Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Musa Ahmed Dangiwa has called on the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) to champion ethics and excellence within the construction and building sector in Nigeria.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Musa Ahmed Dangiwa, who made the call during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Institute to his office in Abuja, emphasized the vital role that the Institute plays in maintaining and elevating industry standards within the construction and building sector in Nigeria.
The Minister stressed the importance of setting and upholding high ethical and professional standards among its members to protect the reputation of the profession and substantially contribute to the safety and quality of construction in Nigeria.
Arc. Dangiwa stated that the Institute is a critical partner in the Ministry’s efforts to develop cost-effective housing designs and promote the construction of quality and affordable housing that caters to the income profiles of 80 per cent of Nigerians falling within the low- and medium-income bracket.
“One of the central pillars of my tenure as the Minister of Housing and Urban Development is the prioritization of affordable housing. It is of utmost importance that we address the housing needs of 80 per cent of Nigeria’s population who fall within the no-income, low to medium-earners category. These hardworking citizens are equally deserving to live in decent, well-planned homes and neighbourhoods that reflect the principles of inclusivity and fairness. Achieving this requires affordable housing design concepts based on the most efficient bills of quantities,” he stated.
He noted that in his first week in office, he set up an Affordable Housing Design Committee to develop more efficient design options that fit the income profiles of Nigerians within the low- and medium-income bracket
“Our professionals in the ministry have done a great job and we would like to have your comments before we unveil them to the public. Our goal is to come up with the most efficient, workable, and sustainable affordable designs that will help us deliver on our mandate.
“ Your profession plays a key role in the delivery of affordable housing. Your ability to manage costs, optimize resources, and ensure quality and compliance directly impacts the feasibility of affordable housing projects. By leveraging your expertise, we can create sustainable, well-built, and affordable housing solutions for communities, promoting social development and economic progress,“ the minister remarked.
Dangiwa also encouraged the NIQS to actively collaborate with the government in the ongoing review of building standards and regulations.
While speaking, the President of NIQS, Surveyor Shonubi Michael Olayemi, commended the Ministry’s proactive approach towards affordable housing and assured the Minister of the commitment and collaboration of the institute
He reiterated the Institute’s dedication to maintaining high standards within the industry and emphasized the importance of continuous professional development for quantity surveyors.
“The NIQS is deeply committed to ensuring that our members adhere to the highest ethical standards. We will collaborate with the Ministry to provide expert input during the review of building standards and regulations. Together, we can contribute significantly to the development of quality and affordable housing in Nigeria, ” Olayemi stated.
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