Samson Opaluwah, has issued an urgent call to state governors to enact and enforce planning laws to address the increasing frequency of building collapses across Nigeria.

Speaking at the 24th Induction Ceremony of new builders in Abuja on Thursday, where 329 inductees were formally registered as competent builders, Opaluwah expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of structural failures.

“In recent times, we have witnessed a disturbing trend of building collapses, often resulting in tragic loss of life and property damage. This highlights the need for urgent action by all,” he said.

Tackling building collapses

Opaluwah revealed that CORBON is actively engaging with state governors to ensure the enactment and enforcement of state planning laws, particularly those governing building codes and standards.

He stressed that collaboration across all sectors is crucial to addressing these tragedies.

“As a Council, we are taking a bold step to engage with state governors to enact and enforce state planning laws that will ensure adherence to building codes and standards, which we believe will drastically address this issue,” he stated.

“We must work together to prevent such tragedies and ensure that our buildings are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.”

Builders as agents of change

Highlighting the critical role of registered builders, Opaluwah affirmed their unique ability to deliver high-quality projects that meet societal safety standards due to their rigorous training.

“Registered Builders, by their training, are uniquely positioned to contribute to the delivery of quality projects that meet the needs and minimum required standards of our society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Opaluwah also introduced emerging opportunities for builders, including CORBON’s partnership with the Nigerian Gas Expansion Programme.

This initiative aims to integrate gas reticulation systems into buildings, advancing sustainability in energy use.

“This is an exciting development that offers new possibilities for builders to innovate and deliver sustainable solutions,” he remarked.

Upholding professional standards

The chairman underscored the importance of professionalism and ethics in the building profession. He welcomed the establishment of the Registered Builders Disciplinary Tribunal by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, which will address unethical conduct among builders.

Addressing the new inductees, he said, “As you embark on this journey, I urge you to continue to uphold the values of our profession and to strive for excellence in all that you do.

“Remember that your actions and decisions will have a lasting impact on our nation and its people.”

Industry leaders insights

The first vice president of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Prof. Muhammed Mainoma, also addressed the inductees, emphasising the weight of professionalism.

“You are going to be called a professional immediately after induction. And to me, professional has a meaning apart from just what you know,” he said.

Prof. Mainoma elaborated on the responsibilities tied to professionalism, noting, “The R in professional is about responsibility. That you should take responsibility for whatever happens.”

Also, Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, highlighted the role of human error in building collapses, stressing the importance of integrity in design and construction.

“We talk of design failure. Design doesn’t come from heaven; they are taught by professionals,” Olumide said.

He urged builders to take full responsibility for their work and avoid complacency.