By Cordelia Agbo/ Sandra Okechukwu.
The Ebonyi State Ministry of Capital City Development has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) as part of ongoing efforts to enforce building regulations, promote professional standards and curb the incidence of building collapse across the state.
The Commissioner for the Ministry, Sunday Elechi Inyima, made the declaration while receiving members of the Nigerian Institute of Building who paid a courtesy visit to his office along Ezza Road in Abakaliki as part of activities marking the institute’s World Builders Day celebration.
Inyima commended the leadership of the professional body for its proactive role in advancing professionalism, ethical construction practices and capacity development within Nigeria’s built environment sector.
He emphasized that the ministry remains resolute in partnering with critical stakeholders in the construction industry to ensure orderly physical planning, effective development control and strict adherence to approved building standards.
According to him, strengthening collaboration between government regulators and certified building professionals is vital in addressing structural failures and enhancing safety within the construction ecosystem.
“The ministry is committed to working closely with professional bodies such as the Nigerian Institute of Building to ensure that only qualified builders are engaged in construction projects. This will not only improve structural integrity but also guarantee compliance with building codes, quality control mechanisms and modern construction technologies,” he stated.
The commissioner also lauded the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, a professional builder, for his leadership and dedication to promoting safe building practices and infrastructural development in the state.
He noted that the governor’s professional background has contributed significantly to policies aimed at reducing incidents of building collapse and strengthening regulatory oversight in the construction sector.
Inyima further described the observance of World Builders Day as a critical platform for raising awareness on the responsibilities of builders, engineers, architects and other professionals within the built environment.
He assured the institute of the ministry’s continued support for initiatives that promote sustainable urban development, structural safety and regulatory compliance.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Innocent Igboekulie, said the visit was part of the institute’s nationwide activities to commemorate World Builders Day and deepen collaboration with relevant government institutions.
Igboekulie explained that the theme for this year’s celebration—“Advocacy and Policy Influence Towards Sustainable Reforms for a Resilient Built Environment," is designed to highlight the strategic role of professional builders in national development and in promoting safe, durable and sustainable infrastructure.
He stressed that engaging qualified and certified builders in construction projects remains one of the most effective ways to reduce structural failures, ensure compliance with approved building designs and promote best practices in project supervision, site management and material specification.
According to him, the annual celebration also serves as an advocacy platform to encourage stricter enforcement of building regulations, improved construction quality assurance and stronger institutional collaboration aimed at enhancing public safety.
The NIOB president further called for sustained synergy among builders, town planners, architects, engineers and government regulatory agencies to strengthen the construction value chain and ensure resilient infrastructure development.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both parties to deepen professional collaboration, promote regulatory compliance and advance sustainable urban growth for the benefit of residents of Ebonyi State.
