The Federal Government has tasked the Nigerian Institute of Architects, (NIA) to intensify its efforts towards sanitising the building space across the country
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila gave the charge on Wednesday at the State House when he received on a courtesy visit, a delegation of the Nigerian Institute of Architects, led by its National President, Mobolaji Adeniyi.
He assured the Nigerian Institute of Architects, (NIA) that the Federal Government will collaborate with the institute to ensure proper regulation in order to curtail the incessant building collapse witnessed in different parts of the country.
Gbajabiamila noted that every profession had its challenges, and that quackery remained a major challenge in the industry.
The Chief of Staff to the President also disclosed that the Nigerian government was determined to expand local content utilization, recalling that he presented a bill on local content in the building industry as a member of the House of Representatives
“I think it is important for proper regulation in the industry; You must address the use of substandard materials leading to building collapse and other associated problems.
“Your body should be able to sue quacks because you have a locus. What a quack means is that he is misrepresenting himself as being an architect or as a registered member of your profession, misrepresenting the profession. That should give you enough locus to sue for misrepresentation because you are protecting your profession.”
Gbajabiamila affirmed that architecture was more than a profession that embodies culture, space and civilization
“Your profession is an integral part of national development. Architecture of a country speaks volumes about the character of a country; it is an expression of who they are and what we are and that is why you have people talk about Spanish style, Brazilian architecture as well as English, American buildings or Arabic Style. That tells you that architecture is not just a profession but a way of life.”
Speaking on the institute’s request on the issue of local content, Gbajabiamila advocated a holistic approach than piece – meal legislations on every aspect of the national economy.
He advised the institute to liaise with relevant committees of the National Assembly towards achieving some of their requests.
Earlier, leader of the delegation and National President, Mobolaji Adeniyi said the institute, formed in 1960, came to seek government’s participation in its 65th anniversary celebrations in May this year.
According to the National President, “Architecture has stood as a representation of society, reflecting the values, aspirations and successes of civilizations over time.”
She commended the Chief of Staff for his “imprint in the building and construction industry,” through his donation of buildings to the University of Lagos and sought for government’s intervention towards the establishment of a Building Regulation Commission as obtained in other sectors to deal effectively with quackery and lack of professionalism.
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