With the rising rate of building collapse in Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Abia State Chapter, has pushed for professionalism in building management, across the State and beyond.
The institute emphasized the need for strict adherence to best global practices, to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the construction industry, reiterating its commitment to promoting expertise in building construction.
Speaking at the 2025 Workshop of Building officials in Umuahia, the Abia State Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Building, BLDR Mrs Grace Nkele Ikpo, stressed the importance of engaging certified professionals in building projects to curb structural failures and ensure high-quality standards.
Addressing the theme titled, “The Management of a Building Construction Site”, Mrs Ikpo stated that the theme was apt and relevant, as it encompassed key topics such as, contract documents, layout planning and organization, the roles of site managers in relation to developers, consultants, and government agencies.
She expressed confidence that the workshop would greatly benefit members by enhancing their skills and capacity in the building industry.
The Abia State Chairman, however, stated that the Nigerian Institute of Building is a dynamic and progressive profession, with high expectations from both the government and society, particularly in the face of current challenges.
She urged the government and private sector players to prioritize capacity building and continuous professional development for builders, noting that proper building management is key to national development, while calling for stronger regulations and enforcement to address issues of quackery in the industry.
BLDR Mrs Grace Nkele Ikpo, further appealed to members of the institute to give support to the incoming leadership of the association, stating that their support contributed to the successes recorded in her tenure, urging the new leadership to work as a team.
During their presentations, resource persons, including BLDR Christopher Belonwu, BLDR Eucharia Enebe, and BLDR Wisdom Okoro, emphasized that Nigeria’s rapid urbanization necessitates a stronger push for professionalism by the Nigerian Institute of Building. They stressed that maintaining high professional standards is crucial in mitigating risks associated with poor construction practices and ensuring sustainable infrastructure development.
