— As Association of Builders in Private Practice holds first national hangout in Ebonyi
By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The National Chairman of the Association of Builders in Private Practice (ABPP), Builder Oladele Abimbola Isiaka, has called on Nigerians to always engage registered builders in construction projects as part of efforts to curb incessant cases of building collapse in the country.
Speaking with journalists at the maiden ABPP National Hangout and Dinner held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, Isiaka, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), said unprofessional practices, cutting corners, and the infiltration of quacks remain major causes of structural failures across Nigeria.
“Building collapse has become a nightmare in our country. Factors such as the use of substandard materials, wrong specifications, and failure to engage registered builders are at the heart of the problem. If any client wishes to build, the best professional to engage is a registered builder. We were trained for the art of building production, quality management, and health and safety on construction sites,” he stressed.
Isiaka explained that becoming a registered builder requires formal training in a university or polytechnic, graduation to corporate membership level in the NIOB, and eventual licensing by the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) after passing professional examinations.
On the issue of rivalry among professionals in the built environment, the ABPP Chairman dismissed speculations of conflict, noting that roles are clearly defined.
“Architects design, civil engineers provide structural design, quantity surveyors handle costing, while builders are responsible for the actual production and delivery of the project.
"The only challenge is the infiltration of quacks—those without formal training or licenses who take over jobs meant for professionals,” he added.
He described Ebonyi State as peaceful and hospitable, commending Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, a fellow builder, for hosting the national body during its 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and for his infrastructural strides in the state.
Also speaking, Builder Adetunji Adedokun, the Lagos State Coordinator of ABPP, said the dinner and awards night provided a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional collaboration among private builders from different states.
“As builders, we face different challenges in our regions. This kind of gathering allows us to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and strengthen our professional bond. It is also an avenue to create more awareness that only trained builders should supervise, produce, and maintain buildings. That way, we can stop the menace of building collapse,” Adedokun said.
Highlights of the event included recognition and award presentations to deserving members of the association, including past leaders of the NIOB and outstanding professionals in practice.
The awards, according to Isiaka, were designed to encourage excellence and inspire younger builders to uphold professional standards.
In an interview, Builder Chidi Akpa - the Ebonyi State Coordinator of ABPP, and other speakers during the occasion said the event, tagged “1st Executive Builders’ Hangout,” marked a milestone in the activities of the ABPP and further emphasized the association’s resolve to work with government and stakeholders in promoting safety, professionalism, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s building industry.
