Building Collapse: Gov Nwifuru, Minister, Anambra Deputy Governor Warn Against Quackery

Ebonyi State governor, Francis Nwifuru, minister of Housing and Urban Development Mr. Musa Dangiwa and the deputy governor of Anambra State, Mr. Onyekachukwu Ibeziem, have attributed the incessant building collapse in the country to quackery, unprofessional conduct and lack of strong regulatory frameworks.

They charged the Nigerian Institute of Building to intensify advocacy against quackery, promote public awareness against it and ensure professionalism.

They made the call during the 55th Builders’ Conference/Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Building at the Christian Ecumenical Centre Abakaliki, the state capital.

Governor Nwifuru called on states to domesticate the regulatory framework for building practice in Nigeria, adding that it would save the profession from being dominated by quacks.

Nwifuru also a fellow of the institute maintained that there were still loopholes in the regulatory framework governing building practices in Nigeria which has allowed non-professionals to dominate spaces reserved for trained builders.

He identified weak enforcement of regulations, poor public perception, inadequate capacity development and existing rivalry between builders and other related professions as part of the challenges facing the building profession in Nigeria.

He urged the Nigeria Institute of Building, NIOB, to initiate more stringent bills to the National Assembly to help strengthen the profession.

“There are still loopholes in the regulatory framework governing building practices in Nigeria. “Enforcement is often weak, allowing non-professionals to dominate spaces reserved for trained builders like you and I.

“This is why I consider the theme of this year most suitable: ‘Advancing Builders’ knowledge and skills for effective enforcement of building regulatory laws for sustainable development.’

“I therefore appeal to states who are yet to domesticate the regulatory laws to do that while NIOB should initiate more stringent bills to the National Assembly to help and strengthen the profession.”

On the growing incidence of building collapse in the country, Builder Nwifuru, urged the institute to strengthen collaboration with government and private developers to ensure that every building project is executed under professional supervision.

The minister of Housing and Urban Development said that the federal government has inaugurated an expanded Ministerial Committee and a Disciplinary Tribunal in furtherance of its commitment to restore professionalism and curb building collapse in the country.

Mr. Dangiwa explained that the measures were clear demonstration of government’s resolve to hold practitioners   accountable, strengthen regulatory compliance and safeguard the lives and investment of Nigerians.

In an interview, the Anambra State deputy governor, Mr. Ibeziem called on the relevant authorities to ensure concerted effort to eradicate quackery and other conducts that lead to building collapse.

He also emphasized on the need for regular monitoring and supervision of building projects to ensure that the developers adhere strictly to the lay down rules and regulations.

The national president of the institute,  Alderton Ewa Ewa urged members to always live and act to justify the public trust whether in private practice or in public service.