Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called for stronger collaboration among professionals in the built environment and stricter enforcement of regulatory laws to tackle the menace of building collapse and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Governor Nwifuru made the call yesterday in Abakaliki while addressing participants at the 55th Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), held in the Ebonyi State capital.
Welcoming the 22nd National President of the Institute and delegates from across the country, the Governor—himself a professional builder said the hosting of the conference in Ebonyi was not only historic but also underscored the critical role of builders in Nigeria’s quest for sustainable development.
“As builders, we are not just artisans or supervisors of construction; we are nation-builders in the truest sense of the word,” Nwifuru declared.
“Every school, hospital, housing estate or government edifice that graces our communities bears testimony to our professional contribution," he said.
Governor Nwifuru acknowledged the rising expectations of Nigerians for functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing structures, stressing that builders must respond with transparency, efficiency, and strict adherence to standards.
He said the people demand affordable housing, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a stronger maintenance culture, adding that builders must embrace innovation and uphold the ethics of their profession.
“Professionalism comes with responsibility. Our citizens expect zero tolerance for corruption in project execution. You must therefore lead by example,” he noted.
The Governor spoke frankly about the long-standing professional rivalry between builders and engineers, which, he said, has sometimes resulted in confusion, duplication of efforts, and even structural failures.
“Professional rivalry should not be a stumbling block to the development of our nation. Let collaboration be our guiding principle. When builders are given their rightful place in the project cycle, quality, safety, and efficiency are guaranteed,” he said.
He urged the NIOB to continue constructive engagement with sister professional bodies and to advocate for reforms in legislation and policy that clearly define and protect the builder’s role.
Governor Nwifuru identified four major challenges facing the building profession in Nigeria:
"Poor Public Perception: Many citizens confuse builders with architects, engineers, and quantity surveyors, reducing recognition of their specialized role.
"Infiltration by Quacks: Untrained individuals posing as builders have contributed to recurrent building collapses, eroding public trust.
"Regulatory and Policy Gaps: Weak enforcement of building laws has allowed non-professionals to dominate the space.
"Technological Lag: Nigerian builders risk being left behind without continuous training in global best practices and modern construction technologies."
On the menace of quackery, the Governor insisted that stricter monitoring and enforcement are urgently needed.
“The menace of building collapse is attributed mainly to the activities of quacks. More needs to be done to ensure that buildings meet the highest standards,” he stressed.
Highlighting his government’s commitment, Nwifuru assured the builders that Ebonyi would continue to provide an enabling environment for professionals to thrive, particularly through investments in housing development, infrastructure expansion, and public-private partnerships.
He called on the NIOB to intensify advocacy against quackery, strengthen collaboration with developers, invest in research and innovation, and sustain dialogue with other professionals in the sector.
The Governor commended the outgoing leadership of NIOB for its resilience and urged the incoming executives to consolidate on its achievements while maintaining high professional standards.
He also encouraged delegates to visit some of Ebonyi’s landmark projects, including the ICT and Aerospace Universities, new housing estates, and the ten-storey state secretariat undergoing remodeling.
“As trained and professional builders, let us continue to build not only structures of concrete and steel but also the foundation of a nation where professionalism, integrity, and collaboration thrive,” he concluded.
The 55th Builders’ Conference, themed “Advancing Builders’ Knowledge and Skills for Effective Enforcement of Building Regulatory Laws for Sustainable Development,” brought together professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for repositioning the construction sector as a driver of sustainable growth in Nigeria.
