The Calls for the domestication of the building code in Plateau State dominated discussions at the 8th Conference and 2024 Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) Plateau State Chapter.
The conference aims at drawing attention to the urgency in implementing the local building code which provides for guidance in the construction process which covers structural design, fire safety, sanitation, and accessibility.
The National President of the Institute of Building, Alderton Ewa represented by the former Vice Chancellor, PLASU Professor Yohanna Izam, emphasized the need for a localized building code noting its importance in standardizing construction practices across the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Samuel Jatau, noted that a state-specific building code would help professionalize the industry and reduce cases of structural failures.
The Nigerian Institute of Building is the professional body for Builders and those who are about to be engaged in the Building Profession.
The Institute has its origin in a parent body called the Builders' Society, which was formed in 1834 by a number of prominent Builders in London. This body was renamed the Institute of Builders in 1884. Then in 1965, the name was changed to Instutue of Building (IOB). As the organisation gained royal charter, it was renamed "The Chartered Institute of Building" (CIOB) in 1980.
Chairman of the Plateau Chapter of the Institute of Building, Adedeji Adeleye, also highlighted the importance of domesticating the building code saying it would promote a culture of excellence, safeguarding lives and investments.
“Most importantly, from the presentations, we have discovered that the role of builders in maintaining professional standards and regulatory compliance, in line with the state government’s executive order no. 003, cannot be overemphasized. The need for continuous professional development was emphasized, particularly in enhancing our learning and practice.”
“To summarize the topics treated: with all we have learned, it is expected that we will uphold the roles of builders, maintaining professional standards and regulatory compliance in the industry. At the end of our AGM, we resolved to pursue more robust collaboration with the state government.”
We aim to fraternize and liaise better with the state government to ensure the roles of builders are not neglected and our partnerships with other stakeholders are strengthened. We are optimistic that this collaboration will lead to greater responsibilities for builders in maintaining professional standards and regulatory compliance.”
Industry experts at the conference are pushing for urgent local regulations to align with the State Government's Executive Order Number Zero Zero Three (No. 003), which also aims to regulate the construction of buildings and enhance safety standards in the Built Sector.
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